ANNUAL REPORT 2004–05 - V/Line

OUR OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)THE PERCENTAGE OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICESDELIVERED DURING THE YEAR (PLANNED CANCELLATIONS DUETO MAJOR RAIL UPGRADE WORKS ARE EXCLUDED IN THECALCULATION OF THE FIGURES BELOW).RELIABILITY100 %806040200TARGET 96%98.99 99.47 99.29 98.94 99.3EASTERN NORTH NORTHERN SOUTHERN WESTERNEASTERNV/Line acquired the coach services from Shepparton toCobram and Griffith, previously operated by Hoys Pty Ltd.Patronage on these services totalled more than 25,000.In September 2004 three return train services a day werere-instituted to the Warrnambool line and in January 2005 abuffet car was re-introduced on selected weekday services.In the first nine months of operation, V/Line carried morethan 237,000 passengers, an increase of 8.3 per centcompared with the corresponding period in 2003–04 whenthe service was operated by West Coast Rail.The new Marshall station south of Geelong began operationon 26 April 2005. The new station services the growingpopulations of the South Geelong area, bringing Melbourne,Geelong and the south-west coast within easy reach. Thereis also a bus interchange with service to the Surf Coast andBellarine Peninsula.2006 COMMONWEALTH GAMES PLANNINGThe Commonwealth Games to be staged in Melbourne inMarch 2006 presents significant challenges for all Victorianpublic transport operators, including V/Line.V/Line is working closely with the Government, Gamesorganisers and other transport operators to ensure thatspectators have access to the most appropriate V/Linepassenger train and coach services to and from eventvenues, in Melbourne and in regional centres.A special Games service plan will make sure Gamesspectators can get to the right place at the right time, withminimal disruption to our regular customers.A driver workforce plan for the Games has been developedin conjunction with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (LocomotiveDivision), Connex and the Department of Infrastructure.V/Line is also developing a specific marketing plan so thatwe can capitalise on tourism opportunities presented by thearrival of an expected 90,000 visitors for the Games.SERIOUS INCIDENTSThere were four collisions with motor vehicles at levelcrossings during 2004–05. Tragically two of these seriousincidents resulted in the deaths of four occupants of motorvehicles. The incidents have been investigated and V/Linecontinues to work with the Department of Infrastructure andtrack access providers to improve safety at level crossings.The incidents occurred on:5 AUGUST 2004A train and a car collided at Furlong Road, Ginifer.Three occupants of the car died.16 NOVEMBER 2004A train and a car collided at the Sampson–Ford Roadcrossing at Terang. No serious injuries.21 MARCH 2005A train and a car collided at Settlement Road, Kilmany,resulting in the death of the driver of the car.25 MAY 2005A train and a car collided at the closed Patullos Lanecrossing in Somerton. No serious injuries.V/LINE ANNUAL REPORT 2004–05|23