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Category: Election 2010

  • Busway only second-best according to PTUA

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has rejected the proposed busway to Mernda as a second-best solution, saying the rail line should be extended instead. “When it comes to major infrastructure, you should do it right, do it once,” said PTUA president Daniel Bowen. “The existing rail reservation is still there, and should be used…

  • What a mess – a hundred different organisations running public transport in Victoria

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has highlighted the fragmented nature of public transport management in Victoria, issuing a flowchart illustrating how difficult it is for the average person to work out who to contact with questions and problems. The flowchart will be sent to PTUA members, and available on the PTUA web site. “We…

  • Eastern train service off track

    Services on the Belgrave, Lilydale, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines are still operating below acceptable standards outside peak hours according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), which has called for all political candidates to commit to upgrading services. “Trains should operate every 10 minutes from 6am to midnight seven days-a-week, bringing train services up…

  • Users welcome Greens support for a Geelong public transport authority

    Public transport users have welcomed the Greens’ support for a dedicated public transport authority for Geelong, which promises to give the region a greater say over its public transport services. Convenor of the Geelong Branch of the Public Transport Users Association, Paul Westcott, congratulated the Greens for being the first major party to pick up…

  • Bus Reviews ignored, second-rate services prevail

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has criticised the State Government for failing to take up recommendations from the Metropolitan Bus Reviews. In most areas of Melbourne, less than 30 percent of the recommendations have been implemented by the government. — See full list at [1], below. “The bus network is struggling to meet the…

  • Chadstone buses: 50% time saving achievable

    The 903 bus journey between Holmesglen and Oakleigh via Chadstone should take only ten minutes, according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). A study by the PTUA found that crowded buses are wasting a significant amount of time, especially at red traffic lights. “While passengers hang from the wrist straps, Vicroads is making their…

  • Eleven years and still waiting

    The Rowville railway line should have been built by now, according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). It’s been eleven years since Labor made the feasibility study promise which helped the Bracks/Brumby Government win power in 1999. “It’s absurd that the Brumby Government hasn’t even done a study when we know the railway line…

  • Users present public transport vision

    Trains, trams and Smartbuses every ten minutes, all suburban stations staffed, V/Line trains every half-hour on main commuter routes, “Tram-cams” to catch careless motorists, and a Public Transport Authority to better plan and manage public transport all feature in the Public Transport Users Association’s call to the political parties in the run-up to the state…

  • Co-ordination key – letter to the editor

    MELISSA Fyfe (”It’s time to help commuters make their connection”, 3/10) points out the basic weakness afflicting Melbourne public transport: the lack of an independent, publicly accountable authority to co-ordinate trains, trams and buses. Groups as diverse as the Greens, privatisation experts and former train and tram operators support a lean, expert body to plan…

  • Call for more V/Line services to cut waiting times

    As the state election approaches, the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for upgrades to V/Line short distance services[1] to run at least every 30 minutes, seven days-a-week. PTUA regional spokesman Paul Westcott said that with strong patronage growth, V/Line train services are increasingly overcrowded not just in peak times, but also at off-peak…

  • Alamein Line upgrade call

    The Alamein line which is used for over 1.8 million journeys a year is falling behind, according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). Recent timetable upgrades for the metropolitan train network launched earlier in the month ignored Alamein line commuters. “Alamein passengers are tired of being left behind by the government and Metro”, said…

  • 21st century upgrade call – Belgrave and Lilydale lines

    Passengers on the Lilydale and Belgrave lines beyond Ringwood are receiving train services that are below urban standards according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). In the off-peak, services beyond Ringwood operate half-hourly, compared with every 15 minutes between the city and Ringwood. Peak hour services also finish very early at just after 8am…