More Train Services: Cleaner, Safer And More Punctual
More Train Services: Cleaner, Safer And More Punctual
More train services, greater reliability and punctuality, more staff and
cleaner and safer trains and stations are key wins for Melbourne train
passengers locked into the new operating contract between the Brumby Labor
Government and Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM).
The Premier, John Brumby, today said passengers were the big winners with
MTM pledging to cut the number of cancellations by 24 per cent and drive a
10 per cent increase in punctuality during the first year of its contract.
"Our Government is investing $38 billion to build a better transport
network and MTM will ensure that passengers see the benefits with more
services, cleaner services, better punctuality and safer trains and
stations," Mr Brumby said.
"MTM will partner our Government as we transform our suburban train system
to a modern, metro, mass transit train network.
"Train passengers will notice the changes in their experience from day one
- and services will continue to improve as our Government's record
investment and MTM's operation of the system start to take effect."
More than 100 extra customer service officers will be employed across the
network including at busy City Loop stations and major junctions. On top
of this 22 more stations will be staffed.
MTM will work closely with Victoria Police to cut crime across the network
by 10 per cent and boost graffiti removal and cleanliness on trains and at
stations. Customer service information will be boosted with improved
passenger announcements and station displays.
Mr Brumby said all of the 93 six-carriage Comeng trains would be
overhauled through a $100 million program to upgrade the trains'
air-conditioners to work at temperatures of up to 45 degrees.
An additional $500 million will be spent on maintenance during the eight
year contract bringing the total investment to $1.8 billion, including 100
additional maintenance workers, he said.
MTM are bound by tougher performance benchmarks for reliability and
punctuality and will be fined up to $1 million a month for poor
performance and if performance exceeds the target benchmarks of less than
two per cent of services cancelled and more than 92 per cent of services
on time, the operator will receive a bonus.
Under the eight year contract, MTM will deliver:
A 24 per cent reduction in cancellations in the first year of operation;
A 10 per cent increase in punctuality;
100 more customer service staff and 100 more maintenance workers;
A 10 per cent reduction in crime across the network;
A $ 5 million annual program to target graffiti;
And oversee the roll out of the new 38 X-Trapolis trains and a new
timetable.
Member for Cranbourne District, Jude Perera MP has pledged to work with
the Victorian Government to deliver major improvements through the $38
billion Victorian Transport Plan.
"As the 38 new trains roll out onto the network, a new timetable will be
introduced in May next year, adding more services on the busiest lines
where they are needed the most," Mr Perera said
"MTM have shown they are committed and passionate about improving
Melbourne's trains and creating jobs and will establish a Rail Training
Academy and Careers centre, and will train growing numbers of apprentices
over the course of the franchise."
Mr Perera said the metropolitan rail network would be renamed Metro and
reflect the changes which will occur to the network as more services are
introduced and new trains enter the system.
"We are now carrying more people on our rail network than ever before with
patronage up 6.3 per cent in the past financial year to 213.9 million
trips," Mr Perera said
"MTM are already working to identify how the network can be improved and
preparing to minimise disruptions to passenger in the hotter summer
months.
"The upgrade of the Comeng fleet and more proactive and preventative
maintenance regimes will work to minimise disruptions to the network in
the event of extreme hear.
"We have worked hard with the incumbent rail operator Connex to plan for
this summer and MTM have committed to carrying on this work."
MTM will operate the network for eight years with a possible seven year
extension and receive an average of $474 million a year. The new contract
begins on November 30, 2009.
