METRO trains are bypassing crowded Sydenham line stations as they scramble to improve their on-time performance.
Frustrated commuters are being left stranded until another service arrives as late-running trains attempt to make up time.
Metro is required to run at least 98 per cent of scheduled trains, and more than 88 per cent of them must be on time.
The operator failed to meet February and March on-time monthly targets, fuelling speculation that the bypasses are in place to cut its chances of being hit with a financial penalty.
A St Albans commuter, who suffered the consequences recently, has taken her concerns to Transport Minister Terry Mulder.
She said the 8.54am train on April 26 from St Albans to the city failed to stop as scheduled.
“I started to move closer to the platform in anticipation of boarding this train. Instead, to my bafflement, the train continued past St Albans station at a very high speed.”
She said there was no announcement and she was outraged the 9.14am train also appeared to have been cancelled.
The St Albans station master was unable to provide any explanation.
“I thought that the bypassing by the 8.54am [train] of St Albans station was bad enough. But to have made that decision knowing the 9.14am train would be cancelled was nothing short of arrogance and showed a complete disregard for passengers who needed to get to work appointments.”
She said she immediately phoned Metro and lodged a formal complaint.
Metro spokesman Daniel Hoare said some services were altered to help the network recover after a major fault or incident.
“This approach is only applied when it is absolutely necessary and is aimed at providing a more reliable and efficient service,” he said.
The Weekly understands the April 26 service bypassed stations due to a train fault, and the train was taken out of service as soon as it reached Flinders Street.
