Tag: media comments
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ABC 774 with Red Symons – discussing the removal of zone three
This morning I was interviewed briefly by Red Symons on ABC 774 in regard to the removal of zone three fares. The abolition of zone three has definitely removed one of the major pricing inequities facing public transport in Melbourne’s east and southeast. This benefit however, in making public transport more affordable, will not be…
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The Age: A Dad's Army of shunted carriages called up in crisis
In an example of the lack of foresight typical of the former Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, The Age has revealed that the State Government has been forced to hire back the non air-conditioned Hitachi trains due to a shortage of rollingstock. The rollingstock shortage has been further compounded due to the withdrawal of 31…
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The Age: Dangerous tracks slow rail speeds on busy lines
The Age has exposed the decrepit state of Melbourne’s rail tracks, amid ongoing negligence by both Connex and the State Government in maintaining Melbourne’s physical rail infrastructure: DANGEROUS tracks and poor maintenance on some of Melbourne’s busiest suburban rail lines are forcing trains to run at speeds as slow as 30 km/h, increasing journey times…
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3AW with Derryn Hinch: Discussing Melbourne's public transport neglect
This evening I was invited to speak on the 3AW Drive program with Derryn Hinch to discuss the ongoing issues facing Melbourne’s rail system. While the Premier had announced a freeze on fare prices for months, this is nothing more than a cold comfort for Melbourne’s public transport users that have had to put up…
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The Age: Fare freeze gets cold reception
The State Government has announced a freeze on Melbourne’s public transport fares to deflect rising criticism over the latest spate of cancellations on Melbourne’s rail network. Premier Steve Bracks this morning announced the decision by the State Government to freeze the price increases, which were due on March 4. The freeze in public transport fares…
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The Age: Commuters plan fare boycott
News of a fare boycott have reached The Age, amid ongoing reports of the latest train debacle: Frustrated commuters are planning a day of protest on March 1 in a display of anger over the number of train cancellations. Melbourne’s rail passengers are understandably upset over the latest of an ongoing saga of issues plaguing…
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The Age: Schools add to rail squeeze
The Age has reported on the worsening rail crisis as passengers are stuck in severely overcrowded trains or left behind on rail platforms. PTUA vice-president, Alex Makin, said peak-hour train passengers had been treated like cattle since Connex sidelined 31 of its 72 Siemens trains because of safety concerns following revelations of brake problems. While…
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The Age video news bulletin: Ride trains at your own risk
Melbourne’s rail network is in disarray amid the removal of 31 Siemens trains from service due to ongoing braking issues. Furthermore a senior transport official has told The Age that all of the 72 Siemens trains should be removed from service due to safety reasons. As Melbourne’s rail passengers face worsening cancellations due to a…
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Maroondah Leader: Wheels were in motion with plenty of tricks
To ensure safe skating, Maroondah City Council has organised two free skate clinics for users of Ringwood’s Skate Park. The Maroondah Leader reported on the success of these clinics and the continued interest in the Ringwodo Sakte Park. Cr Alex Makin said participants left the clinics with basic skills like standing and balancing on the…
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Maroondah Leader: Holiday schedule causes delays
The ad hoc implementation of summer timetables demonstrates that the extent of the poor integration faced with Melbourne’s public transport. With buses, trams and trains all having differing summer timetable dates overall coordination and ease of use is restricted during the ‘summer timetable period’. The Maroondah Leader has reported on the effects that summer timetables…