Metro takes the reins

More staff, better customer information, an increased investment in infrastructure, stations brought to life and greater reliability and punctuality will start to roll out as Metro takes the reins of Melbourne’s train network today.

Metro’s first train in service departed Frankston this morning on time at 4.17 am to a larger than usual customer load with the change of operator generating a lot of interest.

The striking new livery of Metro’s first branded train was today unveiled as well as new train announcements, different uniforms and posters and the revamped Customer Information Centre on the concourse at Flinders St Station.

“As Melbourne grows, the train network is an increasingly essential part of moving people efficiently,” said Metro CEO Andrew Lezala.  “Our first priority is to get the basics right by improving network reliability and customer information.”

Metro is now recruiting for more than 200 new roles as it prepares to start work improving customer services and information as well as network infrastructure.

“As part of the Victorian Transport Plan, Metro has secured an additional $100 million to invest on rolling stock reliability improvement projects, a 50% increase in network infrastructure spend and are employing across a range of roles to complete the work,” Mr Lezala said.  “We’re looking for a range of customer service and specialist skilled people to work on the track and signalling in particular.”

The first intake of 7 new apprentices (5 in signalling and 2 substation apprentices) is also underway.  Metro has committed to employing more apprentices, doubling the investment in training and development and establishing a world-class Metro Training Academy.

The first group of 13 Platform Assistants has been in training and will commence their role helping customers.  Tasked with encouraging a smooth and safe flow of customers through crowded stations, the spread along platforms to ease areas of congestion, assisting the flow of customers boarding and exiting trains in the peaks and giving information on the timing of the next trains.

“This is a Melbourne solution for a Melbourne challenge,” Mr Lezala said.

“Some visual and audible changes will be experienced in the first couple of weeks but many of the initiatives will take some time to put in place,” Mr Lezala said.  “We’ll be working really hard to make improvements to customers’ travelling experience.”

For further information, please contact:

Leah Waymark
General Manager Corporate Relations
Metro Trains Melbourne
Mobile:  0418 362 914
Email:  leah.waymark@metrotrains.com.au

Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) is a fully integrated Joint Venture (JV) between the MTR Corporation (MTR), Hong Kong, John Holland Melbourne Rail Franchise Pty Ltd (John Holland) and United Group Rail Services Limited (UGL Rail) established for the sole purpose of tendering, operating and maintaining the Melbourne Train Network as one entity in partnership with the State. 

The combined experience of MTR, John Holland and UGL Rail includes the operation of entire rail systems, the successful delivery of long term service supply agreements covering rolling stock supply, maintenance and refurbishment, rail infrastructure maintenance and renewals, and the delivery of major capital works programs.
Partner Company, MTR, is recognised as operating the best railway in the world moving around 3.7 million passengers daily with a 99%+ on-time reliability.