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V/LINE will compensate passengers after the Bendigo line failed to meet its punctuality target of 92 per cent in September.
The service fell short at 88.7 per cent, but improved from the 85 per cent recorded in August in what the Department of Transport has called a "pleasing" development.
It is the second highest result in 2019.
"Our improvement in punctuality is promising and we will continue to work hard to increase the number of trains that arrive on-time," a V/Line spokesperson said.
The Bendigo line also delivered 97.4 per cent of services in September which is above the target of 96 per cent.
The main reasons for delays to Bendigo line services in September included a track fault between Sunbury and Watergardens on 18 September, a trespasser and a gas leak at Castlemaine Station on September 20.
The Swan Hill and Echuca lines met targets for both punctuality and reliability.
EARLIER
TWO of Victoria's busiest regional rail services have improved punctuality even as V/Line is ordered to compensate passengers on other lines.
The Bendigo line's punctuality was 3.7 per cent higher between August and September, reaching 88.7 per cent.
Geelong's rose from 91.4 per cent to 93.3.
It was pleasing to see V/Line deliver consistent regional services this year, Department of Transport head of transport services Jeroen Weimar said.
"We're currently delivering a series of regional rail infrastructure upgrades, which will improve services across multiple regional lines," he said.
V/Line achieved 96.8 per cent reliability and 87.7 per cent punctuality throughout a busy September, exceeding 2019 averages of 96.6 per cent reliability and 87 per cent punctuality.
However, V/Line will pay compensation to passengers for falling short of their targets on some individual lines.
It comes as Metro Trains is ordered to pay compensation to passengers for failing to deliver 90 per cent of its services on time.
It is the second consecutive month and the fourth time this year that Metro Trains will compensate passengers.
Following a number of challenging months, the Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne directed the department to work closely with Metro to improve their performance.
V/Line has been contacted for comment.
For more information on how to claim compensation click here.
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