June 2011 performance figures exceed targets
Metro's monthly performance results for June have been released, confirming it exceeded both the punctuality and service delivery targets.
Metro achieved a punctuality result of 88.2 per cent, which is a six percentage point improvement on May's result and exceeds the 88 per cent target.
The high service delivery continued with 98.7 per cent of services delivered exceeding the 98 per cent monthly target.
Metro CEO Andrew Lezala said the benefits of the new timetable which commenced in early May, together with the lifting of speed restrictions, were now being realised.
"We've been saying all along that we needed to re-write the timetable to enable us to simplify train running and improve our reliability," Mr Lezala said.
Mr Lezala said the removal of speed restrictions which had applied to the Siemens fleet was another milestone which was now contributing to improved performance.
Speed restrictions of 30km/h have been in place since May last year at 61 locations across the network, and no longer apply for the Siemens fleet which have been fitted with sanders - machines that drop sand in front of the train wheels during suspected loss of adhesion.
"We spent almost $13 million to fit sanders to the entire Siemens fleet after identifying wheel to rail adhesion as the root cause of the problem in March last year," Mr Lezala said.
"We completed the project ahead of schedule with all sanders fitted and our drivers trained, and now that we've removed the speed restrictions we're seeing improved performance as a result."
"We'll continue our work to improve the reliability of the network, but it's very pleasing to see the results of this work so far."
About Metro's performance targets
Metro's performance thresholds are to run at least 98 per cent of trains each month and for more than 88 per cent of these services to be punctual.
The government has applied a tougher measurement system under Metro's contract for delivery and punctuality. For example, a train that bypasses the city loop or doesn't reach its final destination now contributes to the cancellation rate, whereas under the previous contract it was counted as a full service.
The definition of an on-time train has also changed, reducing from the previous threshold of five minutes and 59 seconds to the current, shorter threshold of four minutes and 59 seconds.
A 28-day rolling average of Metro's service delivery and punctuality figures can be viewed online at metrotrains.com.au
