Buses called after vandals hit line

By Callan Date
HUNDREDS of local commuters were forced on to buses after trains came to a halt near on the Pakenham line last Friday.
Criminal damage was put down as the cause of the delays with vandals throwing a bike frame over the high voltage over head lines.
A Connex spokesman said a train hit the object and dragged it for about seven kilometres, causing extensive damage.
Trains were unable to run with buses called in to transport passengers from Berwick to Dandenong.
The delays will do nothing to improve the dismal performance results for Connex on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines this year.
More than 20 per cent of Pakenham line trains were late during June. This continues below par results for every month of 2007 on the troubled line.
Connex CEO Bruce Hughes said the embattled provider was expecting improved results over the next few months.
“The work on the Siemens trains is nearing completion and we expect to be able to lift the speed restrictions around the end of July,” he said.
Following issues with overshoots late last year, Siemens trains are required to observe a 25kmh approach speed at stations that have a level crossing next to them.
“Lifting the speed restriction will remove one major source of delays,” said Mr Hughes.
He said unprecedented patronage growth over the last two years had caused train delays as it takes longer for people to get on board.
“As a consequence, trains are sitting at crowded platforms longer,” he said.
He said two extra services added to the Pakenham-Cranbourne line in May this year had improved the issue.
“Everyone at Connex recognises that a cancelled train, especially when many trains are already crowded, causes more of a problem than a late service so it’s positive to see that less than one in 100 trains were cancelled in June.”
Commuters who used a monthly, six monthly or yearly ticket in June will be eligible to apply for a daily ticket as compensation.
They need to use the claim form available at staffed stations or at www.connexmelbourne.com.au.