Warrnambool's V/Line service was reliable, but late, last month.
PASSENGERS on the Warrnambool to Melbourne rail line endured more late arrivals last month with below-target punctuality, but service reliability was above expectations.
V/Line’s performance score for September was 90.4 per cent for punctuality — almost two per cent below target — while 98.8 per cent for reliability was almost three per cent above target.
The punctuality target is to be within 10 minutes 59 seconds of the schedule.
According to V/Line’s annual report tabled in State Parliament this month the overall statewide punctuality of its services on long-distance routes fell 4.5 per cent to 81.1 per cent achieving target while reliability rose 0.7 per cent to 99.4 per cent.
A total of $150,218 in complimentary tickets was given to customers as compensation for not meeting on-time targets.
The yet-to-be completed multi-billion-dollar Regional Rail Link initiative is expected to reduce disruptions because Geelong trains will have a dedicated track separate from the congested metropolitan system.
The Geelong service was the fastest growing sector on the network with an additional 130,000 trips last financial year.
Upgrades of the Warrnambool to Melbourne line included replacement of 45,000 sleepers, major repairs to four bridges including replacement of a bridge at Camperdown and eight level crossing upgrades.
V/Line reported a $1.8 million net surplus.
This was down by almost $11m.
Its total income grew by $31m to $545.3m for the year.
Freight volumes on the network increased from $4.2m to $6.2m.
pcollins@standard.fairfax.com.au