RACV Leader On Track Survey 2017

The clear message from the 2017 On Track Survey results is that investing in new and upgraded stations gets results. The top five stations in 2017 are all brand new, having been built in the past few years (Wyndham Vale and Waurn Ponds) or completely redeveloped (Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon).

The stations built as part of the State Government's level crossing removal program at Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon, rebuilt in 2016-17, have subsequently jumped in the On Track results. Gardiner Station also received a makeover through the Bourke Road level crossing removal project, and improved by 2.1 points (out of 10) from 2015, the biggest improver between the 2015 and 2017 On Track surveys. 

Bentleigh Station Redevelopment

Warragul Station was another to rise through the rankings, improving by 1.46 points to 8.12 out of 10 in 2017. This is another success story; significant investment in 2014/15 has expanded car parking and improved bus access at Warragul Station, providing a much-needed refresh of the station precinct. Entering our top 10 as the 9^th best station in the state, this suggests the changes are being enjoyed by the growing number of people using Warragul Station. 

Warragul Station

Wyndham Vale has been rated the best station in the state for the second On Track Survey in a row. This station was brand new in 2015, so for it to be rated so highly again in the 2017 survey demonstrates it is coping well with the significant population growth being experienced in the western suburbs. 

Wyndham Vale Station

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The train service ratings relate to the experience that people have on the train, represented here in terms of where they are traveling from. Factors include the frequency of train services, how crowded they are and how clean/pleasant the carriage environment it. It is interesting to note that seven of the top 10 stations on this metric are located in the inner/middle eastern suburbs of Melbourne.  

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The worst performers in the 2017 On Track Survey results tell three specific stories:

1.  Outer suburban population growth areas need better public transport. Donnybrook comes in as the worst station in the state, with a rating of 3.41 out of 10. A recent spike in population in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs, and little investment in public transport, car parking, or station designs, has led to this low result. This is a cautionary tale for Melbourne’s growth areas: public transport and access issues need consideration before people move into these new suburbs.
2. Aircraft Station needs attention. This was the worst rated station in 2015, and has dropped to 4.20 out of 10 in 2017. The On Track results point to issues such a lack of toilets, lack of car parking and inadequate seating as main factors influencing the ongoing low ratings.
3. Stations currently under development appear in the worst 10; Murrumbeena and Carnegie have been affected by major construction as part of the level crossing removal works over the past 12 months. This is no doubt influencing their low ratings. We will be watching closely as the stations are completed and open in time for the next On Track survey in 2019. 

Aircraft Station

 _{*<20 submissions received in 2015 On Track Survey.}

The poorest performing train services have been highlighted on the regional VLine network, with a specific issue emerging on the Albury/Wodonga line. The low service ratings at these regional stations are being influenced by significant disruption that has occurred since 2015 resulting in buses replacing rail services. This clearly has an impact on people’s experience, and deserves recognition as major construction works are progressed over the coming years.