SMS your bus stop number to 0488 TXT BUS (0488 898 287).
131500 are trialling a new SMS-back system for some of the Metrobus services. This will provide 'real-time' information about the arrival of your bus to the bus stop.
The success of this trial relies on people understanding how to use the system so some community education will be needed, especially to make sure people can find out how to locate their bus stop number. Tell everyone to try this new system out and give some feedback to the 131500 suggestion and complaints service. Click here for the full details
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
New Metrobus M90 Service into Liverpool
From the Liverpool Leader newspaper:
THIRTY Metrobuses will hit the streets of Liverpool this week.
The red, air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible buses feature electronic “next stop” displays and digital audio messaging.
Full story click here
THIRTY Metrobuses will hit the streets of Liverpool this week.
The red, air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible buses feature electronic “next stop” displays and digital audio messaging.
Full story click here
Thursday, December 9, 2010
New Rail Car Park Opens At St Marys
From the Premier's News Release:
The NSW Government today officially opened a new, 500 space multi-storey car park at St Marys railway station, providing local commuters with free and untimed parking. The new St Marys commuter car park includes 19 dedicated spaces for people with a disability, 12 motorcycle spaces, lift access, CCTV surveillance and security lighting.
Click here for the full release.
The NSW Government today officially opened a new, 500 space multi-storey car park at St Marys railway station, providing local commuters with free and untimed parking. The new St Marys commuter car park includes 19 dedicated spaces for people with a disability, 12 motorcycle spaces, lift access, CCTV surveillance and security lighting.
Click here for the full release.
News from Transport NSW about the Western Express rail project
The Western Express Rail Program was announced in February 2010 as part of the Metropolitan Transport Plan. For up-to-date information about the project, click here.
Under Western Express, new express train services will be introduced from Penrith and Richmond, delivering major travel time savings and additional rail capacity for commuters right through to the heart of the city.
To achieve this, a new 5.4km priority tunnel, known as the City Relief Line, is planned to be built between Redfern and Wynyard. Benefits from Western Express will be felt right around the CityRail system, especially for people travelling on the Penrith, Richmond, Liverpool via Granville, Epping via Strathfield and Hurstville to city lines.
Western Express will also allow trains from the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle to travel through the city and terminate at Wynyard, eliminating the need to change trains at Central.
Under Western Express, new express train services will be introduced from Penrith and Richmond, delivering major travel time savings and additional rail capacity for commuters right through to the heart of the city.
To achieve this, a new 5.4km priority tunnel, known as the City Relief Line, is planned to be built between Redfern and Wynyard. Benefits from Western Express will be felt right around the CityRail system, especially for people travelling on the Penrith, Richmond, Liverpool via Granville, Epping via Strathfield and Hurstville to city lines.
Western Express will also allow trains from the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle to travel through the city and terminate at Wynyard, eliminating the need to change trains at Central.
Opposition Responds To WSPTU Request for Cumberland Line
On November 13 the WSPTU formerly adopted the policy that the Cumberland Line should be used more to improve links between Penrith, Parramatta, Fairfield, Liverpool and Campbelltown and to reduce congestion on the peak-hour express services between Penrith and Parramatta. This policy was supported by the Liverpool Transport Taskforce.
The State Opposition has responded to public requests regarding the Cumberland Line and has made a commitment to improve services there.
Click here for a report copied from the Liverpool Leader featuring comments from the President of the Liverpool Transport Taskforce, George Smith.
Click below for an online version.
Liberals pledge to boost train services on the Cumberland line - Transport & Traffic - News - Liverpool Leader">
The State Opposition has responded to public requests regarding the Cumberland Line and has made a commitment to improve services there.
Click here for a report copied from the Liverpool Leader featuring comments from the President of the Liverpool Transport Taskforce, George Smith.
Click below for an online version.
Liberals pledge to boost train services on the Cumberland line - Transport & Traffic - News - Liverpool Leader">
Monday, November 22, 2010
Bankstown Group Featured in Local News
Members of the Bankstown group, Transport for the Local Community, were recently featured in an article in the local paper. The article discusses the need for a lift to access Panania train station and for a bus route to link Panania with UWS.
Click here to read the article
You can find a link to their group on the left menu of this WSPTU blog page you are now viewing.
Click here to read the article
You can find a link to their group on the left menu of this WSPTU blog page you are now viewing.
M90 Metrobus - Bankstown, Liverpool
From the Transport Minister's press release, 22/11/2010
For the full release click here
The new Metrobus route M90 - connecting Liverpool, Moorebank, Bankstown, Chullora, Strathfield and Burwood – will begin on December 6.
The new M90 service will run seven days a week, every 10 minutes in the weekday peak, every 15 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes in the evenings and on weekends. The M90 will replace the route 900 and provide more frequent services for commuters in Burwood, Strathfield, Bankstown, Chullora and Liverpool.
http://www.sydneybuses.info/metrobus/metrobus.htm
For the full release click here
The new Metrobus route M90 - connecting Liverpool, Moorebank, Bankstown, Chullora, Strathfield and Burwood – will begin on December 6.
The new M90 service will run seven days a week, every 10 minutes in the weekday peak, every 15 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes in the evenings and on weekends. The M90 will replace the route 900 and provide more frequent services for commuters in Burwood, Strathfield, Bankstown, Chullora and Liverpool.
http://www.sydneybuses.info/metrobus/metrobus.htm
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
News From 'Crude Oil Peak'
25/10/2010
Sydney's RTA about to pull down public transport infrastructure
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=1992
11/11/2010
Tollopoly on Sydney's orbital
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2131
9/11/2010
M2 widening increases Sydney's oil vulnerability
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2039
28/10/2010
Quick risk analysis for M2 widening (Part2)
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2012
10/11/2010
IEA World Energy Outlook 2010: Global crude oil production will never grow again http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2060
Regards
Matt Mushalik (MIEAust, CPEng)
Epping 2121
Sydney's RTA about to pull down public transport infrastructure
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=1992
11/11/2010
Tollopoly on Sydney's orbital
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2131
9/11/2010
M2 widening increases Sydney's oil vulnerability
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2039
28/10/2010
Quick risk analysis for M2 widening (Part2)
http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2012
10/11/2010
IEA World Energy Outlook 2010: Global crude oil production will never grow again http://www.crudeoilpeak.com/?p=2060
Regards
Matt Mushalik (MIEAust, CPEng)
Epping 2121
Monday, November 15, 2010
WSPTU Policy Forum Decides on Policies
On Saturday November 13, the Policy Forum of the WSPTU met to make some important decisions. Members representing public transport users groups in Liverpool, Bankstown, Fairfield, Parramatta, The Hills, Mt Druitt, Penrith and the Blue Mountains attended. The following are the main ideas that the WSPTU has decided to promote over the next year and during the upcoming State election.
A full policy discussion paper will be developed soon and released showing the full Policy Forum discussions on these topics.
1. Local Integrated Transport.
Including Community Transport and Health Related Transport.
WSPTU asks that Transport NSW research ways to improve access to the public transport system for older people, people with young children and people who have difficulties walking to the nearest transport pick-up point. WSPTU says that this research should include recommendations about the role that community transport, taxis and other models of flexible transport can play to solve this problem; the problem of the 'accessibility gap'.
On a related topic, WSPTU says that many people are having difficulty getting to medical appointments and regular treatments. WSPTU says that the current system that helps people to get to their appointments and treatments - often called “Health Related Transport” - needs to be improved and made coherent. WSPTU believes that a system for ‘Local Integrated Transport’ may have an important part to play in helping with this problem.
2. Bus Stops
WSPTU asks that all Local Governments report publicly about the state of the bus stops in their area: what proportion of stops have a shelter and seating, are connected to the walkways and meet the Disability Standards for accessibility. WSPTU members are particularly concerned about getting improved signage and timetable information at bus stops and interchanges.
WSPTU also says that all Local Governments should have a transparent financial accounting process for their spending on bus stops and associated infrastructure so people can see what is being done and what is being spent on bus stops.
3. The Cumberland Line
WSPTU asks that Transport NSW investigate the latent demand existing for the increased use of the Cumberland Line and the possibilities that the Cumberland Line offers to relieve congestion in peak hour inter-urban trains between Penrith and Parramatta as well as providing valuable cross regional connections between Penrith, Blacktown, Parramatta, Holroyd, Fairfield, Liverpool and Campbelltown.
A full policy discussion paper will be developed soon and released showing the full Policy Forum discussions on these topics.
1. Local Integrated Transport.
Including Community Transport and Health Related Transport.
WSPTU asks that Transport NSW research ways to improve access to the public transport system for older people, people with young children and people who have difficulties walking to the nearest transport pick-up point. WSPTU says that this research should include recommendations about the role that community transport, taxis and other models of flexible transport can play to solve this problem; the problem of the 'accessibility gap'.
On a related topic, WSPTU says that many people are having difficulty getting to medical appointments and regular treatments. WSPTU says that the current system that helps people to get to their appointments and treatments - often called “Health Related Transport” - needs to be improved and made coherent. WSPTU believes that a system for ‘Local Integrated Transport’ may have an important part to play in helping with this problem.
2. Bus Stops
WSPTU asks that all Local Governments report publicly about the state of the bus stops in their area: what proportion of stops have a shelter and seating, are connected to the walkways and meet the Disability Standards for accessibility. WSPTU members are particularly concerned about getting improved signage and timetable information at bus stops and interchanges.
WSPTU also says that all Local Governments should have a transparent financial accounting process for their spending on bus stops and associated infrastructure so people can see what is being done and what is being spent on bus stops.
3. The Cumberland Line
WSPTU asks that Transport NSW investigate the latent demand existing for the increased use of the Cumberland Line and the possibilities that the Cumberland Line offers to relieve congestion in peak hour inter-urban trains between Penrith and Parramatta as well as providing valuable cross regional connections between Penrith, Blacktown, Parramatta, Holroyd, Fairfield, Liverpool and Campbelltown.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bins Return To Stations
From the Media Release of the Minister For Transport.
New ‘safer by design’ bins will be installed at major Sydney train stations including Wynyard, Central and Town Hall from today, announced Minister for Transport John Robertson.
“Almost 200 new bins will be installed across 28 of the largest stations on the CityRail network starting today,” said Mr Robertson.
“This is great news for commuters who have been crying out for bins to make a comeback on stations".
For the full release click here
New ‘safer by design’ bins will be installed at major Sydney train stations including Wynyard, Central and Town Hall from today, announced Minister for Transport John Robertson.
“Almost 200 new bins will be installed across 28 of the largest stations on the CityRail network starting today,” said Mr Robertson.
“This is great news for commuters who have been crying out for bins to make a comeback on stations".
For the full release click here
WSPTU Policy Forum meeting, Nov 13
The next meeting of the WSPTU Policy Forum will be on Saturday Nov 13 from 1pm to 4pm in Parramatta.
At the Policy Forum, representatives from various local action groups meet to discuss what they think the WSPTU should be working on and what policies should be promoted.
If you are involved with a local group that works on transport issues and would like to make contact with the WSPTU Policy Forum please contact Hugh or Amy at Western Sydney Community Forum and they will be able to put you in contact with someone or provide you with some advice: hughw@wscf.org.au or amyw@wscf.org.au; phone 02 9687 9669.
If you would like to find other people working on transport issues in your local area look in the list of local groups on the left-hand side of this blog page.
At the Policy Forum, representatives from various local action groups meet to discuss what they think the WSPTU should be working on and what policies should be promoted.
If you are involved with a local group that works on transport issues and would like to make contact with the WSPTU Policy Forum please contact Hugh or Amy at Western Sydney Community Forum and they will be able to put you in contact with someone or provide you with some advice: hughw@wscf.org.au or amyw@wscf.org.au; phone 02 9687 9669.
If you would like to find other people working on transport issues in your local area look in the list of local groups on the left-hand side of this blog page.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Overcoming Barriers To Flexible Transport Service Provision In NSW
Flexible Transport Services is an emerging term in passenger transport which covers a range of mobility offers including Demand Responsive Transport, where services are flexible in one or more of the dimensions of route, vehicle allocation, vehicle operator, type of payment and passenger category. Although flexible transport services are used increasingly in Europe and the US as part of the public transport mix in areas where demand is too low to support conventional public transport, there are few sustained examples of these services in Australia. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in NSW including service providers, peak organisations, users, regulators and policy-makers, the paper identifies barriers to greater use of flexible transport services in NSW. Barriers include institutional frameworks such as policy and regulation; economic issues of funding and fares; operational issues of fleet and vehicles; as well as operator and community attitudes; and information and education. The paper makes recommendations to enable and encourage greater use of flexible transport services by transport service planners and providers.
Rhonda Daniels and Corinne Mulley; Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Email for correspondence: corinne.mulley@sydney.edu.au
Publication website: http://www.patrec.org/atrf.aspx
To read the whole paper Click Here
Rhonda Daniels and Corinne Mulley; Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Email for correspondence: corinne.mulley@sydney.edu.au
Publication website: http://www.patrec.org/atrf.aspx
To read the whole paper Click Here
Closing The Transport Gap - CPSA
The Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW has released a report called "Closing The Transport Gap". This report is about the difficulties that some people are facing to use the mainstream public transport services. It particularly addresses the issue that, for some people, the bus stop is too far away or too difficult to get to.
Read the report here
Read the report here
Monday, October 25, 2010
New Taxis On Road
NSW Government is issuing an additional 167 taxi licences by Christmas as part of taxi reforms that aim to ensure the size of the taxi fleet is able to meet passenger demand.
Here is an excerpt from the Transport Minister's Media release:
“29 of the 167 extra taxis have already been placed into service, with a further 98 taxi plates being reserved from the RTA and vehicle fit-out letters issued, meaning even more of the new taxis will be on Sydney’s streets within weeks.
“We expect all of these extra taxis to be on the road for Christmas, which aims to make it easier for Sydneysiders to get home during the festive season.
“Importantly, 90 of the 167 new licences were reserved for current taxi drivers seeking to become their own boss – so the plates will go to people who know the business well and who know the high level of service passengers expect,” said the Minister.
There are already 100 additional taxis operating on Sydney’s streets since the start of this year. There were also 58 wheelchair accessible taxis added to the network in 2009-10. New taxi plates are released each financial year, as part of the NSW Government’s taxi reforms that started in December 2009.
Here is an excerpt from the Transport Minister's Media release:
“29 of the 167 extra taxis have already been placed into service, with a further 98 taxi plates being reserved from the RTA and vehicle fit-out letters issued, meaning even more of the new taxis will be on Sydney’s streets within weeks.
“We expect all of these extra taxis to be on the road for Christmas, which aims to make it easier for Sydneysiders to get home during the festive season.
“Importantly, 90 of the 167 new licences were reserved for current taxi drivers seeking to become their own boss – so the plates will go to people who know the business well and who know the high level of service passengers expect,” said the Minister.
There are already 100 additional taxis operating on Sydney’s streets since the start of this year. There were also 58 wheelchair accessible taxis added to the network in 2009-10. New taxi plates are released each financial year, as part of the NSW Government’s taxi reforms that started in December 2009.
Transport Minister in Parliamentary Estimates Committee
Story from Action for Public Transport
Monday 20 September 2010
Topics of Interest:
* Project Cost Estimates
* Free shuttle buses
* Metrobus
* Gov't to retain CBD metro properties
* No MyZone etc. on LRT
* Funding of Parramatta-Epping railway
* Round in circles on LRT tickets
* Western Express, CBD Relief and Parramatta-Epping railways
* LRT sleepers
The hearings have prompted APT to ask the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier to have their respective transport advisory bodies make late submissions to the NSW government's Metropolitan Strategy Review, currently due for release in November 2010.
Click here for the full story and a link to the Estimates Committee transcript.
Monday 20 September 2010
Topics of Interest:
* Project Cost Estimates
* Free shuttle buses
* Metrobus
* Gov't to retain CBD metro properties
* No MyZone etc. on LRT
* Funding of Parramatta-Epping railway
* Round in circles on LRT tickets
* Western Express, CBD Relief and Parramatta-Epping railways
* LRT sleepers
The hearings have prompted APT to ask the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier to have their respective transport advisory bodies make late submissions to the NSW government's Metropolitan Strategy Review, currently due for release in November 2010.
Click here for the full story and a link to the Estimates Committee transcript.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
'Bus Manners' Survey in Liverpool
Liverpool Transport Taskforce is a community advocacy group working to improve public transport for people in Liverpool, NSW. In October 2010 we surveyed people about what manners are good to use on the bus.
With the roll-out of the new low-floor buses in New South Wales there is better access to the buses for people in wheelchairs, people with babies and prams and older people or people with mobility difficulties. But who gets priority in the wide space at the front of the buses, and how is it decided when you are on the bus? Do people usually move for people who need that space or is it a battle to be able to access the bus? Read the report attached here and watch our youtube video of the survey.
Read a report from the survey: Click here
Monday, October 11, 2010
Grow The Western Region - Workshop
FROGS - 10,000 Friends of Greater Sydney
GROW THE WESTERN REGION - Q & A WORKSHOP
22 Nov 2010 at Parramatta Leagues Club, 9am.
The Format of this is new and we hope to get some practical and down to earth ideas to implement in the near term.
For more information click here
GROW THE WESTERN REGION - Q & A WORKSHOP
22 Nov 2010 at Parramatta Leagues Club, 9am.
The Format of this is new and we hope to get some practical and down to earth ideas to implement in the near term.
For more information click here
New Oscar Trains
This article below is from the NSW Premier's email newsletter. To subscribe to that newsletter email here: lee.bellia@premier.nsw.gov.au
New OSCAR trains right on track
The first set of 74 new OSCAR carriages has been delivered five weeks ahead of schedule and will be rolled into service over bthe coming weeks. The NSW Government has already delivered 122 OSCARs, providing outer suburban commuters with more seats and more airconditioned services. The new OSCARs will help provide improved services as part of the new timetable for the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line, which begins on October 10. The new timetable will use the improved capacity on the Cronulla branch line to provide more than 300 extra train services a week for local commuters.
Premier's news page
New OSCAR trains right on track
The first set of 74 new OSCAR carriages has been delivered five weeks ahead of schedule and will be rolled into service over bthe coming weeks. The NSW Government has already delivered 122 OSCARs, providing outer suburban commuters with more seats and more airconditioned services. The new OSCARs will help provide improved services as part of the new timetable for the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line, which begins on October 10. The new timetable will use the improved capacity on the Cronulla branch line to provide more than 300 extra train services a week for local commuters.
Premier's news page
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics
This Commonwealth department provides lots of good information about transport and development issues. They also sponsor the Australasian Transport Research Forum.
http://www.bitre.gov.au/
http://www.bitre.gov.au/
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Transport NSW Newsletter - Sept 2010
Inside the Newsletter...
* Metrobus Expansion
* Sydney’s First GreenWay Along Light Rail Extension
* Coopernook To Herons Creek Upgrade Open To Traffic
* 167 Extra Taxis On The Road
* Burwood Station Upgrade Completed
* Track Laid On Richmond Line Duplication
* Bega Bypass Project
* $7 Billion For Transport In 2010-11 State Budget
* Epping To Chatswood Rail Link Stations Win Top Architecture Award
Click Here
* Metrobus Expansion
* Sydney’s First GreenWay Along Light Rail Extension
* Coopernook To Herons Creek Upgrade Open To Traffic
* 167 Extra Taxis On The Road
* Burwood Station Upgrade Completed
* Track Laid On Richmond Line Duplication
* Bega Bypass Project
* $7 Billion For Transport In 2010-11 State Budget
* Epping To Chatswood Rail Link Stations Win Top Architecture Award
Click Here
Monday, September 27, 2010
New "Bus Buzz" from ITLS
The Intstitute of Transport and Logistics Studies (Sydney University) has created a new information newsletter about buses as part of the public transport system. The editors of the newsletter are Dr Rhonda Daniels and Prof Corinne Mulley who presented at the WSPTU Transport Symposium recently.
Read the "Bus Buzz" here.
Read the "Bus Buzz" here.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Transport Performance Information Release
Information about the performance of the Government owned transport service providers was release on Sept 15. It gives a report against a range of performance measures such as on-time running and breakdowns. For CityRail these measures relate to commitments provided in the "Customer Charter". To see the information in full CLICK HERE
At this stage the information about the performance of transport services provided by the private sector (including buses Western Sydney) is not included. To give a full report on the performance of the public transport system, public transport services provided by the private sector need to be included in future reports.
At this stage the information about the performance of transport services provided by the private sector (including buses Western Sydney) is not included. To give a full report on the performance of the public transport system, public transport services provided by the private sector need to be included in future reports.
Public Transport Most Important
The Institute of Logistics Studies (ITLS) and Interfleet conduct regular quarterly surveys on transport topics. In the September 2010 survey "over half of Australians (57%) said the highest priority issue for transport in Australia is public transport improvements, almost three times more than those who said road improvements were the highest transport priority (20%)".
To see the information release and the full results CLICK HERE
http://sydney.edu.au/business/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/79608/TOPS-media-1009.pdf
To see the information release and the full results CLICK HERE
http://sydney.edu.au/business/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/79608/TOPS-media-1009.pdf
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Barriers To Flexible Transport Services in NSW
Flexible Transport Services is an emerging term in passenger transport which covers a range of mobility offers including Demand Responsive Transport, where services are flexible in one or more of the dimensions of route, vehicle allocation, vehicle operator, type of payment and passenger category. Although flexible transport services are used increasingly in Europe and the US as part of the public transport mix in areas where demand is too low to support conventional public transport, there are few sustained examples of these services in Australia. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in NSW including service providers, peak organisations, users, regulators and policy-makers, the paper identifies barriers to greater use of flexible transport services in NSW. Barriers include institutional frameworks such as policy and regulation; economic issues of funding and fares; operational issues of fleet and vehicles; as well as operator and community attitudes; and information and education. The paper makes recommendations to enable and encourage greater use of flexible transport services by transport service planners and providers.
Rhonda Daniels and Corinne Mulley; Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Email for correspondence: corinne.mulley@sydney.edu.au
Publication website: http://www.patrec.org/atrf.aspx
To read the whole paper CLICK HERE
Rhonda Daniels and Corinne Mulley; Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Email for correspondence: corinne.mulley@sydney.edu.au
Publication website: http://www.patrec.org/atrf.aspx
To read the whole paper CLICK HERE
Monday, September 20, 2010
New 'Guardian' Services for Security on Late-night Trains
People that WSPTU members talk to, particularly young people and older people, report that security is an important issue for them - that they feel safe on public transport. Members have made the point that they would rather see the Transit Officers doing more work on keeping people safe than checking tickets.
For these reasons, it is good to see this new announcement for Guardian Services for late night trains announced by the Minister for Transport.
Click on the link for the full information about the service: www.cityrail.info/guardian
Unfortunately, it's a very limited service covering only one or two trains on a Friday or Saturday night. Ideally all late-night trains should have systems in place to ensure security for the passengers. But this is a start and hopefully, if it gets positive feedback from customers, will be extended in the future.
Here are some comments from the Minister:
“Specific Friday and Saturday night train services will be identified as Guardian services based on customer feedback about when they are most likely to be utilised for late night journeys home from the city.
“Guardian services will be marked with a 'G' on the timetable online.
“These specific services are what people have identified as the most suitable – but CityRail will consider altering them if it receives feedback from the community.
“One service a night for each line will be earmarked as ‘Guardian’ to ensure other services continue to have a strong security presence too.
“In addition to the Guardian services, CityRail staff and security guards will be present at Hub stations along each line each Friday and Saturday night when the services arrive. These stations – which will be main stations or interchanges – will be convenient drop-off and collection points for customers who use the Guardian service."
For these reasons, it is good to see this new announcement for Guardian Services for late night trains announced by the Minister for Transport.
Click on the link for the full information about the service: www.cityrail.info/guardian
Unfortunately, it's a very limited service covering only one or two trains on a Friday or Saturday night. Ideally all late-night trains should have systems in place to ensure security for the passengers. But this is a start and hopefully, if it gets positive feedback from customers, will be extended in the future.
Here are some comments from the Minister:
“Specific Friday and Saturday night train services will be identified as Guardian services based on customer feedback about when they are most likely to be utilised for late night journeys home from the city.
“Guardian services will be marked with a 'G' on the timetable online.
“These specific services are what people have identified as the most suitable – but CityRail will consider altering them if it receives feedback from the community.
“One service a night for each line will be earmarked as ‘Guardian’ to ensure other services continue to have a strong security presence too.
“In addition to the Guardian services, CityRail staff and security guards will be present at Hub stations along each line each Friday and Saturday night when the services arrive. These stations – which will be main stations or interchanges – will be convenient drop-off and collection points for customers who use the Guardian service."
Monday, September 13, 2010
CityRail Timetable Changes 2010
For information about CityRail timetable changes on all lines CLICK HERE
CITYRAIL BLUE MOUNTAINS OCTOBER 2010 TIMETABLE CHANGES
Blue Mountains Line
•Customers will continue to receive the same level of service, frequency and stopping patterns as in the current timetable however some departures times may change.
•2.39pm Central to Lithgow weekday service will make an additional stop at Emu Plains at 3.33pm for school children travelling to Blue Mountains stations.
•On weekdays and weekends, services from the City will depart stations between Woodford and Mount Victoria/Lithgow one to four minutes earlier than in the current timetable.
Check 131500 for details.
•Customers will continue to receive the same level of service, frequency and stopping patterns as in the current timetable however some departures times may change.
•2.39pm Central to Lithgow weekday service will make an additional stop at Emu Plains at 3.33pm for school children travelling to Blue Mountains stations.
•On weekdays and weekends, services from the City will depart stations between Woodford and Mount Victoria/Lithgow one to four minutes earlier than in the current timetable.
Check 131500 for details.
EFTPOS on stations
Over the last few months Eftpos has begun being installed on train station ticketing machines. This makes it easier for people to access the machines without needing cash. It's particularly good for people buying expensive tickets such as weeklies and MyZone tickets. The minimum amount, however, has been removed so even small transactions are now accepted.
The downside of this is that, in the future, there may be a push to reduce the number of station staff.
APT - "FARE GO" FOR PASSENGERS ON CASHLESS BUSES
A consumer group says State Transit must revise its policies and practices for PrePay bus routes because people are being irritated by difficulties in buying a ticket.
Allan Miles, spokesman for Action for Public Transport, said that the rapid spread of PrePay bus zones is catching more people out.
"People can be stranded without a ticket for various reasons," Mr Miles said, " - ignorance, current ticket expired, no local agents, agent out of stock, ticket in the other handbag, etc."
"While most regular travellers on these routes have a prepaid ticket (MyZone, MyBus, PET or other)," Mr Miles said, "a large number of casual travellers and visitors are having their travel disrupted."
"New Prepay zones commencing on 20th September will extend the no-cash fares area from Newtown and Leichhardt in the west to Bondi Junction in the east and Maroubra Junction in the south-east," Mr Miles said, "plus zones at Parramatta, Epping and Chatswood stations".
Mr Miles said that the no-cash policy applies not only to the special PrePay only routes, but to all routes passing through those areas between 7 am and 7 pm Monday to Friday.
Some people are perplexed by the whole ticketing system," Mr Miles said, "and need the bus driver's advice, information which often cannot be supplied by an agent."
Mr Miles said that the booklet explaining the inner-west conversion from 20th September contains 24 pages of mostly microscopic print.
"If it needs twenty-four pages to tell you how to buy a bus ticket, perhaps someone should re-think the system," Mr Miles said.
"While we approve of the general strategy behind the PrePay move," Mr Miles said, "State Transit needs to both allow for exceptions and to improve its ticket distribution practices."
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hills Transport Group
WSPTU members have created a Hills Transport Group to work on developing ideas to improve transport for people in the Hills and surrounding areas. They have the support of the Green Travel Club at the Rouse Hill Town Centre and will be meeting there regularly. If you are interested in this group contact Amy via wsbustop@gmail.com or on 9687 8937.
Green Travel Club - Rouse Hill Town Centre
The Green Travel Club is an interesting outcome from the development of the Rouse Hill Town Centre. Funds mandated through the DA process have gone into creating the Green Travel Club which is actively involved with promoting sustainable transport options for the people who use the Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Here is the blurb from GPT, who is the Town Centre developer:
"As the developer, owner and manager of Rouse Hill Town Centre, the GPT Group is committed to reducing the ecological impact of our business. We believe that a healthy environment and community can be achieved through long-term commitment and shared responsibility."
Click here for the website
Here is the blurb from GPT, who is the Town Centre developer:
"As the developer, owner and manager of Rouse Hill Town Centre, the GPT Group is committed to reducing the ecological impact of our business. We believe that a healthy environment and community can be achieved through long-term commitment and shared responsibility."
Click here for the website
Car Park and Access at Warwick Farm
The new car park at Warwick Farm train station is well underway and the new access to the station, with lifts and new stairs is also progressing.
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For the Transport Construction Authority information about Car Parks click here
Transport NSW Media Release about Glenfield Car Park and others: click here
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For the Transport Construction Authority information about Car Parks click here
Transport NSW Media Release about Glenfield Car Park and others: click here
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
COMMUTERS URGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON TIMETABLE CHANGES
Parramatta City Council
Media Release
23 August, 2010
Parramatta City Council Lord Mayor, Cr Paul Garrard, has encouraged Western Sydney commuters to voice their concern about proposed changes to Sydney’s ferry timetable, before August 25.
Cr Garrard said the draft timetable on exhibition offered little benefit for Parramatta commuters and that Council’s calls for an effective ferry service which picked up passengers in Drummoyne, Meadowbank, Abbotsford and Cabarita, had once again been ignored.
“The State Government announced the River Express last November and it has been a sinking ship since day one,” Cr Garrard said.
Click here for Transport NSW consultation.
Media Release
23 August, 2010
Parramatta City Council Lord Mayor, Cr Paul Garrard, has encouraged Western Sydney commuters to voice their concern about proposed changes to Sydney’s ferry timetable, before August 25.
Cr Garrard said the draft timetable on exhibition offered little benefit for Parramatta commuters and that Council’s calls for an effective ferry service which picked up passengers in Drummoyne, Meadowbank, Abbotsford and Cabarita, had once again been ignored.
“The State Government announced the River Express last November and it has been a sinking ship since day one,” Cr Garrard said.
Click here for Transport NSW consultation.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Progress On Light Rail in Sydney Inner West
While light rail system isn't being developed in Western Sydney, it is interesting to see the development of the new light rail corridor through the Inner West from Lilyfield to Summer Hill and Dulwich Hill. This is an extension of the existing system from Central to Lilyfield via Star City, Fish Markets and Glebe.
There are some community meetings scheduled: Click Here from more information from Transport NSW.
Sydney Light Rail Extensions
There are some community meetings scheduled: Click Here from more information from Transport NSW.
Sydney Light Rail Extensions
Monday, August 16, 2010
Completed Bankstown Bus Interchange
The new bus interchange on the South side of Bankstown Station was completed earlier this year and has made a great improvement to the amenity of the area and improved the flow of buses through the Bankstown town centre. You can see pictures of the work being done on google maps here
The whole area around Bankstown Station is looking really good and working well. It will be a good interchange for the new Metrobus system when it starts. The M90, M91 and M92 will be going to Bankstown.
There is a second wave of changes due to happen around Paul Keating Park.
It would be good to get more train services on that South Line.
Closing the Accessibility Gap for the Bus System
At the WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010, Dr Rhonda Daniels and Professor Corinne Mulley from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) at Sydney University presented a paper called "Closing The Accessibility Gap". This refers to the distance to the nearest bus stop that is specified in the Bus Planning Guidelines in NSW.
You can see the full Powerpoint presentation here.
The suggestions which came from this workshop were to lobby government to:
› Measure the distance properly
– actual 400 m, not straight line
› Increase resources to meet the Govt’s 90% of households
within 400 m criteria in all metro bus contract regions
› Improve all aspects of the accessibility gap:
spatial, timing, cost, physical access, information
› Encourage more flexible transport services
– trial integrated approach in one bus contract region
› Increase funding for community transport and broaden
role
You can see the full Powerpoint presentation here.
The suggestions which came from this workshop were to lobby government to:
› Measure the distance properly
– actual 400 m, not straight line
› Increase resources to meet the Govt’s 90% of households
within 400 m criteria in all metro bus contract regions
› Improve all aspects of the accessibility gap:
spatial, timing, cost, physical access, information
› Encourage more flexible transport services
– trial integrated approach in one bus contract region
› Increase funding for community transport and broaden
role
Faster Trains - Action For Public Transport
Action For Public Transport is lobbying for faster trains on CityRail.Following a meeting with CityRail on 10 August, APT focus has shifted slightly, to the more rapid implementation of faster train services. APT tells us that CityRail is committed to faster trains, but only very gradually, spread over many years.
Click here for the story
Click here for the story
CityRail Customer Charter
At our recent WSPTU Transport Symposium, Vicki Jarvis from Rail Corp provided us with information about the CityRail Customer Charter. Vicki suggested that participating in the Customer Charter was a way for people to influence the planning and operation of CityRail.
People can read about the CityRail 2010 Customer Charter and click through to provide their thoughts about next year's charter here - http://www.cityrail.info/about/charter/update
People can read about the CityRail 2010 Customer Charter and click through to provide their thoughts about next year's charter here - http://www.cityrail.info/about/charter/update
Meet The Manager - CityRail
At the recent WSPTU Transport Symposium, Vicki Jarvis provided us with information about the CityRail 'Meet The Manager' program. In this program Customer Service Managers attend local train stations to be available to talk to customers about CityRail services.
You can find a timetable of Meet The Manager events on their website:
Click Here: Meet The Manager
You can find a timetable of Meet The Manager events on their website:
Click Here: Meet The Manager
Monday, August 9, 2010
Great Day at the WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010
We had a great day at the WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010 last Saturday, August 7, at the Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre.
WSPTU thanks our guest presenters for their terrific contributions:
Prof Corrine Mulley and Dr Rhonda Daniels from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the Univeristy of Sydney
Vicki Jarvis from Railcorp
John Evenden from Accessible Public Domain and Dave Davies from Busways
We had people attending, as individuals and representing groups, from the Macarthur, the Hills, Parramatta, Fairfield, Bankstown, Liverpool, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Penrith and the Blue Mountains.
It was also great to connect with a lot of new people who are interested to work to help improve public transport in their local areas.
Also thanks to Ray Williams MP, Liberal Member for the Hawkesbury, and Stacy Ryan, from Minister David Borger's Office, for attending and adding to the day. Thanks also to the people who attended from the NSW Commuters Council, Action For Public Transport and EcoTransit. Thanks also to Western Sydney Community Forum for supporting the day and the WSPTU.
We will process all the information gathered and we will publish that as soon as possible. We will also prepare a report for participants and develop a follow-up program of recommendations and actions for local groups and the WSPTU Steering Committee. We will also contact all the people who nominated for the WSPTU Steering Committee.
Thanks to everyone who came and participated.
WSPTU thanks our guest presenters for their terrific contributions:
Prof Corrine Mulley and Dr Rhonda Daniels from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies at the Univeristy of Sydney
Vicki Jarvis from Railcorp
John Evenden from Accessible Public Domain and Dave Davies from Busways
We had people attending, as individuals and representing groups, from the Macarthur, the Hills, Parramatta, Fairfield, Bankstown, Liverpool, Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Penrith and the Blue Mountains.
It was also great to connect with a lot of new people who are interested to work to help improve public transport in their local areas.
Also thanks to Ray Williams MP, Liberal Member for the Hawkesbury, and Stacy Ryan, from Minister David Borger's Office, for attending and adding to the day. Thanks also to the people who attended from the NSW Commuters Council, Action For Public Transport and EcoTransit. Thanks also to Western Sydney Community Forum for supporting the day and the WSPTU.
We will process all the information gathered and we will publish that as soon as possible. We will also prepare a report for participants and develop a follow-up program of recommendations and actions for local groups and the WSPTU Steering Committee. We will also contact all the people who nominated for the WSPTU Steering Committee.
Thanks to everyone who came and participated.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
First Tracks Laid On Richmond Line Duplication
The first track has been laid as part of Stage 1 of the $230 million Richmond Line Duplication project.
The rail duplication, the new carpark at Quakers Hill and the Quakers Hill Station redevelopment are part of the project.
Construction is due to be completed in late 2011.
Construction on the new station at Schofields began earlier this year. The new Schofields Station will include a commuter car park, lifts, a bus interchange, taxi zones and kiss-and-ride facilities.
To see pictures of the building in progress click here
To read the Minister' full press release click here
The rail duplication, the new carpark at Quakers Hill and the Quakers Hill Station redevelopment are part of the project.
Construction is due to be completed in late 2011.
Construction on the new station at Schofields began earlier this year. The new Schofields Station will include a commuter car park, lifts, a bus interchange, taxi zones and kiss-and-ride facilities.
To see pictures of the building in progress click here
To read the Minister' full press release click here
Monday, July 26, 2010
Save Our Buses group at Westfield for the Transport Symposium
TRANSPORT SYMPOSIUM 2010 on August 7
Members of the Save Our Buses Mt Druitt and Surrounding Areas were at the Westfield shopping centre last weekend to let people know about the WSPTU Transport Symposium coming on August 7 (see the links on this page on the left-side menu).
Friday, July 23, 2010
Planning Parramatta - Whitlam Institute Event
Good afternoon Western Sydney Public Transport Users,
The Whitlam Institute is co hosting an event next week in Parramatta that we thought that you and your networks may be interested in. There are three forums in total, but it is the second forum on Urban Planning that would be of particular interest.
We would be very appreciative if you could circulate this information to your networks.
The Whitlam Institute and Riverside Theatres are presenting a three course banquet of erudition and revelry on Crime, Punishment & Urban Planning in NSW as part of ParraMac, Parramatta’s celebrations of the bicentenary of Lachlan Macquarie’s Governorship of NSW.
SECOND COURSE A Dog’s Breakfast or a Moveable Feast? Should Parramatta be torn down and redeveloped from scratch?
7pm WEDNESDAY 28 JULY, $15.00
A forum on the future of Greater Sydney’s urban design and planning with Bob Meyer, Director of Planning, Cox Richardson Architects and Planners, Philip Thalis, founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Elizabeth Farrelly, author and Sydney Morning Herald columnist.
Governor Lachlan Macquarie had big plans for Parramatta. Come along to this forum to hear some of Sydney’s best and boldest architectural and urban planning thinkers debate ideas about population, sustainability and the modern city.
VENUE: RIVERSIDE THEATRES, CNR CHURCH & MARKET STREETS
BOOKINGS: 02 8839 3399 WWW.RIVERSIDEPARRAMATTA.COM.AU
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.whitlam.org/the_program/the_grand_macquarie_feast
Many thanks!
Amy
Amy Sambrooke
Communications Officer
Whitlam Institute
within the University of Western Sydney
Parramatta Campus
Ph: 02-9685 9072
Email: a.sambrooke@uws.edu.au
The Whitlam Institute is co hosting an event next week in Parramatta that we thought that you and your networks may be interested in. There are three forums in total, but it is the second forum on Urban Planning that would be of particular interest.
We would be very appreciative if you could circulate this information to your networks.
The Whitlam Institute and Riverside Theatres are presenting a three course banquet of erudition and revelry on Crime, Punishment & Urban Planning in NSW as part of ParraMac, Parramatta’s celebrations of the bicentenary of Lachlan Macquarie’s Governorship of NSW.
SECOND COURSE A Dog’s Breakfast or a Moveable Feast? Should Parramatta be torn down and redeveloped from scratch?
7pm WEDNESDAY 28 JULY, $15.00
A forum on the future of Greater Sydney’s urban design and planning with Bob Meyer, Director of Planning, Cox Richardson Architects and Planners, Philip Thalis, founding principal of Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects and Elizabeth Farrelly, author and Sydney Morning Herald columnist.
Governor Lachlan Macquarie had big plans for Parramatta. Come along to this forum to hear some of Sydney’s best and boldest architectural and urban planning thinkers debate ideas about population, sustainability and the modern city.
VENUE: RIVERSIDE THEATRES, CNR CHURCH & MARKET STREETS
BOOKINGS: 02 8839 3399 WWW.RIVERSIDEPARRAMATTA.COM.AU
MORE INFORMATION: http://www.whitlam.org/the_program/the_grand_macquarie_feast
Many thanks!
Amy
Amy Sambrooke
Communications Officer
Whitlam Institute
within the University of Western Sydney
Parramatta Campus
Ph: 02-9685 9072
Email: a.sambrooke@uws.edu.au
New Metrobus Network - including Western Sydney
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Metrobuses are a new idea for the way in which bus services are designed and delivered. The buses themselves are branded differently, by being painted bright red and labelled as Metrobus, they are often bigger, extended buses, high frequency (therefore no timetable needed) and the routes are designed differently.
Unlike the traditional design for suburban bus routes, the Metrobus routes traverse across a number of popular areas and centres. The traditional style routes tend to work on a 'radial' design, where they start in a quiet, residential area and head into a busy centre, for example a train station or shopping centre, where they terminate.
The Metrobus network has been trialled and introduced in Eastern Sydney since 2008. You can find information about them on 131500 click here
Here is a map of the proposed new Metrobus routes click here
It appears that the new Metrobus network has great potential to provide a quality service on the important north-south connections that Greater Western Sydney really needs and that people have been calling for, for a long time.
Here is an excerpt from the Minister's Media Release:
The Metrobus network will be expanded across Sydney, with the number of routes increasing from five to 13 and the first new service starting in less than three weeks.
Eight extra Metrobus routes will be rolled out over the coming 12 months, providing 400,000 additional bus passenger spaces a week.
The expanded network will reach:
• Parramatta, Bankstown and Liverpool in the west;
• Hornsby in the north;
• Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills in the north west; and
• Hurstville and Sutherland Shire in the South.
Metrobuses run seven days a week, with a 10 minute frequency during peak periods, every 15 minutes during the weekday off-peak, and 20 minutes in the evening and on weekends.
Around 380 bus drivers will be rostered on each weekday to run services across the expanded 13 route Metrobus network by the middle of next year.
More than 4.5 million passengers caught a Metrobus since the services were introduced by the State Government in late 2008.
For the full media release click here
Monday, July 19, 2010
FAIRFIELD INTERCHANGE UPGRADE
Minister for Transport John Robertson visited Fairfield Station to announce a $5.5 million upgrade of the Fairfield transport interchange.
“There will be more room for buses, taxis and cars dropping off and picking up passengers from the station and more shelter to protect people from the sun and the rain.
“The new bus interchange on the western side of the station will include new bus bays, expanded waiting areas for passengers and new shelters.
“Dedicated taxi and kiss ‘n’ ride areas will be provided on both sides of the station, along with improved signage and bicycle facilities," said the Minister.
For the full release, including a diagram, CLICK HERE
“There will be more room for buses, taxis and cars dropping off and picking up passengers from the station and more shelter to protect people from the sun and the rain.
“The new bus interchange on the western side of the station will include new bus bays, expanded waiting areas for passengers and new shelters.
“Dedicated taxi and kiss ‘n’ ride areas will be provided on both sides of the station, along with improved signage and bicycle facilities," said the Minister.
For the full release, including a diagram, CLICK HERE
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Human Rights Commission - Bus Stop Guidelines
The Human Rights Commission has proposed a set of guidelines for assessing the accessibility of bus stops.
http://humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/transport/Bus_Stops_Guidelines.doc
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 made it an offence to discriminate against people who have a disability. The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 were developed to inform public transport providers and operators with clarity over the level of service they were required to provide to enable people with mobility constraints to access public transport. According to the Standards all bus stops are supposed to be made accessible by 2022.
There are about 10,300 bus stops in Western Sydney. At this time it is not known how many of those bus stops meet the accessibility standards.
There has been a very inconsistent approach to the provision of bus stops in Australia. This undervalues the importance that bus stops can have on the experience of using the bus system. A poor experience using bus stops can give people a negative impression of the bus system and turn people away from using buses. And while accessibility is of prime importance, information, comfort and safety also effect the passengers' experience. We should be looking to make sure all bus stops are accessible, have good information and provide good safety and comfort for passengers.
http://humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/transport/Bus_Stops_Guidelines.doc
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 made it an offence to discriminate against people who have a disability. The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 were developed to inform public transport providers and operators with clarity over the level of service they were required to provide to enable people with mobility constraints to access public transport. According to the Standards all bus stops are supposed to be made accessible by 2022.
There are about 10,300 bus stops in Western Sydney. At this time it is not known how many of those bus stops meet the accessibility standards.
There has been a very inconsistent approach to the provision of bus stops in Australia. This undervalues the importance that bus stops can have on the experience of using the bus system. A poor experience using bus stops can give people a negative impression of the bus system and turn people away from using buses. And while accessibility is of prime importance, information, comfort and safety also effect the passengers' experience. We should be looking to make sure all bus stops are accessible, have good information and provide good safety and comfort for passengers.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Parramatta Lord Mayor's Transport Forum
The Lord Mayor of Parramatta hosted a forum focussing on transport issues at the Sebel in Parramatta today.
The main issues raised were:
* The importance of Parramatta as the second city of Sydney and the potential of Western Sydney to outgrow the established, pre-1948, Eastern Sydney in the near future.
* The importance of consolidating the idea of the City of Cities with good transport connections between the Western Sydney cities, Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool and the other regional and specialist centres such as Campbelltown, Blacktown and Macquarie Park.
* The determination of Parramatta Council to advocate for the completion of the Epping to Parramatta Rail link.
* Many people from the Epping and Carlingford area spoke to advocate for better transport connections into their area.
* The importance of including Parramatta and Westmead in the 'Global Arc' of Sydney.
* The importance of establishing strong governance and funding structures at the state level to ensure that long-term plans are made and enacted.
From a WSPTU perspective, it was disappointing that there was no talk about local transport or thinking about building transport from a household level. It was all infrastructure, lines on maps and 'big picture' stuff . The Shadow Transport Minister did, however, reinforce the Opposition's pledge to increase funding to Community Transport. She also spoke very favourably of the work of Community Transport which was not mentioned by anyone else.
Here is a link to the Lord Mayors Column
Parramatta City Council Transport webpage
Council's "Destination Parramatta" webpage
Parramatta Twenty25 Plan - Dreaming Parramatta
The main issues raised were:
* The importance of Parramatta as the second city of Sydney and the potential of Western Sydney to outgrow the established, pre-1948, Eastern Sydney in the near future.
* The importance of consolidating the idea of the City of Cities with good transport connections between the Western Sydney cities, Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool and the other regional and specialist centres such as Campbelltown, Blacktown and Macquarie Park.
* The determination of Parramatta Council to advocate for the completion of the Epping to Parramatta Rail link.
* Many people from the Epping and Carlingford area spoke to advocate for better transport connections into their area.
* The importance of including Parramatta and Westmead in the 'Global Arc' of Sydney.
* The importance of establishing strong governance and funding structures at the state level to ensure that long-term plans are made and enacted.
From a WSPTU perspective, it was disappointing that there was no talk about local transport or thinking about building transport from a household level. It was all infrastructure, lines on maps and 'big picture' stuff . The Shadow Transport Minister did, however, reinforce the Opposition's pledge to increase funding to Community Transport. She also spoke very favourably of the work of Community Transport which was not mentioned by anyone else.
Here is a link to the Lord Mayors Column
Parramatta City Council Transport webpage
Council's "Destination Parramatta" webpage
Parramatta Twenty25 Plan - Dreaming Parramatta
Monday, June 21, 2010
NSW Transport - new enabling legislation is passed
The community expects the Government to deliver a transport system that is integrated and coordinated; has a high standard of reliability and cleanliness; has coordinated timetables that effectively link trains, buses and ferries with each other; has easy to navigate transport interchanges; manages incidents when they occur in an efficient and coordinated way; has the appropriate resources in place to deliver improved services; continues to expand to cater for the future in a timely and coordinated way; has a single person in charge who is accountable for improved services, rather than multiple transport providers doing their own thing; focuses on reducing congestion through both immediate network improvements and integrated long-term strategies and infrastructure investment; and, most importantly, is safe.
John Robertson, Minister for Transport, to the parliament, June 2nd, 2010.
Click heree for a full Hansard transcript of the Minister's speech and the debate.
Full copy of the published Transport Administration Amendment Bill 2010.
John Robertson, Minister for Transport, to the parliament, June 2nd, 2010.
Click heree for a full Hansard transcript of the Minister's speech and the debate.
Full copy of the published Transport Administration Amendment Bill 2010.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Performance Audit of Bus Services 2010
Conclusion
The 2004 Review of Bus Services in NSW always envisaged that there would be a transition period as the new bus contracts were introduced. NSWTI has developed and implemented the new arrangements, and pursued a range of new initiatives including the network improvement program, strategic corridors and uniform bus fares and concessions.
The new contracts provided for a performance management regime to hold operators accountable. But this is still being developed four years after the bus contracts came into effect and it remains unproven as a basis for ensuring value for money from the contracts - each of which guarantees monopoly rights to the operators.(page 2)
These are the questions the NSW Auditor General asks:
* How do the bus contracts work?
* Have clear performance objectives been set?
* Is operator performance closely monitored?
* Is performance information accurate and timely?
* Is action taken to correct any deficiencies?
For people interested in the service coverge of bus services there is a fantastic chart in Appendix 3 on page 28. This shows that, in the six regions in Western Sydney (Regions 1,2,3,4,13,15), between 69% and 90% of people live within 400m of a public transport route.
Click here for the full report
The 2004 Review of Bus Services in NSW always envisaged that there would be a transition period as the new bus contracts were introduced. NSWTI has developed and implemented the new arrangements, and pursued a range of new initiatives including the network improvement program, strategic corridors and uniform bus fares and concessions.
The new contracts provided for a performance management regime to hold operators accountable. But this is still being developed four years after the bus contracts came into effect and it remains unproven as a basis for ensuring value for money from the contracts - each of which guarantees monopoly rights to the operators.(page 2)
These are the questions the NSW Auditor General asks:
* How do the bus contracts work?
* Have clear performance objectives been set?
* Is operator performance closely monitored?
* Is performance information accurate and timely?
* Is action taken to correct any deficiencies?
For people interested in the service coverge of bus services there is a fantastic chart in Appendix 3 on page 28. This shows that, in the six regions in Western Sydney (Regions 1,2,3,4,13,15), between 69% and 90% of people live within 400m of a public transport route.
Click here for the full report
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
E2: Transport - London: The Price Of Traffic
On ABC2 starting on June 16.
The new six-part series, e² transport is an enlightening and critically acclaimed PBS series narrated by Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Brad Pitt, about the innovators and pioneers who envision a better quality of life on earth: socially, culturally, economically and ecologically.
Click here E2: Transport - London: The Price Of Traffic
The new six-part series, e² transport is an enlightening and critically acclaimed PBS series narrated by Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Brad Pitt, about the innovators and pioneers who envision a better quality of life on earth: socially, culturally, economically and ecologically.
Click here E2: Transport - London: The Price Of Traffic
WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010
Click here for a Google Map of the location
(Click on the image for full size)
RSVP by August 4. wsbustop@gmail.com or phone 9633 5068.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
No Harsh Fines
The group Don't Vote For The Major Parties has made a comedy video highlighting the issue of the damaging effects that harsh fines can have on young people and the higher likelihood that young people will get fined.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Railway History and Reconciliation Road Extension
This interesting peice was sent to WSPTU from Kevin Eadie at Action For Public Transport (APT NSW).
Reconciliation Road Extension
I note that earthworks for the southern extension of Reconciliation Road through Boral's Prospect Quarry currently end abruptly at the Liverpool-Parramatta Transitway. Thank you for the information that the further southern extension will involve a signalised intersection with Davis Road.
To reach Davis Road, the extension of Reconciliation Rd must obviously cross the Tway, the water supply pielines, and Prospect Creek.
My prime interest is the preservation of the remains of the timber trestle railway bridge, including approach embankments, abutments, three or four "skew" piers, and associated civil works, which carried the Widemere Quarry Railway across Prospect Creek. The remains lie directly in the path of the road extenson, approximately twenty metres west of the Widemere Rd crossing of Prospect Creek.
The railway was operational between about 1925 and 1945. At least one report on the history of the railway claims that all remains have been destroyed. This is clearly not the case. I understand that a heritage assessment regarding the trestle remains was prepared for the environmental impact statement leading up to the construction of the Transitway in about 2002, but I have not seen that documentation.
I would like to know how the current plans allow for Reconcilliation Road to cross the T-way, the water pipelines, and Prospect Creek and whether the trestle remains are to be protected.
Reconciliation Road Extension
I note that earthworks for the southern extension of Reconciliation Road through Boral's Prospect Quarry currently end abruptly at the Liverpool-Parramatta Transitway. Thank you for the information that the further southern extension will involve a signalised intersection with Davis Road.
To reach Davis Road, the extension of Reconciliation Rd must obviously cross the Tway, the water supply pielines, and Prospect Creek.
My prime interest is the preservation of the remains of the timber trestle railway bridge, including approach embankments, abutments, three or four "skew" piers, and associated civil works, which carried the Widemere Quarry Railway across Prospect Creek. The remains lie directly in the path of the road extenson, approximately twenty metres west of the Widemere Rd crossing of Prospect Creek.
The railway was operational between about 1925 and 1945. At least one report on the history of the railway claims that all remains have been destroyed. This is clearly not the case. I understand that a heritage assessment regarding the trestle remains was prepared for the environmental impact statement leading up to the construction of the Transitway in about 2002, but I have not seen that documentation.
I would like to know how the current plans allow for Reconcilliation Road to cross the T-way, the water pipelines, and Prospect Creek and whether the trestle remains are to be protected.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
'The Gap' and the Bus Network Review
Many of the entries on this Blog, and the associated links, are about people who are unhappy with changes to the bus network which have made it harder for them to catch the bus. Western Sydney Community Forum has written a discussion paper about this and they have called the problem 'The Gap'.
'The Gap'
As the Bus Reform (the Bus Network Review) process has progressed, putting an emphasis on faster, more direct bus services which do not circulate through the suburban side-streets as much as they did previously, there has been an outcry from many older people who are feeling the effects of this as social exclusion because their bus routes have changed and they can no longer access the services they once enjoyed. They resent having a service taken away and often feel neglected by the Government and services providers - as if they ‘don’t count’ anymore.
Click here to read the paper (2 pages long).
'The Gap'
As the Bus Reform (the Bus Network Review) process has progressed, putting an emphasis on faster, more direct bus services which do not circulate through the suburban side-streets as much as they did previously, there has been an outcry from many older people who are feeling the effects of this as social exclusion because their bus routes have changed and they can no longer access the services they once enjoyed. They resent having a service taken away and often feel neglected by the Government and services providers - as if they ‘don’t count’ anymore.
Click here to read the paper (2 pages long).
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Transport and the Henry Tax Review
Transport is an important part of the Henry Tax Review, but the Government has not picked up any of the recommendations in this round of reforms. They seem to have their hands quite full at the moment.
It is disappointing, though, for people who have been talking about the problems with the fringe benefit tax, the system of lease-back cars, and the lack of facility to claim public transport use as a tax deduction.
Here are the relevant links taken from the Going Solar newsletter.
Australia’s Future Tax System
(Henry Tax Review) 2010
Consultation Paper, Section 12: Fuel, Roads and Transport
See: http://taxreview.treasury.gov.au/content/ConsultationPaper.aspx?doc=html/publications/Papers/Consultation_Paper/section_12.htm Final Report: Overview – Chapter 12: List of Recommendations
See Recommendations 9 (a) and 61-68: http://taxreview.treasury.gov.au/content/FinalReport.aspx?doc=html/publications/papers/Final_Report_Part_1/chapter_12.htm
It is disappointing, though, for people who have been talking about the problems with the fringe benefit tax, the system of lease-back cars, and the lack of facility to claim public transport use as a tax deduction.
Here are the relevant links taken from the Going Solar newsletter.
Australia’s Future Tax System
(Henry Tax Review) 2010
Consultation Paper, Section 12: Fuel, Roads and Transport
See: http://taxreview.treasury.gov.au/content/ConsultationPaper.aspx?doc=html/publications/Papers/Consultation_Paper/section_12.htm Final Report: Overview – Chapter 12: List of Recommendations
See Recommendations 9 (a) and 61-68: http://taxreview.treasury.gov.au/content/FinalReport.aspx?doc=html/publications/papers/Final_Report_Part_1/chapter_12.htm
WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010 - August 7
The WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010 will be on August 7 at the Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre from 10am to 4pm.
At the last meeting of the WSPTU main group, we decided that we would proceed with the idea of having another symposium like we did last year. The design of the Symposium will probably be different, however, because the Symposium in 2009 was largely about people from different groups meeting each other and finding out what the different groups do.
At this last meeting some of the WSPTU groups made a number of suggestions about what should happen at the Symposium. The WSPTU Steering Group will now start organising the Symposium, in consultation with the member groups. If you have any suggestions for things that you would like to see at the Symposium please leave a comment here or email us at wsbustop@gmail.com .
At the last meeting of the WSPTU main group, we decided that we would proceed with the idea of having another symposium like we did last year. The design of the Symposium will probably be different, however, because the Symposium in 2009 was largely about people from different groups meeting each other and finding out what the different groups do.
At this last meeting some of the WSPTU groups made a number of suggestions about what should happen at the Symposium. The WSPTU Steering Group will now start organising the Symposium, in consultation with the member groups. If you have any suggestions for things that you would like to see at the Symposium please leave a comment here or email us at wsbustop@gmail.com .
Monday, May 10, 2010
Council For Intellectual Disability Consultation
In April, people at the NSW Council For Intellectual Disability hosted one of their regular Forums in Blacktown Libary and the topic was 'transport'.
Here are their recommendations:
* Announcements on the train need to be clearer and louder.
* People need to be told by an announcement "Go to the guard's carriage for security".
* People need to watch out for the gap between the train and the platform. Why can't there be something that comes out from the train to cover the gap?
* The words on the station platform indicator screens need to be bigger and they need to change more slowly. The words need to stay on the screen longer.
* Remember that when changes are made, like when a train or a bus is cancelled, some people can find it very difficult to figure out what to do. Changes shouldn't be made if possible. Station staff need to be sensitive to this and make sure everyone knows what to do.
To find out more about the Council For Intellectual Disability, click here: NSW CID
Here are their recommendations:
* Announcements on the train need to be clearer and louder.
* People need to be told by an announcement "Go to the guard's carriage for security".
* People need to watch out for the gap between the train and the platform. Why can't there be something that comes out from the train to cover the gap?
* The words on the station platform indicator screens need to be bigger and they need to change more slowly. The words need to stay on the screen longer.
* Remember that when changes are made, like when a train or a bus is cancelled, some people can find it very difficult to figure out what to do. Changes shouldn't be made if possible. Station staff need to be sensitive to this and make sure everyone knows what to do.
To find out more about the Council For Intellectual Disability, click here: NSW CID
Congestion Charging Discussion
Part of the Henry Review of Taxation discussed the use of congestion charging to manage traffic demand and provide revenue for public transport. This hasn't been one of the issues that the Federal Government has decided to pick up. Why not? How would a congestion charge effect people in Western Sydney?
The ABC is doing a program about this issue today Monday May 10. Here is the link: ABC Australia Talks
The ABC is doing a program about this issue today Monday May 10. Here is the link: ABC Australia Talks
Campbelltown Submission to Metro Transport Plan
Bill Craig has prepared a submission for the Metropolitan Transport Plan on behalf of the Campbelltown and District Commuters Association. Click Here
Date: 27/04/2010
Contents
Introduction
Why Should We Worry?
Austerity
The Carbon Fuel Cycle
Electricity
Transport
Water Resources and Consumption
Future Directions
“Alternate” Energy Generation
What if.....
About the Author
Attachments
Why Rail Electrification?
Ultra Light Rail
Transport Considerations
Date: 27/04/2010
Contents
Introduction
Why Should We Worry?
Austerity
The Carbon Fuel Cycle
Electricity
Transport
Water Resources and Consumption
Future Directions
“Alternate” Energy Generation
What if.....
About the Author
Attachments
Why Rail Electrification?
Ultra Light Rail
Transport Considerations
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
WSPTU Meeting This Saturday May 8th
WSPTU will be meeting again this Saturday.
If you are part of a group working on transport issues in your area and you would like to be part of WSPTU please come to the meeting. Give us a call on 02 9633 5068 or email wsbustop@gmail.com if you would like to confirm. If you are not part of a group but would like to be then please contact us.
At this meeting we will be getting feedback from what the local groups have been doing and we will be starting to plan our Transport Symposium 2010 scheduled for August 7.
Saturday, May 8
2pm - 4pm
at Western Sydney Community Forum
Level 4, 146 Marsden St
Parramatta
This is a security building on the weekend so you will need to wait at the front door and we'll be there to let you in, or call Hugh on 0407 232 879 for access.
A short walk from Parramatta station or the Loop bus.
If you are part of a group working on transport issues in your area and you would like to be part of WSPTU please come to the meeting. Give us a call on 02 9633 5068 or email wsbustop@gmail.com if you would like to confirm. If you are not part of a group but would like to be then please contact us.
At this meeting we will be getting feedback from what the local groups have been doing and we will be starting to plan our Transport Symposium 2010 scheduled for August 7.
Saturday, May 8
2pm - 4pm
at Western Sydney Community Forum
Level 4, 146 Marsden St
Parramatta
This is a security building on the weekend so you will need to wait at the front door and we'll be there to let you in, or call Hugh on 0407 232 879 for access.
A short walk from Parramatta station or the Loop bus.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Other Submissions to the Metropolitan Transport Plan
Western Sydney Community Forum has made a submission to the Plan which can be read here: Western Sydney Community Forum (164kb PDF)
Action For Public Transport's submission is available on their website here:
Action For Public Transport
Action For Public Transport's submission is available on their website here:
Action For Public Transport
WSPTU Submission to the Metropolitan Transport Strategy
The steering group of the WSPTU has put together a submission for the members of the WSPTU which focusses on the issues which WSPTU members have been discussing during 2009/2010.
The submission has been sent to NSW Transport and Infrastructure. Click here to view the WSPTU submission.
The submission has been sent to NSW Transport and Infrastructure. Click here to view the WSPTU submission.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Aboriginal Transport Conference
Aboriginal Transport State Conference
2010 Aboriginal Transport State Conference
Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour ‐ 1st & 2nd July 2010
Aboriginal Transport Dreaming – Reality or Myth“Empowering the community through education, sharing & promoting
culturally appropriate transport solutions.”
2010 Aboriginal Transport State Conference
Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour ‐ 1st & 2nd July 2010
Aboriginal Transport Dreaming – Reality or Myth“Empowering the community through education, sharing & promoting
culturally appropriate transport solutions.”
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Submissions to Metropolitan Transport Plan Due April 30
The NSW Government has release their Metropolitan Transport Plan and given it a website of it's own. It is sub-titled "Connecting The City of Cities". The plan can be downloaded in parts and they are encouraging people to make a submission. April 30 is the deadline for submissions.
Here is the website
http://www.nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate
Here is the website
http://www.nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate
MyZone Introduction Going Smoothly
It appears that the introduction of the new MyZone ticketing system is progressing smoothly. We have heard very few negative comments except from the few people who have been unlucky to lose their existing multi-passes and have an increase in fares.
Most people in Western and South Western Sydney seem happy with the price reductions, particularly for long distance train tickets. People in the North West seem happy with the reduced price and access to the MyBus travel ten tickets.
The mainstream press coverage has been reasonably positive. We've seen no comments made from other transport advocacy groups since the tickets were introduced last Sunday.
It will be interesting to see if there is a strong uptake of bus usage as people discover the value of the MyZone Multi tickets. A strong uptake of bus usage would be terrific in West and South Western Sydney, there is lots of capacity in most places and low bus usage, but it may be problematic for people in the areas closer to the Sydney CBD where buses are already closer to capacity.
Please feel free to leave a comment on this blog or go to the Government's MyZone website if you have anything to say about MyZone.
www.myzone.nsw.gov.au
Most people in Western and South Western Sydney seem happy with the price reductions, particularly for long distance train tickets. People in the North West seem happy with the reduced price and access to the MyBus travel ten tickets.
The mainstream press coverage has been reasonably positive. We've seen no comments made from other transport advocacy groups since the tickets were introduced last Sunday.
It will be interesting to see if there is a strong uptake of bus usage as people discover the value of the MyZone Multi tickets. A strong uptake of bus usage would be terrific in West and South Western Sydney, there is lots of capacity in most places and low bus usage, but it may be problematic for people in the areas closer to the Sydney CBD where buses are already closer to capacity.
Please feel free to leave a comment on this blog or go to the Government's MyZone website if you have anything to say about MyZone.
www.myzone.nsw.gov.au
Flexible Transport Services Seminar
Researchers at The Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) at Sydney University are running a seminar to report back their findings to stakeholders who participated in interviews with them related to the idea of "Flexible Transport".
They tell us:
A draft paper on the research we have prepared for the Australasian Transport Research Forum will be distributed at the seminar for comment.
The seminar details are:
Time and date 10 am – 11.30 am, Tuesday 11 May 2010 (refreshments from 9.45 am)
Location Lecture Theatre at ITLS, 144 Burren St, Newtown www.econ.usyd.edu.au/itls/about/directions
Please RSVP by return email by Fri 7 May 2010.
If you are not able to attend, please pass this invitation on to colleagues who may be interested.
We look forward to seeing you.
Professor Corinne Mulley and Dr Rhonda Daniels
DR RHONDA DANIELS | Senior Research Analyst
Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies | Faculty of Economics and Business
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Rm 208, 144 Burren St Newtown C37 | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006
T +61 2 9351 0175 | F +61 2 9351 0088
E rhonda.daniels@sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au/business/itls
They tell us:
A draft paper on the research we have prepared for the Australasian Transport Research Forum will be distributed at the seminar for comment.
The seminar details are:
Time and date 10 am – 11.30 am, Tuesday 11 May 2010 (refreshments from 9.45 am)
Location Lecture Theatre at ITLS, 144 Burren St, Newtown www.econ.usyd.edu.au/itls/about/directions
Please RSVP by return email by Fri 7 May 2010.
If you are not able to attend, please pass this invitation on to colleagues who may be interested.
We look forward to seeing you.
Professor Corinne Mulley and Dr Rhonda Daniels
DR RHONDA DANIELS | Senior Research Analyst
Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies | Faculty of Economics and Business
THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Rm 208, 144 Burren St Newtown C37 | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006
T +61 2 9351 0175 | F +61 2 9351 0088
E rhonda.daniels@sydney.edu.au | W http://sydney.edu.au/business/itls
Monday, April 19, 2010
New Car Park Has Commenced At St Marys
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The work building a new commuter car park has commenced on the northern side of St Marys Station.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Buses Need To Wait For Passengers Getting Off Trains
This morning, I arrived at Rooty Hill station at 7.33am. By the time I disembarked and made my way to the south side bus stop, I was halfway down the exit stairway, only to watch the Route 738, 7.35am bus service to Eastern Creek business park depart the bus stop.
Only allowing a 2 minute timing between the incoming train arriving and the outbound bus leaving is not long enough, especially in peak times, and then customers have to wait 20 minutes for the next service in peak times.
This will not encourage people to utilize this great service. Especially when Eastern Creek Business park has been identified in the NSW state plan to become a major working hub.
Other than scheduling changes it would also be an advantage to include training for bus drivers that shows staff how to become sensitized to the customers' needs i.e. wait a few extra seconds/ minutes especially at peak times for people to exit the train station. Most fully-able people, when seeing their bus waiting to depart, increase their speed to catch the service.
In my case if the driver had waited a further 30 seconds, my experience would have been enjoyable and I would be telling everyone how easy it was to get to work…
Sue
Only allowing a 2 minute timing between the incoming train arriving and the outbound bus leaving is not long enough, especially in peak times, and then customers have to wait 20 minutes for the next service in peak times.
This will not encourage people to utilize this great service. Especially when Eastern Creek Business park has been identified in the NSW state plan to become a major working hub.
Other than scheduling changes it would also be an advantage to include training for bus drivers that shows staff how to become sensitized to the customers' needs i.e. wait a few extra seconds/ minutes especially at peak times for people to exit the train station. Most fully-able people, when seeing their bus waiting to depart, increase their speed to catch the service.
In my case if the driver had waited a further 30 seconds, my experience would have been enjoyable and I would be telling everyone how easy it was to get to work…
Sue
Monday, April 12, 2010
Get Ready For MyZone Ticketing
NEWS RELEASE: Get Ready for MyZone Tickets
Saturday 10 April 2010
The Action For Public Transport transport consumer group has urged transit users to be ready for the new MyZone tickets that start next week.
Action for Public Transport (APT) secretary, Allan Miles, said, "Commuters should find out which ticket is best for them, and buy some before Monday morning."
"This will help avoid delays at ticket offices and on buses while passengers adjust to the new tickets," he said.
Mr Miles said that MyZone is a revolutionary step in Sydney's transport ticketing in which most existing train, bus, ferry and multi-mode tickets will be replaced by a simpler and broader system.
"In most cases, fares will be the same or less," he said.
"Information booths are being set up at 21 locations around Sydney and the Central Coast," Mr Miles said. "Commuters should visit these, or make enquiries by telephone or on-line or see http://www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/."
For the full release, click here
Saturday 10 April 2010
The Action For Public Transport transport consumer group has urged transit users to be ready for the new MyZone tickets that start next week.
Action for Public Transport (APT) secretary, Allan Miles, said, "Commuters should find out which ticket is best for them, and buy some before Monday morning."
"This will help avoid delays at ticket offices and on buses while passengers adjust to the new tickets," he said.
Mr Miles said that MyZone is a revolutionary step in Sydney's transport ticketing in which most existing train, bus, ferry and multi-mode tickets will be replaced by a simpler and broader system.
"In most cases, fares will be the same or less," he said.
"Information booths are being set up at 21 locations around Sydney and the Central Coast," Mr Miles said. "Commuters should visit these, or make enquiries by telephone or on-line or see http://www.myzone.nsw.gov.au/."
For the full release, click here
ELECTRONIC TICKETING: PREFERRED PROPONENT ANNOUNCED
Media Release; Sunday, 11 April 2010
Minister for Transport and Roads David Campbell today announced that a consortium including partners who delivered the world famous London “Oyster” travel card has been selected as the Preferred Proponent to deliver Sydney’s new $1.2 billion electronic ticketing system.
The Pearl Consortium was selected following an extensive assessment process during which proposals where evaluated against criteria including technical, delivery, financial and economic outcomes.
For the full release, click here
Minister for Transport and Roads David Campbell today announced that a consortium including partners who delivered the world famous London “Oyster” travel card has been selected as the Preferred Proponent to deliver Sydney’s new $1.2 billion electronic ticketing system.
The Pearl Consortium was selected following an extensive assessment process during which proposals where evaluated against criteria including technical, delivery, financial and economic outcomes.
For the full release, click here
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Future of Transport - NSW Commuters Council
Sue Day is the WSPTU representative on the NSW Commuters Council and she is looking for feedback from you to inform her input into an upcoming NSW Commuter Council forum. You can contact her by making a comment at the bottom of this blog entry or by emailing her at suetrac@optushome.com.au
Topics raised for the forum are:
1. Population in the Sydney surrounding areas will rise from 50 to 300
%.
2. Aged population will rise substantially.
3. Need for Transport to and from work and schools will need to be
increased substantially.
4. With the aged population, public transport will be needed no more
that 200 meter from doors.
5. The existing public transport is too slow, too infrequent and too
inaccessible.
6. Road accidents, deaths, injuries are already excessive and will get
worse.
7. Road pollution both chemical and noise are already excessive and will
get worse.
8. There is a strong need to reduce total transport costs.
9. The standard of living of Australians is about to decrease
substantially.
10. Australia wont be able to maintain the taxpayer contributions to
transport due to the decrease in standard of living.
11. Australians are so attached to private car transport that they will
fight strongly to retain it thereby putting massive pressure on
government to build more and better roads unless much better public
transport can be provided.
12. Australian families are strongly opposed to living in high density
residential accommodation and will insist on the continuation of the
urban spread.
13. Possible solutions
13.1 More work, education and health treatment at home and so less
central work, health, and education facilities and less transport
needed.
13.2 A massive expansion of low cost, ultra safe, fast, frequent,
reliable, energy efficient, crewless horizontal lifts from door
to/from local transport interchanges needed. (lift access every 200
metres, local transport interchange every local shopping centre.)
Topics raised for the forum are:
1. Population in the Sydney surrounding areas will rise from 50 to 300
%.
2. Aged population will rise substantially.
3. Need for Transport to and from work and schools will need to be
increased substantially.
4. With the aged population, public transport will be needed no more
that 200 meter from doors.
5. The existing public transport is too slow, too infrequent and too
inaccessible.
6. Road accidents, deaths, injuries are already excessive and will get
worse.
7. Road pollution both chemical and noise are already excessive and will
get worse.
8. There is a strong need to reduce total transport costs.
9. The standard of living of Australians is about to decrease
substantially.
10. Australia wont be able to maintain the taxpayer contributions to
transport due to the decrease in standard of living.
11. Australians are so attached to private car transport that they will
fight strongly to retain it thereby putting massive pressure on
government to build more and better roads unless much better public
transport can be provided.
12. Australian families are strongly opposed to living in high density
residential accommodation and will insist on the continuation of the
urban spread.
13. Possible solutions
13.1 More work, education and health treatment at home and so less
central work, health, and education facilities and less transport
needed.
13.2 A massive expansion of low cost, ultra safe, fast, frequent,
reliable, energy efficient, crewless horizontal lifts from door
to/from local transport interchanges needed. (lift access every 200
metres, local transport interchange every local shopping centre.)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The 552 Bus
In 2008 the Bus Network Review removed the bus from Prince and Bellevue Streets in Oatlands and North Parramatta. Local people lobbied hard to get the bus back. The bus was returned to Prince St on a trial basis but was never restored to Bellevue St. Local people are still working to get the bus back into Bellevue St and confirmed as a permanent service so that they can all get into Parramatta. This video tells that story.
Secure Taxi Ranks
The 'Secure Taxi Ranks' is a new Government program for late night travel from busy 'hot spots'. There are several ranks in Western Sydney operating on Friday and Saturday nights. Here is the list of all the ranks in NSW:
Click here: Secure Taxi Ranks
Click here: Secure Taxi Ranks
The NSW Premier's Debate
Here is a link to a video of the debate between Kristina Keneally and Barry O'Farrell last week. There was a lot of talk about transport.
Click here for the debate
Click here for the debate
Ride to Riverstone Festival - Saturday May 15th 2010
Cycling and Charity Event
A community activity organised by The Riverstone & District Lions Club for the benefit of The Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) for medical research into the prevention of Childhood Cancer.
Depending on the distance chosen, Ride to Riverstone Festival can either be a leisurely ride or a more arduous challenge through the picturesque and historic Hawkesbury and Hills districts.
Click here for more info: Ride To Riverstone Festival
A community activity organised by The Riverstone & District Lions Club for the benefit of The Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) for medical research into the prevention of Childhood Cancer.
Depending on the distance chosen, Ride to Riverstone Festival can either be a leisurely ride or a more arduous challenge through the picturesque and historic Hawkesbury and Hills districts.
Click here for more info: Ride To Riverstone Festival
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sydney 2036 - Metropolitan Strategy Review
NSW Planning has released a discussion paper to initiate a review of the Metropolitan Strategy. The Metropolitan Strategy is about how to plan Sydney, including Western Sydney, and how all the different parts of Sydney relate. This is very important when we are thinking about organising public transport, and transport in general. They are wanting people to comment on their discussion paper by April 30th.
Metropolitan Strategy Review
Metropolitan Strategy Review
Western Sydney 2030
From WSROC - Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils.
______________
Western Sydney is a patchwork of people and communities, reflecting much of Australia's diversity and experience.
From towns nestled in a World Heritage Area to agricultural lands, industrial areas, low and medium density residential areas, and major business centres, Western Sydney residents hail from the four corners of the globe, bringing to Sydney and Australia a diversity of cultural and personal experiences.
It's about time we all had a say in how our lives and communities will be in twenty years' time and beyond. That's why Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has created this website to allow the people who live in Western Sydney to put forward a vision for how Western Sydney should be in 2030.
Through this web site we are asking people to tell us of their hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future. Our expert panel will turn that information into an integrated picture of what life could be like in Western Sydney.
That way the people of Western Sydney will be able to see clearly whether or not policy proposals and promises made by politicians will make life better or not.
http://www.westernsydney2030.com.au/
______________
Western Sydney is a patchwork of people and communities, reflecting much of Australia's diversity and experience.
From towns nestled in a World Heritage Area to agricultural lands, industrial areas, low and medium density residential areas, and major business centres, Western Sydney residents hail from the four corners of the globe, bringing to Sydney and Australia a diversity of cultural and personal experiences.
It's about time we all had a say in how our lives and communities will be in twenty years' time and beyond. That's why Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has created this website to allow the people who live in Western Sydney to put forward a vision for how Western Sydney should be in 2030.
Through this web site we are asking people to tell us of their hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future. Our expert panel will turn that information into an integrated picture of what life could be like in Western Sydney.
That way the people of Western Sydney will be able to see clearly whether or not policy proposals and promises made by politicians will make life better or not.
http://www.westernsydney2030.com.au/
Local Response to Audit Report on Bus Services
Here is a link to an article in the Penrith Star with quotes from Sue Day, WSPTU member. Penrith Star
NSW Transport and Infrastructure March 2010 Newsletter
NSW Transport and Infrastructure has released a Newsletter for March 2010 which outlines their latest work including descriptions of MyZone, the Metropolitan Transport Plan and the release of new taxi licences.
NSW Transport and Infrastructure March 2010 Newsletter
NSW Transport and Infrastructure March 2010 Newsletter
Journey To Work Atlas
NSW Transport and Infrastucture, via the Transport Data Centre, has provided a new Journey To Work Atlas. This Atlas tells us about travel patterns and how people travel to and from work.
Journey To Work
Journey To Work
Bus Stops Around The World
Bus stops are a big deal for bus users in Western Sydney. The quality of a bus stop can strongly effect the customer experience of their bus trip both positively and negatively.
In Australia local councils are responsible for the provision of most bus stop infrastructure but, because councils are not directly part of the bus transport sector, there are some difficulties getting bus stop infrastructure provided consistently to a good standard.
Click on the link below for some fun examples of bus stops from around the world - sent to us via email.
Bus Stops Around The World
In Australia local councils are responsible for the provision of most bus stop infrastructure but, because councils are not directly part of the bus transport sector, there are some difficulties getting bus stop infrastructure provided consistently to a good standard.
Click on the link below for some fun examples of bus stops from around the world - sent to us via email.
Bus Stops Around The World
Thursday, March 18, 2010
New Video From People Wanting The 552 Bus in North Parramatta
In 2008 the Bus Network Review removed the bus from Prince and Bellevue Streets in Oatlands and North Parramatta. Local people lobbied hard to get the bus back. The bus was returned to Prince St on a trial basis but was never restored to Bellevue St. Local people are still working to get the bus back into Bellevue St and confirmed as a permanent service so that they can all get into Parramatta. This video tells that story.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
NSW Commuter Council - What Does Your Station Need?
Sue Day is the WSPTU representative on the NSW Commuters Council and has brought this message from the Council Chairperson:
FROM KEVIN PARISH, CHAIR,COMMUTER COUNCIL
WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD SUPPLY A LIST OF IMPROVENTS YOU BELIEVE ARE NEEDED STATION BY STATION
WHAT ADDITIONS OR CHANGES NEEDED TO:
SIGNS, INDICATORS,STEPS, RAMPS. LIFTS, ROOFING, PARKING, BUS STOPS,PAINTING. TAXI STANDS,PLATFORMS.
If you have any suggestions you can send them to Sue so she can take them to the Council.
To contact Sue Day you can:
go via the South Penrith Residents Action Group Website here http://www.sprag.vpweb.com.au/ContactUs.html
or email Sue at suetrac@optushome.com.au
or phone her on 0247270092
or simply leave a comment here by clicking on 'comments' directly below this post.
FROM KEVIN PARISH, CHAIR,COMMUTER COUNCIL
WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD SUPPLY A LIST OF IMPROVENTS YOU BELIEVE ARE NEEDED STATION BY STATION
WHAT ADDITIONS OR CHANGES NEEDED TO:
SIGNS, INDICATORS,STEPS, RAMPS. LIFTS, ROOFING, PARKING, BUS STOPS,PAINTING. TAXI STANDS,PLATFORMS.
If you have any suggestions you can send them to Sue so she can take them to the Council.
To contact Sue Day you can:
go via the South Penrith Residents Action Group Website here http://www.sprag.vpweb.com.au/ContactUs.html
or email Sue at suetrac@optushome.com.au
or phone her on 0247270092
or simply leave a comment here by clicking on 'comments' directly below this post.
Oatlands and North Parramatta Still Asking For An Extension To The 552
The North Parramatta and Oatlands group of people met again in February at the BellaRouse village in Oatlands to discuss how to further their requests to get the 552 bus extended into the "Bellevue St Loop". The State MP for the Hawkesbury, Ray Williams, attended the meeting and committed to taking the issue to the Parliament. To see a description of the issues go to: http://oatlandsnorthparramatta.blogspot.com/
Mt Druitt 755 Bus Restored
The 755 bus has been restored to Mt Druitt and the local people are thrilled. Many people had been working hard to make their case for the return of the 755 bus and their efforts have been rewarded. To see the full story go here: http://sobsmtdruittasa.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 22, 2010
The NSW "Metropolitan Transport Plan" Has Been Released
The NSW Government has release their Metropolitan Transport Plan and given it a website of it's own. It is sub-titled "Connecting The City of Cities". The plan can be downloaded in parts and they are encouraging people to make a submission. April 30 is the deadline for submissions.
Here is the website
http://www.nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate
Here is the website
http://www.nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate
Friday, February 19, 2010
Comfortable Seats Study - Your Rear-End Is Needed!
"Lloyd’s Register Rail Ltd is conducting a seat comfort study for a leading rail rollingstock manufacturer, based in Granville.
Lloyd’s Register Rail Ltd is seeking participants for this study. Participants will be asked to provide input to ensure that the next generation of passenger seating is comfortable.
If you are a regular rail user between the age of 20-50 who can spare half a day on weekdays between 8 and 19 March we would love to hear from you.
Successful participants will be paid for their participation and reimbursed travel costs (on production of a valid receipt).
If you would like to take part in this study, please contact Averil on 02 8299 4109 or via e-mail on seat.comfort@lr.org"
Lloyd’s Register Rail Ltd is seeking participants for this study. Participants will be asked to provide input to ensure that the next generation of passenger seating is comfortable.
If you are a regular rail user between the age of 20-50 who can spare half a day on weekdays between 8 and 19 March we would love to hear from you.
Successful participants will be paid for their participation and reimbursed travel costs (on production of a valid receipt).
If you would like to take part in this study, please contact Averil on 02 8299 4109 or via e-mail on seat.comfort@lr.org"
Monday, February 15, 2010
South Penrith Residents Reported In the Media About MyZone
Several stories in the local media about the new MyZone ticketing system quoted the South Penrith Resident's Action Group coordinator and WSPTU member Sue Day. See here
Mt Druitt Save Our Buses Held Another Public Meeting
There has been a lot of activity by the Mt Druitt Save Our Buses group recently. They have been to see the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure as well as holding another public meeting. Find out more here
SMH Independent Transport Inquiry Report Released
The report from the Independent Transport Inquiry sponsored by the Sydney Morning Herald has been released and is available via the internet. The SMH had an 8 page lift-out today describing the main ideas in the report. Here is a link to the report, but be careful, there are some big downloads in this!
http://www.transportpublicinquiry.com.au/
http://www.transportpublicinquiry.com.au/
Monday, February 8, 2010
Your Tickets Please!
Dear Folks,
When MyZone, Sydney's new public transport ticket system, starts in April 2010, most of the current tickets will be withdrawn, either immediately, or when they expire.
I would like to acquire samples of as many types of tickets as possible before they disappear, and I am asking if you can assist in collecting some for me - I'm interested in all tickets, including all the specialised tickets like travelpasses.
If you can manage to collect some, please let me know and I will make arrangements to receive them.
Thanks
Allan Miles
(email wsbustop@gmail.com and we will pass your message to Allan)
When MyZone, Sydney's new public transport ticket system, starts in April 2010, most of the current tickets will be withdrawn, either immediately, or when they expire.
I would like to acquire samples of as many types of tickets as possible before they disappear, and I am asking if you can assist in collecting some for me - I'm interested in all tickets, including all the specialised tickets like travelpasses.
If you can manage to collect some, please let me know and I will make arrangements to receive them.
Thanks
Allan Miles
(email wsbustop@gmail.com and we will pass your message to Allan)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
MyZone Ticketing - A Great Day For Public Transport Users In Western Sydney
The WSPTU says that the new MyZone ticketing is an excellent step towards an integrated ticketing system in Sydney and provides valuable new public transport ticketing products for the people of Western Sydney at very good prices.
For the first time, this is a system-wide, zone-based approach, to integrate public transport fares (not just the ticketing) for all people in Sydney. This enables the public transport system to compete more effectively with the private car for flexibility, convenience and value; particularly in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
The MyBus Travel Ten tickets will now be available for everybody, including people using the private bus system, and with discounts of 20% because it is a multiple trip purchase. The MyBus Travel Ten has no time restrictions. The MyBus Travel Ten will overcome the lack of flexibility which devalues the current weekly bus tickets available on the private bus system.
The $57 cap on the MyZone Multi ticket is fantastic value for long-distance commuters in the outer parts of Sydney and is a real enabler for people to broaden their range of job opportunities. The fact that it does not limit mode-changes is a real breakthrough change to the system in Western Sydney.
These new tickets are also very likely to benefit low-income people and people with busy families because they will be able to take advantage of the flexibility, unlimited changes of mode and discounts available in the MyZone Multi tickets and the MyBus Travel Ten tickets. In fact, most daily trips that people take are for journeys that are not related to work and these, more flexible, MyZone tickets will help with these journeys, more effectively competing with the choice to use a private car.
For the Future
WSPTU suggests that MyZone Multi tickets be made available for use in Zones 2 and 3 alone or combined. For people travelling locally, near home for reasons other than work (the majority of trips taken), a MyZone Multi for use in Zone 3 or 2 would be very useful.
The recent update on the State Plan sets targets for getting people into the Western Sydney regional cities of Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith by public transport (15%, 50% and 20%). A MyZone 2 or 3 would encourage people to work in these regional cities. To reach the State Plan targets and to get good sustainability outcomes a MyZone Multi 2 or 3 would be a great addition to the new MyZone ticketing system.
It would also be worth considering incorporating the light-rail, monorail and private ferry system into the MyZone ticketing system, particularly if the light-rail system is expanded into other parts of Sydney.
To see a more detailed WSPTU analysis; click here
To see an analysis by Action For Public Transport; click here
For the first time, this is a system-wide, zone-based approach, to integrate public transport fares (not just the ticketing) for all people in Sydney. This enables the public transport system to compete more effectively with the private car for flexibility, convenience and value; particularly in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
The MyBus Travel Ten tickets will now be available for everybody, including people using the private bus system, and with discounts of 20% because it is a multiple trip purchase. The MyBus Travel Ten has no time restrictions. The MyBus Travel Ten will overcome the lack of flexibility which devalues the current weekly bus tickets available on the private bus system.
The $57 cap on the MyZone Multi ticket is fantastic value for long-distance commuters in the outer parts of Sydney and is a real enabler for people to broaden their range of job opportunities. The fact that it does not limit mode-changes is a real breakthrough change to the system in Western Sydney.
These new tickets are also very likely to benefit low-income people and people with busy families because they will be able to take advantage of the flexibility, unlimited changes of mode and discounts available in the MyZone Multi tickets and the MyBus Travel Ten tickets. In fact, most daily trips that people take are for journeys that are not related to work and these, more flexible, MyZone tickets will help with these journeys, more effectively competing with the choice to use a private car.
For the Future
WSPTU suggests that MyZone Multi tickets be made available for use in Zones 2 and 3 alone or combined. For people travelling locally, near home for reasons other than work (the majority of trips taken), a MyZone Multi for use in Zone 3 or 2 would be very useful.
The recent update on the State Plan sets targets for getting people into the Western Sydney regional cities of Liverpool, Parramatta and Penrith by public transport (15%, 50% and 20%). A MyZone 2 or 3 would encourage people to work in these regional cities. To reach the State Plan targets and to get good sustainability outcomes a MyZone Multi 2 or 3 would be a great addition to the new MyZone ticketing system.
It would also be worth considering incorporating the light-rail, monorail and private ferry system into the MyZone ticketing system, particularly if the light-rail system is expanded into other parts of Sydney.
To see a more detailed WSPTU analysis; click here
To see an analysis by Action For Public Transport; click here
Monday, February 1, 2010
MyZone - New Public Transport Tickets, Coming April 18
Today, the NSW State Government released a set of new tickets for the public transport system in Sydney to commence on April 18. See the information and all the ticket options here: www.MyZone.nsw.gov.au
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Newspaper Stories On Transport Plans
Ecotransit has collected some recent stories from the Newspapers on current transport planning issues. See them here: Ecotransit ( www.ecotransit.org.au )
Also, here is a Sydney Morning Herald story talking about light rail proposals including a link between Carlingford and Bankstown: Light Rail
The Sydney Morning Herald has a transport section. Here are a collection of recent stories: Sydney Morning Herald Transport
Also, here is a Sydney Morning Herald story talking about light rail proposals including a link between Carlingford and Bankstown: Light Rail
The Sydney Morning Herald has a transport section. Here are a collection of recent stories: Sydney Morning Herald Transport
Concern About Removal Of The Epping Bus Transitway Exit
As part of the suggestion to increase the number of car lanes on the M2 it has been proposed that the Epping Bus Transitway Exit bridge be removed. This would severely undermine the attempts of local people to increase the number of bus services that can come from the North West and West into Epping and link with the new train service. WSPTU members have expressed concern about this and more information is needed.
Finish The Missing Links In the M2 Bus Transitways
It has been brought to the attention of WSPTU members by bus commuters, local people and bus operators, that the bus transitway on the M2 into the city is missing about 5klms of clearway. This means that the bus has to merge into the traffic created by the cars. This is particularly a problem during peak hour when the traffic is moving very slowly.
One suggestion proposed is that, in the places where there is no bus transitway, the breakdown lane be converted to a multipurpose lane which is used as a bus transitway during the peak hours. In the other times it could remain as a breakdown lane. This would improve the service of the bus transitway from the North West into the city.
One suggestion proposed is that, in the places where there is no bus transitway, the breakdown lane be converted to a multipurpose lane which is used as a bus transitway during the peak hours. In the other times it could remain as a breakdown lane. This would improve the service of the bus transitway from the North West into the city.
Is There More Potential For Shared Taxis?
As part of the response to the Bus Network Review, Western Sydney Community Forum is working with local groups to see if there is any potential for shared taxis to fill some of the gaps in service that some people are experiencing. If you, or you know people, who are feeling like they can't get out in their area anymore because their bus has been changed it would be worth contacting Western Sydney Community Forum to see if there is any potential in using a shared taxi to solve the problem. Contact Hugh Worrall at Western Sydney Community Forum on 9633 5068 or hughw@wscf.org.au .
Subscribe to the NSW Transport & Infrastructure Newsletter
NSW Transport & Infrastructure has created a newsletter to update people on Transport information and developments. This is particularly interesting now that all the transport departments have been brought together in a "super agency". You can subscribe to this newsletter and it will come to your email. The frequency is unknown at this stage. While the last edition, published in December, is a little out-of-date because of the current review of the Transport Blueprint, it is still worth a look: click here
Subscribe by emailing "subscribe" to transportnewsletter@transport.nsw.gov.au or you can access it via the NSW T&I website at www.transport.nsw.gov.au .
Subscribe by emailing "subscribe" to transportnewsletter@transport.nsw.gov.au or you can access it via the NSW T&I website at www.transport.nsw.gov.au .
Friday, January 8, 2010
NCOSS Has Started A Transport News Blog
The Council of Social Services NSW has started a Transport news blog. You can find it here http://www.ncoss.org.au/content/view/2884/100/ and we will put a link in the WSPTU link box to the left of this screen.
Baulkham Hills Group Wants More Buses to North Sydney
The local group advocating for changes to the bus routes in the North West are advocating for more direct buses into Epping, Macquarie Park and North Sydney rather than the Sydney CBD.
See here http://baulkhamhillsgroup.blogspot.com/
See here http://baulkhamhillsgroup.blogspot.com/
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