May 2011 performance results confirmed
Metro’s monthly performance results for May have been released, confirming it exceeded its monthly service delivery target but failed to reach its punctuality target.
Metro continued its high service delivery, exceeding its 98 per cent target and improving on April’s result by running 98.8 per cent of services.
The 82.2 per cent punctuality result was a six percentage point improvement on April’s figures, but it fell short of the 88 per cent target.
Metro CEO Andrew Lezala said the new timetable and the start of the lifting of speed restrictions on the Siemens fleet were two significant changes that led to the improved performance in May.
“The new timetable in the second week of May, combined with the start of the removal of speed restrictions in the last week of May were steps in the right direction in terms of our on-time performance,” Mr Lezala said.
Speed restrictions of 30km/h have been in place since May last year at 61 locations across the network, and no longer apply for Siemens trains fitted with sanders – machines that drop sand in front of the train wheels during suspected loss of adhesion.
Mr Lezala also said the new timetable was the biggest change seen on Melbourne’s train network in 10 years, with more than 630 services added across the network each week, and it signalled the first major step towards simplifying train running to help improve reliability.
“We’re only a few weeks into the new timetable, so it’s still early days. But we know the timetable has functioned as it should in the first few weeks,” he said.
“We now look to continue this improvement in June, where we’ll have a full month of the new timetable, as well as all speed restrictions to be lifted by the end of this month.”
Metro will pay compensation for falling below its punctuality target in May. Customers with a monthly, six-monthly or yearly Metcard, and customers with an eligible myki pass may apply for compensation by filling out a claim form available at premium stations or download an application form here.
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 here.
