A GAS leak, signal fault, power supply and train fault have been blamed for delays on the Swan Hill passenger train line in September.
According to the monthly performance data released this month, punctuality on the line dropped, with the line falling short of the 92 per cent punctuality target.
Swan Hill trains ran on schedule 91.4 per cent of the time in September, but delivered 100 per cent of services.
“We continue to provide an extremely reliable service for north-west Victorians, with every scheduled Swan Hill train running in September,” a V/Line spokesperson said.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve performance — particularly on parts of the line that are shared with other V/Line services.”
Delays to the services throughout the month were attributed to a number of unrelated incidents, including an emergency services request to stop trains due to a gas leak near Castlemaine station, along with a signal fault, a power supply fault and train fault.
When combined, the Swan Hill and Echuca lines performed well in comparison to their regional counterparts, recording 93.2 per cent punctuality for the month, with 100 per cent of services delivered.
Across the state, V/Line achieved 96.8 per cent reliability and 87.7 per cent punctuality throughout a busy month, exceeding 2019 averages of 96.6 per cent reliability and 87 per cent punctuality.
The Geelong and Bendigo lines — two of V/Line’s busiest — experienced rises in punctuality between August and September, increasing from 91.4 per cent to 93.3 per cent and from 85 per cent to 88.7 per cent respectively while also delivering extra footy finals services.
“It’s pleasing to see V/Line deliver a consistent regional service 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.”
