V/LINE trains recorded a slight drop in punctuality and reliability along the Ararat/Maryborough line during October.
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Figures released earlier this week by V/Line showed a punctuality rate of 85.3 per cent and a reliability rate of 98.9 per cent.
This compares with September rates of 86.9 per cent for punctuality and 99.4 per cent for reliability.
V/Line’s reliability target is 96 per cent for scheduled services, meaning that it has met its target for October.
V/Line’s punctuality target is 92 per cent, meaning that it fell short by 6.7 percentage points.
A spokesperson said V/Line is always trying to improve.
“On time performance is improving compared to earlier this year, but we know we need to do better,” they said.
“We have a comprehensive plan to improve our performance, including infrastructure upgrades and putting more resources into our day-to-day operations.
“This will lead to a more punctual and reliable network for our passengers.
“There were a number of one-off incidents that affected the network in October - we know these are frustrating for our passengers and we thank them for their patience.”
The Ballarat line recorded punctuality rates of 87.2 per cent and reliability at 95.1 per cent, reflecting a similar drop to the Ararat/Maryborough line from September performance figures.
Reliability was impacted by a major signal fault at Sunshine on October 14 and a shortage of carriages due to maintenance requirements resulting from animal strikes.
Other reasons for delays to Ballarat line services last month included trains stopping longer than the time allocated in the timetable, train faults and trespassing incidents that meant trains had to be stopped until given the all clear by emergency services to continue.
This also had flow-on affects to Ararat and Maryborough services.