A Former Busways Bus Driver Remembers Myself!

As I was leaving work, walking along Church Street Parramatta to Parramatta train station,  bus driver working for Veola buses - former Busways bus driver  tooted to me and gave myself a friendly waive.

This was another strange unusual thing that  has happened, since advocating for an improved public transport within Mount Druitt.

I do remember the driver and  returned my usual happy smile  with a warm friendly waive. heck that was  such a blown out thing - I don't I have seen this drive for 6 to 7 years. Amazing how I have left a great happy mark to bus drivers!

Bus Driver Blocks Traffic On North Parade, Mount Druitt!

Yes, this is true a 'Little Birdie' has told myself of an incident where a Busways bus driver was frustrated with a private passenger vehicle at the exit  and roundabout of the the Mount Druitt bus interchange, entering into Mount Druitt.

This happened due  the private passenger vehicle not providing proper  access for the bus driver to leave the intersection. I believe that the bus driver stood there for 8 minutes and was asked by officials to move on, but  actually ignore directions. This blocked traffic from  both directions.

Although the bus drivers actions were uncalled for and not substantiated, for the action caused by the  driver of the private passenger  vehicle, the driver was very lucky police were not called for obstructing traffic.

Maybe this this could be investigated to ensure this doesn't happen again by Transport for NSW and the Minister for  Transport!

Mount Druitt Trial Of The Opal Cards Coming Soon On Multi Tickets!

Trial Tap & Go Electronic Ticketing Machine
at Mount Druitt train station

Well  we need to prepare ourselves on the new Opal Card ( Electronic Ticketing System) that Sydney Trains is releasing on their network. Is everyone ready for it?

They will be so easy to use 'Tap and Go'! How's that?

You will have to apply for them?
Click Here to Apply For an Opal Card

Although it is not advertising or pamphlets provided to commuters at Mount Druitt train station - it appears it will be  later on in the year as per   NSW for TRansport Opal Press Releases so far - click here

Bill Board Advertising At Mount Druitt

Here is a picture of a  Bill Board at Mount Druitt train Station, which helps us reduce costs of public transport. Although it is talking about land release at Ropes Crossing, it says only 15 minutes from Mount Druitt I assume by car and it doesn't promote public transport on a public transport bill board! 

Maybe NSW for Transport could ensure public transport is  advertised in the land releases add?

RailCorp Employee Offers Assistance To Elderly Couple!

This afternoon as I was heading home to Mount Druitt, I experienced a 'gentleman and a RailCorp Officer' offer his seat to an elderly couple who were sitting down inside the Sydney Trains carriage.

The elderly lady had one of those  walking trolleys that provided her assistance in walking. This was when they entered the carriage at Blacktown.

In fact, the young tall man with glasses was so polite, if you didn't see his 'RailCorp' logo on his business shirt, tou would have thought it is an ordinary person, who has the guts to care for others.  That is what has happened.  The generosity came when he offered  his seat as they sat down (after I stood up and offered my seat)  and he could see the seat near the  exit doors was overcrowded  for them. They politely 'thank him' as you normally do and they remained in their seat. The Railcorp Officer/gentleman sat back down in his seat reluctantly. What a man!

Does anyone see this kind of kindness be carried out during your train commuting day?

Long Weekend Queuing For Tickets After Long Weekend!

One thing I have been trying to resist to do in travelling on public transport for nearly 24 years in and around Mount Druitt, is simply prevent myself on not obtain tickets prior to the end of the long weekend.

The queue at Mount Druitt Train Station

Yet this time I had perfect reason to do so, family event night before, walked 20 minutes to get to train station and 'what the heck - the queues weren't that bad!'
That was because the current electronic ticketing  purchasing system at the train station was creating a second queue, which reduced lines for the ticketing office.

Some good things to to look at in the future is the new Electronic Ticketing system that Sydney Trains are in the process to release will actually reduce these queues and make it so much easier for the commuter.

Blacktown Train Station Getting Upgrade - Maybe Mount Druitt Could Be Next - Blacktown Advocate

Here is  a story from the Blacktown Advocate that Blacktown Station is getting Lift and lighting upgrade, maybe this will happen to Mount Druitt sooner then we expect.What do you think?

Blacktown train station to receive new lifts and lighting

• 

  The refurbishment is part of a $20 million state government project to upgrade a number of major train stations. Source: News Limited
  Blacktown train station will receive new lifts, improved lighting and clean toilets as part of a major state government refurbishment project.
  NSW transport minister Gladys Berejiklian announced the project as part of a plan to spend around $20 million on improvements at key train stations this financial year.
  At a cost of $3.1 million, four of Blacktown's hydraulic lifts will be replaced with air-conditioned electric lifts which are wheelchair-friendly and include braille signage.
  The station will also receive improved LED lighting, repair work on broken tiles, thorough cleaning and a new coat of paint.
  "This work together with the lift replacements, which will improve their reliability, will result in customers enjoying much improved facilities at the station," Ms Berejiklian said.
  Alternative lift access between the bus interchange and footbridge will be available while the upgrades are underway and customers are advised to follow signs around the station.
• BLACKTOWN ADVOCATE
• JANUARY 24, 2014 10:15AM
• 
  

Mount Druitt Commuters Improve Group Records Keep On Coming On Blogspot!

I am so proud of the worldwide internet, where  our blogs are being recognised in countries like USA, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia and India.

While Australia is seconded to visit on blogspot so far, with 35,817 behind United States of America on 40,754 and Russia third on 8,943, you can see that if any public transport stake holders do not take action to improve public transport from any blogs, that will be picked up by the rest of the world.

Thank you to the world - keep on visiting!  This is the only way to change our public transport direct ion Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs.

We have received over 50,000 visits on our blogspot last year over 17,000 visits more than the year before. Also was a majority of record monthly visits with September 2013 reaching a record visit of 6,447.  Keep this up everyone we need this kind of support!

Further Statistics:

Country             Visits

Germany            4257 

United Kingdom 3209

France                2537

Ukraine              1887

Poland                  663

Latvia                   530

India                     442

Australia Day 2014 Fireworks at Rooty Hill - Traffic Has Been Altered To Cater For Buses To And From The Event!

The event of the Australia Day Rooty Hill Fireworks for 2014 was outstanding and always leaves a mark of a great way to start the year with, which we should take pride in.

I noticed that the Traffic Management team at Black City Council has changed the traffic/parking conditions as was allowed to happen  for many years. 

You will notice safety barriers placed on Eastern Road, there was always the grassed area where cars were parking near to the Moreau Reserve event - now that means more parking on the hill or  further away from the event - which means this is a good opportunity to  promote  free shuttle buses to the event as previously promoted in other blogs:

Any way enjoy the Rooty Hill Fireworks Australia Day 2014 Moreau Reserve Click here. At at the event:

And....... The traffic on the hill:

Proper Pedestrian Access Required AT Mount Druitt - Currently A Major Hazard!

At the traffic lights of Luxford Road (entrance to Westfield Shops), the traffic lights have pedestrian access only head on one side of the street on the Western end.

I understand the  traffic lights have been there for quite a number of years, I just don't see how traffic transport stake holders have not notice the hazard it is causing. The funny thing is Mount Druitt Police Station is not that far.

I do hope this get fixed up as Council looks at safety of commuters who are entering the north part of Luxford Road from Shennan Walkway, Mount Druitt reaching the streets in North Mount Druitt.

You will see yourself visual evidence for yourself:

When there is no  pedestrian this is how cars will enter
 from Westfields
- Just imagine if a pedestrian gets hit!

Here is a pedestrian taking bought shopping risking her  life!