Saturday, December 31, 2011

Mount Druitt Youth Has Seen The Light With Anti-Social Behaviours And Has a Better Life Now!

Yes, yesterday I met a nervous young youth in a lane way and although  we were talking about  Graffiti wrecking  the community - he actually agreed. It was about graffiti on a wall not associated with public transport - I admit - but here came the connection with public transport - he had commit crimes on railway trains-and paid his dues to society!

He was defacing training and placing graffiti on them  with others - he now preaches to the young not to do this anti-social thing and gets  no response from the other  youths - he advised  you can be convicted for 6 months jail if found guilty - he has learnt his lesson. I think he is a great young man who has the courage to tell a stranger this and find him to be stronger person then he was before. He told these youths do this  for boredom and they they want to be recognised for the creative art and signature they provide. To me, there would be other ways of doing this. There is a group in Mount Druitt called Community 2770, I think they should do something about this.

Back in May NSW Transport  advised us of what they do and what we should do to prevent these youths doing if catching them doing this on trains. Also the  major affect once you as an individual see something and get the right authorities notified, is ultimately reducing the ongoing cost of cleaning up these graffiti trains, which so stands at $55Million.

Here is there story:




Graffiti removal blitz last weekend

Posted: Monday 16 May 2011
Staff cleaning graffiti
Volunteers in communities from all over NSW took part in the second Graffiti Action Day on Sunday 15 May. To support this important initiative, additional graffiti cleaning was carried out by CityRail staff across the network.
Graffiti Action Day is a partnership between the NSW Government and Keep Australia Beautiful NSW where members of the community are asked to volunteer and help 'clean up' graffiti at various locations across NSW.
With 1600 carriages, 307 stations and hundreds of kilometres of rail corridor, the CityRail network is a main target for graffiti vandals in NSW. Last year, total vandalism including the removal of more than one million graffiti tags cost about $55 million.
CityRail cleaning staff work tirelessly to remove graffiti every day so that trains can be returned to service, as quickly as possible, in a clean and tidy condition for the comfort of our customers. In addition, our security staff work closely with Police through the Rail Vandalism Task Force to detect, apprehend and prosecute these vandals.

How you can help

  • If you see someone vandalising CityRail property, call our Security Hotline on 1800 657 926
  • If you know someone who vandalises CityRail property, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

More information





Happy New Public Transport Year From MDCIG!

On behalf  of Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group, 
we wish everyone a great, happy, best,  
prosperous, plenty of good wishes and fortunes to come through to each and every one of you!

We also would like to provide special wishes to commuters 
within Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs and 
the greater Western Sydney a  Very Very 
Happy Transport New Year for 

2012







Thursday, December 29, 2011

Transport Officer With Bus Operations Experience!

A young former Transport Operations Manger/officer with one of the bus operators in Western Sydney, tells his story:

His was 3IC of  a bus depot and  had  played a major role in updating bus drivers, in NSW Transport Ministerial work implementations and changes immediately, roster changes, consultation with a LGA within Western Sydney.

In doing this role,  bus drivers swore at him for making some hard decisions, but at the end of the day they all respected him. he respected the LGA he dealt with as they were provided little or hardly any funds for improvements in Bus Stop Infrastructure, thus had high respect for Council officials. He was in a high pressured job compared to what he is doing today and he is glad he is not working in that same job today.

As management changes occurred within this company, communication seemed to have breakdown down the line and that is when he decided to leave his job and the industry.

He had a corporate car before and now with his new occupation (not involved with the NSW Public Transport Industry), he catches trains to and from the city to Blacktown every day and  has advised that it is good to have public blogs for the transport community, given a  chance to comment on, feedback, provide constructive criticism  or even provide ideas for improvement.


Sunday, December 25, 2011

A Silent Promoter Of Public Transport!




On last Friday, I met a lovely  young lady from Penrith, and considers herself to be a virgin public transport commuter on trains. She travels 5 days a week - to and from the city of Sydney, for the last 3 months.

She considers this not enough time to provide any feedback on any improvements on public transport. Yet, the good thing about her is she claims most of her friends catch trains and considers promoting public transport to the friends, is mostly the cheapest best way to move more people onto using more public transport. Currently, she enjoys the  quality time she has in talking to her friends on the train - this is important.










Doonside Commuter Finds A Connection With Our Group!

I met on Thursday, a young excited Nouhad, from Doonside made a connection as he works with the former Roads Traffic Authority now Known as  'Roads And Maritime Services', being involved in the process of buses being released into the public. Great transport connection and he was travelling on the train home!

Friday, December 23, 2011

New Base Guitar Taken On Train!

Kyle, a youthful  man was carrying his $2,000 guitar with him from the band 'Suffering or Serenity' group was heading home towards Richmond from Parramatta. This group based their music performance hard core metal ix music and he was travelling to Richmond by train as his guitar could not fit in the car to Richmond.

So although he didn't provide permission  for a photo to be published, it looked like a brand spanking new  guitar - unusual for people to cart these things on the train, yet it was intriguing for me to see this - let's hope he goes well with his music career!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Further Feedback From North St.Marys Trial Westbus 782E!

Well, here is a reasonalby response from Patrica from North St Marys , who has lobbied hard for her one service to be returned for her area, well done and we can't wait for the review to happen:


From:Patricia Guy 
Sent:Thursday, 22 December 2011 7:29:22 PM
To:John Svoboda (mountdruitt_cig@hotmail.com)
Hi John
Well, I've used the buses yesterday and today.  It feels good.  It'll be a shuttle bus service for 6 months, just 6 buses each way Monday to Saturday.  When I came back from Penrith today on the 782 the 782E was waiting and I just hopped off one bus straight onto the other bus.  Going the other wait there's a 9 minute wait at the most before you commence the rest of the journey to Penrith from Werrington.  In March we'll get together with our ideas to tell Bart what exactly we want the full 782 service to be,  ready for the review in mid- 2012.  At the moment it's a late start and an early finish, but at least it's something.
Thank you for your help and Merry Christmas and all the best for 2012.
Patricia 

Country Train Services Increased Carriages From Penrith!

A Penrith Lady commuter normally catches the country express trains to the city and when she misses then catches the suburban City Rail trains The Country express train leaves at 6.05am and the New NSW Government has increased carriages from 4 to 6 carriages, which makes it easier for seating and comfort.

The suburban City Rail train is not as fast as the country express train is not as quick. She remembers after twenty years how trains services now are taking longer to reach the city: Train services used to take 45 minutes now they take an hour or so!

I wonder what has changed!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

NSW Parliament - Questions And Answers Re New Bus Time Tables Mount Druitt



Here is the important question of time table of bus time table in Western Sydney &in particular  Mount, especially after 5pm. Interesting feed back. In relation to number 3 not 'Yes' or 'No'. I will try to seek a response from the NSW Government to get a better clarification on this!




PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
2011

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT

_________
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No. 63

14th December 2011
___________

1307—NEW PRIVATE BUS TIMETABLES AND ROUTES

 

Mr Richard Amery to the Minister for Transport—

  1. Have new private bus timetables and routes been announced for locations in Western Sydney?
  2. Do any of these changes affect the Mount Druitt area?
  3. (a) Has there been an increase in after 5.00 pm services to suburbs in Mount Druitt for weekend commuters?
    (b) If so, what are the details of these services?

Answer—

I am advised:
  1. Yes.
  2. No.
  3. (a) and (b) Not applicable.







Question asked on 9 November 2011 (session 55-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 56.
Answer received on 14 December 2011 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 63.


NSW Parliament Mount Druitt Escalator Questions - Richard Amery


Here is an exert from the NSW Lower House on questions & answers, regarding the the order of escalators at Mount Druitt Train Station by Richard Amery:


PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
2011

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT

_________
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No 63

13th December  2011
___________

1370—ESCALATOR AT MT DRUITT RAILWAY STATION

 

 

Mr Richard Amery to the Minister for Transport—

  1. On how many occasions has the escalator at the Mount Druitt Railway Station been out of order for the six month period ending the 31st October 2011?
  2. How many of these occasions has the stoppage been caused by vandalism to the escalator?
  3. Have any persons been detected vandalising this facility during the period mentioned in question (1) above?



Answer—

I am advised:
  1. to (3) Vandalism is a significant cost to the community and the prevention, detection and remediation of vandalism is a continual challenge.
    RailCorp has committed significant resources to combat all forms of vandalism, and continues to work cooperatively with the NSW Police in the detection, apprehension and prosecution of vandals.






Question asked on 22 November 2011 (session 55-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 59.
Answer received on 13 December 2011 and to be printed in Questions & Answers Paper No. 63.

 

NSW Parliament - Bus Review Questions by Richard Amery


Here is copy on the exert from question (Richard Amery)  and answers from the NSW Lower House





PARLIAMENT OF NEW SOUTH WALES
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
2011

FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT

_________
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

No 59

22nd  November  2011
___________

1226—REVIEW OF BUS ROUTES AND TIMETABLES

Mr Richard Amery to the Minister for Transport—

  1. Has the Minister announced there is to be a review of bus routes and timetables?
  2. Will this process involve private bus operators?
  3. Are changes planned for bus routes in the Bidwill, Shalvey and Mount Druitt areas?
  4. Will there be increased services on weekends?


Answer—

I am advised:
  1. Bus services in metropolitan Sydney are reviewed on an annual basis.
  2. Yes.
  3. and (4) This will be subject to the review.









Question asked on 18 October 2011 (session 55-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 52.
Answer received on 29 November 2011 and printed in Questions & Answers Paper No 59

 

My Hills Transport Group Wishes Us A Merry Christmas - Thank You!

Today's e-mail received from James Fiander from My Hills Transport, wishing our group a Merry Christmas!
They have the Northwest Rails link issue on their front door and are lobbying for improved transport services in their area. They also had a 'Transport Forum` this year.

Click here for Myhilstransport website




Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Busways Has Gone 'Twittered'! Great!

Hi everyone - that  is everyone with the computer technology where we can now provide feed back to Busways directly (and I would say politely. News from Busways re they a re on 'Twitter' and can be followed - Guess what I have done - follow them!

Here it is:

BUSWAYS IS NOW ON TWITTER!

Busways is now on twitter and we would love for you to

follow us to find out what's happening here at Busways!

We will use Twitter to communicate transport information as

well as keeping our followers up to date with the latest ticket 

products and promotions.

At the moment Busways is 'tweeting' from the twitter 

account @BuswaysGroup; however we have signed up 

other accounts for our service areas with the intention of 

reviewing localised twitter accounts and real time transport 

alerts depending on the success of this initial trial.  

Happy Twittering Everyone!

PS. If you don't know what Twitter is, it's a social media 

platform that allows short messages to be shared amongst 

users. Learn more at www.twitter.com



Richard Amery Press Release - Rooty Hill Train Station Upgrade - Backs NSW Government, Once Completed!

Our Local members do become working local members, Richard Amery, Member for Mount Druitt has been supporting the upgrade for Rooty Hill Train Station for the last 15 years and is now smelling the scent of this actually happening in Rooty Hill in 2012, also mentioned is Doonside ( The Opposition Leaders seat: John Robertson):


                                         RICHARD AMERY MP
                                   MEMBER FOR MOUNT DRUITT
      

ROOTY HILL RAIL STATION TO BE IMPROVED


Rooty Hill Railway Station will have its easy access lifts and elevators in 2012, State Member for Mount Druitt, Richard Amery, has predicted.


Now that all the major stations on the network have had their access improved over the last 15 years, the roll out of the other stations with lower ticket sales should commence in the New Year.


"Sources have confirmed that Rooty Hill will not be far off.  In fact, the O'Farrell Government will have given local candidates the 'heads up' on this project and advised them to get out in the community and get their fingerprints on the projects.  This is being done by taking up petitions and calling for the project to be commenced", Mr Amery said.


Rooty Hill Station, like Doonside in the neighbouring electorate of Blacktown, are in urgent need of this access as stairs are the only way you can get onto the platform, especially at Rooty Hill.


Seniors in particular have lobbied hard for the Rooty Hill project for years, just like they did for Mount Druitt Station many years ago.


"If the Liberal Government provides this facility, I will be happy to give them credit.  I don't care who has their 'back slapped' over easier access to the Rooty Hill Railway Station, as long as it is completed in the not too distant future", Mr Amery concluded.


************

Contact:                     9625 6770
Date:                           20th December 2011 

NB: refer to previous  request form other community mebers on previous blogs including the current petition that is going around:
Rooty Hill Upgrade Petition by Venus Priest

Have Your Say On NSW PublicTransport!

Although this covers all forms of transport, this is a good time and way to have your input for making a change for the future. This sight is seeking to share information from all stakeholders and have community representation and community forums for improved changes for the future check it out!

NSW Transport Masterplan

More Train Carriages Required!

A delightful lady called Carol from Penrith originally from Emu Plains, now walks to Penrith station from her home and has been travelling for 10 years by public transport on trains and  generally states she has a good train service. She catches the country trains and her husband catches the suburban train.

She has found the country trains are more reliable and efficient compared to the suburban train services. As she finds seating on the 4.18pm Parramatta to Penrith suburban train to be full when it normally reaches Parramatta , thus leaving commuters at Parramatta fighting for seats. carol suggests that more carriages be added on trains allowing more seating for travelling commuters.

On the positive, she finds travelling by train feeling stress-free - compared to driving cars and  had a stern comment to make to NSW Government Planners: do not build up suburbs and after the entire suburb is built then build the transport infrastructure.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Funny Thing I Saw Today Re-Transport!

Here I was talking to other commuters the Busways 758 ready to depart and the regular commuters waiting for the Busways 755, at the Mount Druitt Bus Interchange today.

Low and behold I had seen a Busways Bus Driver checking the timetable - when I said to him he would know the times of the buses - he said he wanted to check when the 758 bus was departing, so he could come to the stand with the bus immediately!

Wow - bus drivers checking bus time tables in the interchange - then it hit me of-course he only has his run sheet for 755 not the 758 one  and ringing the depot may waste time! Interesting thing for a bus driver to do!

We Were Right With Gasmatta Bus Services Westbus 674!

So when Westbus management read this they will be displeased......

Yes on Monday, 12th December 2011, there was a car accident near Aitape Crescent Whalan in the afternoon. Westbus 764 Buses were diverted to turn right into  Gasmatta Crescent,South of Luxford Road. This  is funny as this is where Westbus last year  said the right turn was a hazard - it wasn't a hazard  on the 12th December 2011.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From Us To All Commuters, Transport Officers & Great Local Reporters!!



!7 members and guests turned up at our 2nd  Christmas as a group, this means we are getting bigger and better, as last year we had 11 members turned up

Today we had our Christmas 'Get-together' today after our quick, efficient and I believe most enjoying meeting today. Thank you , West Tradies, for your support. All members were invited to have finger food and soft drinks, so we can relax and maybe not talk 'Transport'!

So here are some photos  for the ones not on there will try to get yours on here soon);
Margaret Anne, Mary, Christine & Angie
Angie, Shane, Margaret Anne, Allan &Anne



The Triple A's: Angie  Anne (Margaret Anne) & Anne

Shane, John Margaret Anne, Allan &  Anne

Christine, Mary, Angie, Margaret Anne, John & anne
Allan, Wayne & Shane
Peter, John, Mary, Allan & Christine



John, Christine,Mary,Peter, Shane, Margaret Anne, Allan &  Anne


See our 2010 Christmas Party - our first one!














Mount Druitt Bus Interchange Is Getting A Facelift!

One of our great group members (who does other community volunteering). Margaret,  has heard that it is in the pipeline that Mount Druitt  Bus interchange is getting a needed 'Facelift'. As usual, Transport for NSW Transport Officers are in the planning stages for a much needed change and do not consult with the Local transport groups, to get  public opinion and input first.

Later on down the track, we will be given a short window of opportunity for feedback & comments, by then it will be fully planned. I understand that all community members are not engineers but participating in local transport enhancement is important. Let hope that this will provide a safer waiting environment for commuters.

If anyone else has heard anything else of this, please notify us  or just place further comments. Here are some examples os possible bus interchanges around the world:






Save Our Bus Services

Read our story on how we made it our priority to ensure bus services are re-instated from services taken away in 2009.