NSW Opposition Upset of New Fares Increases - Mount Druitt - St Marys Standard

Here is this weeks little article from Richard Amery, Member for Mount Druitt on the new public transport fares increase form the Mount Druitt - St Marys Standard

 I agree with him in relation to the issue - as to whether the NSW Government has lost touch yet with costs of fares I cannot confirm this as yet as the NSW government is still a newly elected Government - I would be in a better position by  same time next year.

For Richard Amery, thank you for responding as an NSW Government opposition member. My only concerns here are you didn't voice your opposition on fare increases when you were Government, publicly! Keep it up!

Australia Day - Further Update On Buses Required In BCC at Rooty Hill...

Further to the required bus services on Australia Day at Rooty Hill... it was suggested by a Transport For NSW officer that we contact BCC and local bus operators to negotiate, have open discussions.

I've contacted one bus operators yesterday and asked if they would help - the comment was was the spokesperson, 'No. We are not contracted to do these routes. We are contracted from Transport For NSW  and that is all we are contracted to do.'

After further questioning, the operator's spokesperson had told me, That Blacktown City Council can charter buses from Busways without involvement of contract changes!'

Amazing that bus operator cannot do the job but they can assist in making sure the job of having bus shuttles can be done. A funny way of ensuring that commuters are well looked after in bus shuttles getting to Rooty Hill for Australia Day. The other thing is - it only happens once a year - we are not talking as if it is 365 days per year - if we were I wonder how bus operators would co-operate!

Click on this for our original blog:

674 Bus Service Mount Druitt - Brief History

Here is short/brief history of the 674 bus service: from 1981, you can see it has changed since its original operation commenced. We'll place other blogs on other services in and out of Mount Druitt.



Route 674


WINDSOR – BERKSHIRE PARK
From 24 October 1988
From Windsor (Kable St near George St mall) via Kable St, The Terrace, Fitzgerald St, George St, Windsor station forecourt, George St, Richmond Rd, St Marys Rd to Sirius Pl (Berkshire Park), then St Marys Rd, Government Rd, Sixth Rd, Llandilo Rd, Richmond Rd, George St, Windsor station forecourt, George St, Fitzgerald St, Macquarie St, Kable St to near George St mall (Windsor).
By 1 June 1992
Altered: Ex Windsor, from Windsor station forecourt via Brabyn St, Macquarie St, Argyle St, George St, Ham St, Church St, Rickaby St, George St, Richmond Rd. Reverse on return.
By 27 November 1995
Altered: Ex Windsor:
(1) From Windsor station forecourt via George St, Argyle St, Mileham St, Rifle Range Rd, George St, Richmond Rd. Reverse on return.
(2) From Richmond Rd via Sanctuary Dr, Willeroo Dr, Barkly Dr, Sanctuary Dr (Windsor Downs) to Richmond Rd.

WINDSOR – BERKSHIRE PARK – MT DRUITT
From 11 October 2009
From Windsor (Kable St near George St mall) via Kable St, The Terrace, Fitzgerald St, Macquarie St, Richmond Rd, George St, Windsor station forecourt, George St, Drummond St, Rifle Range Rd, Sirius Rd, Colonial Dr, George St, Richmond Rd, The Northern Rd, John Morony Correctional Centre internal road, then reverse via same road, The Northern Rd, Richmond Rd, St Marys Rd (Berkshire Pk), Stoney Ck Rd, Shane Pk Rd, Palmyra Av, Forrester Rd, Hatherton Rd, Luxford Rd, Belmore Av, North Pde to Mt Druitt bus interchange.
From Mt Druitt (bus interchange) via reverse route to Macquarie St, then Kable St to near George St mall (Windsor).
From 19 October 2009
Altered: Ex Windsor:
(1) From Colonial Dr via George St, Richmond Rd, Bennett Rd, Carrington Rd, The Northern Rd, Richmond Rd, St Marys Rd. Ex Mt Druitt, from St Marys Rd, via Richmond Rd, Bennett Rd, Carrington Rd, The Northern Rd, Richmond Rd, George St, Colonial Dr.
(2) From Luxford Rd via Bulolo Dr, Belmore Av. Reverse on return.

You can even check out this website as well:

http://www.sydneybusroutes.com

Public Transport Graffiti Issues On Public Transport Property - BCC To The Rescue!

When it come to vandalising public transport property is up to the Local Government Area with their Graffiti Clean up gangs that  bring back that community pride, once it is cleaned up.

In our local area we have Blacktown City Council that looks after us - I have been advised that they do bus interchanges and bus stops in relation to transport but if it an advertised bus shelter then the responsibility relies with the advertising company to clean it up.

Should you see any public area that need attention to improve due to graffiti contact council on 98396000 request to speak to a Graffiti Removal, Prevention and Management  Officer  and/or your local Councillor. Please feel free to contact either or both as both are at your service.

They can also assist you with Private Property but talk to them first!

Australia Day - Buses Required In BCC To Reduce Car Congestion At Rooty Hill!

In our modern community within Blacktown Local Government Area, when the time for celebration comes for the traditional "Australia Day' celebrations, the getting there and getting out is the issue. Not the amusements, entertainment that is providing families and friends  total fun and cheers.

I am personally proud of being  'Australian' but I'm no better Australian than the person you are and one of the things that brings that pride is easy accessibility to and from  Morreau Reserve, Rooty Hill on Australia Day, of each year.

What gets me is the thousands of cars parked on the Hill (from top to bottom), heavy traffic lanes of cars coming in from each direction of  instead of Eastern Road, Rooty Hill. By he time you park your car, you have completed the first battle, the 'Rooty Hill Car Congestion'. The next is to find a convenient, comfortable spot to sit on, relax watch the show or if you are of the youthful kind go on the free rides and entertainment - That is the third battle.

To solve the first battle is very easy - bus shuttles supplied by Blacktown City Council  (well advertised) from a start from Rooty Hill Train Station or if generous covering all train stations from within the Blacktown LGA. This will then provide a perfect great  public service to the community making it easier to get to  and from the Hill, not wasting time on locating car parking spots or parking over 2 kms. away. Buses can set down either side of Eastern Road or on either side the Rooty Hill Road (South) side of Morceau Reserve - this would then allow for less cars to mount 'The Hill'!

What we don't see from within the community is the background work that is involved within BCC of their  Traffic Officers. That is the pre-planning with NSW Police, NSW Transport, Roads & Maritime Services. other relevant state bodies and BCC Australia Day Organisers. They ensure safety though policing, parking for community members - to prevent any safety issues that might occur as well as other store holders, amusement, entertainment and other  vehicles entering the Reserve.

After the even  all BCC officers with have an 'After Event Briefing' - more like a debriefing - seeing where the organisation of the event can be improved for next time - good idea and to all BCC's officer well done

Anyway enjoy last years fireworks at Rooty Hill

Empty Rooty Hill of cars!

Special thanks goes to our Publicity Officer, Debbie Robertson - who mentioned this suggestion over a year ago which inspired the following blog:

Click here: for original story:
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2010/12/buses-needed-for-australia-day-in.html

Here are the details for  the important event:

Celebrate Australia Day on The Rooty Hill

• Thursday, 26 January, 2012 4pm – 9.30pm
• Venue: The Rooty Hill, Morreau Reserve, Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
• Featuring performances by Seattle Sound, Doc Neeson and Ross Wilson!
• Enjoy all the festivities of Australia Day 2012 at Council’s annual Australia Day Celebrations
  on The Rooty Hill including free amusement rides, an amazing parachute jump with the
  largest flag in the Southern Hemisphere and a fireworks spectacular presented by Endeavour
  Energy to close the event.
• 4.00pm Gates open on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill
• 4.00pm Amusement rides open
• 4.00pm Living Chair
• 4.45pm Mike Champion
• 5.00pm Justice Crew
• 5.45pm Seattle Sound
• 6.45pm Parachute Jump
• 7.00pm Doc Neeson
• 8.00pm Ross Wilson
• 9.15pm Fireworks Spectacular presented by Endeavour Energy
• The Rooty Hill is a 10 minute walk from Rooty Hill Railway Station or can be accessed by car via Eastern Road, Rooty Hill.
• Limited parking is available.
• For more information contact Council on 9839 6000 or visit www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au.

738 Bus Service Mount Druitt - Brief History

Here is short/brief history of the 738 bus service: from 1981, you can see it has been cut and/or changed since its original operation commenced.We'll place other blogs on other services in and out of Mount Druitt.


Route 738


MT DRUITT – ROOTY HILL – AUSTRALIA’S WONDERLAND [later known as Wonderland Sydney] (incl occasional trips to Horsley Park)
By 5 December 1992
From Rooty Hill (Beames Pde at station) via Catherine Cr, Barker St, Rooty Hill Rd Sth, Wallgrove Rd, Wonderland entrance road [now Wonderland Dr] to Australia’s Wonderland.
From Australia’s Wonderland via Wonderland entrance road [now Wonderland Dr], Wallgrove Rd, Rooty Hill Rd Sth, Beames Pde to Rooty Hill station.
Route between Rooty Hill & Mt Druitt: Various routes.
Horsley Park extension: Ex Mt Druitt from Wonderland entrance road/Wallgrove Rd via Wallgrove Rd, ? to Horsley Park & return.
MT DRUITT – ROOTY HILL – EASTERN CREEK INDUSTRIAL PARK (incl occasional trips to Horsley Park)
From 3 May 2004
From Rooty Hill (Beames Pde at station) via Catherine Cr, Barker St, Rooty Hill Rd Sth, Wallgrove Rd, Wonderland Dr to Eastern Creek industrial park.
From Eastern Creek industrial park (Wonderland Dr) via Wonderland Dr, Wallgrove Rd, Rooty Hill Rd Sth, Beames Pde to Rooty Hill station.
Route between Rooty Hill & Mt Druitt: Various routes.
Horsley Park extension: Ex Mt Druitt from Wonderland Dr/Wallgrove Rd via Wallgrove Rd, ? to Horsley Park & return.
From 29 June 2009
Altered: Ex Mt Druitt, from Wallgrove Rd/Wonderland Dr via Wallgrove Rd, Old Wallgrove Rd, Roberts Rd to Capicure Dr (Eastern Creek). Reverse on return.
From Ex Mt Druitt, from Old Wallgrove Rd via Southridge St, Capicure Dr, Roberts Rd, Old Wallgrove Rd & return to Mt Druitt.


You can even check out this website as well:
http://www.sydneybusroutes.com

737 Bus Service Mount Druitt - Brief History

Here is short/brief history of the 737 bus service: from 1981, you can see it has been cut and/or changed since its original operation commenced. We'll place other blogs on other services in and out of Mount Druitt.


Route 737
MT DRUITT – ROOTY HILL – AUSTRALIA’S WONDERLAND [later known as Wonderland Sydney] (including occasional trips to Horsley Park)
MT DRUITT – ROOTY HILL – EASTERN CREEK (including occasional trips to Horsley Park)
By 24 August 1985: Mt Druitt – Rooty Hill – Australia’s Wonderland commenced by Rowes Bus Service. Ran on weekends & school holidays.
9 October 1985: Extra routes, Mt Druitt – Rooty Hill – Eastern Creek & Rooty Hill – Horsley Park renumbered from 758. Wonderland service ran only on Saturdays while Wonderland still under construction.
13 November 1985: Wonderland service operated on weekends & school holidays when park open.
By 11 September 1988: Mt Druitt – Rooty Hill – Eastern Creek route formed into a loop around Eastern Creek.
June 1989: Operator’s name changed to Busways Blacktown (Rowe family).
By 5 December 1992: Mt Druitt – Rooty Hill – Australia’s Wonderland & Mt Druitt – Rooty Hill – Horsley Park renumbered 738, leaving 737 as Mt Druitt – Rooty Hill – Eastern Creek (loop).




You can even check out this website as well:
http://www.sydneybusroutes.com

755 Bus Service Mount Druitt - Brief History

Here is short/brief history of the  755 bus service: you can see it has been cut and changed since its original operation commenced.We'll place other blogs on other services in and out of Mount Druitt.

Route 755
BLACKTOWN – SHALVEY – MT DRUITT
October 1982:  Renumbered from part of 70 [1925 number].  Ran through Mt Druitt in a loop from Rooty Hill Rd via Jersey Rd, Carlisle Ave, Luxford, Bougainville, Jersey, Popondetta & Luxford Rds, Bulolo Dr, Belmore & Woodstock Aves to Rooty Hill Rd.  Operated by Rowe’s Bus Service.
11 September 1988:  Rerouted to Mt Druitt Station (instead of around loop above) via 763.
June 1989:  Operator’s name changed to Busways Blacktown (Rowe family).
5 December 1992:  763 journeys (which had effectively become short-workings of 755 since 11/9/88) renumbered 755.  Late night trips run as combined 755/762.
11 October 2009:  Ceased as a result of MoT review of Region 1 - replaced by parts of new 750 & 758 and existing 754.

MT DRUITT – SHALVEY – PLUMPTON
1 March 2010:  Shorter version of previous 755 re-introduced by Busways Blacktown (Rowe family).

If you would like to add/contribute towards it - let us know and we will update our records.

You can even check out this website as well:

Sydney Bus Routes

Happy Holiday or Happy New Year - Cityrail Staff

I have heard from a commuter that City Rail Staff  were not allowed to say, 'Happy New Year' and  'Merry Christmas!'.  can only say this is a rumor from one source but  of these employees face the public, I'm sure they are free to say this, instead of what I have been told, 'Happy Holiday!'

If anyone knows about this let us know and we will follow up!

The Case For And Against Public Transport!

Without any form of public transport how would our local area, Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW and Australia cope? This is what I would like to present to you case for and the cases against which doesn't stand a chance. In fact, maybe not in my life tome, you may have more public transport commuters in our Australian society compared to private vehicles.

Public transport provides the missing community link, that is needed  and required whilst providing essential services connecting to services like trains, buses, taxis carpooling and cycling modes of transport.

Well, a lot of people may not have understood why there is a case of having public transport - well there are many humanly valid reasons for having it: that is we all know we will use it one day and that one day could be in the not so distant future.

If everyone could afford to travel by private transport then we would have,  an drowning economy that exhaust fuel availability. Eventually there will be fuel shortages that we will have to have and costs of private transport would be  increase and be exorbitant. Not everyone can afford to go to work, friends, family, shopping  or entertainment places by private car and public transport can be the  most simple, economical way of reaching these destinations. On the lower end of the income brackets of society, public transport justifies the means for having it. Yet it is more economical the medium and higher income bracket, yet a majority of these have use of their own private vehicles.

When we look at worldwide countries, some countries do no have public transport as they may not be as developed as countries like Australia or other developed countries. Australia in itself is a vast country of  land and a well developing country with a current growing population of approx. 22.7 Million, which has  Federal, State and local government that support public transport to assist the needy. What we  haven't done in Western Sydney and maybe Sydney is promote public transport for overseas visitors, as we haven't got a recognised public transport system that is economical, efficient, reliable with friendly transport officers.

It doesn't take a genius that in common developed countries there is a public transport system and infrastructure that benefits not only government but the people as well, where populations are also well established. Is lesser developed country  this may not be able to occur.

When it comes to responsibility of public transport infrastructure and plans it comes to each state or territory Government with the support of planning  transport officers and assistance of each Local Government Areas. The expanse of these projects  depends each areas government purses that is; that is allowable budget expenses.

For Countries, States and Local Government there are strategies put in place that ensure essential public transport makes the community more connected: people can go to and from job interviews, jobs do their shopping, visit their friends, doctors, lawyers, politicians, religious organisations, reaching voluntary organisations for service, and pay theirs bills all at a reasonable cost (subsidised by the Government), travelling as a passenger in a relaxed environment. At the same time, you meet other community members and catch up with each with conversation. All these provide a stronger and better economy, keeping the country, state and local running as a forefront in public transport.

As public transport patronage increases, so should the amount of services improve as well. We do not seem to get this happening at present. Without employment within the public transport industry, the unemployment rate would increase - thus this is vital in any planning strategy even with new technological changes reducing employment factors. Whether governments do this is entirely on popularity demand/voting pressure against bureaucratic red-tape, name blaming ( finger pointing) and finally funding the costs.

Bringing up the balance of social justice, meeting community needs means that public transport demands justifies the community needs, especially in a growing demand of public transport. According to Governments need public transport to be justified  for providing the service, required but are guided by transport stakeholders: Local Government Area, New South Wales for Transport, Transport an/or community groups and other relevant.

One thing that gets me personally, when I travel on public transport and I see on the road 10-12 cars driving on the road with no passengers - what a waste! That means for one person times 10 or 12 we are wasting fuel when cars can take from 4 - 5 passengers - that means at least 2-3 cars instead of up to 12 cars - fuel saving etc or even better less cars  could means some of those drivers would catch public transport.

As a commuter: you do not have to worry of flat tyres, refuelling, maintenance of vehicles, traffic lights and even other traffic on the roads. This leaves you to enjoy your trip as comfortable as it is  - ensuring that you have a have trip to your end destination.

The Verdict:


The case for: Yes


The case against: No