Article: Rail operator Metro fails to meet performance targets, again

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From the Herald Sun click here!

Rail operator Metro fails to meet performance targets, again

Rail operator Metro fails to meet performance targets, again

    * Ashley Gardiner
    * From: Herald Sun
    * June 04, 2010 9:45PM


EMBATTLED train operator Metro has been fined the maximum $3 million for its poor management of the Melbourne rail network.

The penalty is the latest blow for the new operator, which would have been forced to pay more if the State Government had not capped penalties.

Metro declined to comment about the fine yesterday, which comes after six straight months of failure to meet its performance targets.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said it was not surprising Metro had been fined the maximum possible amount.

"It's a reminder that we couldn't just put new logos on the trains and expect them to run on time," Mr Bowen said.

"But ultimately Metro is just playing with the cards they've been given.

"The Government is responsible for the poor state of our tracks, trains, signals and stations.

"We can only hope that the new timetables will help reduce delays on the worst lines, as well as cut overcrowding."

Those new timetables begin on Monday, which will see extra services on the Cranbourne-Pakenham and Frankston lines.

Significant changes have also been made to services on the Craigieburn and Hurstbridge lines.

Metro acting chief executive Raymond O'Flaherty said this was the first phase of a plan to reduce crowding and improve reliability.

"Adding more services, particularly during the peaks, will help to reduce overcrowding, which we know is a real concern for our customers," Mr O'Flaherty said.

"Improving train punctuality is an area we're focused on, and these changes will help to remove bottlenecks in and around the Loop that can cause knock-on delays.

"Step by step, we'll be moving Melbourne's train system to a metro-style operation, which means more consistent stopping patterns and evenly spaced services so that we can deliver more frequent, faster and more reliable services."

Yarra Trams was fined $95,000 and V/Line $442,000 for the January-March period.

The logic of fining Metro for infrastructure failings because of Government neglect escapes me I must confess ...