That means close to nine of out every 10 train services ran at least 11 minutes late – with trains arriving within 10 minutes and 59 seconds counted as on time.

When a punctuality rate of 15.4 per cent was recorded for December, there was outcry from the public, politicians and groups including the Public Transport Users Association.

V/Line conceded in a public statement “very few” Warrnambool line trains were on time in January, but said 98.7 per cent of services were delivered.

CEO James Pinder said speed restrictions on the line continued to impact performance.

“We know the delays on the Warrnambool line are frustrating and we apologise to everyone affected,” he said.

“We are working on a range of options to improve running times for services, and continue to ensure the safety of staff, passengers and the community.”

The figure made the Warrnambool line the worst-performing long-distance line in the state. The next lowest figure was for the Albury line with a rate of 65.1 per cent.

South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said the fresh results, which she described as “outrageous”, did not surprise her.

“We can’t afford to lose this service, but the way it’s being delivered, why would people want to access it?” she said.

“No one is using it because it’s so bad. If we want to attract people out to the regions – and Melbourne is congested – this is not the way to do it. Right now we need regional access and this is not the way to deliver that.”

This week Mrs Britnell called for free travel on the Warrnambool line until speed restrictions causing delays were lifted.

Earlier this week The Standard published a poem written by a UK visitor to Warrnambool about her poor experiences on the train line, which resonated with south-west residents on social media.