Kingswood Commuter Requires Better Rail Linkage!

Finally, since spending time on my personal life, getting back to work and then looking for the book I write down commuter comments (2nd one), I  met Ying, yesterday who requires a simple solution to her public transport problem.

Ying travels every day to work, from  Kingswood  train station to Blacktown train station and then interchanges to catch a bus to Rouse Hill. Her simple request is for a train service  from Kingswood to Rouse which will satisfy her public train needs as well as others thus improvements in time travelling.

She add it should also be a fast train service as well.

Garbages Required For Sydney Trains

Jess from Kingswood travels from Kingswood to Parramatta on Sydney trains for study  and uses public transport to Blacktown and Glenwood.

For personal reasons he suggests that rubbish cans and food for eating should be thrown in garbages situated in train stations and inside train carriages. Cleanliness is a good thing. From a medical point of view every commuter should also be allowed to wash hands after eating and keep things clean - like most people do at home!

One very important fact for Sydney Trains, is that public transport security with using measures like cameras, is pretty much unheard of in India for their railways. These positive security measures are  great to the  Sydney Trains network!

Blacktown Commuter With Inconsistent Bus Times on Richmond Road!

Singh from Blacktown travels on the 702 bus on Richmond Road to Blacktown Train Station (and return) an then Sydney Trains to sometimes Parramatta or City for work (and return).

Claims buses are a problem 1/2 an hour wait along Richmond Road and would prefer 15 minutes to wait for buses, this makes it harder to catch trains on time. He would just like Busways and Transport for NSW to have the services changed for the better services, as every commuter doesn't want to waste time, as more waiting time means adding times at bus interchanges.

He has seen the new train tables and is OK with the fixed train tables.

Sydney Trains - East to West Train Services Do Not Match - Acacia Gardens Commuter!

Normally, I starting saying 'Wow!'  but after speaking to Reshma today from Acacia Gardens, I say "Wow, Wow and Wow!'

When I go on trains, trains and even footpaths  talking to people I have never met before, not only is it amazing it is incredible how people react, mostly in a pleasant and very interesting manner. I think they think I am a reporter but I'm not! By bus 10 minutes and by car over 20 minutes  travelling time!

Reshma travels by Busways Bus T71, T74 & T75 to Blacktown Train station and then travels by Sydney Trains to Town Hall, changes line to Edgecliff and return, on a working day week.

Taking a bus trip to Blacktown is less stressful then traveling by car leaving home hitting congested traffic and then finding parking, finally walking to the train station. This itself is more time consuming then  using public transport.

She is amazed how in Sydney, Sydney Trains provide different service is extreme different parts of Sydney. In Edgecliff train services are between every 3-5 minutes between each other then Blacktown train station. If she misses trains at Blacktown  then the waiting period could be up to 20 minutes which could make her run late for work.

Yet as a commuter that has traveled for years on public transport she understands that there can be hiccups, in relation to valid train delays. Overall she finds public transport a comfortable way to reach from to get to her destinations and is  great economical way to providing savings instead of using cars.

Reshma is happy to relax on Sydney Trains and  Busways bus buses. If someone of her friends offered to drive to and from work, she would deny them the trip as she enjoys public transport travelling a lot.

I found Reshma would be such a great promoter of advertising public transport for the Greater Western Sydney and even NSW.

Sometime she stands on pack train carriages on the return trip home and claims a lot  people are commuting on Sydney Trains. Before more people use the Sydney Trains services, we need to have increased train services matching the Sydney Train services to Edgecliff.

Ticketing Machine Required In Kingswood!

John from Kingswood travels by Sydney Trains  from Kingswood to Wynyard train station  and return on weekdays for work.

One of his issues is  leaving home without cash and not having an Eftpos automatic machine available in Kingswood train station, to just pay for his weekly tickets, not to take cash out just to pay for his tickets.

He believes the NSW For Transport is trialing these automatic Eftpos machines in Wynyard to only pay for tickets.

Also he is looking  forward to the release of the  Opal Electronically Ticket System, which will be launch by the latest 2015.

Young Commuters Showing The Way - Sydney Morning Herald!

This is an article  from the Sydney Morning Herald , showing that young commuters are  turning away from driving cars to using public trans and walking:

Click here for link

Sydney Trains needed in The Baulkham Hills Area!

I met Santosh from Westmead and travels by Sydney Trains from Westmead to Sydney City and return, two days ago.

He feels  for commuters out living in other areas like Baulkham Hills which needs more reaching trains services to reduce travelling time. He is thinking more of his friends living in that area that has extensive public transport travelling time to get to their destinations.

Without having Sydney Trains in their area, there are missing vital community links that communities require.

Kingswood Commuter Requires Less Train Stops At Night!

Dave from Kingswood travels from Kingswood to Parramatta  and return by Sydney Trains for work and sometimes travels at night.

His main issue that he would like to see improved is longer travelling at night as to reach Kingswood he has to catch an all stops trains from Seven Hills to Kingswood where he would like to see more faster service trains from Parramatta, fir stop Blacktown and all stops from Mount Druitt.

Apparently he has met the NSW Young Liberal President and he has told Dave that Barry O'Farrell is attending to ensuring better time tables are coming!

We know October 2013 is when the next lot of new Sydney Train time tables and matching bus time tables as well. My understanding after speaking to  the NSW Minister of of Transport, Gladys Berejiklian -  they are trying hard to match  both times for commuter interchange from one mode of public transport to another.

How do think the new time tables are coming out, do you think we will all be satisfied - let us know!

International Student Requires Fair Public Transport Student Fares!

A young gentleman Student, Saqib from St Marys, travels daily by Sydney Trains from St Marys train station  to Central train station. He also fits in ten minutes of walk every day to and from St Marys train station and also to and from Central to UTS ( University of Technology).

As an international student he is paying at least $250 per month for public transport trains and is not provided a discount as an international student, where domestic students are provided a 50 percent  fare reduction. This fare should be charged at the same rate for each student, as the cost for international students is expensive. 

Saqib was saying you cannot distinguish between either domestic or international students, there are all students, and should be treated equally, which he considers is important.

The other issue he has, is that on the Western Line, Sydney Trains are providing a lot of older train carriages that don't have a temperature control system and it is hard to travel in comfort when the weather is 6 degrees and you have gushing cold air circulating on commuter faces. the immediate change need to be done to provide  more improved, modern temperature controlled carriages.

This is not too bad from an international student, concerned of fares and commuter comfort, what are thoughts? We invite your comments?

Sydney Train Customer Service Representative at Blacktown Takes Control Of Hundreds OF Commuters Re Near Mount Druitt Station Fatality!

It  is rare to see the previous City Rail employees or the current Sydney Train employees, be congratulated for taking control on an unfortunate situation that arose, upsetting the entire Sydney Rail train network and throwing the system into chaos.

Because of a fatality, near Mount Druitt train station, immediately the management of Sydney Trains had to prevent trains from  travelling  in between Blacktown to St Marys train stations. Details were unclear of the specifics of the fatality but never-the-less not many commuters did want to  find out about that. I came to the Customer Desk at the barrier where a commuter was getting upset and I took over the situation by asking calmly questions and then reassuring commuters nearby that Sydney Trains are taking control of situation.

What commuters didn't know is that the Blacktown Customer Service Representatives - a lot of them were due to go home at 9pm when it happened and stayed on to look after and  make it easier for  commuters , while the Blacktown Station Duty Manager organised immediately 5 buses from Busways, one from Carlingford and one from Granville to take commuters to all stations to  St Marys Train Station, where trains took commuter further west.

Rachelle. Sydney Trains Customer Service Representative, deserved accolades for calming commuters as they were arriving bear the Blacktown train station barriers. She didn't lose her voice as (their PA system all of a sudden wasn't working).

Click here for Rachelle's first Announcement

Click here for Rachelle's Next Announcement

Finally buses came, as we were asked to walk down to stand 1. By then there was hundreds of people waiting to get home. Rachelle was still trying to calm the situation, until people made it onto buses.

There was an elderly gentleman that could barely stand for long periods - he was due to go to the Lower Mountains, a few of us called for clearance as a few of us  aided him as he struggled to get on the bus . Some commuters would push in front of him , not caring of his situation. He finally made into the bus - there was an Australian man who offered to walk him him and ensure he was safe getting into the bus as well.

One lady in a pink top suggested that if buses come  all stations to St Marys  and also express to Penrith, then commuter going to Mountains stand on the  east part of the bus stand and the rest on the west, Rachelle thought it was a good idea starting to tell commuters to do this bus buses started coming.

Thank you for the NSW Government to make the transition of commuters from buses and trains in Blacktown go smoothly, all employees should  be applauded for the work they do, as it always starts from the ground staff  as well. 

A commuter made a comment that contingencies should be in place for the New South Wales Government to properly provide an emergency plan to prepare for these further situation to arise. It was then said by the same commuter that.

If you faced this issue last night provide your thoughts on what your feedback is?

Western Sydney Area Employment Hub Needs Earlier Bus Services From Mount Druitt!

I met a keen worker who wanted to make his statements to myself today in relation to public transport.

He travels from Tregear by Westbus 780 to Mount Druitt early in the mornings during the week and then transfers buses, to catch the 723 to Eastern Creek.  His issue here is as a butcher, he has been asked by his employer to start work at 4 am. Yet due to public transport, he cannot meet his employers requested commitment and  cannot do this. The earliest 723 bus leaving Mount Druitt is 5.23 am during the weekdays.

In the mornings there is a patronage rate of 2-5 commuters catching the 723 bus, thus there is a slight need to provide earlier bus services to cater for the important employees who need to reach the Western Sydney Employment Hub. This is an employment growth area and and if we enter into the dark ages and not support  work with early and late buses, this will just not work.

He also feels that there is a price inequality in relation to paying fares as he is paying for a Weekly Multi Three ticket - which covers three zones, yet he is travelling in one zone and pay $61 per week. He should be paying for one zone - which would reduce his weekly fares fairly.

The last item, he thinks is important, is workers, tax payers, people with disabilities, pensioners and pregnant ladies must be given a preference to a sit on buses! Extremely important fact!

Check How NSW Government Could Afford 1 Years Supply of Waratah Trains!

When NSW Governments look at budgets, they look at areas where they can cut costs to provide more infrastructure and services. Sometimes costs can grow in certain areas of running the government and in other areas the costs can be blown out of proportion, if not controlled.

More Waratah trains could be serving the Western Line and going to and past Mount Druitt if only, were not there:

Click Here For Blog Regarding Issues With Graffiti Costs - City Rail

Former Mount Druitt Commuter With Public Transport Discussions!

I met Ping, a middle aged lady originally from Mount Druitt, moved to Parramatta and still uses public transport to and from Mount Druitt.

She remembers talking to myself a while ago and I didn't take down written notes, yet we had good strong discussion with public transport. I don't recall the time, yet I do recall her face and her kind nature. I'm also pretty sure it was just open discussion and maybe a blog was published from it, based on our conversation. This time I took down notes.....

Ping wanted to inform us that future public transport improvements by using the new electronic ticketing 'tap & go' system, will be a step in the right direction. It will provide less waiting time purchasing tickets at train stations and buses,as payments will be deducted out of bank accounts or paid at designated local shops that will accept payments - she cannot wait for this to happen!

It appears Saturday trains are late due to railway employees  past history of rejected pay increases.She is also concerned of the level of Customer Service from City Rail employees if  questions are asked about directions, reference is being made to look at the 'Electronic Notice Board!' Train announcements made by City Rail staff usually indicate the next wrong train station coming up, which can be confusing to commuters, as well!

Finally, with buses around Mount Druitt, there shouldn't be late buses at all, as there is no little or no traffic congestions in Mount Druitt.

Update On The North West Rail Link

Click Here For Info on  the North West Rail Link!

NSW Commuter Costs Per Individual Report Required? - Cranebrook Commuter

Taurus from Cranebrook travels by City Rail from Penrith to Chatswood for work and has found the Sydney Rail network needs to be expanded especially in relation to heavy rail.

North West Rail link needs to be expanded to link to St Marys, with probably another Sydney harbour crossing to take on the extra Sydney City rail. Taurus agrees with myself that there needs to be lot's of looping rail services meeting important transport corridors, to get more commuters to places.

Most importantly, we don't seem to get a report  that make us understand what the breakdown costs of running public transport are. Especially in regards to City Rail trains, which could come up with the initial cost per commuter, including costs of all infrastructure, to run the Rail system. This is important to know the mechanics of running public transport - in fact we should all be told and be updated with this information!

Cheaper Train Fares for One Day - Two Days Commuters- Doonside Commuter!

A well looking young man, Savkr from Doonside only travels 2 days a week to and from Doonside train station to Circular Quay train station. He really doesn't like public transport, yet he is back driving his car to and from work in 2 days time.

He also says that to make it better for himself and others $13.20 train fare per day is expensive and train fares should be reduced by $5.00 per day to at least $8.20 per day. He requests the NSW Government should just do it and more commuters would then catch public transport for lesser days per week, as well as as the weekly commuters

Mount Druitt Part Of Metropolitan Plan For Sydney - WSPTU Submission

An important plan for the future which incorporates the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan is currently being drafted by three University students from Newcastle, click below on the link for further details:

Metropolitan Plan For Sydney - WSPTU Draft Submission

A Commuter Loved By Myself - Now Deceased!

I have not published a blog for a very good personal reason - the last few days. Although, it has been very stressful and highly emotional times. it is with this, I now let you know that a very close family public transport commuter from Kingsford has passed away recently.

Yes, my mother died peacefully yesterday and in loving memory of my Mum I would like to thank her for her kindest of words for  supporting what I am doing on advocating for improved and better public transport within Mount Druitt and Western Sydney. 

I have published one or two blogs on her struggles in using public transport on the Western Line (getting to my residence), whilst  there was some track work. Where it took her four hours one weekend to get to our place and also four hours return the very next day or so. I advised her, that to overcome the related track work weekends, she would need to come over on Fridays and leave on Mondays.

So Mum,  I now pray to God that you are blessed to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven travelling in eternal forever peace!

I SO LOVE YOU SO MUCH BEFORE, NOW AND FOREVER!

More Money Spent On City Rail Trains And Drivers - Seven Hills Commuter

A very nice Macquarie University Student, Gaurav from Seven Hills travels to Macquarie park via the Westbus 611. which he finds is very good bus service that take him 20 minutes to get to Macquarie Park and also on a separate trip return.

One of the improvements he would like to see in public transport is the AM City Rail,  delays in the morning up to 20 minutes late that happens to his friends travelling to the City and also happens to himself, when he works. Sometimes when his friends get to work, their bosses where they work are upset  with them as they are not arriving on time.

He advice was that money does need to be spent on our government in improvements in trains and importantly drivers and maybe more rail tracks need to  planned to move more commuters to more parts of Sydney and the  Greater Western Sydney. Reference was made to 'The Sydney Age' where there was an article  about India's railway where there has been a growth in Rail public transport, focus in rail public transport train services every 20 minutes and a 200 per cent profit per annum.

Click here for an example of India growth of Rail Public Transport - The Age Melbourne

NSW Transport Command Requires Assistance Wants Assistance From Commuters- Daily Telegraph 13/5/2013

This is an article from the Daily Telegraph 13/5/2013, which requires assistance from commuters in relation to arrests on all forms of crimes on the rail network: