Metro on track, if not on time, with $20m profit

Train operator Metro posted a $20 million profit in its first seven months of operation, despite failing every month to meet punctuality targets set by the Brumby government.> > > > > Detail of the company’s first profits from running the metropolitan network comes as its chief executive claimed Melbourne’s franchised rail model was the world’s best.> > > > > “This is the best model of how to run a railway, in my opinion,” said company chief Andrew Lezala. “I think they [the Victorian government] have got it seriously right.”

via theage.com.au

In other words, they said, “We did a shit job and STILL made money. I love this contract!”

Also interestingly, Metro’s getting a guaranteed payment for ticket sales, “due to the uncertainty surrounding introduction of the trouble [sic] Myki system”. Are those payments covered in the Myki introduction cost figures?