By ALANA MITCHELSON
INADEQUATE lubrication, tight curves and high friction were to blame for the V/Line wheel wear problems, an independent review has revealed.
V/Line have released the findings of a Monash University independent review into the cause of the wheel wear issues that led to the disruption of hundreds of regional rail services across Victoria since January.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the board planned to adopt the review’s recommendations about improving the structure, governance and capability of V/Line.
Recommendations include better friction management, improved wheel and rail materials, to revise the track alignment, an examination of current wheel and rail profiles, and improved train performance around sharp curves in the track.
“I will be discussing the report with the board in coming weeks and have asked the chair to start the recruitment of a new CEO,” Ms Allan said.
“As someone who lives in regional Victoria, I believe in making V/Line stronger and better.
“I am determined to build a better regional operator so it can deliver the services passengers expect and deserve.”
