Month: December 2011

  • Chadstone expansion off-track without rail, trams, more buses

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has warned that expansion of the Chadstone Shopping Centre will lead to greater mayhem on roads and buses around the centre if high quality public transport is not provided. PTUA President Daniel Bowen said that the expansion should not take place unless it was accompanied by an overhaul of…

  • Minister’s spin doesn’t wash

    The Public Transport Users Association has described as “pure spin” Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder’s excuse for regional trains not stopping at North Melbourne station under the Regional Rail Link (RRL) “The minister is trying to dress up a downgrade as an improvement,” PTUA regional spokesperson Paul Westcott said. Mr Mulder has said that continuing…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Contradictory signage – just who is allowed to use station car parks?

    At many stations, Metro has commenced more stringent enforcement of parking regulations. But the new signage is contradictory. Warning notices inside stations say that parking is for Metro customers only, but signs in the car park say it’s for users of rail or other public transport — meaning passengers catching nearby trams, buses or V/Line…

  • Knox Transit double shuffle

    A recent substitution of route 75 trams with buses[1], has highlighted the need for a tram extension to Knox according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). During the replacement period, passengers travelling between Burwood and Knox had make two transfers by taking one tram and two buses.

  • Peninsula buses take holiday leave

    Route bus services along Point Nepean Road face collapse over the Christmas/New Year period as thousands of revellers descend upon bayside holiday spots. “What is supposed to be a relaxing family time of the year is likely to be reduced to bedlam as visitors try to cram on to infrequent bus services, while the road…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Who enforces tram lanes?

    The rules around tram lanes are reasonably easy to understand: basically, stay out of the way of trams. But lots of motorists block trams, and it’s unclear if they are ever penalised for it. In cities such as London, cameras on buses catch motorists illegally using bus lanes. Perhaps it’s time these were used on…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Old and fading bus stop signs

    There are two problems here: firstly, it’s been more than two years since Connex departed Melbourne, so why are their Rail Substitute Bus Stops still displayed at numerous locations around Melbourne, particularly as newer Metro signs can be found as well? Secondly, and more seriously: Metlink’s standardisation of signage, and detailed bus stop signs and…