The two line graphs illustrate changes in the number of people travelling by train in Sydney and the percentage of trains running on time over a nine-year period from 1995 to 2004.
Overall, train passenger numbers rose substantially over the period, despite a slight decline after 2001. In contrast, punctuality rates fluctuated considerably and ended significantly lower than they began, with a particularly sharp drop in the final year.
Looking first at passenger figures, train usage stood at roughly 250 million people in 1995, after which it grew steadily. This upward trend continued, reaching a peak of approximately 300 million passengers in 2001. Subsequently, the number declined marginally to around 280 million, where it remained relatively stable until 2004.
Turning to punctuality, just over 90% of trains arrived on time in 1995. This figure then fell to 85% by 1997, before recovering to a high of roughly 93% in 1999. However, a dramatic decline followed in 2000. Although punctuality showed a partial recovery in the next two years, it then plummeted to its lowest point of only 70% in 2004. Notably, this steep drop coincided with a period when passenger numbers remained high, suggesting possible strain on rail infrastructure.