Metro Trains failed its punctuality targets in every month of 2019, with new data showing the operator fell just short of its goal in December.

Figures released by the Department of Transport show nearly one in 10 metropolitan trains ran late last month while the company also did not meet its quota for delivering the scheduled timetable.

The results mean the last time Metro was able to deliver 92 per cent of its services on time was in December 2018.

Metro Trains missed its punctuality target again in December. Picture: Andrew TauberServices in December were impacted by a spike in trespassers who illegally entered train tracks and forced trains to grind to a halt.

Metro chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said the company had moved 180,000 people to New Year’s Eve celebrations with more than 540 additional services.

“We know our passengers deserve better – that’s why we are working harder than ever to turn the dial on performance, meet our targets, and deliver a more consistent service for Melbourne,” he said.

“December performance was impacted by a number of incidents, including several days of extreme heat and wind, resulting in speed restrictions and trees falling across rail lines.”

Jeroen Weimar, the Department of Transport’s head of transport services, said December was a busy month for a network but operators were still expected to meet their targets.

“Metro Trains was faced with many challenges in December but we’re still looking for them to improve their performance to ensure our passengers get the reliable service they deserve,” he said.