[Greens-Media] V/Line: fail, flatline, decline, myki

[Elizabeth.Ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au]

None of the V/Line commuter services met punctuality targets and the 
Geelong service is in serious decline, according to the latest performance 
figures*. Meanwhile, myki is being rolled out to regional areas.

"This is the eighth consecutive month where none of the short-haul 
services relied upon by commuters met the punctuality targets in V/Line's 
contract, but we haven't heard a peep out of Denis Napthine" said 
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber MLC

"The Geelong service is a real worry because it's in a strong decline with 
nearly one in four trains is late. The Traralgon service is still the 
worst performer, but not by much. The Ballarat service has flat-lined with 
86% of trains on time.  The Bendigo and Seymour trains have improved this 
month, but they still failed to meet the punctuality targets."

"V/Line is doing the best it can, but it's not being supported by the 
Napthine government.  There was very little in the recent Budget to 
implement V/Line's Strategic Operations Plan.  How does the Government 
expect V/Line to turn its performance around without the funding V/Line 
says it needs?"

"Meanwhile the government has announced myki will replace V/Line paper 
tickets.**  We are being told you won't be able to buy a paper ticket from 
a conductor. You will have to sort out your myki before you ride. One of 
the best things about V/Line is the train conductors.  They bring a kind, 
human element to our journeys and they currently have the ability to sell 
someone a ticket, which is the best way to stop fare evasion," said Mr 
Barber

For comment: Greg Barber - 9348 2622

* http://www.vline.com.au/about/performance/intro.html

** http://www.vline.com.au/about/news/mediareleases/96766932/Article.aspx

**********************************

Liz Ingham
Office of Greg Barber MLC
Northern Metropolitan Region
Victorian Greens Leader

P: 9348 2622
M: 0409 333 595
E: elizabeth.ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au
W: http://mps.vic.greens.org.au

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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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