2nd Airport Proposal In Badgerys Creek, Western Sydney!

Click Here for further details

What do you think would you like us to have one? We invite further comments from the wider community!

Blacktown International Student Tells Us Her Public Transport Issues!

International student Ranjini currently lives in Blacktown and travels as a student to Wollongong using Sydney Trains Monday to Fridays.

She was telling of her hard case of when she entered Australia, in the recent weeks - there was no Australian website on the internet that leads you to public transport information in Australia or NSW. Especially how to purchase tickets and catch trains is where there is a lack of direction.

This is where all Australian Governments must ensure provision is made for proper public transport information is provided to international students entering our country, confirming relevant public transport details from appropriate States and Territories. Otherwise, these students are totally lost. Information provided must be on all Government  websites, providing international student with details of entering our country.

How would we feel if we places ourselves, in these international students position?

At the end, Ranjini  provided thanks for  giving her an opportunity to say and talk about Public transport in Australia.

Mount Druitt Well Represented On WSPTU Steering Committee

Check out how Mount Druitt is well represented on the WSPTU Steering Committee!

Click Here for further details

Increased Frequency Of Public Transport To Accommodate Increased Public Transport Patronage And Growing Population!

A very nice thoughtful man from Acacia Gardens claims that as he travels from Quakers Hill train station to Parramatta train station Monday to Friday for work that he  would like to see improvements in frequency from every 1/2 hour to every 15 minutes in peak time  and thus include return trip.

He also catches the T71 bus and finds that this hourly service should also be increased in frequency from 1 hour to at least a half hour services.

Both these services are supported with growth of population in The Ponds area and thus this indicates there is an increase in public transport services as well and this should reflect in NSW for Tramsport providing more train and bus services to  accommodate for the increase in patronage.

Now You Can Be Involved In Planning Your Future Sydney

A stem of the the NSW  Long term Transport Master Plan with joint  planning with the State Infrastructure Strategy is your chance to  be involved  in Your Future Sydney - which involves the greater Western Sydney.

I have straight away placed a comment  on blog on their website, which is listed below and we will see what the  results will be hopefully in my lifetime):

The draft strategy promotes places like Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith as important centres to focus our major transport improvement. Do you agree with these locations?

Add Your Comment

As a public transport Commuter, originally from Eastern Suburbs to South Eastern Suburbs. now travelling and on week days and sometimes on weekends from Mount Druitt to Parramatta. This gives us a great chance for  voice what we think is needed in the Greater Western Sydney,  which even i advocate for the people of mount Druitt and Furthermore Western Sydney

While there is vast lands available in the Western Sydney, our population growth can cope with the population increase to cater for the near future. In relation to public transport we do not have many looping rail services that connect commuters to vast areas of Sydney and the Greater Western Sydney. Light Rail should be considered to travel around major town/city hubs in Sydney and the Greater Western Sydney to plug in or cover areas not covered by buses.

Important issues in public transport like comfort,safety, reliability and  efficient services in a reasonable cost efficient way is what satisfies commuters and  promotes a great  public transport network.This is in relation of public transport even promotion of  carpooling and free shuttle buses  provided to all major  shopping Hubs. This in itself promotes a better public transport which in itself is not only good for the Sydney and Greater Western Sydney commuters but for overseas tourists that are using public transport to get around Sydney, providing increase business and better access to local community shops, organisations. local, state and Federal  Government agencies.

More Maxi Cabs issued to cater for multiple commuters on  this types of services, where fares can be shared.  transport infrastructure should be upgraded as time permits in our  modern growing  world, allowing for communities to  be updated with matching growth of population.

A better integration with all modes of public transport, especially tome tabled public transport matching links and connections without much time delay. In our words better communication between each one providing minimal  los of time for connection with all commuters.

Thus I support the CBD's of Parramatta, Liverpool, Penrith, Blacktown, Mount Druitt and other CBD's with have a high population in Western Sydney - all these centres in the Greater Western Sydney should be promoted  for improvements in public transport - with will connect people to better places of interest.

Click Here to check out the Website from The NSW Government Planning and Infrastructure

City Rail Compared To Overseas Rail - Blacktown Commuter!

The other day a  young male commuter from Blacktown, catches  City Rail trains to Wynyard City Station and return on Monday to Fridays.

He claims, 'There is need for room for improvement for faster trains. The money we are paying is a 'rip-off', we have the most expensive  public transport network in the world. Compared to other worldwide cities rail have quick stop and go services. It costs more on a train then to travel by taxi from Wynyard to Central.

He wished he had more time to talk to myself, as his station was nearing. His last statement was The NSW for Transport recently dropped fares for overseas students, substantially. Why wasn't this done years ago?  He claims our City Rail is called 'Shitty Rail' and would like this image to change to a positive nickname.

Check Out New Public Transport Messaging System!

There is  a new public transport messaging service that has been used by 2 members of the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Inc Steering Committee:

CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Toll Proposed For M4 - By Sydney Mayor - This Would Be One Way To Move People Onto Public Transport!

There is a report coming from the Mount Druitt Standard and the Blacktown Advocate that there is a 'One Sydney Mayor has suggested a toll on the M4, charging people $20 each way to reduce traffic during peak hours. '

The Mount Druitt Standard' further question, ' Thoughts?'

The  Blacktown Advocate's further question, 'Would that make you get public transport into town?'


Interesting topic, don't you think?  The comments that are being added seemed to negative towards the idea but early days yet. The idea could be a good one for promoting public transport without even advertising!


Should you wish to add comment, ensure you have a Facebook account first, below are the links, if you have a Facebook acciunt and want to add your  feedback!

Click to add further Comments on the Mount Druitt Standard  Facebook Page!
  
Click to add further Comments on The Blacktown Advocate Facebook Page!

Click here to start a new account with Facebook!

Check Out Public Transport Advertising At Parramatta Train Station!

Click Here for Parramatta Train Station Advertising!

Train Derailmemt St Marys - This Can Affect A Lot Of Commuters - Thanks To City Rail's Quick Response!- St Marys-Mount Druitt Star

Train derailment affects commuters Save

By Kylie Stevens

Aug. 29, 2012, 2:52 a.m.

• 
  This train was involved in a derailment at St Marys this morning. Pictures: Matt Black Productions
• 

1. 1
2. 2

Trains have been suspended between Penrith and Blacktown after a derailment at St Marys this morning (Wednesday, August 29).

"At approximately 9.45am, the lead wheels of the passenger train derailed near St Mary’s station,'' a CityRail spokeswoman said.

''The train remained upright. No injuries were reported and passengers were safely taken from the train. Initial reports indicate a preceding freight train lost equipment, which was struck by the passenger train, causing the train to derail.''

City-bound services between Blacktown and Penrith have been suspended while the investigation occurs.

''Further planning and operations are underway to minimize the impact on customers,'' the spokeswoman said.

Passengers can use their train tickets on Busways services between St Marys and Blacktown Westbus services between Mount Druitt and Penrith.

Flow on delays of around 20 minutes are being experienced on services on the North Shore Line as a result of the derailment at St Marys.

A CityRail spokesman told the Star it was uncertain when train services will resume.

It's the second time within five days the western line has been disrupted by major delays.

A fatality at Werrington caused major delays for people getting to school and work last Friday morning.

Customers should monitor the 131500 Web site for the latest information."

How have you been affected today? Comment on this story online or join the conversation on the St Marys-Mt Druitt Star Facebook page.

Early Bird Parking - Westfield Parramatta - Too Costly - Public transport Is Cheaper

Westfield Parramatta are advertising  park from 6am-10am - for $12 a day Exit after 3pm on Level 5.

Now I'm not a person that is against business but I was wondering who would drive there car say from Wentworthville or beyond west,  Car maintenance: Inclusive of petrol t least $60 per week - plus servicing car, and then $12 per day for at least 5 days per week  (another  $60.00). Not to mention to drive all the way up to 5th floor and then  you have no car spot!

It would be more economically sensible to use public transport, with much ease,  and much more saving compared to the public car parking.

Now if a local was to use the car park for 5 days, it will also be cheaper to  travel by bus to  get to work in Parramatta. The costs are obviously outweighed  so Westfield makes the profit not you - in this case!

4th WSPTU Free Transport Symposium For 2012

Every year, in the last three years, Western Sydney Public Transport Users has a free Transport Symposium inviting interested commuters from all parts of Western Sydney to openly discus public transport 'Hot topics' for that year!


This is where commuters can listen, learn and understand what it takes to run various areas of our public transport network and system. If you want to make a change in your community, this is a good chance for you to come along and meet other commuters that are also talking a stand for public transport in our community.

This years topics are Bus contracting, and passenger relations & Local Government Elections and local transport.


Click here for further details

Less Study Time - UWS Student, Lalor Park!

A young female University of Western Sydney Student from Lalor Park, Saba, in the morning has to walk from her home past the Busways 743 bus stop and catch buses on the T-Way, as there is irregular times that buses come and claims never on time.

She is so thankful there is a T-Way that allows her to catch these buses to Blacktown Station. It is estimated that her walking is an extra 5-8 minutes per day which could be spent more on her studies. In the afternoon trip there is no problems she does catch the Busways 743 home.

The solution to her problem is to request a transport representative from Transport for NSW to monitor this bus service and check it's arrival and departure around Lalor Park and compare it to time tables. She has no major issues with trains and is quite happy twith their services.

Comments From Susan Day, President WSPTU On The Meeting At The Hub!

Susan Day

Great Policy forum today at the Hub in Mt Druitt hosted 

by the Mt Druitt Group, well done guys you are a great 

group of people and have achieved good results. I am 

really looking forward to the next meeting.. 

My feedback comments were:

Susan, it was a first time event for us to hold for 

WSPTU Policy Committee - we do have a hard working 

core of commuters in our group - your comments are 

warmly appreciated!

Click here for original story

Mount Druitt Holds Western Sydney Public Transport Users Policy Meeting - Great For Us!

Today was Mount Druitt hosting the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Policy Committee and we  had such a great venue - Rooms 3-4 at the Hubb, Mount Druitt. This was a first for Mount Druitt and the WSPTU Policy members, to attend our area in an official capacity.


The emphasis was on how local transport groups can local council candidates  for the oncoming Council elections, to get improved public transport services. Tips were provided to members, so that ideas can be brought back to their groups, used to get the candidates on side the local groups.


What a lot people don't realise is that the power of changing the local community from a government aspect, starts from the local council elected members. They have the local change to change the outcome of public transport as they discuss local issues with local lobbyists.


Other issues discussed was the new City Rail being split in two: NSW Trains & Sydney Trains and  bus contracts/reviews coming through, bus shuttles was touched on and discussed.







Here is the Mount Druitt Hubb's Poster (on the left)

You may recognise 
someone in  the background (on the right      
picture). I can't say who it even I know him much better than anyone else!

The Ponds Has Little Or No Public Transport!

Eshaw from the Ponds has a great interest in getting public transport buses to 'The Ponds' as there are new bus services but not much around. A lot of new residents drive to work even to Blacktown train station.


He is a wholehearted supporter and feels that public transport  is extremely very important in life and others. He would like to see a change of emphasis and direction from the NSW government to public transport.

Issues With MyMulti Tickets Out West...Not Meeting East!

Yes, yes &  yes, I met Lorraine and Peter from Cranebrook (alongside Penrith Lakes), on the train going west and we seemed to have hit altogether on a nerve or two on public transport with Mymulti tickets. And yes I AGREE!

So what is it, it will mean a lot to thousands out west and the Greater Western Sydney. We need to change what we don't have in the west to what we have in the east. In the west we lack updated technology to the new technology provided and serviced in  eastern and northern suburbs of Sydney. This leaves Sydney dissected into two sections in relation to public transport and we are currently in three regions.

The idea is simple, it is difficult to purchase Mymulti tickets from any local shops in the greater west. For anyone or even everyone, you have to travel to a train station to purchase any of your Mymulti tickets. Well, for some people you have to purchase an additional bus ticket to get to the train station. So what does that mean: it means that the NSW Government is collecting a little bit of  extra money from the west, when in the east, tickets can be  purchased from local shops. Why can't commuters purchase their tickets online and then able to download their tickets? That is the idea! See I told you, West should meet East, yet not in public transport!


Example of what technology we have in West ( below) to what is East and North (below here)!

WEST!

EAST!

F

Sydney Uni Student Studies On Western Line Train

A young female university student travels on train on the western past Mount Druitt shows passion for studying.
The third year primary school teaching student was constantly reading and rereading novels as I sat down next to her.


She placed her in her comfort mode whilst studying oblivious to any other commuters sitting around her, except whilst talking to me. It was s such a pleasing time as I sat next to her and felt so comfortable that once she finishes her tertiary education, she will be as passionate as she was in learning to teaching. We need many steachers with passion for teaching in all facets of life, including  public transport.

Mount Druitt - St Marys Star Police Officers/ Transit Officers Future Safety For Commuters

Here is the story by Greater Western Sydney Community Sector  - 'Journalism' nominee - Kylie Stevens 

In go the police, out go transit officers

KYLIE STEVENS

27 Feb, 2012 01:00 AM

PLANS for more police and fewer state transit officers on the transport system have sparked mixed reaction.

Liberal state Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies and Londonderry colleague Bart Bassett welcomed the recent decision to establish the NSW Police Transport Command.

The 300 officers now attached to the Commuter Crime Unit will form the core of the new command. By the end of 2014 the command would have 610 officers.
Most of the 600 State Transit officers will have four options: volunteer for redundancy, apply to train for the police, redeployment within RailCorp or apply for one of 150 positions retained.State transit officers don't have as much power as the police do.


Mrs Davies said a "scary" encounter with a drug-affected passenger on a train two years ago prompted her to learn self-defence."I feel a sense of relief whenever I see police walking through the train," she said.


NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Alex Claassens believes commuters will be dangerously exposed to a higher risk of crime and violence."Western suburbs commuters should be alarmed by the state government's plan to slash the number of security staff patrolling the RailCorp network," he said."What's more, if NSW Police is dealing with an emergency somewhere else, the transit police will be taken off the network completely and deployed to other duties."


Mount Druitt Labor MP Richard Amery echoed those concerns and said he feared the change would take police away from other streets. Mr Amery, a former policeman, described the policy as a cost-cutting measure."The trains may be safer but what about the general community like shopping centres and our streets?" he said.


Linda Haywood posted this comment on the Star's Facebook page: "They have enough trouble filling police stations now, let alone putting them on trains. Train the transit police by all means if that's what they want. But don't take them out of our stations. We have enough trouble now getting things done when we need it."


Mrs Davies and Mr Bassett said police would not be taken away from general duties. It is predicted the NSW Police Force will have 300 extra officers by the end of 2014.


Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group president John Svoboda agreed with the policy."If anything, it will improve safety and encourage more people to use public transport," he said.

Long Waiting Times For Buses Late Night

Anthony who travels from work (Mount Druitt) to Parramatta and then catches the 545 bus  to Dundas area, advises that trains can better at night but his main issue is train connection in Parramatta late at night.

Claims during the day he has 15 minutes services and finds that he has to wait up to an hour for bus service if the train arrives after the bus leaves - last week he wondered if the Sydney Bus Service 545 has been cancelled or even all buses had been cancelled, until the bus arrived.

Click here for Sydney Buses 545 service

It appears at night it drops to an half an hour service if he waits for one hour, we would suggest to contact 131500 for feedback.