New 'Opal' Ticketing System is On The Way Here!

The NSW Electronic Ticketing System is now on trial - starting with Ferries and if successful will expand to City Rail in mid 2013 and then to Buses.

I only have one question with the 'Opal' Electronic tickets: it appears it is going to be set equivalent to the single MyZone tickets - I hope it includes the MyZone weekly tickets - which includes multi-trips?



Click Here For Details Of The Trialling Opal Card

The Facts About The New Bus Contracts!

As you may already be aware, new bus contracts were signed on the 7th of November, 2012 but what you might not know is the details behind these new contracts.

Details of new bus contracts:

• Contracts 1, 3, 12 & 14 put up for tender in August 2012 and were on showcase for just over one month.
• Contract Region 1 covers Blacktown, Mount Druitt, Penrith, Richmond, Windsor & Riverstone
• Contract Region 3 covers Parramatta, Fairfield, Cabramatta, Liverpool & Bonnyrigg
• Contract Region 12 covers Berowra, Hornsby, Gordon, Chatswood & Macquarie Park
• Contract Region 14 covers Chatswood, Frenchs Forest, Terry Hills & Mona Vale
• The new contracts will come into effect from April 2013

Details of next years bus contracts:

• Contracts 2, 4, 5 & 15 will be put up for tender in 2013
• Contract Region 2 covers Liverpool & Bringelly
• Contract Region 4 covers Parramatta, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill & Dural
• Contract Region 5 covers Lakemba & Punchbowl
• Contract Region 15 covers Campbelltown & Camden

Details about Contract Region 1:

• Current operators: Busways, Westbus & Hawkesbury Valley Buses
• Contract Winner: Busways
• Approximate number of journeys per year: 8 million
• Improvements to be made: fine tuning of timetables to improve service times and ensure efficient connections, improved running times and reduced congestion at bus interchanges, improved coordination with school start and finish times & introduction of new 24/7 control centres to monitor service deliver

Details about Contract Region 3:

• Current operators: Westbus, Busabout, Hopkinsons & Metro-link
• Contract Winner: Transit Systems Australia
• Approximate number of journeys per year: 5.5 million
• Improvements to be made: fine tuning of timetables to improve service times and ensure efficient connections, improved running times and reduced congestion at bus interchanges, improved coordination with school start and finish times & introduction of new 24/7 control centres to monitor service deliver

Details about Contract Region 12:

• Current operator: Veolia Transdev
• Contract Winner: Veolia Transdev
• Approximate number of journeys per year: 1.5 million
• Improvements to be made: placement of contingency buses around the region during the AM peak to replace any late-running service, extension of some off-peak and weekend 565 services to improve access to Macquarie, introduction of additional late night 577 services for Turramurra Hospital, improved coordination with school start and finish times, a variety of other customer service improvement initiatives, introduction of new 24/7 control centres to monitor service delivery

Details about Contract Region 14:

• Current operator: Forest Coach Lines
• Contract Winner: Forest Coach Lines
• Approximate number of journeys per year: 2.5 million
• Improvements to be made: improved coordination with school start and finish times

What happens to current staff?

The current staff of Westbus and Hawkesbury Valley Buses will be offered jobs with Busways

What happens to the current operators?

Westbus Pty Ltd will cease to exist with the service planners and other staff at the Head office to look after Hillsbus only. All staff at Hawkesbury Valley buses will work for Busways.

What happens to Westbus Buses?

All buses purchased before 2009 will be either sold or moved by the discretion of Westbus. All buses operated after 2009 are owned by the NSW government and will be handed over to Busways.

What happens to the bus depots?

It is unclear but it is assumed that the depots will be transferred over to the new operator.

More to come...

WestConnex Connects New Motorways to the NSW Draft Long Term Transport Master Plan! Needs More Public Transport Catering!

After last weeks announcement by the Premier of NSW and the Minister for Western Sydney, Mr Barry O'Farrell, Infrastructure NSW is looking at the high part of their agenda to proceed with the WestConnex proposal to extend  both the M4 and M5 Motorways connecting and the widening of both Motorways:

Click here for the WestConnex Infrastructure NSW Plan

Click Here For The WestConnex Proposal for M4 & M5 Extension & Connection

Although, I have just recently studied the motor way plan, improvements win public transport will mostly be on Parramatta Road for  buses, I think there has has been one neglect on the private venture. 

That is the focus is to reduce congestion time on the road and increase private car usage, making a loop connection with other motorways and the airport and seems motorists will reap the benefits.

There is low key emphasis on public transport on the actual Motorways itself, where the NSW Government could look at  while widening the motor ways, having special bus lanes that will take express bus service/Metro buses from far out west and take the  over load from train services. It sound simple, I can hear the opposition for it from motorists but allowing buses to do express services, the NSW government is ensuring public transport is not 'left off the Motorway Ramp'!

Common sense prevails buses will not be charge tolls which could mount to $4.00 each way (my guess).  Yet if this rate of $4.00 is also charged, public transport costs will still be cheaper to commute to these destinations.

The only thing that stuns myself is the issue of the second reserve airport. Although my view doesn't represent the groups view, I'm all for public transport. When it comes to a second airport in proposed Badgerys Creek, I  feel that there will be environmental issues regarding pollution in chemicals from fuels and noise pollution that prevents me from agreeing to it. On the other hand, if there is no way we can stop an airport in Badgerys Creek, then he positive thing I can see, is it will support the Western Sydney Employment Area. In doing so increasing  job opportunities for trade and retail employment for people that need this type of employment in the Greater Western Sydney - with growth of public transport to support it. So I am 50/50 with this!

I support Barry O'Farrell proposal to place a second  airport in Canberra, with high speak rail to Sydney for support. I also support potentially a second airport in Richmond RAAF base is currently. European Countries use defense force  air bases for overseas flights why can't we do it here!

New 131500 Widget on the side

We have recently installed a new widget on the left hand side so that you can plan your trip, just like on the www.1315000.com.au site.

It's very easy to use, put in your starting location, put in your destination and time you want to leave or arrive and go. It's that simple!

NSW to get Alphanumeric Road Numbering System

In line with other states including Victoria and Queensland, the NSW government has decided to spend $20million to create new alphanumeric (letters and numbers) road signs.

Read the Sydney Morning Herald article below:

Motorists heading north west on the Bells Line of Road will soon be driving along the B59 under a new project to standardise and rename major driving routes across New South Wales using numbers and letters.

Roads Minister Duncan Gay this afternoon announced a $20 million project to change road signs across the state in an attempt to make navigating long distances simpler, particularly for tourists.

Roads such as the Princes Highway or Bells Line of Road will keep their current names but will also receive a second alpha-numeric title, such as the A1 or B56, from March 2013.

The new names can apply to either a single road, or a series of roads that form a corridor.

Mr Gay said the changes would make driving simpler, particularly for those travelling routes that covered a range of different road names.

"If you were travel across Sydney from the Sydney Airport to the north, you would travel down General Homes Drive, Southern Cross Drive, Dowling Street, Eastern Distributor Motorway, Cahill Expressway, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Bradfield Highway, Warringah Expressway, and on and on," he said.

"From now on, you'll just travel on the M1."

Motorways will retain the first letter M, while A will be used to designate routes of national significance and B will be used routes of state significance. Both the old name, and the new route names, will be displayed on signage.

The move brings NSW into line with other state such as Victoria, which already use the alpha-numeric system, and other countries.

The opposition has labelled the $20 million project confusing and a "waste of money".

"The people of NSW want their roads fixed and they want them built, they don't simply want them renamed," opposition transport spokeswoman, Penny Sharpe, said.

"Every school, every hospital is feeling cuts across this state. If money is tight the Premier should call his minister in to line and redirect the money from this program in to something more worthwhile."

Trent Zimmerman, from the Tourism and Transport Forum, praised the move and said it was especially important for tourists.

"We think it's particularly important for those international visitors who don't have English as their first language, because we know that English road names are more confusing than a simple lettering and numbering system, one which they're familiar with," he said

The roads around Mt Druitt affected are:

• M4 Motorway now named the M4 Western Motorway
• Great Western Highway now named the A44
• The Northern Road now named the A9

We should see changes to signs across NSW in early 2013

You Do Not Need A Ticket - Senior Card Holders - Suggestion For NSW Public Transport!

At times, we talk of subjects that people raise with us and we feel that they may not be that important to us, to pursue or follow through: whether it is important to us now or in the future, it is important!

So, I have been advised that in  Adelaide - commuters holding Australian Seniors Card can travel on trains and  buses free as from 9.01am to 3pm, Monday to Fridays, all day on weekends and public holidays.

Why does one State do it and others are different. This is probably what would be fare for seniors yet why not make it uniform in all states, especially in New South Wales.

Click here for Brisbane discounts on Senior Cards


Click here for Melbourne discounts on Senior Cards

Click here for Adelaide discounts on Senior Cards

Click here for Perth discounts on Senior Cards

Click here for Sydney discounts on Senior Cards

Click here to find out how you apply for a Seniors card

NSW Transport Master Plan Draft Released - You Can Add Comments Yourself!

From:	Master Plan (TransMP@transport.nsw.gov.au)
Sent:	Tuesday, 4 September 2012 5:09:17 PM
To:	Master Plan (TransMP@transport.nsw.gov.au)

The draft NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan (draft Master Plan) was released today by the Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Roads and Ports, Duncan Gay.

The draft Master Plan sets the direction for transport planning for the next 20 years, providing a framework for transport policy and investment decisions that respond to key challenges.

The actions and future challenges we have identified are based on a sound body of evidence stemming from months of detailed research, as well as being informed by public consultation and advice from transport experts.

The draft Master Plan takes a completely integrated approach to transport planning, bringing together all modes of transport, roads and freight to develop a seamless transport plan.

Key to the draft Master Plan is the critical link to land-use planning, with other Government departments playing a vital role in informing the development of this plan.

We are now seeking your comments to help strengthen the final NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan. I encourage you to comment directly on the draft Master Plan via the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan website www.transportmasterplan.nsw.gov.au.Comments close on 26 October 2012.

An electronic copy and summary version of the draft Master Plan can be downloaded from this site. The final Master Plan will be released in late 2012.

For more information, please email masterplan@transport.nsw.gov.au, call 1800 802 888 or write to The NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan team, Transport for NSW PO Box K659, Haymarket NSW 1240.

Kind regards,

Carolyn McNally

Deputy Director General

Planning and Programs

Transport for NSW

T 8202 2611
Level 3, 18, Lee Street, Chippendale NSW 2008

NSW Bus Reviews For You!

When you go and seek advice on the 'net' what comes to us is:  
NSW Busnetwork and here there comments of the reform:

About Bus Reform

NSW Transport and Infrastructure

Why do we review bus networks?

New contracts between metropolitan and outer metropolitan bus operators and the NSW Government include the need to carry out a review of bus services within the first three years of the contract. This requirement to review services came out of the recommendations of the NSW Governments Review of Bus Services, known as the Unsworth Review.

The review of bus services is critical to ensure local people are connected with local places and with other bus routes or modes of transport. It is also important that we straighten bus routes and make fast, frequent and direct bus services.

How do we design bus services?

We - NSW Transport and Infrastructure and its contracted bus operators - are dedicated public transport providers and we design our services so they are affordable, easy-to-use and convenient.

The design of bus services takes into account many considerations. Our main challenge is to balance the needs of our many and varied customer groups. We carefully review travel patterns, emerging trends, information on journeys to work and land use developments so we have a clear picture of what’s happening within the area we provide services. This is critical to ensure we can build customer numbers and strengthen our bus network. We then consider customer feedback to ensure we do not miss critical local links.

We use the NSW Government’s Service Planning Guidelines (www.transport.nsw.gov.au), which includes an international standard for access to bus routes. Our aim is to ensure nearly all of our bus services operate within 400 metres of residents between 6.00am and 6.30pm from Monday to Saturday. On evenings and on Sundays, we aim for 800 metres.

What do I need to consider about this review?

We encourage you to carefully review the proposed new bus network. You are asked to provide feedback on any part of the proposal that may affect you.

Buses may travel down streets where they have not travelled before, resulting in new bus stops along the route. Some buses will be taken out of some streets, resulting in the removal of bus stops along the route. Sometimes you may need to interchange buses under the new proposal. These are examples of matters to consider in your feedback.

Why is it important for me to have my say?

It is important for you to have your say during the consultation period. The new contracts make it standard and compulsory for all bus operators to carry out community consultation during the first review of bus services and every year following.

We need to know your thoughts and concerns so we can aim to provide bus services that balance the needs of all members of our communities.

What are the key parts of proposed new bus networks?

1. Improved links to major and town centres

Major Centres, according to the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney, have department stores, specialty shops, cinemas, restaurants, schools, government administration, office employment and transport hubs. Customers require direct services to their local Major Centre.

2. A simplified network

Around the world, customers have indicated they prefer networks that are easy to understand. The existing network is complicated due to variations on routes that depend on the time of day. The proposed new network would reduce diversions and variations so it could operate the same routes across the week, where possible.

3. More direct services

A common complaint about bus services is that they are circuitous and do not take people to where they want to go.

The proposed new network will be simplified, and routes will be straightened to ensure that services are direct, but retain important links to local facilities.

4. Integrated services

Integrated services allow passengers direct access to a number of activity centres across the region. They also provide opportunities to interchange with rail and other bus services.

The proposed new network has been designed to increase the number and variety of public transport options available.

5. More travel opportunities

The proposed new network have been designed to increase the number and variety of public transport options available, by anchoring to a Major or Town Centre and ensuring that as many local destinations are included in the network.

6. School services

Dedicated school buses will be assessed following this review. School principals will be advised on any changes to bus services that impact school children.

Our commitment to you

For many years, we have worked hard to provide the best possible bus services. We are committed to act on all customer and staff feedback. We encourage you to provide feedback so we can continue to design better bus services for our valued customers.

Editors Comments: They seem to neglect when they take services away how it affects local people -m while they are noticing travelling trends.

NSW Treasurer Speaks On Public Transport Budget 2012-2013

You have to be a good economist to comprehend the  Public transport speech of the NSW Treasurer, Mike Baird.

For me, it shows the bigger picture but doesn't touch on local transport issues and I suppose the NSW Government does work on the bigger picture but we want them to understand, it starts from the local community planning.

Whilst I and (we as a group and community) do not decline and compliment any public transport improvements, it seems like the NSW Government  should be focussing on getting local communities planning to connect public transport to other local communities. Then and only then the lateral thinking of public transport future planning is being accomplished.

With new technology coming on board Opal ticketing system, this will need to be introduced so all commuters understand the new system and also the Automated Train Protection, when rolled out the same understanding given to all commuters.

What is missing in the Budget I see is promotion of public transport by way of media advertising - if $10M could be spent to promote Greater Western Sydney Transport , this will reduce congestion on roads, estimates long private driving queues and expenses, provide a better life for commuters and a potential to promote further tourism not only in the Greater West but in Sydney itself.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

$397 million for the South West Rail Link, supporting population growth and delivering new services for SouthWest Sydney

$360 million for the North West Rail Link – the most

significant expansion of the rail network in decades

$148 million to improve access to railway stations, ferry wharves and transport interchanges

$124 million to roll out the ‘Opal’ electronic ticketing System

 Public Trading Enterprise Infrastructure Investment

While capital expenditure in the regulated energy and water industries underpins the quality and reliability of services provided to consumers, the Government is conscious of the pressures this places on consumer prices. Ensuring the appropriate balance between asset standards and timing of investment and quality of service can reduce cost of living pressures on consumers of energy and water.  In this context PTE capital expenditure in areas other than public transport is now forecast to be less than reported in the 2011-12 Budget.

At the total state level, infrastructure spending is expected to peak in 2013-14, reflecting progress on rail projects and the capitalisation of the Royal North Shore Hospital PPP. Over the four years to 2015-16, infrastructure spending at the total state level is broadly similar to the original estimates for the years to 2014-15 in last year’s Budget.

Investment to 2015-16 will focus on transport and electricity

Over the four years to 2015-16, the State’s infrastructure investment will total $61.8 billion, comprising $26 billion in the general government sector and $35.9 billion in the PTE sector. 

The NSW Liberals and Nationals 2012-13 Budget includes a massive $13.2 billion investment in public transport and roads, with a major focus on building new transport infrastructure where it isneeded most. 

This Budget puts a priority on progressing major transport infrastructure initiatives that will improve the day to day experience of customers, such as the North West Rail Link and South West Rail Link, extension of light rail and introduction of electronic ticketing, Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said. 

This Budget shows we are getting on with the job we said we would do and building for the future of this State.

The former Labor Government failed to do the hard work that allows projects to be delivered  we are a disciplined Government focused on delivering the improvements the people of NSW deserve.

Early construction work will start on the North West Rail Link later this year with $360 million to fund the preparation of major construction sites, property acquisition and the second Environmental Impact Statement.

The Budget allocates a massive $3.3 billion over the next four years for the construction of the North West Rail Link.

Budget funding also allows the North West Rail Link project team to prepare for the awarding of the major construction contracts, with major tunnelling scheduled to start in 2014.

This Budget caters for major population growth in South West Sydney, with $397 million set aside to continue crucial construction of the South West Rail Link.

In recognition of the increasing customer demand for bus services, this Budget includes spending of more than $127 million to acquire 269 buses for Sydney and the outer Metropolitan area.

Customers will also see real progress on an enhanced and integrated public transport network as part of our promise to correct years of neglect and bring the States transport services to a world class standard.

This means the introduction of simple electronic ticketing, better passenger information systems and money dedicated to accessible, modern and secure transport infrastructure.

Other 2012-13 Budget highlights include:

$124 million towards delivering electronic ticketing for ferries, trains, buses and light rail across the greater Sydney region. The Opal card will begin to be rolled out on ferries at the end of the year.

$116 million to begin construction of the 5.6 kilometre Inner West Light Rail Extension from Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill, including nine new stops. An extra $25 million to plan for future light rail development.

$148 million in funding this year for the new Transport Access Program to improve access to the public transport network, including station upgrades, better accessibility to CityRail Stations, improved parking and transport interchanges and commuter wharf improvements.

$84.5 million to progress the Northern Sydney Freight Corridor Program to improve the capacity and reliability of freight trains travelling on the Main North Line between North Strathfield and Broadmeadow (near Newcastle). A further $9.86 million to contribute to work on the Southern Sydney Freight Line.

$61 million towards building the Wynyard Walk - a new pedestrian link that will connect Wynyard Railway Station with Barangaroo and the western CBD, providing greater capacity to move pedestrians to the city™s west where demand is set to increase.

$95 million for infrastructure upgrades for the rollout of the new Waratah trains.

$215.6 million on major maintenance to improve safety and reliability across the RailCorp network, including replacing sleepers, renewing bridges, modernising overhead wiring and resurfacing station platforms.

More than $114 million on the Clearways Program to improve on-time running and capacity on the CityRail network. Funding in this year™s Budget will allow work to continue on the Liverpool Turnback program and the Kingsgrove Revesby quadruplication.

$32 million towards the purchase of 99 new outer suburban Oscar trains for the Central Coast, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra.

$4.6 million to improve ferry wharves by replacing hydraulic ramps at Circular Quay and Manly which will help customers board and disembark.

$2 million to boost community transport services in communities across the State, taking the total contribution to community transport to $6.8 million in 2012-13.

$182 million for the Country Regional Network, including $117 million for network
maintenance, $43 million for new sleepers on tracks and $3.2 million to renew bridges.

Major investment in rail safety programs, including $50 million to progress the roll out of Automatic Train Protection, $50 million towards the State™s Digital Train Radio program and $14.5 million towards the provision of Internal Emergency Door release systems on carriages

$2.2 million to improve and upgrade passenger information systems including audio systems on CityRail trains to provide more accurate and reliable information to customers about their services.

NSW Minister Of Transport, Gladys Berejiklian MP, Acknowledges Our Submission To The Transport Master Plan

We thank the NSW Minister Of Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, for accepting our NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan on behalf of our group and most importantly the Mount Druitt community.

Refer to Our Submission:
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/our-groups-submission-for-nsw-long-term.html

Tickets - NSW Public Transport - Do You Get The Message?

Front Of Ticket!

When you purchase public transport tickets, for train and combined bus tickets, we tend to just read the front to ensure that it has the right ticketing details like price and destination. Then you may rush downstairs or you may take you time and  gradually reach the platform level, either and miss your train or wait for it's arrival.


Whilst you are on the train or platform - you decide to flip or turn you ticket over and discover their are train trip tips and or suggestions as follows ( refer left and thereon):



Obvious safety precautions needed to be taken in case! And the fine is expensive!

Good information about how we can be informed of Rail work!












This is really information which is common but surely good to promote this to concession commuters.

This can be relevant for paying commuters and even myself I thought Redfern was a City Station! Did you?







Safety Issue Warning to prevent accidents from potential hazards important for all, even ones that don't  read this!

Good to know your tickets cover night ride buses just ensure your tickets are dared to cover the night ride! What I like to see the sub-link on website to show where is the info on the website showing the time tables!
Super information on bikes on transport, my only question is who really checks the extra ticket at the barriers. Really I hardly see station assistants check tickets now a days as people do get upset

This is useful information as I thought the ticket was  covered until midnight. We probably need a ticket with information of what are the zones and who pays for what!


Great basic summary of the website - maybe more on trip planners would be good idea!

This is good for teaching commuters about safety - my only issue is  that hotline number should be written on every visible sight on the train!
                                                                                                                 

This can be handy to know if you are aware of any anti-social behaviours around yourself or others. But I wouldn't use it if it doesn't have to be used - I mean don't abuse it!


Simple messages that people need to understand, especially if some  have had accidents because of it!

This is a good question I'm sure we all know the answer!

Some helpful hints for pram commuters!

                                                                                       

Security is important knowing how many is around divided by stations divided by platforms and vestibule areas

So how have you found these messages interesting, boring, do we need other information on them - I will add more (of these), once I get more - Maybe you can give us an example of a message (polite) you would like to see!

Obviously these are becoming crowded train stations!

 This seems like the way  the new technology is going - online - not offline!

This is ideal info for commuters that aren't aware!

Ray Williams, NSW Western Sydney Parliamentary Secretary Appreciates Members Of MDCIG Feed!back!

Member For Hawkesbury and NSW Western Sydney Parliamentary Secretary, Ray Wiliams - has provided us with warm feed back as we had a strong representation at the NSW Long Term Transport West Sydney Regional Masterplan 13 members attended:
 Click here for The West Community Forum

Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:09:02 +1000
From: Ray.Williams@parliament.nsw.gov.au
To: office@berejiklian.minister.nsw.gov.au; mountdruitt_cig@hotmail.com
CC: jacqueline.donaldson@blacktown.nsw.gov.au; nick.tyrell@blacktown.nsw.gov.au; bart.bassett@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
Subject: Re: NSW Long Term Transport Masterplan Sydney (West) Regional Forum

Great to see you John,

really appreciate the positive feedback and the input from you guys last night

Keep up the good work

cheers Ray

West (Sydney) Regional Forum For The NSW Long Term Transport Masterplan

Mount Druitt makes head-waves with the NSW Long Term Transport Masterplan Community Forum for the west as we had the following from our group attend, Peter, Pauline, Christina, Debra, Margaret-Anne, Allan, Dianna, Lester, Angie, Mary, Christina and Shane, Jacqueline and myself attend. This is approximately 80 percent of our current membership.

We were welcomed by Ray Williams MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney, Gladys Berejiklian MP, Minister for Transport and Duncan Gay M.C.Minister for Roads and Ports and then Carolyn McNally, Deputy Director general, Planning and Programs.

Ray Williams MP, made a smashing statement when he announced  removal of services in Whalan where commuters were hardship, when he was in opposition and mentioned how
 had fought hard with the then opposition government for the return of these services and Gladys Berejiklian MP advised of previous NSW Government removing 1500 bus services  in the entire Western Sydney

With 60 or so representatives of communities, councils, transport officers, we are a group represented about 20 per cent of the  invitees. We thank the following for having a well constructed organised and presentable forum allowing for great feedback to be provided. There would have been 8-9 tables  of groups where  each person was allowed to have 'Their say', in one hour a lot can be said in one table, especially when there was a scribe and a chair at each table. This made it easy to work out what  was important - and the focus was on public transport inclusive of cycling -  if motorways are widened or lengthened then the tolls collected for those road should be used to subsidise public transport!

During the discussion at my table, I had turned around to ask for another cup of coffee to a lady I thought was serving coffee/tea. It turned out to be Gladys holding a cup of coffee in her hand and I embarrassingly apologised. Gladys advised that was 'Alright'. Well Gladys did advise that both Duncan Gay and herself will be moving around tables listening to community groups for concerns and wishes! I deeply apologised!

The outcome of our group was they were all receiving positive vibes about it - which is unusual as usually people say it was a boring one, they have their plans already done, they don't want to hear us. And surprisingly there was no opposition State Member that turned up - even the Opposition Leader - who's seat is in Blacktown, Western Sydney!

Our Groups Submission For The NSW long Term Transport Masterplan

                 Mount Druitt Commuters 
                 Improvement Group Inc.

Submission to Western Sydney Public Transport Users Inc to The NSW Long Term Transport Masterplan

·          Full return of Busways 755 bus service to be returned from Mount Druitt to Blacktown prior to bus review change of 2009. Every second bus service went to Plumpton following through to Dean Park and then to Blacktown -  here is Busways response to me - they are trying to move more people west when leaving people behind who want to go east of Mount Druitt for eg; Blacktown  http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/busways-do-not-want-to-provide-further.html  Busways claims that commuters should take 2 bus services not one to Blacktown - do you think this is right?

·         Full return of Busways 762 bus service from Mount Druitt to Chestnut Crescent Bidwill. Prior to reviewed and elimination of service which was connecting people in the north of Mount Druitt. In Easter there is 4 days in a row no bus services as they are based on Sunday time table services.

·         Full return of Westbus 766/769 replacing current Westbus 674 bus along the west of Mount Druitt - not the shopper hopper service we have patronage has dramatically increased.

·         We need bus services in very early mornings on weekends and late nights to cater for  getting to State Government Sunday Fun Days, shift workers getting to work and families meeting families and  having correct accessible transport 

·          We need Blacktown City Council to ensure that NSW For Transport - provides a high level of protection of policing on bus stops, interchanges, bus, trains and taxis   and doesn't ignore this factor based on this area of Blacktown City Council being a low socio-economic area. This protection is provided directly for the safety of commuters and transport officers.

·         We require policing of smokers in non-smoking areas and alcoholic areas for example; bus interchanges, taxi stands, train, stations and cycle ways, even if it is through Council Rangers (this especially affects the lives of non-smokers) and has been neglected for years.

·         NSW for Transport Follow up with Blacktown City Council to the acceptance of a Mount Druitt Free Bus shuttle confirmed by Rudi Svarc, Blacktown City Council that Council has placed a recommendation to the Minister of Transport at the Blacktown City Council Transport Forum number 37 - http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/great-blacktown-city-council-transport.html 

·         Since at the same Blacktown City Council Transport Forum where patronage has increased in Region 1 for buses - has our transport services catered for this increase of 6.5% and further increases.

·         Blacktown City Council to focus on making more bus stops compliant to The 'Australian Human Rights Commission' Disability Discrimination Act 1992 ensuring bus operators complete there fulfilment as well. There should be no neglect on this issue and BCC's budget placed in right priorities to make public transport improved and better for commuters as per BCC Transport Forum Number 37.

·         Follow up of request to have bus shuttles from all train stations within Blacktown LGA to take to Moreau reserve, Rooty Hill for the Rooty Hill firework - this alleviates traffic congestion. Approved by Mayor and other councillors. Other Council's in Western Sydney do it and other community, sporting and Blacktown City Council events.

·         Due  to noticeable increase of population since 2009 to 2012 in Mount Druitt, transport services should not go backwards and have services removed or cutting services as more people are commuting on public transport inclusive of bus services – thus moving forward more services should be provide to the demands of our increasing population, as there is a need for it.

·         Ropes Crossing has there solution for bus service but this is not acceptable as this proposal is negatively affecting Willmot.

·         Bus services should not be removed due to rock-throwing, missile throwing or any other anti-social issues - other preventative measures should be used to ensure continuing services and essential bus services should be returned back prior to bus review 2009 except for Willmot . Refer to our blog: http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com.au

·         We need bus services meeting community links in one bus service not 2 of them for example some community members can only travel to St Marys Swimming pool as opposed to 2 bus services to Emerton (much closer).

·         Support for the North West rail link to continue under Schofields, Marsden Park and loop into St Marys.

·         Construction of Dual Carriageway from St Marys to Penrith and also a third extra platform at Emu Plains, for terminating trains.

·         Instead of three different time table for bus and trains, one time table to cover seven days a week – this will make all commuters aware of when their services arrive and leave, provide better weekend and late night services which shift workers to reach shift work,  unemployed  commuters a better chance of reach job interviews in weekends, families to reach promotional places for ‘Sunday Fundays’, commuters to reach other families and friends, and also commuter s to  do heir shopping chores and return.

·         On Bus Stops, and Interchanges (where there is multiple bus services listed) colour-coded Bus stop Numbers for time tables to make it easier to understand and comprehend.

·          Bus ways 758 loop to the Masterplan as that service is every 15mins, early mornings, late night, and a good wk end service. That way most of Shalvey will get a bus back.

·         The Myzone tickets supported excepted where Western Sydney Commuters have to pay for 3 zones when travelling into more than one or two zones – Zone 1 commuters only pay for correct zoning. 

·         Electronic signage at train stations and bus interchanges to indicate when services will depart. Also audio information on train, stations. Promotion of bus stop number as per NSW for Transport. Website 131500 also refer to the story on our blog: http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com.au/2011/02/i-know-     my-bus-stop-number-do-you-know_21.html