Mount Druitt Not Giving Up On Petitioning For A Proposed Free Shuttle Bus - St Marys Mount-Druitt Star

Great reporting on the story on the real people of Mount Druitt that really need a services that provides essential community links - The People of Mount Druitt are great!

Parts Of Shalvey Need Buses - St Marys-Mount Druitt Star

Neglected, stranded and angry Save

By Kylie Stevens

Nov. 19, 2012, 2:18 p.m.

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  They would like the bus service to be returned to the previous stops & routes. Nearby Chestnut crescent doesn't have a sunday/public holiday service at all!
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  Janet Cribbs of Bidwill with Beresford Bourman of Blackett

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They would like the bus service to be returned to the previous stops & routes. Nearby Chestnut crescent doesn't have a sunday/public holiday service at all!

If you live in the wrong part of Shalvey, it may be quicker walking to Willmot to catch a bus. 

Live in the middle of Chestnut Crescent in Bidwill and don’t drive, you’re stuck at home for four days over Christmas unless you can afford cab fares

Commuters left stranded with no or minimal bus services live in hope, three years after services were axed or revamped in a regional bus route restructure.

While a community campaign in the Star saw some routes reinstated, not all were.

Residents hope Busways return those services when the company takes over the new contract for the Penrith, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Richmond and Windsor areas from April next year.

It's estimated 8 million bus trips are made in the region every year.

Transport Minister Gladys Berejikilan said services would be better under the new contract, including fine tuning to improve services and ensuring efficient connections, improved running times and a new control centre to monitor service delivery.

Mount Druitt Transport Commuters Group secretary Angela Plows had a bus stop in the street behind her when she moved to Shalvey in 1973. Later one was placed outside her house.

The only place many Shalvey residents have access to buses now is from Luxford Road, which is a 25-minute walk for some.

"The elderly and young families are isolated," Ms Plows said.

"We can't even catch a bus to Tregear shops anymore. We've gone backwards."

The suburb had problems with rocks being thrown at buses a few years ago.

"You can't hold the the community responsible for rock-throwing," Ms Plows said.

Bidwill resident Janet Cribbs expressed concern for the Chestnut Crescent residents who don't have services on Sundays or public holiday now the 762 service has been axed.

Not even Nine TV news coverage in 2010 revealing residents' Easter long weekend predicament could persuade the former state government to do anything.

Bidwill residents miss the days when they hopped on just one bus to Emerton shops or the pool.

The last services to Chestnut Crescent from Mount Druitt is 7.02pm weekdays, 4.27pm on Saturdays.

There are 5000 homes in or   off Chestnut Crescent, Mrs  Cribbs said.

"We've gone back to the Middle Ages," she said. "Our concerns have fallen off deaf ears. Whoever changed the services has never been out here."

Mrs Cribbs had this plea on behalf of Bidwill residents: "Please give us our bus back, seven days a week. We don't need an a half-hourly service. People would be happy with an hourly service."

Where should bus services return to? Comment at stmarysstar.com.au

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  They would like the bus service to be returned to the previous stops & routes. Nearby Chestnut crescent doesn't have a sunday/public holiday service at all!
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  Janet Cribbs of Bidwill with Beresford Bourman of Blackett

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Janet Cribbs of Bidwill with Beresford Bourman of Blackett

Our Transport 'Making A Statement Day - St Marys-Mount Druitt Star

West Connex Brings More Congestion - St Marys - Mt Druitt Star

Roads galore but drivers pay the price

By Callan Lawrence

Oct. 8, 2012, 2:18 p.m

Click Here for the Infrastructure NSW Video

More roads for Sydney were prioritised over rail and dedicated bus or tram corridors in the Infrastructure NSW report — but motorists driving from west to east will have to pay.

The 20-year plan for the state's infrastructure needs said "60 per cent of employment is dispersed across the metropolitan area [and] public transport cannot viably serve most of these jobs".

The plan does not propose finishing the rail link between Parramatta and Epping but suggests a $400 million bus corridor between the centres.

New tolls are likely to fund 75 per cent of the report's main project — the WestConnex motorway from Parramatta to Sydney Airport and Port Botany.

The 33-kilometre WestConnex tollway, estimated to cost $10 to $13 billion, was immediately endorsed by Premier Barry O'Farrell.

"Infrastructure NSW has conducted a rigorous appraisal of the state's infrastructure needs and we accept its view that WestConnex is the best initial project for our community and our economy," he said.

The motorway would involve widening the M4 from Parramatta, running Parramatta Road underground and bypassing the inner-west to link with an M5 East tunnel.

Mr O'Farrell said his government would put aside $1.8 billion for the tollway but did not commit to a time frame for building it.

Rather than a specific plan for the growth precincts of Blacktown and Rouse Hill, the report suggests targeted investment in roads around Parramatta.

Mount Druitt Commuter Car Park On The Way - And It's Free For 220 Car Spaces - ST Marys Mount Druitt Star

This is a brilliant article by reporter Kylie Stevens  regarding the important Commuter Car Park , I applaud her for her honest reporting: This is a great connect from cummity members that don't commute by bus but will connect by train!

Parking relief for drivers Save

By  Kylie Stevens

Oct. 1, 2012, 10:58 a.m.

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  On track: The Mount Druitt commuter car park is expected to open within weeks. Pictures: Michael Szabath
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  On track: The Mount Druitt commuter car park is expected to open within weeks. Pictures: Michael Szabath

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WHAT was an abandoned block of land 18 months ago will soon be used by 220 commuters on a daily basis.

The long awaited $14.8 million two-storey Mount Druitt commuter car park is almost completed and should relieve the shortage of parking.

It has 220 free spaces with lift access and has been designed to allow future expansion.

A car park for the disabled will be available next to the station.

It will open to commuters in the coming weeks, a Transport for NSW spokesman said.

"Major construction is completed and minor finishing works are being undertaken including final safety and quality certification," he said.

Mount Druitt MP Richard Amery and former Londonderry MP Allan Shearan campaigned for the car park before plans were announced by the former Labor government almost two years ago.

Land became available after a lease initially earmarked for commercial development expired.

"It's the end of a long campaign to get a car park here," Mr Amery said.

"It's not just Mount Druitt residents who will use it, they're coming from areas like St Clair and new suburbs that keep springing up. A lot of commuters park at Mount Druitt because that's where the faster trains stop."

Construction began May last year and the car park may have opened sooner if the original construction company tendered hadn't gone into receivership.

"It was too far advanced to stop the project," Mr Amery said.

He believes the car park has enough spots to meet current demand.

Mr Amery's next campaign is to improve access at Rooty Hill station.

Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group John Svoboda believes the car park will encourage more people to use public transport.

"There should be more spots but it's a start in right direction," he said.

"It can be extended as the population grows in years to come."

Readers welcomed the news on the Star's Facebook page.

"If it's free, then definitely! Safer than parking your car along the street," Todd Sachs posted.

Julie Morrissey believed 220 spots weren't enough.

"It's ridiculous that there's only two levels for all the workers yet further up the road, Rooty Hill RSL's new carpark has three, maybe even four levels. I think this carpark was a quick fix and they haven't really considered how much parking is needed."

Print StorySave

Pram Commuter Denied Bus Access In Penrith - St Marys- Mt. Druitt Star!

This probably happens only when an unaccesible bus arrives. These services are being less and less as more accessible  new buses are being released into the area.


I do remember a few months ago that a transport officer from Westbus advised myself that Westbus places the 'crap' buses out in Penrith in the afternoons - as that is when there is more chnaces they may be damaged!

Have Your Say On Transport - St Marys-Mount Druitt Star 17/4/2012

On track for better transport: John Svoboda is optimistic about the future of public transport. Go to mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com.au to read his ideas. Picture: Mike Sea

Have your say on transport

BY KYLIE STEVENS

16 Apr, 2012 12:00 AM

MOUNT Druitt Commuters Improvement Group president John Svododa urges commuters to have their say on the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan.The state government has unveiled a discussion paper to collaborate with commuters on transport challenges facing NSW over the next 20 years.

The extensive feedback process includes forums, strategy meetings with advisory groups, one-on-one consultations, an online survey and use of social media.
A regional forum will be held in Penrith on Monday, April 23.
The draft plan will be released for public comment mid-year, with the final plan due for completion in November.


Everyone is urged to submit feedback, no matter how small their suggestion.
"Even minor changes could make life better," Mr Svoboda said. "The master plan is the first step towards a better transport system."


Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group will meet on Saturday at Wests Tradies at 10.30am to discuss ideas.The group will decide whether it will lodge its own submission or join forces with Western Sydney Public Transport Users.


Mr Svoboda's highest priority is better connection times for buses and trains at transport interchanges.Other suggestions include replacing announcements with electronic signal boards at Mount Druitt station, and slashing the current 12 bus networks to two.


"We're open to other suggestions for the submission," Mr Svoboda said.
Submissions on the discussion paper close on Friday, April 27.


Send your ideas to NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan team,
Transport for NSW, GPO Box K659, Haymarket, NSW 1240,
 email masterplan@transport.nsw. gov.au or complete an online feedback form at nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay.o comments yet. 

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	We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.

Busways Does Strike - Total Disruption To The Community! - St Marys Mt Druitt Star

Bus strike leaves pupils and commuters stranded

BY KYLIE STEVENS

05 Mar, 2012 01:00 AM

MORE snap strikes haven't been ruled out after a small group of Busways drivers caused chaos at Mount Druitt and Blacktown interchanges last month.

Busways has apologised after some drivers walked off the job without notice on February 24, which delayed many schoolchildren getting home.


A Transport Workers Union spokeswoman declined to comment on the strike.


"We aren't in a position to comment as this is a sensitive matter and we don't want to be seen as influencing the case as both parties are in discussions," she said.


She would not comment when asked if whether further snap strikes would go ahead.


Busways confirmed union members conducted a snap strike as a result of disciplinary action against a driver who refused to adhere to procedures.


"Busways notified affected schools as soon as this was brought to our attention and aimed to keep service disruptions to a minimum, however, this snap meeting did affect some services including some school services," a spokeswoman said. "All schools were cleared by 4.30pm."


Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group president John Svoboda was caught up in the chaos at Mount Druitt.
The Whalan resident was due to catch the 755 bus at 5.15pm and watched five 758 services arrive before a 755 finally arrived just before 6pm.


Mr Svoboda was told different versions of what was happening.


One driver told him the strike was in relation to drivers wanting a meal room in Blacktown, while others denied there was a strike at all.


"There were no signs or anyone to tell us what was going on," Mr Svoboda said.


Busways will seek help from Fair Work Australia to work with the union to resolve the matter.


"We had no notice of the strike and no time to place notices at bus stops for our customers," the spokeswoman said.
"Our priority was to transport school students home and clear busy bus ranks at Blacktown and Mt Druitt interchanges.
"Busways staff worked tirelessly to ensure that disruptions were kept to a minimum and had all services running back on time by 6pm."


Mr Svoboda wants better communication and more notice if drivers were to strike again.


What do you think of the snap stoppages? Tell us at stmarysstar.com.au.

Click here for our original story on the Busways Shemozzle

Zest Awards Nominees in and Around Mount Druitt - St Marys - Mount Druitt Star

Here is the story from the St Marys  - Mount Druitt Star regarding Nominees for 2nd Annual Zest Awards:


We hope you enjoy it:

Our community's best

BY KYLIE STEVENS

27 Feb, 2012 01:00 AM

THE best of the west will be at the second annual Greater Western Sydney Zest awards tomorrow (February 29).St Marys and Mt Druitt are well represented among 94 nominees in 15 categories across 15 western Sydney areas.
Nominees must have demonstrated zest, enthusiasm, strength and tenacity in the community service sector.
Winners will be announced at tomorrow's ceremony at the Grand Royale in Granville.


Blacktown Youth College teacher Dianne Knapton is one of six nominees in the Community Leader-Paid award, nominated by a student at the Bidwill-based school.


Mount Druitt Commuter Improvement Group president John Svoboda is one of five nominees in the Community Leader-Volunteer and Volunteer Group categories.


Fellow member Joan Forrester has been nominated for a Hall of Fame award, as has group secretary Wayne Lu for Out of the Box — one of two new categories.


Jennifer Beale is a Hall of Fame nominee for her work with Aboriginal organisation Butacarbin, at Hebersham, while Mission Australia Families NSW team leader Julia Jasprizza Laus could take home the partnership award for her work on the Paint Penrith Read program.


Shalvey teenager Blake Bardowski (pictured) is one of seven nominees in the Youth Leader category in recognition for campaigning for better public transport in Mount Druitt.

Mount Druitt Foot Bridge Proposal Not Transport But Can Lead Others To Improved Public Transport - St Marys - Mt Druitt Star

Here is the real story:

Campaign back on track: Peter Kerr has renewed calls for a pedestrian footbridge between Beames Avenue, near George Street, and North Parade on the other side of the railway line. Picture: Gary Warrick

Push for pedestrian bridge

BY KYLIE STEVENS

13 Feb, 2012 01:00 AM

A PEDESTRIAN footbridge over the railway line halfway between Mount Druitt and Rooty Hill would be $1.2 million well spent, Peter Kerr says.

The Mount Druitt resident first raised the suggestion in 1998 and was inundated with support for improved access between North Parade and the other side of the railway.

He also lobbied for traffic lights at Carlisle and Fuller streets, which were turned on in 2000.

"Everyone wanted the footbridge when I did the petitions," Mr Kerr recalled.

"Five people said no to the lights but all said yes to the footbridge."

Residents who live on the south side walk up to a kilometre to cross the railway line and access the three schools on North Parade, the TAFE and Rooty Hill RSL.

Mr Kerr believes the club, the federal and state governments and Blacktown Council should chip in $300,000 each to foot the bill.

He's determined to not give up, despite state and federal ministers passing the buck.

Federal Infrastructure And Transport Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged Mr Kerr's concerns in a letter sent in November but said it was a matter for the state government. State Roads Minister Duncan Gay said it was up Blacktown Council to lobby for funding in a letter to Mt Druitt MP Richard Amery last August, which was forwarded to Mr Kerr.

"The Roads and Traffic Authority was advised that Blacktown Council has been informed of the funding programs available for its local pedestrian programs such as installing pedestrian bridge," Mr Gay wrote.

A council spokeswoman said it currently had 14 bridge projects listed for funding in its works improvement program, including Mr Kerr's proposal.

Mr Kerr believes $300,000 from the federal government is nothing. "They gave $500 million to Indonesian schools last year," he said.

"If they chipped in, it would mean the state government could give more funding to other transport projects and health."
Mt Druitt Transport Commuters president John Svoboda said the footbridge would be beneficial if the state government implemented a free shuttle bus in Mt Druitt similar to services in Penrith, Blacktown and Parramatta. He added that only state government and council should foot the bill.

Does Mr Kerr have a point? Comment at stmarysstar.com.au or on our Facebook page.

Westbus Christmas Bus - Mount Druitt-St Marys Star

Westbus Yuletide rolls round again

BY KYLIE STEVENS

13 Dec, 2011 01:00 AM

TERRY Hession and his Westbus colleagues are dreaming of a bright Christmas for sick kids.

Drivers at the St Marys depot have decorated five Christmas buses which have hit the road to raise money for Nepean Hospital's children's ward.

The decorated buses will travel on different routes between Penrith, St Marys, Penrith and surrounding suburbs each day so all passengers can admire the creations. Another two will hit the streets in Penrith CBD this week as extra free shuttle services.

Westbus has invited passengers to get into the festive spirit by dropping spare change into donation buckets on the Christmas buses.

Mr Hession came up with the idea to spread Christmas cheer to the area six years ago and started off with one decorated bus. "Everyone loves it, particularly the kids and old ladies," he said. "People's faces light up when they see the signs and the Christmas tree. I also play carols. "

This is the third year donations have been collected for sick children at Nepean Hospital. They hope to better the $1500 raised last year. Almost $250 was collected the first week alone when decorations went up in mid November.
The festivities also add morale to the depot. "We have one driver who dresses as Father Christmas," said assistant depot manager Phil Davies. "The drivers decorated the buses in their spare time."

Tinsel travel: Westbus drivers Terry Hession and Gaylene Morrow have been spreading the Christmas spirit since mid November.Picture: Mike Sea

North St Marys Group Feeling Good - St Marys-Mount Druitt Star

Here is the story of the return Westbus Bus Service 782E on Trial:

Westbus 782E service returns ■'It feels good, as we have fought long and hard for this'

BY KYLIE STEVENS

13 Dec, 2011 01:00 AM

CHRISTMAS will come early for stranded North St Marys commuters when their bus service returns next week after a two-year absence. Londonderry MP Bart Bassett has confirmed that services will begin on the Westbus 782E route on Wednesday, December 21.

The interim service will run between St Marys and Werrington stations, where it will connect with the 782 service, which continues to Penrith via Cambridge Park.The 782E will travel along the former route including Parkes Avenue, Christie Street, Power Street, Griffiths Street, and Jacaranda, Maple and Kurrajong roads.The bus will run every hour between 9.30am and 3pm, Mondays to Saturdays, in each direction.The full 782 route between Penrith and St Marys via North St Marys will be reinstated in mid 2012.


The Star broke the news after the service was withdrawn in October 2009 and supported the community campaign, which was spearheaded by Ken Moriarty and Patricia Guy.


"It feels good, as we have fought long and hard for this," Mr Moriarty said.


"I walked for miles collecting signatures for the petition. It was getting to the point where I was serious about ringing talkback radio and television stations. This is a victory to us. The enjoyment I get out of it is the fact that it helps a lot of people."Mr Moriarty and Mrs Guy are grateful to Mr Bassett, who made strong representations to Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian on their behalf.


"It wasn't until Mr Bassett was elected that I became confident that we would get our bus back," Mrs Guy said.

She said she was pleased about the reinstated route, but said she would like the 782E to operate until at least 4pm and would like some services to go to Penrith via the Great Western Highway and Nepean Hospital.


Mr Moriarty said the win was a reminder to all those who were involved in campaigns for the community.
"I've been a fighter all my life," he said. "Don't ever give up. Look at all aspects and keep fighting."
Next week: Community reaction and celebrations.


Tell us what you think at stmarysstar.com.au.

The campaign starts: How the Star reported to loss of buses in October 2009.

People power: Campaigners got together on Tuesday to celebrate the return of the 782 to North St Marys. Picture: Carlos Furtado

Relief - No Reductions Of Western/Cumberland Train Line Services- St Marys - Mt Druitt Star - 11/10/2011

Here is the story by Callan Lawrence from the St Marys - Mt Druitt Star 11/10/2011:

How Are We Going To Cope For Future Public Transport With Increased Working Population - St Marys-Mount Druitt Star

How are we planning for the future of these working hubs, when we can't get full bus services returned to us that were removed before. How can we take one step forward when we are two steps back - refer to article from the St Marys - Mount Druitt Star:

Travel nightmare predicted as huge workforce descends on region

BY CALLAN LAWRENCE

08 Aug, 2011 12:00 AM

THE development of vast employment lands around Blacktown will create 50,000 new jobs but questions have been raised about how the army of workers will get there.The Western Sydney Employment Area consumes 2200 hectares of land around the intersection of the M4 and M7 at Eastern Creek.

It has room for 40,000 workers and as businesses open, more and more people make the sprawling site their destination.

Work has started on the Erskine Park Link Road to funnel the workforce on to the M4 and M7 but the government has no plans to increase traffic flows on either of the arterial roads.

The Marsden Park industrial development will start later this year and another 10,000 people are expected to make it their destination.
And the government has fast-tracked 10,000 new homes in Marsden Park.

Work is under way to duplicate the Richmond railway line and significant roads in the north west suburbs.

But public transport advocates say without major upgrades to the narrow roads motorists will face gridlocks.

Many commuters already travelling from suburbs in the north-west to Blacktown train station catch buses along the T-way because they bypass congested roads.

But the government has no plans to extend the T-way into the north-west area or create new bus-only corridors into the Eastern Creek employment lands.

The marketing and information manager at Busways, David Collins, said major investment was needed to prevent a congested nightmare for motorists.

"The major impediment to improving bus services to these locations is the lack of road linkages, which leads to long convoluted routes," he said.

"The poor road network and seemingly haphazard pattern of development has made it impossible to serve some areas sustainably. 

Workers in these developments face long walks to access the nearest bus route — the construction of bus-only links would be advantageous."
Mr Collins's views were supported by the president of the Western Sydney Organisation of Councils, Alison McLaren.

St Marys - Mt Druitt Star - Fear On Buses

I believe that although  some people think bureaucrats may not do anything in Bidwill to improve safety for drivers - that crunch is now - less words more action and I feel Blacktown City Council Transport Officers, do understand the commuters and commuters needs and will lead the way for us. It just makes it hard for all to face the  sad music. Here is the story from St Marys- Mt Druitt:  We still say the main protection for drivers and commuters is 'Prepay buses' introduced immediately, City Rail Like Transit Officers on all bus trips (This makes it look more official)- not private guards,  more police patrols uniform and undercover, across- the board education program,s placed at all level of education. If you know anyone acting in these not required anti-social behaviors contact Crime Stoppers:

So far we have mentioned these issues and blind eyes are turning although the general community is behind us.

Fear on the buses

BY KYLIE STEVENS

02 Aug, 2011 12:00 AM

A BUSWAYS driver fears it may take someone to be badly hurt or killed before management follows another bus company's lead to improve safety.

The former Transport Workers Union delegate doubts bureaucrats will do more to protect its drivers, despite yet another assault of a driver in Bidwill on July 20.

"I was a delegate so I know how they operate," the experienced driver told the Star.

In the wake of five attacks within a fortnight across Mt Druitt in March, Westbus listened to its drivers and took swift action to temporarily employ security guards on night services while cage-like security screens were manufactured and installed on 43 buses.

Busways declared Chestnut Crescent as a no-go zone after the recent attack. Arrangements are in place for school students.

"The safety of our drivers and passengers is paramount," a Busways spokesman said. "Safety measures in place now include driver security screens, security cameras, two-way radio communication, ongoing driver training and Busways is constantly reviewing procedures relating driver safety and where needed changes implemented."

The Busways driver said driver screens have been in place for 10 years and don't protect a driver if king-hit.
He is disappointed officials said no to guards and self- defence training after the March attacks.

Busways refuted union claims the two-way radio was broken in the Bidwill attack and claimed the driver failed to use the security screen.

The Busways driver heard conflicting versions of events but said radios were known to be "less than perfect".
He supports Westbus's measures but said some colleagues needed convincing.

A Westbus bus was on display at Busways' Glendenning depot at an occupational health and safety meeting on Friday.
"Some don't like the cages but their minds change if something happens to them," he said.

"There was a driver who wasn't happy about the 'nightride' service avoiding Debrincat Avenue a few years ago. That was until I got a call at 2am after a five-kilogram dumbbell went through his window."

All aboard to protect drivers: Westbus

 driver Barry Hupton feels safer behind

 the wheel now that security screens have

 been installed. Westbus will monitor the

 effectiveness of the screens in

 consultation with drivers over the next

 few months. Picture: Gene Ramirez