Category: Media releases
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PTUA welcomes rail investment, calls for more funding for services
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) welcomed today’s Victorian Budget, with substantial investment in rail infrastructure, as well as expansion of the accessible tram fleet. “The planned upgrade to the Geelong line, and the long-awaited Airport rail line are very welcome”, said PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen. “It’s also great to see funding for regional rail…
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PTUA concerned on curfew cuts
Trams and trains on a Saturday timetable every day would be a far better outcome for passengers compared to the situation we have now.
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PTUA welcomes additional services
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has applauded the additional train and tram services announced on Friday by the Victorian Government. “These changes are very welcome”, said PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen. “Train service frequencies drop off outside peak hours, resulting in long wait times and – under normal circumstances – crowding. “We have been concerned…
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COVID-19: Public transport timetable boost needed to help stagger trips
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called on the State Government to boost public transport services across the day as a response to the COVID-19 crisis. A PTUA analysis of train timetables found that on some lines, services and capacity dropped by two-thirds outside peak hour. PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said that as people…
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Transport for Everyone: Post COVID-19 Recovery – New vision for buses
(Media release from Transport For Everyone) Key transport professionals have jointly written to the Victorian Premier urging the Government’s Building Victoria’s Recovery Taskforce to focus on upgrading bus services and active transport through a 5-point plan to improve mobility for Melbourne and build jobs as part of recovery from COVID-19. The 5-point plan seeks a…
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PTUA welcomes Overland reprieve, calls for long-term investment
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed the announcement that the Victorian government will contribute funding to keep the iconic Overland train running for another three months. When the South Australian government withdrew its contribution to subsidising this vital passenger link at the end of 2018, the Victorian government stepped up to fund the…
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Enough is enough: Time for Tram Cams to stop dangerous motorists
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for tram cams, and stronger enforcement of road rules to improve tram passenger safety. Australian road rules state that motorists are required to stop when trams stop, to allow passengers to board and alight safely.[1] “This is a rule often broken, with potentially fatal results”, said PTUA…
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Melbourne transport still shaped by 50 year old plan – time for a rethink
December 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Melbourne Transportation Plan [1]: a radical exercise that sought to reshape Melbourne at vast expense, from a ‘garden city’ with well-used public transport, to a car-dominated sprawling ‘doughnut city’ based on a Los Angeles-style grid of freeways. PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said that while other transport…
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PTUA slams North East Link rubber stamp decision
The Public Transport Users Association has added its voice in solidarity with planning professionals, local councils, environment groups, Yarra Valley businesses and residents, deploring the decision by Planning Minister Richard Wynne to rubber-stamp the North East Link Environment Effects Statement. The Minister’s decision overrides the conclusions of the Inquiry and Assessment Committee after half a…
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Eastern Freeway rail corridor is what merits protection
Protect Hamer legacy of provision for rail in freeway median: PTUA According to the Public Transport Users Association there is only one aspect of the Eastern Freeway that merits heritage protection, and that is the unique design features included by the Hamer Government to ensure a train line could be easily installed in the corridor.…
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PTUA responds to Deakin Night Network study
Melbourne is a 24 hour city: transport provision should reflect this, but it’s no magic wand A comprehensive all-night public transport network, introduced by the Andrews Government in 2016, plays a vital role in Melbourne’s night-time economy and in helping people find safe and affordable ways home. But people should resist the temptation to judge…
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PTUA congratulates King on new portfolio, calls for state-federal cooperation on infrastructure
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has congratulated Catherine King on her re-election as the member for Ballarat, and on being appointed Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. PTUA Ballarat Branch Convener Ben Lever said that this portfolio was crucial to the future of Ballarat and western Victoria. “One of the keys to…
