Metro today released the details of its first year maintenance plan, an ambitious package of works that utilises $145 million of Government investment to improve signalling, track condition and overhead line.Metro also announced 12 new rail maintenance apprenticeships, to grow the company’s skill base and contribute to the development of rail expertise in Victoria. Two electrical substation apprentices commenced in January and Metro is seeking a further 10 apprentices to work as signalling specialists.“We’ve seen the impact that failing infrastructure has had on train services in recent months and boosted infrastructure maintenance will bring improvement,” said CEO Andrew Lezala.Metro works planned to the end of June 2010 include:• 28,500 concrete sleepers laid to replace wooden sleepers;• 10 kilometres of new rail line laid;• 225 kilometres of rail grinding;• 117 kilometres of ballast and track tamping to improve ride quality;• 16 kilometres of overhead contact wires replaced;• 3 electrical substations installed to improve the capacity of power supplies to system;• Upgrade of Burgundy Street railway bridge in Heidelberg;• 16 new LED signals installed;• Nine sets of points replaced; and• 21 train stations painted.“We are transforming Melbourne’s train network through thorough maintenance, repairs and upgrades and that’s not an overnight process. It takes time to do an important job, and do it well,” said Mr Lezala.“Customers will see less cancellations and improved punctuality as the maintenance regime continues, but there is often a lag as performance catches up to the level of maintenance activity.“We’ll spend $200 million each year over next eight years on infrastructure maintenance which specifically focuses on the problem areas – overhead line, signalling, power supply and track failures.”“Our analysis of infrastructure failures has shown where we need to channel our resourcing and grow our expertise. In January we had two new electrical substation apprentices commence and we’re now preparing to recruit 10 new Signal Maintenance trainees.“We’re looking for bright, enthusiastic men and women who want to learn about rail infrastructure, and want to be part of the future success of Melbourne’s train system.“The apprentices will learn the practice of reliability centred maintenance, a proven technique in Hong Kong which involves a proactive maintenance approach, rather than reactive.“This international expertise paired with local knowledge from our partner education providers and local maintainers, means that the new apprentices will be equipped to apply long-term solutions to our rail infrastructure problems,” he said.Applications are being accepted via the Metro website with commencement planned for the second half of 2010.