Month: June 2011

Of all the trains, trams and buses in Melbourne, it does seem that the blue Siemens train seats are consistently the dirtiest. Some have been upgraded to a multi-coloured design that seems cleaner (or at least looks cleaner), but many carriages still have this blue design that so often puts people off. Help our campaign…

We’ve flagged Smartbus overcrowding before, but it’s also happening on other routes. This is route 513 on Bell Street, a section shared with the 903 Smartbus. Obviously more services are needed to keep up with demand, and better coordination to ensure even frequencies. Are you unhappy with public transport? Use our online tool to write…

We’re getting more reports of overcrowding on V/Line services, particularly in peak hour. The Geelong line appears to be worst, but it’s also occurring on the other lines. Some passengers regularly find they have to stand for long periods — or as can be seen here, sit on the floor. While the government is midway…

PTUA members have recently noticed a number of buses without Myki readers aboard. It appears new vehicles are not being fully kitted out with Myki devices before going into service — although they are managing to get all the Metcard equipment installed. On this bus, running on route 626, the driver waved bemused Myki cardholders…

The new Westall station. Plenty of cover from the rain along the platform, but none on the steps. Hopefully they don’t get too slippery. Are you unhappy with public transport? Use our online tool to write to your local MP and demand action. More about PT Problem Of The Day, including how you can contribute…

Flagstaff is the only Melbourne railway station that is closed on weekends. The sign helpfully suggests using the City Circle tram to get to Melbourne Central, but this doesn’t run before 10am, or after 9pm Saturdays or 6pm Sundays. Originally the station was open on Saturdays, but the whole Loop was closed on Sundays. In…

Nunawading station. Help our campaign for better public transport. Join the PTUA now. We rely entirely on member funding and enthusiastic volunteers to operate. More about PT Problem Of The Day, including how you can contribute your photos. Are you unhappy with public transport? Use our online tool to write to your local MP and…

The sign says Moorabbin, but this train has actually just pulled into Melbourne Central, having travelled the 12 stations from Moorabbin. Sadly it’s not uncommon for carriage displays and automated announcements to be confused about where the train is. It must make things very confusing for occasional users. Help our campaign for better public transport.…

This was spotted at Melbourne Central Station recently. Yesterday the government announced they will keep the Myki system, and promised to “make it work”. And while PTUA members report the system has worked much better this year than it did last year, clearly, the government has some work to do to get it right. Help…

Myki’s stalled rollout has resulted in confusion on V/Line. Both the V/Line and Myki web sites say that Myki is only valid on V/Line trains within Melbourne zones 1 and 2. “V/Line (myki is currently available for Zone 2 stations only)” — Myki web site “myki cannot currently be used on: V/Line train and coach…