THE FACTS:

In 1997 it became clear that Melbourne’s train network was going to be sold to the private sector.

Since 1999 Connex has been involved in running the Melbourne train network, firstly running half the network (the half known as Hillside Trains) and from 2004 running the entire metropolitan network.

In 2006 the State Government announced a 10-year, $10.5 billion transport plan. Later, Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the plan significantly underestimated public usage of the transport network.

In December 2008, Premier John Brumby announced a $14.1 billion plan to grow Melbourne’s train network, including a metro rail tunnel and rail extensions.

The contract for running the Melbourne train network is soon to expire and negotiations for the next 10-year contract has been estimated to be worth $8 billion.

Newspaper reports have suggested Connex’s French competitor, Keolis, might be the government favourite to win the contract.

THE VIEWS:

Herald Sun editorial, March 31, 2009:

“Connex needs to run its trains on time, not offer to compensate angry passengers by offering them a free ride on another potentially late or cancelled service.

In January, Connex blamed the heat. In February, it blamed the unions. In March, it was speed restrictions on some trains because they overshot the stations.

This month is the deadline for bids to run the Melbourne metropolitan system for the next 15 years, with options.

Connex, as one of the bidders, could find itself judged on its poor performance.”

BREAKING IT DOWN:

A) Melbourne needs a better train operator than Connex, but that is only part of the problem.

The State Government’s commitment to public transport has only been piecemeal and half-hearted. Melbournians want a top-class, environmentally friendly public transport network.

B) Privatisation has not been a great move for the train network.

The key premises behind privatizing public assets are that doing so improves efficiency, performance and value to users. It is unlikely that any of those objectives have been met.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

Has the privatization of the Melbourne train network been a success?

Does Connex deserve another contract, or will another bidder win?

What would you like to see happen with public transport in Melbourne?

Has the State Government done enough to bolster public transport?