Network in ‘crisis’

In June, seven of Victoria’s 11 regional lines failed to meet the 92 per cent punctuality target.

‘‘That means many commuters arrived more than six minutes late, while long-distance passengers were delayed by more than 11 minutes,’’ Ms Ryan said.

‘‘This is the worst result since (Premier) Daniel Andrews was elected in 2014. Daniel Andrews isn’t even doing the bare minimum to maintain our regional rail network and it shows as V/Line performance slumps to a 10-year low. Country people deserve to have a reliable, modern rail service that connects our country communities with each other and with Melbourne, delivering better access to jobs and services, including health and education.’’

Ms Ryan said Mr Andrews’ plan to improve rail services was ‘‘new seat fabrics and new carpet’’.

‘‘Instead of tinkering with cosmetic fixes, we need genuine investment in track and signalling upgrades and fast, reliable, comfortable new trains,’’ she said.

‘‘While the Federal Government has delivered more than $1.6billion to upgrade the state’s rail network, the Andrews Labor Government is investing just four per cent of the capital funding for public transport in this year’s budget into regional Victoria.

‘‘Daniel Andrews has found billions to put into level crossing cost blowouts in Melbourne, but when it comes to regional Victoria we’re treated as second-class citizens.’’

However, a V/Line spokesperson said the company’s Seymour and Shepparton services exceeded their 92 per cent punctuality targets in June, making them among the best-performing lines in the state.

‘‘This improvement to punctuality follows a timetable change in April that is ensuring Seymour and Shepparton line passengers are arriving on time more often,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘Albury line punctuality remains a challenge for V/Line, as our trains need to slow down due to the track condition.

‘‘That’s why V/Line’s priority is to support the north-east line upgrade, which will improve track conditions and enable trains to run up to 130km/h.’’

The spokesperson said the Albury line track was managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation, which is a Federal Government statutory corporation.

‘‘While the track is maintained to standards outlined in a lease arrangement, the safety and comfort of our passengers is our number one priority, so V/Line trains slow down in sections where it is not sensible to run at the line speed due to the track condition,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘The $235million north-east line upgrade will improve the condition of the Albury line to a minimum Class 2 V/Line track geometry standard, which will enable VLocity trains to run at speeds up to 130km/h.

‘‘This project is due to be completed by mid-2021.’’

Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne’s office was contacted for comment but no response was received before deadline.