Public transport commuters in Casey are still receiving the worst service compared to other Connex operated lines throughout Melbourne. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Callan Date
CASEY’S public transport users continue to get more late trains than any other line in Melbourne.
The Pakenham line once again was the worst performing Connex line in April.
Just over one in every five trains arrived more than six minutes after the scheduled time with other services delayed by up to 30 minutes.
The results continue a disappointing few months for Connex. The embattled train operator admitted more than 25 per cent of its Pakenham line trains arrived late during March.
Connex spokeswoman Kate Declercq said there were several reasons contributing to the poor service for commuters catching trains from Berwick, Hallam, Cranbourne and Narre Warren train stations.
“The Pakenham and Cranbourne lines are two of the most crowded lines on our network and this is delaying trains as it takes longer for customers to get on and off,” Ms Declercq said.
She also highlighted the plagued Siemens trains that had experienced braking problems and were currently operating under extensive precautions.
“The Siemens train fleet, which operates on the Pakenham line, continues to operate under safety measures that include a 25 k/mh approach speed to stations which have a level crossing on the far side.
“Extensive testing and analysis has been carried out on a fix to one aspect of the Siemens issue and this is expected to roll out shortly.”
She said patronage growth on the line had increased by more than 20 per cent over two years.
“This is record growth given the railways historically has seen a 2 to 3 per cent (increase) in a good year,” she said.
Ms Declercq said Connex had responded to these delays by adding two additional services on the Pakenham line. (see story same page).
