The faultless record of every train departing on schedule in November has been offset with a dip in the punctuality result due to a spate of lengthy delays caused in part by copper wire theft at locations between Albury and Melbourne.

The 71.5 per cent punctuality is the worst since May this year when the figure plunged to 69.9 per cent.

The worst monthly punctuality result in 2018 was 54.3 per cent in March when copper wire thefts were again prevalent.

But, V/Line has attributed the perfect reliability figure for November due to better maintenance procedures and the sourcing of additional bogies for the four standard gauge trains in the fleet.

It has also reduced the number of faults.

“Albury line passengers are seeing the benefit of improvements to our train maintenance practices and upgrades to our standard gauge trains, with reliability improving again in November,” a V/Line spokesperson said.

“Every Albury train departed as scheduled in November, for the first time since April 2012.

“We’ve seen a huge improvement in the number of trains running this year.”

V/Line has a punctuality target of 92 per cent.

Maintenance issues were a major factor in a meltdown on the North-East line in the Christmas-New Year period last year when 30 trains had to be cancelled.

V/Line confirmed at the time all four locomotives operating on the North-East line experienced unforeseen breakdowns.

Speed limits imposed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation were also a factor.

The dramas contributed to the federal government adding a further $135 million to the $100 million committed for works on the North-East line.

Protecting copper wire from theft is included in the $235 million investment with works to start next year.

It includes moving copper signalling wire from overhead poles to underground cabling.

Services on the line were suspended due to flash flooding on Thursday.

“Due to sustained heavy rain fall and subsequent flooding ARTC has made the decision to suspend services on the North-East rail corridor,” an ARTC spokesperson said.

“Many of the flooding impacts are localised and with forecasts of more rain overnight, the suspension of services will stay in place until a detailed and thorough track inspection on Friday morning.

“Whilst ARTC regrets the impact on commuters, the decision has been taken to ensure the safety of all rail users in north east Victoria.”