Article: Connex posts one of worst performing months on record

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Connex posts one of worst performing months on record

Connex posts one of worst performing months on record
Article from: Herald Sun

Geraldine Mitchell

April 11, 2009 12:00am

CONNEX has posted one of its worst performances on record with more than 7500 trains running late last month.

It is the third month in a row that Connex has failed to meet performance standards.

And the latest figures show it is far worse than two years ago when about 5000 trains ran late after a third of the fleet was removed from the tracks because of brake problems on its Siemens trains.

The braking issue is to blame yet again with Connex forced to reduce the speeds of its Siemens fleet to 30km/h after several incidents of trains overshooting platforms.

An investigation has begun but no date has been set for a report or for the lifting of the speed restrictions.

The Frankston line was the slowest with just 69.6 per cent of trains running on time.

The Pakenham line was just as bad with just 69.7 per cent on time and cranbourne scored about 80 per cent.

Connex is required to provide compensation to commuters when punctuality falls below 92 per cent.

But last month's horror result means the rail operator has to offer two free Metcards to commuters who hold a monthly or a yearly Metcard after just 86.3 per cent of trains ran on time.

Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder said commuters deserved an explanation.

"We're continually told there isn't a problem with the braking system and yet we still have these speed restrictions in place causing disruptions to services," he said.

"Irrespective of whether Connex gets the contract, the situation remains the same.

"It's been going on for years and (Public Transport Minister) Lynne Kosky must tell the public what the problem is."

Connex spokesman John Rees said the decision to impose a 30km/h speed limit on all Siemens trains as they approached platforms was supported by Public Transport Safety Victoria while the investigation continued.

"This restriction will stay in place pending the outcome of investigations into the cause of earlier overshoots," he said.

It is believed investigators are considering whether dirty and greasy tracks were to blame after trains overshot stations six times in four weeks, including four times the day after Black Saturday in February.

Brake failure has been eliminated as a cause of the overshoots and the trains have returned to service.

A Brumby Government spokesman said the speed restrictions were part of safety measures supported by Public Transport Safety Victoria.