Minister told: Quit over trains

Jessica Benton
Victoria’s Transport Minister should quit after 33 consecutive months of late Geelong trains, according to the opposition.
Shadow public transport minister Terry Mulder said a new report had revealed Geelong and Ballarat had the state’s worst records for late trains in cities outside Melbourne.
He called on Lynne Kosky to step down.
“It’s hand-in-your-resignation time for Minister Kosky,” he said.
“Commuters on the Geelong and Ballarat lines have been the worst hit, with Minister Kosky failing to run trains officially on time for 33 consecutive months despite a six-minute allowance.
“Minister Kosky must explain why she leaves $15 million Vlocity trains lying idle while passengers are forced onto slow coaches that add at least 30 minutes to most trips to or from Melbourne.
V/Line communications manager Daniel Moloney said 183 of 1375 Geelong-line trains were delayed in May.
The line between Werribee and Melbourne was responsible for most of the delays, Mr Moloney said.
“The majority of our trains are on time in the country areas but we’re struggling between Werribee and the city because the closer you get to the CBD the more V/Line and Connex services are running and the lines are congested,” Mr Moloney said.
“The killer for our performance at the moment is the metropolitan train congestion.
A spokesperson for Ms Kosky did not return the Independent’s call for comment before the paper went to press.