Vic govt defends 'rundown' rail system

The Victorian government continues to defend the state's rail system, despite
documents revealing the network is rundown and buckling under the heat.

In last week's heatwave, the system collapsed with 730 suburban train cancellations
on Friday alone.
The state opposition released documents on Thursday that show points and crossings,
tracks, rails and radio systems all need to be replaced.
A document from V/Line, which runs the regional rail network, shows the radio system
used by regional train drivers is "life expired and unsupported by its
manufacturers".
"It has lost the confidence of its providers and users," the document said.
Departmental documents on the long-term rail asset renewal strategy of metropolitan
rail service provider Connex and associates said timber sleepers on the network were
old and needed replacing with concrete sleepers.
Points and crossings, ballast on the tracks and level crossings also need to be
renewed at a faster rate than they are currently, the documents said.
Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder said the documents disclosed a "sad
story" of neglect on the network.
"Faulty points and crossings, rotting sleepers, rails suffering metal fatigue that
buckle under the heat, dirty track ballast and poor drainage either delay
travellers, are a safety risk or impose greater long-term maintenance costs as this
infrastructure deteriorates," Mr Mulder said.
He claimed it was no surprise the system buckled in last week's scorching temperatures.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky defended the system.
A sleeper replacement program is in place, with timber sleepers gradually being
replaced with concrete ones, she said.
"We spend around $80 million per year through Connex to actually maintain the
system. That's an addition to all the infrastructure we provide," Ms Kosky told
parliament.
That maintenance expenditure would be increased by almost 50 per cent in coming
years, she said.
Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the documents
underscored the neglect of Victoria's public transport system.
"We certainly call for a parliamentary inquiry into the network to ensure that all
the reasons for the problems over the last few weeks and longer term are found," Mr
Bowen told reporters.
That inquiry would need to have representatives from all political parties and look
at all the issues surrounding the network, he said.