Monday, June 29, 2009

Metro Trains Melbourne to Operate City's Rail Network

The Premier, John Brumby, today announced Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) as the preferred tenderer to operate Melbourne’s metropolitan rail network.

Mr Brumby said MTM’s bid represented the best value for Victorian taxpayers and focused on improving services for passengers and creating a more reliable and safer network.

“Most importantly, Metro Trains Melbourne made it clear that its priority is to focus on what we believe are non-negotiables for Melbourne commuters: punctuality, safety, reliability, customer service and cleanliness,” Mr Brumby said.

“At a network level, we believe we have selected the operator that provides the best value for money and will best work with our Government to transform Melbourne’s rail network into a metro system.”

MTM will operate the network for eight years with a contract option to extend its term for a further seven.

A key element of the new contract is a new Customer Service Regime which will offer incentives for MTM to improve customer service announcements, cleanliness, graffiti removal and increased personal safety on the rail network.

“MTM will provide more jobs on the network with a focus on customer service and apprentices, building up the skill base we need as we transform Melbourne’s rail network,” Mr Brumby said.

To read more, click here.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Exclusive interview with David Marchant of ARA and ARTC

We had the opportunity to interview David Marchant, Chairman of the ARA and CEO of ARTC, to discuss the impact that Infrastructure Australia's work will have on the rail industry and if he feels that rail is at the forefront of freight transport in a carbon constrained Australia.




He will be speaking at AusRAIL PLUS 2009 at the Adelaide Convention Centre on the 17-19 November 2009.

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