HEAT speed restrictions have been blamed for a slide in the punctuality of V/Line trains.
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January’s performance figures show 79.2 per cent of the Bendigo line’s services arrived on time, down from 83.4 per cent in December – the worst measure of punctuality in a year.
The 12-month average is seven percentage points higher, at 86.2 per cent.
But it was a significant improvement on January 2016, when a little over 64 per cent of trains were punctual.
The percentage of on-time trains on the Ararat and Maryborough line also fell from 88.2 per cent to 83.5 per cent between December and January, as did the Swan Hill and Echuca line, with 83.8 per cent in December dropping to 70.9 per cent last month.
A V/Line spokeswoman said heat speed restrictions were the main cause of late trains on these lines.
“The hotter summer months can often be challenging due to the hot weather, which results in heat speed restrictions to ensure the safety of passengers, services and staff,” V/Line chief executive officer James Pinder said.
Trains must slow down when the temperature hits 36 degrees, because the steel tracks expand.
In January, heat speed restrictions were imposed on seven days on the Bendigo line, 13 days on the Swan Hill line and seven on the Echuca line.
By comparison, in December the Bendigo line had restrictions on six days, Maryborough on two days, Swan Hill on 11 days and Echuca on six days.
These figures include days where restrictions applied to even a portion of the line.
A V/Line spokeswoman said temporary speed restrictions were also in place at some passive level crossings between Bendigo and Swan Hill, although these had a minimal impact on punctuality.
Statewide, V/Line’s punctuality fell from 84.7 per cent of on-time services in December to 80.4 per cent in January, in contrast to the 12-month average of 86.8 per cent.
The decline in the percentage of services delivered was not so dramatic.
On the Bendigo line, 95.2 per cent of services were delivered, compared to 97.7 per cent in December.
On the Ararat and Maryborough line, the proportion of delivered services fell from 100 per cent to 99.6 per cent, while the Swan Hill and Echuca line maintained its 100 per cent delivery rate.
Across Victoria, 96.7 per cent of all services were delivered, a drop from 98 per cent in December and down on the 12-month average of 97.6 per cent.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
