Roughly 87 per cent of V/Line services on the Bendigo line were on time last month - almost five per cent lower than the target.

Services are considered punctual if they are within six minutes of their scheduled time.

The last time V/Line exceeded its punctuality target on the Bendigo line was May 2015.

Related: V/Line to compensate passengers after missing punctuality target

V/Line issued $237,706 worth of complementary tickets to passengers across the network last financial year after failing to meet on-time targets.

Myki pass holders are eligible for monthly performance compensation, provided they meet a criteria.

When claims are proven, V/Line issues a complimentary day return V/Line ticket or myki equivalent.

Almost 89 per cent of trains on the Bendigo line were on time in September. More than 97 per cent of trains ran as scheduled.

Reliability on the Bendigo line last month dropped to 96.2 per cent. But it was still above V/Line's performance target.

"While it is pleasing to meet our reliability target there is still room for improvement and we continue to look for ways to boost our on-time performance on the line," a V/Line spokesperson said.

"The Bendigo line's performance was impacted by incidents in other parts of the regional network and shared metropolitan tracks."

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V/Line delivered 96.1 per cent of scheduled services across the regional train network last month. Eighty-seven per cent of services were delivered on time.

The Department of Transport cited copper wire theft and people entering the rail corridor as factors affecting V/Line performance in October.

Other influences included works on parts of the network and ongoing temporary speed restrictions on the Albury line.

People can make a claim for monthly performance compensation on the V/Line website, in writing, or by calling 1800 800 007. For information, visit vline.com.au/compensation

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