Warrnambool line punctuality may have spiked during September, but the figures aren’t an indication of overall improvement, Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell says.
Punctuality on the Warrnambool line was 90 per cent for September – the highest figure recorded in the past year.
“The goal posts have been moved and V/Line acknowledges that – it’s window dressing,” Mrs Britnell said.
“They’ve accounted for the ongoing delays in the timetable – they’ve increased the time it takes to get to and from Melbourne.
“The boost in punctuality does not show overall improvement – yes trains are meeting timetables, but those timetables have had extra time added in to account for ongoing issues.”
Mrs Britnell said she was pleased speed restrictions that have been impacting the line would be lifted by the end of the year.
“But it also raises questions,” Mrs Britnell said.
“Will the timetable be altered back to truly reflect the travel time between Warrnambool and Melbourne when speed restrictions are lifted?
“Will most Warrnambool trains continue to run express between Geelong and Footscray? That was a key change I lobbied for on behalf of the community and I want to see that remain in place.”
