METRO has defended its decision to stop publishing online updates about train cancellations, saying travellers can find out by SMS or on display screens at stations.

Melbourne's rail operator launched a revamped website on Monday, which includes a so-called ''healthboard'' that includes live information about train delays and disruptions, both planned and unplanned.

Train cancellations will no longer be published on Metro's website. Credit:Jason South

But updates about cancelled trains have been dropped, prompting criticism that the new website contains less useful information than the old one. Rather, there is information on whether trains on each line are on schedule, delayed or suspended.

Metro spokeswoman Geraldine Mitchell said the new site put the effect cancellations have on a line's overall performance in better context, rather than listing cancelled train services.