Data released by V/Line today showed a 3.9 per cent drop in punctuality, to 85 per cent.

The result still falls short of the regional rail operator's goal, which is for at least 92 per cent of services to be on time.

A V/Line spokesperson said on-time performance was affected by track faults and delays closer to Melbourne.

"We thank passengers for their patience during these times," they said.

Related: V/Line more timely, but not at target

Commuter services are considered to be on time if they arrive within five minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled time.

Temporary speed restrictions were introduced between Ravenswood and Kangaroo Flat during August along track sections needing urgent repair.

The restrictions were lifted by the month's end. Track speed changes were implemented on another section, between Kyneton and Sunbury, in September.

Though punctuality dropped, reliability on the Bendigo line remained largely stable at 97.3 per cent.

By comparison, 97.4 per cent of scheduled services on the Bendigo line ran in July.

The result exceeds V/Line's reliability target of 96 per cent.

Related: V/Line slowing down some Bendigo trains

More than 97 per cent of scheduled V/Line services across the network ran last month.

Almost 88 per cent of services ran on time.

"Network-wide, we were on track to reach the highest result this year prior to a series of unrelated incidents including trespassers, a car stuck on the tracks at Ardeer and a police request for trains to stop at Southern Cross," a V/Line spokesperson said.

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