V/Line is working with the Australian Rail Track Corporation to address track conditions on sections of its Albury line to improve the punctuality of trains.

Following the recent completion of ARTC track work between Seymour and Violet Town V/Line, punctuality saw some improvement.

However, V/Line CEO Rob Barnett said there is still significant work to do to improve the service.

“Recent poor performance has related to speed restrictions in place due to the condition of the track, of which the ARTC have committed to progressively repair as part of the Ballast Rehabilitation Program being undertaken along the rail corridor.” Mr Barnett said.

“I understand the frustrations of North East Victorians. The overwhelming feedback is the train is more preferable as a travel option than the buses thatm were in place from November 2008 until the return of the last V/Line train in April this year.”

Mr Barnett said V/Line was in discussion with Public Transport Victoria about introducing a revised timetable which would accurately reflect the current travel times.

“The biggest thing our customers want is certainty that their train is going to arrive at the time we say it will. While the train is taking longer than we’d like, a revised timetable will give customers an accurate indication of their journey time.

“North East Victorians have been enthusiastic in using the train following its return. We hope our customers can understand the issues around the service and work being carried out to improve it.”

Customer can expect a timetable update in the coming weeks.