Train tracking now in real time

PASSENGERS on Victoria’s regional transport network, V/Line, can now see when trains will arrive with real time information made available on Google and Apple maps and smart phone app AnyTrip. 

Previously, this data was only visible on platform display boards at stations. 

Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, linked the change to the decrease to regional fares started earlier this year. 

“We’re taking the next step towards a smarter, more responsive and more coordinated public transport system in Victoria with real time information widely available across our trains, trams and local buses,” she said. 

“With the regional fare cap proving to be extremely popular with Victorians, we’re ensuring passengers have more information at their fingertips to take full advantage of the reduced fares and a better travel experience.” 

However, real time data will still not be available to travellers on V/Line coaches, which sometimes replace trains. 

Government mandated V/Line target for reliability is 96 per cent, and 92 per cent of services to run on time. 

As of the latest stats available on the V/Line website for August, on the Bendigo line there was 90 per cent reliability for services to be delivered as scheduled and delivered 87.7 per cent of scheduled services on time, both below target. 

Since the introduction of the V/Line fare cap on 31 March at $9.20 a day, which has since increased to $10, the company has seen a surge in passengers using the regional network. 

There have been criticisms of the infrastructure being inadequate to carry the number of passengers wanting to utilise it, due to overcrowding, with stories of people having to sit on the floor or stand up for hours-long journeys.