A Transport Officer Told Me........

This is going to be s short blog as a transport officer around Mount Druitt has told me that a lot of commuters  would like a bus to Pine Grove Cemetery,Great western Highway, Minchinbury. The requests this person receives requests almost daily.

The Busways 739 goes behind the Pine Grove Cemetery, so maybe a rerouting of this bus service maybe solve that problem!

We will speak to Peter our group representative and receive feedback from him and advise further!

What I Say To Commuters - Beware Of Myself - I'm Friendly!

Yes, I have subjected myself to not be afraid speaking to any commuters - break the ice, so to say and listen, learn and live better! Then they may live better!

So how to I get all these wonderful people to speak. To me it's simple - go out and show them your friendliness. Make them understand who you represent at you are doing. Stay cool, calm and be collected. Give them something they don't know about and let them give something important back to you! Let them speak, hear them and do not judge them or judge against them.

Back off if they don't want to know you or they are just not interested. Do not show hatred,  not be negative of talk against them. Just think the next person maybe a very positive person that will make you forget of the person that rejected you!

One day I'l  I'll show you a recording, if I can do one of how I speak to commuters!

Today I met a nice lady on the train only for a short time. She was nodding of to sleep when I entered the carriage at Parramatta and reached her seat- she had a spare one next to her where a gentleman was typing on his  large laptop. I ask if they could excuse me, enabling myself to sit down politely and immediately she got up and let me sit down. She was not a bit upset - nice commuter!

After the train passed Doonside, then I spoke to her introduced her to our group - she advise she doesn't live in our area - advised her there is a link to a South Penrith group and also to the WSPTU blog as well. She straight away said it was good and when I say ( what I always say to commuters) 'Most ideas come from people like yourself to improve public transport!' - this normally sweeps people of their feet but I think I was swept of  my own feet. She said, "it's good what your doing and thanks to people like me!'

I had a quick comeback, ' It's also thanks to people like you!' I then had to leave the seat and excused myself again.......

Not Transport But This Can Assist Commuters Get Better Transport And Home Easier!

One of our loyal and respectable group members Peter, has been trying to  improve his community  in many ways, although he has  hit some red-tape brick walls within  the local branches of the Australian Labor Party (when he was a member) and a few has been accept and implemented.

he is a well known identity around Mount Druitt and a great man that has transport in his heart. He even takes great interest in locomotives and steam engine trains. What he knows is fascinating!

Due to my neglect, I was supposed to place this story on our blog last month and I wish to personally apologise to Peter for not doing so. I am human and I hope he forgives!

So here we are: Peter has been lobbying for a pedestrian footbridge that crosses the railway line opposite Loyola College crossing over to Charles McKay Bushland Reserve, Mount Druitt. This will cater for students and residents that need to cross to get to  their destination, It will also be good and make it easier if and when Mount Druitt gets a Free Bus Shuttle Serve travelling along North Parade, commuters can depart the bus and walk across.

Here is the link for Blake's Mount Druitt Shuttle service click here:
http://mountdruittcommuters.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-idea-of-mt-druitt-free-shuttle-plus.html#comments

Please find the local story by The St. Marys-Mt Druitt 17th June 2008:

Westbus 674 Odd Time Tables - One Less Trip On Mount Druitt Return Journey!

Yes, one of our Mount Druitt bus commuters has raised an issue of concern for returned bus service on from Mount Druitt on week days. Here are the times for the residents of Gasmatta  Whalan can catch  on the Westbus 674.

From Aurora Drive & Corner of Luxford Roads


Weekdays: 7.17am, 7.47am, 8.51am, 10.02am, 1.02pm, 4.44pm & 5.44pm

Saturday;    9.08am & 4.36pm

Sunday:       10.02am



Return From Mount Druitt Stand 7:


Weekdays:  8.00am, 10.28am, 1.28pm, 3.59pm, 4.59pm & 5.59pm

Saturday:     9.53am & 4.23pm

Sunday:        3.03pm

We will contact Westbus to find out more information as why there is one bus short on return trip.

Also we believe there are no bus stops on Moresby Crescent Whalan so we will find out what is happening as well.

Bus Stop Shelters - Info From Blacktown City Council

A  transport spokesperson from Blacktown City Council has advised that the funding and construction of 12 bus within the Blacktown City Local Government Area has commenced and is on its way to be constructed and completed soon -  I believe with a bit of luck we will be able to supply you with the bus stop areas and bus stop numbers.

I now  to discuss bus stop  news that was provided to me today and that is  the average cost for to construct a bus stop shelter is approximately $12,000 each. In Blacktown City Council Local Government Area as of 11/1/2011 - letter received from Mayor of Blacktown bus stop numbers total 1675. From this figure, 34 percent (565), of these are represented within Mount Druitt suburbs and 34 percent of these bus tops are sheltered (192).  So  one out three bus stops are sheltered - we will see whether this is correct.

We can now see that funding for bus stops is not cheap as it involved fixing curbs and footpaths, it is access-able to all commuters,  not leaving it  disadvantaged to anyone.

For further information have a look at NSW bus stop Infrastructure completed by WSCF:
click here: http://www.wscf.org.au/uploads/2011uploads/Transport/Bus%20Stop%20Infrastructure.pdf

NSW Roads & Traffic Authority Interesting Information: Facts & Figures!

As I say almost every day, I meet such great people every day. Every day 'you' and 'me' people. People that when prompted to speak to a stranger by a single comment or question made will respond instantaneously, without further prompting. At the end the short 10-20 minutes of conversation is so special, you will remember them and hopefully they will remember me (somehow). When I think back over the last couple of months, lots of individuals, they all have their importance of and in life and that is what makes me do what I am doing.

So today I spoke to a NSW RTA Spokesperson, who provided with facts and figures he seemed like what ever  questions you would ask of him he would have an answer for. In fact  he would over and beyond - some one that would be used a 'Brains Trust' for a Transport Forum or similar.
so happy!

I also support after announcing my position as 'President of the Mount Fruity Commuters Improvement Group! and also an Intern Vice-President of the western Sydney Public Transport Users', that is what sparks these people to hold their head high and talk as well.


These are the  statistics  that was provided to me:

• That on the Sydney Harbour Bridge 350 buses take 19,000 passengers per hour across the bridge, whilst trains take 21,000 commuters across the same bridge.
• A new single bus costs the NSW Government  between $650,000- $750,000  on the road.
• The Parramatta  Free Bus Shuttle all costs add up $600,000 per year, previously operated by Parramatta Council and Parramatta Leagues Club. 
• That  buses will be replaced once they reach 12 years on road service - there is only one Bus Operator that has more than 12 year old buses and there buses will soon be replaced with new ones!
• In relation to possible Light Rail in Western Sydney - claims that the their wouldn't be enough  numbers to fulfil patronage numbers.
• Older buses are used on school runs whether it be  to and from school on daily basis or school excursions leaving the newer buses for the general bus commuters

Okay some statistics may be boring but when you think about it these are relevant  to run a better transport system and  providing a better infrastructure as well for the Greater Western Sydney and also for Sydney.

Transport Quiz : How long  is the length an average bus in Sydney 
                           and Greater Western Sydney?

From the NSW RTA Site the answer is 14.5 metres. Something I didn't know and before didn't care. Now I am becoming like the spokesperson from the RTA today a Transport dictionary or knowledge!

Request For Bus Stop 2770149 Shelter Is Up To Blacktown City Council Traffic Committee

Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson from Blacktown City Council has informed us that the request for a new bus shelter at Whalan shop Bus Stop Number 2770149 has been referred to the traffic Committee of the Blacktown City Council.

I have since decided that I will represent our group (with the groups consent) and the commuters of Whalan to get this bus stop on the Black City Council known,  that there are commuters that require it. The next scheduled Blacktown City Council Meeting is 7pm on 29th June 2011. If you live locally and you wish to support  us for the sheltered bus ,please come along. To register and speak on the bus stop you have to do this by 6pm.

It is funny how quick Bus Shelter can be pulled down so quickly and then there was no consideration to when moving the bus stop from its original position on Opposite (Ellengowan Crescent) Bulolo Drive,  to build and construct a bus shelter in front of Whalan Shops, the same day!!!

Bus Commuter Missing Mount Druitt Buses

Here is a comment received from a Mount Druitt called John (no it is not me!) regarding how he misses buses, receive on an e-mail:

When the police are patrolling Mt Druitt Station, they refuse

 to open the walk through gate, this has caused me to miss 

the bus on several occasions. Why can't they open the gate 

and simply check the tickets, like the days in the past 

before those electronic gates.

I wonder if this happens to you and if ideas can you provide some feedback as this is what we need? Do you think it is a staffing problem or  is what John says correct about his suggestion?

Transport NSW expands MyMulti Tickets Include Light Rail

I located some good news for all - who like to travel on light rail - although we don't have Light Rail in Mount Druitt or even in Western Sydney - this could be a great option for commuting on public transport in the future. You can go to the above link or read the story yourself:


Travel on the light rail network from 27 June 2011


The NSW Government has announced that MyMulti, Pensioner Excursion and Family Funday Sunday tickets will be valid on Sydney’s light rail network from 27 June.From this date, you can board any service on the
light rail network between the CBD and Lilyfield with a MyMulti, Pensioner Excursion or Family
Funday Sunday ticket.

This means one ticket is all you need for travel on light rail between Lilyfield and Central as well as on Sydney Buses, private buses, Sydney Ferries and CityRail trains across greater Sydney. Light rail can connect you with the Fish Markets, Star City Casino, Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Light rail operates seven days a week with a 10 to 15 minute frequency and every 30 minutes after midnight.

For more information on MyZone tickets visit Transport Info www.131500.com.au
JB1273 CR-P-231 15062011 Report security issues 1800 657 926 (24 hours)
Lost property 02 9379 3341 (weekdays)
Passes and concessions 1300 302 130
Ticket vending machine faults 1800 808 822
Rail Greenline environmental enquiries and
complaints 1300 656 999 (24 hours)
TTY (Teletypewriter service) hearing and speech
impaired customers only 1800 637 500
Service information and customer feedback www.cityrail.info or call 131 500 contact us

Another Mount Druitt Commuter Has Better Understanding Of Transport

I speak to people, no matter what there race, colour, background, whether they are disabled as everyone to me in this world is great, important and everyone views especially in transport is treated as special.

A lot of commuters are always silent about know how to voice their opinion on transport and when they see or talk to me think of me as a celebrity. In some respects I am only a local identity, community leader in transport, family member, and an individual who believes in the better quality of life produced by us for us. I do not want a monument, street, or suburb name after leave when I leave this earth, I just want community members to know there is someone  out there trying to get better vital important changes in transport for all - it may be a long haul but I'm in there for it and with the support and direction of our group and community.

I am always thinking of positive suggestions  for our transport community, yet in this there are other people in our community that feel the same as  myself and I allow input and say at meetings.

So today there was this gentleman who has a better understanding of what we are doing. Badu, also claimed that as public transport is monopolised and it is hard to compare it to other forms of transport in Sydney except your family cars.  Yet he believe s the transport is generally good he seemed to realise there are things the simple member of community can do to improve transport. At the end of our lovely discussed - we realised i had reached my destination and he had to travel further and we both agreed  as I stated, 'As I talk fast the train is fast as well!'