Do You Leave Your Seats Late And Miss Existing Train Doors?

Today, I heard a lady, who may have left her seat on time and then rushed for the automatic train doors.She was seated upstairs in 2 seats in front of myself, the doors close on her at Westmead heading west. Next train station was Blacktown. She was furious as she let off her frustrations at 4 Transit officers - but kept her cool!

What would you do if it happened to you?

Older Trains Dirty!

Roland, a Blacktown to City regular commuter and at first he didn't have any issues with public transport, but as a normal good fellow would do given the chance, he responded when asked if given the power to change something in public transport what would that be?

He thought for a short time, finally the answer, 'Some trains are dirty, especially the older ones. They need cleaning and  has a distinctive bad odor. May chemicals not used by the cleaners to rid these odors!'

This is a new one odours - I usually don't have a strong smell for these but obviously, there are some that pick these up! Let's see if Transport for NSW fixes these up!

Why Should Bus Services Decrease If Patronage Increases

With the Bus Region 1 Increase in Patronage 6.5 percent increase (within the last year), I do not think that future bus reviews should look at reducing service(s). In fact quite the opposite, it is imperative that bus services increase in line with patronage increase. It makes sense to do so.

It appears the CBD only has increased only by 2 per cent within the last year,with b us patronage. So that means Mount Druitt has a higher concentration of commuters that is leaving cars at home and ravelling  weekdays, weekends and night time. Over 3 times the percentage increase over Sydney CBD.

I would be happy to debate this with the NSW Government, if need be. But I don't think they would like to disagree! Here is the original story that providers details:

http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/11/great-blacktown-city-council-transport.htm

Father Waits For His Daughter From Melbourne - At Mount Druitt Train Station

More than 21 years ago I have been catching trains and buses to and from work directions, of Chatswood, Artarmon, North Sydney and Parramatta. whilst getting this transport - in have a lot of local good commuters, especially Greg, Gabbie,Margaret,John (another one) and Nick and another gentleman who has since retired from work 4 years ago, now aged 62.

Great bloke, I forget his name all the time but I know him and he knows me . What I was so surprised about was last Saturday, when I had met this great bloke at Mount Druitt Station and he actually arrived at Mount Druitt train station, to pick up his daughter arriving from Melbourne to Central this particular morning. He decided to wait for her more than an hour, in case she arrived in an earlier train from Central. this is what I find exemplary  from him - what a great father!

'Hot Train' - Family Fun Day For Michael Blacktown

Yesterday, a young and enthusiastic Michael From Blacktown, was returning  from a family day from the city, when he expressed to me is concern of hot air  carriages  (heading towards summer). His sister drove the family to  the city to take his 'Nan', just arrived from New Zealand for a short holiday. They did a family tour of  Sydney City and his sister wasn't there with her car and his 'Nan' wanted to travel back to Blacktown by train.

Although, the morning commence with rain the afternoon ended like winter and summer in one day. The heat was very exhaustive and exhilarating, yet  the carriage we had had no air-conditioning, all windows were opened allowing heat to enter the carriage. His suggestion is to  request for for more modern air-conditioned train carriages on the western line to make train travelling more comforting, even to overseas visitors.

Update On Region 1 Masterplan

Here is an in depth detail of all the routes of my region 1 Master Plan:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4MdXDFD7QRONGYyMDlmOTItNTM0OS00OTMwLWE1ZDItNWNkMWU1M2Y3OTVi

Refer to previous Region 1 Master Plan:
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-region-1-masterplan.html

Great Blacktown City Council Transport Forum And In Mount Druitt - History!

Mount Druitt made history today when the Blacktown City Council Transport Forum was held for the first time in Mount Druitt in the  new 'Hub' of Mount Druitt. The facilities are a great asset to provide modern building with exemplary amenities that places a new identity in Mount Druitt, that community members can associate with and use.

This was meeting number 37, held in the community Rooms 3 and 4. Admitting both Debbie and myself missed the presentation on Richmond Line Duplication and Mount Druitt Car park update and caught up on the North West Rail Link project team. The basic overall outcome For Mount Druitt from this discussion was that the Western and Richmond Line would have less congestion. So I asked the question of  does that mean that both those lines will have increased services. The  response received was it will leasve more vacant seats for other commuter to sit on - as commuters will catch the train services on the North West Link. In other words, 'No', diplomatically.  I understand it provide more of an affect to to the residents of north of Blacktown LGA, Here is the  link to the video on the North West Link; http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dtmldgY7jYA:

I also asked, if they had any community involvement with the WSPTU and they came up to afterwards to get more information as they were talking about community consultation and their eyes rolled. - so to say!       

Then came one of my interesting subjects in public transport. A topic that inspired me to be where I am today, unbeknown to me. A topic that not every community member would know about That is, " Bus Reviews". Edward Osiowy, Senior Service Planner for Network Development & Services Improvement, Transport For New South Wales, provided a details summary of the 'Bus Review':\ Reviewing bus services is based on a lot of  factors ranging for  population trends, land use and transport plans, travel needs - journey to work surveys and data, existing customer and patronage records, feedback from community and transport action groups,, 131500, letter to the Department and MP's based on service planning guidelines and available resources. 

It is a difficult task to  meed travel needs in one area  because of a high need and demand and then to reduce other services , so that the books are balanced. That is taking from one and giving to another! Generally, Transport NSW Bus Reviews will meet  the requirement of 90% community members given easy access of 400 meters to the nearest bus stop. Bus providing more services to centres & connections to other transport and multiple destinations,leaving the level of service in line with demand.  Although reviews are used in growth areas.

Although current bus services in Mount Druitt had  increased and well maintained bus patronage with the Busways 750,754 (Mount Druitt to Blacktown) and 758 (Mount Druitt to |St. Marys via Shalvey).  As Mount Druitt area falls within Bus Region 1, the Increase in Patronage 6.5 percent increase was within Bus Region 1 (within the last year),

It was also noted that in relation to Blacktown Bus shuttle - all Bus Shuttle are up for their yearly review in March 2012. Rudi Svarc - Blacktown City Council Transport & Projects Officer has advised the Forum that Blacktown has made a recommendation to the NSW For Transport for a Free Bus Shuttle in Mount Druitt, which it has approved and was waiting for a response and that the Blacktown Free Bus shuttle was recording good patronage.

I asked whether why services are reduced when doing bus reviews when population growth is increasing. Point was taken and aslo about why don't Bus Reviews consult with transport action groups? He  advised he would meet with me later and did so. 

Rudi then commented  on the bus stops we have in Blacktown LGA that within the next year BCC will be making 300 bus stop compliant to DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) which will then reach the Blacktown City Council requirement  to reach the goal of 55% of bus stop being DDA compliant Good news for the community just over 1 bus stop in 2 will be eventually compliant.

I asked of current bus shelters being looked at for maintenance and removal of graffiti. Mr. Svarc advised that this is reviewed by Council annually. Also I asked why doesn't the Blacktown City Council place bus stop number on all bus stops as per 131500. making it easier for the commuter to report issues or use it as a guide on timetables, being aware it is on some bus stop already. Mr. Svarc also advised Council will look into this hopefully he will report back to the next Blacktown Transport Forum.

Dimitri Hondros former City Rail Western Line Manager, has advised that Windsor train station upgrade, commented on the Quakers Hill trains station: how there some issues in the beginning of upgrade, but eventually everything went smoothly, better than expected. He then mentioned of  Electronic Indicators coming in on the Western Line except Toongabbie Station ( not equipped to handle yey until it gets an upgrade). As the current Western Line Manager was  not present - Dwayne Purcill - he was sure what was happening with Doonside and Rooty inclusive of Mount Druitt. I ask Dimitri of the  announcement waking residents on the Mount Druitt South - he advised they get complaints if announcements are made and also if they are not made - in some train stations that have housing they start their announcements at 7.30am to allow residence more sleep.

Blacktown Train Station has had  heavy presence of transit officer reducing fare invasion crimes and riding of this anti social behaviours, this has  a positive affect on the commuters who also feel safer while these officers are around. There were issues raised of bicycle racks locked up - that was open to discussion.

Stephen Briant, Senior Transport Officer for Blacktown City Council explained about the recent cycle forum that 30 participants turn up to  work on a new Bike Network, looking to spend $160,000  on the Nurragingy Reserve Bike plan connecting to the Lethbridge Bike Plan. Rudi Svarc advised we have 110km of bike paths around the Blacktown Local Government Area
.

Then Stephen Butt Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Taxi Council, provided an outline on what has happen in the last year , discussions with  Blacktown Police regarding violent attacks on taxi drivers, scoping reviews in all areas, involved in Transport Crime Working Group,  has  assisted NSW For Transport in the development  of guidelines for Taxi rank: specification for lighting and seating, involved in the Blacktown Transport Group. Before the Bus Shuttle news/lobbying he has been applying for a  Maxi Taxi shuttle as well. Around Sydney 494 extra taxi by  the end of December 2011 recruitment of Taxi Drivers 300 applicants for  both owner driver and driver in August 2011, complaint on drivers file permanent Prepay Fares being trailed in Central Coast as from 28th November 2011 There has been a 36% success rate of prosecution of fare evaders across New South Wales.

Then came my speech as a Representative from a local Transport Action Group -

Good Morning Mr. Mayor and Blacktown City Council Transport Forum Members.  Rudi and Stephen thank you for inviting our group to the Blacktown City Council Transport Forum to improve public transport for the future.

Last Forum I introduced our group as Save our Bus  Services, Mount Druitt & surrounding suburbs and since then we have expanded to cover all forms of public transport in Mount Druitt are now called, ‘Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group’

We establishes a new website, new logo from our sub-committee, organised a transport forurm for the State seats of Londonderry and  mount Druitt  with a community turn out of approximately 50 residents with 3 candidates, which was quoted by one of our members as, ‘It was well run even though we were inexperienced, in organising this’.

We are still lobbying for the complete return of Busways 755 to Blacktown via Plumpton, Busways 762 and instead of the shopper hopper 764 – utilise the Busways 755 from Mount Druitt left to Luxford and turn right into Gasmatta Crescent right through the end and left onto Luxford Road – and remove the Westbus 764 – the way it was done before no safety hazards for 40 years.

We are lobbying for NSW Government to provide enhanced  safety measures to be used to protect the commuter  during all times as well as transport officers – bring back the conductor is what a few members are saying for a start. We do not condone the anti-social behaviour that is used against commuters and drivers and seek youth workers assistant the youth on the streets to behave and have respect to the elders.

Blake has spent a week work experience in the Westbus Planning Departmnent (thank you Westbus for taking him on),he has mapped out region master plan one on our bog as well as light rail around Sydney and the  proposed Mount Druitt Free Bus shuttle around the hub of Mount Druitt.

We are seeking advice from the forum for bus shelters that have been taken down and not replaced – the demolition rate is quicker than the building rate and last letter from Council last year advised of a few amount of bus shelters. We now seek commitment. We are seeking real facts and figures on what  percentage of bus stops around Local Government Areas have shelters and that we require a commitment from Blacktown City Council to implement Bus stop Numbers on all Bus stops as per 131500 locating your bus stops as well as committing to making all bus stop accessible, to all commuters. We are also seeking BCC’s guideline for Bus shelter infrastructure as well.

We commence a “Happy Bus Drivers Scheme’, have reach record of 24,000 on our local blog, we have recently invited Richard Amery y for 2 meetings – his electoral office says he is too busy. We have had our first visitor Michael Creed (electoral Officer) for Bart Bassett, taking on our real issues. We would like to see the upgrade of Mount Druitt station especially with electronic signage – we are behind the times. Announcements can wake up community members of the South side of Mount Druitt. Yet, without going into too many details – we as a group will have further success for the community.

We have been nominated for the Zest Awards 2012 as a new group and also myself as a community leader as well as we have nominated our two local journalists for the for Inspired and Supportive Journalism.

So now I take time to thank you all for listening and supporting our group to cater for improvement public transport for the future. We appreciate the opportunity! Special thanks to Stephen Briant who has taken the imitative to invite our group representatives and organise the BCC Transport Forms to provide feedbacks for an improved public transport for our growing population in Blacktown LGA. We ask all stake holders to  keep up to date with our blog and also withe the WSPTU one as well – to your self up to date!
                                               

Pauline Garmonsway advised of  the proposed Westbus 759 route will inconvenience commuters living around Palmyra Road, where it is serviced by a Westbus 764 shopper hopper service. Issues raised about Westbus representatives not advising the community of possible changes to their bus service. It was then discussed changes that is due to population growth. I replied to the Forum advising there is a population growth around Willmot in Ropes Crossing thus services should not be deleted because of this .When I mentioned of the population growth - I could see that the two Westbus representing were laughing, at what I stated - I don't understand how population growth  to increase or retain transport can make stake-holders laugh.

End of forum.

My comments interesting how Blacktown City Council is taking up our Free Bus shuttle around the Hub of Mount Druitt - Council had it first Blacktown City Council transport in Mount Druitt and  this  provides a great understanding how after a while Local Councils can work with you - without all councillors working with you.

Lady Train Commuter Kept Waiting

Yes, a lady commuter travelling by train  from Menangle to Macarthur there  was a breakdown. Announcements to commuter was that they would have to wait 10 minutes before they were transferred. 45 minutes passed before they were able to get buses, enabling them to catch trains.

In the mean time, there was no refreshments provided and no doors were open to from fresh air. This allowed her to miss 2 train connections to reach Mount Druitt.

                    

Quakers Hill Commuter Dilemma!

Today a Quakers Hill commuter has issues with local public transport and costs of. That is, he travels to Blacktown by car from Quakers Hill as it would cost him an an extra $3 per way each day to travel from Quakers Hill Train Station. This is a zoning issue  and has to be fixed - so this is when NSW Government can come to commuters aid them by organising less zoning - cars are not using petrol for one person's personal travel on road - more use for public transport.


Even Transport For NSW should back this idea!

Sydney Alliance - Moving Transport Ahead!

Check out story on the Sydney Alliance Transport Assembly here:
http://wsptu.blogspot.com/2011/11/sydney-alliance-moves-ahead-with.html

Great Connections With People I Meet - Better Bus Service Required Doonside-Blacktown!

Amazing, Amazing - I meet so many people in a week and more in a month. They are all quite happy to talk to me, whilst providing their suggestions and/or ideas. Charlie From Woodcroft has advised that he Busways 756 goes to Doonside from Mount Druitt yet doesn't reach his side of Woodcroft and finds it. 

That leaves him with one choice and that is drive the car to Blacktown, missing any available car space at the Blacktown Commuter Car park. He would like better routing of bus services around his end of Woodcroft- buses feeding into required essential areas. I was later advised he worked for Western Sydney Community Forum - What a great connection!

Mount Druitt South Requires Bus Service To Station!

On the Mount Druitt South ( Beames Avenue of the railway lines) there are commuters who care have positive suggestions to improve public transport. At a private function I went to on the weekend I met Allan , living 10 minutes walking distance either side of Minute Druitt and Rooty Hill Train.

He drives  his car from home to Rooty Hill Train Station but finds it is  five minutes walk in between both train station  The only difference is he finds is stressful, where if he has a bus service in that part of mount Druitt, it is hop on bus and hop on train - no parking, no stress! We will see what we can do for him and others in the same area!       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Rooty Hill Train Station Petition!

               

Venus Priest, a concerned resident of Rooty Hill, is lobbying for a lifts, escalators and CCTV cameras. present, she has got approximately 500 signatures and has requested our support to promote this petition. We will provide our support for the improvements on Rooty Hill Station and will also extend to her to support from WSPTU and other Stake Transport Stake Holders.

You can download the  the petition and return it directly to Venus or refer to us and will  forward it on to her; This is the details of her petition:

    COMMUNITY PETITION (ROOTY  HILL TRAIN STATION)

We, the undersigned people of Rooty Hill and it surrounding areas request necessary action be taken in respect of Rooty Hill Station, in particular, we urgently require:

A) LIFT/ELEVATOR for the Elders & Pram Users. We have a large number of elders & Mothers with
     Prams and it is very hard for them to go up and down the stairs.
B)  CCTV CAMERAS  TO DETER BAG SNATCHING.  Commuters specially the early ones have
     experienced such unacceptable  & offensive behaviour. We need cameras & proper lighting within the
     vicinity. The area has becoming dangerous especially at night time.

     We need action to continue living a healthy life. The station has been neglected for years. Local State
     Members of Parliament have so far been ineffective on this issue. We put faith in your hands to please look
     at the situation

     Below are signatures from the people asking for your support.

     Sincerely yours

     Venus Priest                                               Mobile Phone 0478 412  731
     (Concerned Rooty Hill resident)                    e-mail: venus.sombrino@yahoo.com.au &
                                                                                    venus.priest@gmail.com.au

                                                                                       

Do Bus Drivers Get More Disgruntled With Bigger Currency To Pay Fares?

Allan, our Treasurer has advised that he has seen an incident where a commuter provides $5.00 note to pay for 2 pensioner concession tickets and the Bus Driver was a little upset he was given notes . Each ticket costed $2.50 each. Next another commuter offer a $10.00 note to pay her fare and the next one a $20.00 ticket.

 As each commuter provided these funds he gets more unhappy, is this fair?. They are not providing $50.00 or $100.00 notes and I think up to $20.00 is reasonable to pay if you have no small change. What do you think?

Privacy Troubles with 131500?

This is where a private company that takes calls for or on behalf on the Transport for NSW, they are not allowed to call back community members - they are only there to block calls or feed them to where they are supposed to go too. I think we should ask each telephone operator for them to call us back.

A few of our members have advised the group, that when they contact 131500 & asked for their private  telephone contact details, are not aware of any bus operators that may call up without out members permission.

The Question is how do they fix it?

Richard Amery Question Mount Druitt Train Station Upgrade,- NSW Parliament!

Thank you Richard Amery for providing a copy of the Questions you raised in the NSW Parliament:

We have been talking about different types of upgrades of Mount Druitt Train Station, now Richard Amery ( in opposition) is bringing a new idea to extend the train Station. Great Innovation. Longer Trains means more commuters. "On Board'!

Bus Contracts For School Kids Against Bus Contracts For The General Commuters

I have heard from Gwen from Shalvey ,seeking membership of our group and a supporter for the Sydney Alliance that she has heard from within the walls of the NSW Government that Bus School Contracts are  more  important and never planned to stop them as opposed to bus contracts for general commuters who may have their services negatively affected. So if any one can find out more  about this let us know.

New Train Time Tables Enjoyed By St Marys Commuter - Return Trip From City

Not a lot of commuters complain about transport - here is a commuter that likes improvement in transport - Joel from St Marys,   travels every day  to and from St. Marys to Redfern by train and to and from Redfern to Botany. Wow, there's commuter that travels long journey to ear their keepings, well done Joel!

He says the new train timetable make it easier to get connecting train home in case he misses his first chance: times are  5.07 pm and 5.12 pm, leaving Redfern. Good news!

Doing his figures, estimates that 30% of trains he travels on are not air-conditioned and would like to see the Charter for NSW for Transport to reduce that to zero, providing more comfort.Within the last year he experienced  2 commuters suffering from heat exhaustion on an extreme hot Sydney day and train had to terminate at Parramatta to get them to another train home. Catching buses 20% of them are not air-conditioned especially Redfern to Botany no air-conditioned buses!

Professional Courtesy Required From The Young On Buses & Trains

A gentleman I met at my bus stop this morning was extremely proud of what our group was doing, even though he has heard of it.

He also advised that one of the things he cannot understand the majority of the young do is complete ignorance and disrespect to their elder commuters. Professional courtesy is what he says  is missing when he sees the young seated on buses and not giving up their seats allowing pregnant ladies, ladies and the elderly, to take that place. Swearing is is the issue high on his agenda, that he claims is commonly said in the young people day to day that should not be allowed from all members of the community. "Laws should be introduced to outlaw this type of behaviour' he said.

On trains he says the young are little bit more well behaved but the same still happens. His generation believed and were instilled by their parents:: self respect, respect of others  and do good to others as one day on will do good to you!

Mount Druitt Commuter With A Transport Dream!

The male commuter with a dream from Mount Druitt, is shortly leaving to live in the city - 5 minutes from his work.

O.kay I'll tell you what it is: he hates crowded trains and suggests that some commuter would pay somewhere between 20-40 percent extra on their tick to have a first class premium train carriage. This one carriage out of 6-8 carriages should invlude: complete comfort, silence, Free Wi-Fi , heating, air conditioning and providing the the best travelling condition for first-class paid commuters.
He advised Trains marked 'S' Class do not have air conditioning and most commuters expect that for what they pay. Very interesting suggestions/ideas - let's see what you think?

New 'Transport For NSW' Website!

Check out the new 'Transport For NSW' website introduced by the Premier of NSW, Mr. Barry O'Farrell. You can register and have your say as well - this is a good concept and links you to te 131500 website, please click here:

http//www.transport.nsw.gov.au/

Brilliant Idea - Better Train Services Can Be Done In The Greater West!

Local John (not me ) has come up with a brilliant idea that would make City Rail and transport stakeholders a 'shot in the arm'.

Here is it is; on the Cityrail timetables for the Western Line on the weekdays Pm trip heading from City to West - there are some trains that terminate at Blacktown and probably head back to the city - they don't tend to take commuters out to the outer-west. It is suggested that rather they terminate at Blacktown train station then continue their to be at least all stations to St Marys ( as a majority of  commuter leave the train by here) or continue onto Penrith or Emu Plains. Even provide support to the Richmond Line on the Western :Line. This would serve the greater west with more trains services and provide the at least services required.

Terrific idea - why didn't someone else think of it!

Here are the time I've picked up that end at Blacktown Train Station: 4.49pm, 5.06pm, 5.19pm,
5.34pm, 6.05pm, 6.20pm, 7.05pm  & 8.22pm. There's more but these are the major one's


Check it out on the Cityrail website:
http://www.cityrail.info/timetables/timetables_by_line.htm#landingPoint

By the way, you will note that John (not me) is in the night time picture at the Whalan bus stop story ( See if you can find him):
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/05/news-news-whalan-shops-has-re-situated.html

This Could Happen In Mount Druitt!

Here is the link to the story that might fascinate you:

http://wsptu.blogspot.com/2011/11/cityrail-first-aid-officers-in-western.html

Mount Druitt to Castle Hill Request For New Bus Service!

A young gentleman who rarely catches public transport to work due to no public transport direct network connections, today traveled by train and bus to Castle via the City and advised when there was a bus going to Macquarie Park. he used to catch it as well as others , since then he drives his car until NSW for Transport answers his requests but he thinks government will not listen. I actually thought it was a good idea!

NB: There is a Busways 743 that goes to Castle Hill but leaves St. Marys train station and doesn't do direct to Mount Druitt train station!

Motorised Cycles Support For Cheaper Transport!

There seems to be a so far, one voice support for motored cycles, which can be promoted as  as a cheap form of transport for the young people as opposed to purchasing cars and paying thousands for insurance (which they can't afford).

This lady commuter from Mount Druitt has wonderful strong support for this form of public transport and believes that this form of transport should not be taken off the road like planned to be done, by the new NSW State Government. She also believes that this form of transport can be used  on all cycle ways planned for the future of Blacktown City Council.

                                            The Uno Electric Cycle : Fun and EcoFriendly

Don't Lose Excursion Tickets At All!

John ( not me) from Whalan had to pay extra for an extra excursion ticket on e day. He  travelled on the Westbus 780 from Luxford Road, Whalan to Mount and then transfer to catch the Busways 739. When he reached the mount Druitt Bus Interchange, he realise he didn't bring his printed paper ticket that the Westbus Bus driver printed out for him (lost it).

The Busways Bus driver wanted him to produce his excursion ticket and thus he couldn't produce the ticket was left with a $50.00 note to pay for another excursion ticket, with a lot of loose change.

So the motto to the story is don't throw away or toss out your paper printed excursion tickets!

New Happy Bus Driver - (Number 38)!

A new Busways Driver GT 2954 has been driving for 2-3 weeks hasn't been upset yet and doesn't want to be and has experienced commuter anger towards driver but reacted calmly as he doesn't want to  provoke any confrontation.

At night, sighting commuters on bus stops can be hard, especially if they are wearing dark clothing and not signalling ( or even when they are signalling). He remembers when a commuter did just this, when he experienced this the first time and the commuter was upset even when the driver realised. He stopped passed the bus stop to pick up the commuter, yet he didn't really react!



Refer to original story of the Happy Bus Driver Register:
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2010/12/happy-bus-drivers-register.html

Commuter With Reasons To Travel Trains......

David, from the Blacktown area has advised me that he never travel to city by private car: it is to costly and  stressful to find parking. He prefers catching public trains to and from the Sydney Central Business District.

He also finds it is a great place to catch a quite nap to and from work - making life that little bit more easier!!!

No! This is not David, but this could be you enjoying yourself;


Check out this webite: Cityrail Slumberer's
http://cityrailslumberers.com

Behind The Times & New Lift Request For Doonside!

Jim, originally from Fiji  tells his son not to drive to the  nearest pawn shop but to walk there. He would like to see more progressive better transport as he catches the Busways 753 from Doonside.  His brother from Canada has told him that in Western Sydney the public  bus services should be every 20 minutes as it is in Canada. This is the standard waiting time for buses and is much more advanced than us. Overall we are behind the times compared to Canada.



He is  also seeking advice as to how he could  lobby for lifts at  Doonside station as the local Chemist and other business are seeking this as well. Although he thought it was up to the local community to raise funds for these lifts -  advised him not to worry as this is not the least concern of him. I have given him advice on what to do and that is to speak to the transport officer at Blacktown City Council and get a transport lobby group going!

Small Diversion For Missed Trains!

A  very nice man travels during the week from Westmead to Druitt on the homeward journey and sometimes misses the City Rail train that leaves Westmead. A slight diversion he takes is he catches the train from Westmead to Parramatta - depart Platform 1 and there for catching  a better direct train from Parramatta  on Platform 2 to Mount Druitt.

The significant message he is providing to train stakeholders is: place more less waiting for times for at Westmead!

Commuter With A Question For The Group

I was asked a strange question today. 'Does our group take complaints?'

I answered, usually commuters that have general complaints  contact the NSW Transport on 131500 phone and website. Yet if anyone has transport issue in relating to  bus trips, routes , bus stops, train service, train taxi service and  taxis as well cycling issue we are the group to assist them, to lobby hard  for these essential services.

I must point out the female bus commuter was using the issue of a broken window on the buses as an example. The reply  was referred to the 131500 who can contact bus operators and then have the window fixed. If this doesn't work then contact our group.

When you think about it, our group is trying to resolve transport problem within our local area, so I suppose if a complaint is a problem - then yes we will take it on, if the transport issue needs to be addressed!

I thought deep and hard about it and yes we take complaints and deal with them,as a group!

Commuter With Off-Peak Train And Crowded Train Issues!

Elizabeth, a train commuter that used to catch trains to from Mount Druitt to City - now catches them from Mount Druitt to Parramatta. She agreed that generally the trains are are well timed.

Her issues are after 9am off- peak trains need to be improved by increased services, would like to see a 15 minutes service to what we have now to the City.

Her other issue is  her pet hate is  crowd trains in the city leaving for Mount Druitt, there should be a similar train leaving the same time alleviate  the issue of crowded trains - providing improved and better comfort on trains!

Great ideas from commuters - we have great people within Mount Druitt who think clearly!

Bus Shelter Long Wait ... Bus Stop Number 2770244.....!

We refer to  the original blog that we placed on 22nd January, this year regarding replacing a bus shelter on Bus Stop Number  277244 and another suggestion ( not accepted as yet).

Here is the original blog - click here:
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/01/proposal-for-bus-stop-bulolo-drive.html

We can now report there is a bus shelter now on this bus stop - I believe it has been there for over one month - this means  that with Bus Stop Infrastructure it takes a  short time to  destroy a bus shelter, yet a long waiting time to have a permanent seat waiting for your bus!  Here are the photo's for proof:

The only issue I have now is the graffiti

 culprits attacked straight away?

NSW Transport New Busways Time Tables Are Available! For Area 1

New times tables are available for the following Busways Buses within Region 1:
718, 721, 722, 724, 725, 726, 727, 737, 738,739,739V 740, 743, 744, 745, 746, 750,751,752.753,754,755 &756, 757, 758, 761, S7, S12, T70, T71, T74, T75

Please visit www.busways.com.au to view the above routes

 and their timetables.

If you have any queries relating to Busways services, please 

email us at infoline@busways.com.au.

Angie Needs More Lights For Bus Stops At Night!

Angie (Vice-President MDCIG) finds catching buses a wee difficult when watching for buses out in the dark at night! I had to wait for her to catch the Busways 758, to ensure her safety  partially home!