Amid a State Budget that was simply a disappointment for Melbourne’s public transport system, The Age has reported on the government’s continuation inability to meet its own performance targets:

THE State Government will not achieve its target of improving 38 level crossings across the state, saying works are hampered by a skills shortage.

Budget papers released yesterday revealed VicTrack aimed to improve 38 level crossings in 2005-06, but work will be finished on only 20.

The State Government appears unable to manage Melbourne’s public transport system due to a continuous record and cost blowouts and project delays.

PTUA spokesman Alex Makin said the Government had already failed to meet its “low” targets and yesterday’s budget failed to deliver improvements to public transport. He again called on Mr Batchelor to resign.