Category: Newsletters

  • The wires that bind, and the cars that choke

    Saul Griffith’s recent Quarterly Essay “The Wires That Bind” outlined an ambitious programme for renewable electrification to stem dangerous climate change, driven by local community action and without reliance on unproven technologies. It also makes clear how massive is the challenge posed by the energy transition, with millions of individual machines having to ultimately be…

    The wires that bind, and the cars that choke
  • Big Build burnout?

    While we all want a better transport system, disruption fatigue is becoming a real factor for passengers, particularly on the train network. On some lines, there have now been major disruptions every year since 2016. Not all of these are in the name of better rail services. This winter a two week shutdown of lines…

    Big Build burnout?
  • Why ignoring the timetable might be good for passengers

    The release of the Victorian government’s bus plan has highlighted many planned initiatives, but one that got some attention is ‘rapid running’. This article from the PTUA’s June member newsletter explains what it means. If you’ve ever been on a bus that sat waiting at a time point for its scheduled departure time, a new…

    Why ignoring the timetable might be good for passengers
  • In defence of buses

    From time to time politicians and others push the misleading line that passengers don’t like buses, and that they’re only a last resort form of public transport. It’s true that​ patronage on many bus routes is poor, but this is because the service is poor, and because bus​ routes are poorly understood by potential passengers.​…

    In defence of buses
  • PTUA February newsletter

    PTUA members! The February newsletter is now out, and covers Infrastructure Australia, the true cost of roads, the mobile Myki trial, reports from our Geelong and Ballarat branches, and more. If you’re a current member you should have received it via mail or email. Didn’t get yours? Email the office: Not a member? Join here!

    PTUA February newsletter
  • Lacklustre debut for route 58, while other tram routes suffer

    On 1 May Yarra Trams commenced running a new tram route 58, a reorganisation of existing routes to West Coburg and Toorak. This change had been a long time in planning, and was aimed at providing a higher daytime frequency on the increasingly popular William Street route, and providing a direct east-west connection complementing the…

    Lacklustre debut for route 58, while other tram routes suffer
  • V/Line: Jack of all trades…?

    V/Line has been very much a victim of its own success over the last decade, with each new investment, from Regional Fast Rail to the Regional Rail Link, resulting in a boom in passenger numbers. This shows that when governments invest in a decent public transport option, people will flock to it – but unfortunately…

    V/Line: Jack of all trades…?
  • Audio: Jacinta Allan PTUA address and Q+A

    For those who couldn’t attend, here is audio from our Annual General Meeting in December, of Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan’s address and Q+A session. Want to skip straight to the questions? Jump to 17 minutes 30 seconds in.

    Audio: Jacinta Allan PTUA address and Q+A
  • Peninsula Link entrenches car dependence

    From PTUA’s December 2009 newsletter. Despite having no Federal funds for its `Peninsula Link’, the State Government has announced its intention to proceed regardless, driving a motorway through precious native wildlife habitat and historic homesteads, in order to further entrench car dependence in south-east Melbourne and for visitors to the Peninsula.

  • Myki coming to Melbourne soon

    UPDATE: As of 2012, some of the information below is outdated. This page of Myki Questions and Answers has been updated, and is a good starting point to finding out how Myki will work This article is from our September 2009 member newsletter. Join the PTUA to receive regular newsletters. The Myki juggernaut rolls on,…

  • Action stations! Interactive map

    It’s not too long ago that the only visible infrastructure project underway on Melbourne’s rail system was the Craigieburn electrification. This is no longer the case. Say what you like about the government, but it is undeniable that a number projects have now been funded, right across the rail network. But are they the right…

  • July newsletter

    Please join the PTUA to receive regular newsletters. July 2009 edition articles: Connex and Yarra Trams cancelled — but will it make a difference? Coming events Train Services Inquiry heats up CBD tram changes expose fleet shortage Every ten minutes to… Werribee Action stations! The truth behind South Morang revealed — expanded version of this…