Vic govt dumps transport operators_4731

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Both companies headed bids with local partners.
He blamed lack of government investment for a system that was not "up to scratch".
MTR runs the Hong Kong transit system and the London above ground rail network.
"They are operators who have a proven track record of excellence, they are committed to putting the needs of Melbourne's train and tram customers first," Mr Brumby said.
"The problem is that the problems have been of the government's making not of the operator's making."
"They will partner with our government in transforming the network going forward and they represent the best value for money for Victorian taxpayers."
Connex and Yarra Trams will not have their contracts renewed at the end of year when the government instead will sign with two overseas-based companies as it tries to quell the transport headache before next year's election.
But critics are not convinced the new operators will result in improvements on a system beset by "crumbling" infrastructure.
Keolis is partly owned by France's national railway and has partnered with local maintenance provider, Downer EDI.
Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) president Daniel Bowen said Connex had been the "fall guy" for an unreliable train system.
But critics say a changing of the guard will not resolve the problems, particularly on the rail network, which has been dogged by cancellations, delays and overcrowding.
"If all we get at the end of the day is a set of new logos on the trains then commuters will be very disappointed."
State Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said all Connex and Yarra Trams employees would be retained under the new arrangements, with MTR set to recruit more frontline staff.
Connex/Veolia Transport executive chairman Jonathan Metcalfe said he was very disappointed with the decision, but very proud of the group's achievements "despite capacity constraints".
Yarra Trams will be replaced by French-based company Keolis.
The Victorian government has responded to commuter frustration over Melbourne's bursting at the seams public transport system by dumping the metropolitan train and tram operators.
"With an announcement like this you have to recognise that this is a case of the same horse, a different jockey," Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said.
Victorian Premier John Brumby promised significant changes, with the winning bidders guaranteeing safer, cleaner and more reliable transport,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, with better customer service.
Hong Kong-based operator MTR Corporation will take over Melbourne's metropolitan trains in December, when Connex's contract expires.
Yarra Trams was fined $1.84 million for its poor performance.
Vic govt dumps transport operators
Under the deal, performance targets will be tightened and there will be increased fines for cancellations.
Connex last week was fined a record $11.2 million by the government for its poor performance during last summer's heatwave in which commuters endured mass cancellations, delays and failed air conditioning.
It heads the Metro Trains Melbourne bid with Australian companies,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, John Holland Melbourne Rail Franchise and United Group Rail Services.
The eight-year contracts,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, worth billions of dollars, will be finalised in August,You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, with the option of being extended to 15 years, subject to performance.