Yes, today I had to make Busways aware that we still require 755 services that the community still wants and needs.
Click on here for original letter and blog
The Information Officer (contact on letter), in the beginning could not comment on backing up the information that was incorrectly stated on the letter as mentioned in previous blog. You have to understand that when I raised their negative comments on the letter it was unbelievable as to how it could be supported - I never actually had a go at this Information Officer. She was just a 'pen pusher' for the management of Busways. I mean why have an 'Information Officer' if you cannot support what you sent out.
After a while, I accepted that fact that she could handle the matter further to hopefully give the people of Mount Druitt a better result. She agreed work to with me - I asked if she could only call back she agreed.
About 1 1/2 hours later Mr. Andrew Glass contact me directly and we finally were able to clear the air as to this letter. He apologised for 3 letters being sent of the same issue firstly. The advised that with the Bus review of 2009 consultation with the community was sent by letter box leaflets/letters, half page adds in local news papers and Blacktown City Council Transport Forum. From the review it was decided to change one bus service to three 755 cut off 750, 754,758 new services. from the feedback they receive the cut service went ahead. There was no direct consultation with the suburbs that lost the 755 bus service and bus drivers agree the service should be increased as well.
The cut bus service was to shift more commuters from Mount Druitt travelling to St. Marys, with easier access. Fine with that - Why are they entering Westbus area in St Marys? A lot of crossover! What he doesn't realise there isn't an easy way for commuters in West Mount Druitt to get to Black except as he says'catch the bus in to Mount Druitt and sit and wait for transfer to Blacktown on the great 754!' it is is not everyone's ideas in West Mount Druitt to go to St Marys and bus companies should not dictate this to Transport for NSW and the people of Mount Druitt. In fact there is no bus service that contacts from west of Mount Druitt (Which was well patronised0 to the East of mount Druitt directly and then joining to Blacktown.
When I mentioned how people in Mount Druitt I represent close to 60,000 ( doesn't include surrounding suburbs) he wasn't the least bit interested. I left him with a note that we will keep on lobbying until Busways changes their minds, Transport for NSW, Mot and the NSW Government as I will ensure the people need and want. We are not to be trampled on in Mount Druitt by a private company that wants to rule the bus routes. I advised him our State Members also have a voice as well and support our cause and the support for us is growing.
Advising on the increase in patronage that we have had in Region 1, he tried to say it is because of the bus reviews, (I didn't want him to have a swell head) and added there are many reasons economics, age etc. Then he agreed with me!
On positive points he agreed for Busways to include our group in the consultation process in the future - which is a step in the right direct and he in return advised that we need to raise our issues with Transport for NSW not the 131500 enquiry - I advised that is not what Transport for NSW advised - they advised the process I have done is correct. Not an issue with me will do the both methods.
He also advised that Busways have spoken to the Police for the Rooty Hill - Australia day and are prepared to charter buses to Blacktown City Council - they are just waiting to see if Blacktown City Council are coming back with the funding.
If a Mount Druitt Free Bus Shuttle is approved - they would be please t o trial this bus service for a year in and around Mount Druitt - Yes the direct support for s Free Bus shuttle we wanted!
He would be glad to look at the Happy Bus Drivers certificate and still promote it - we will get back to him on this.
We agreed that Blacktown City Council is one of the councils taking steps to be bus stops more accessible and others are seemly little more patient. He agreed without more accessible bus stops it will be hard as Busways rolls out buses that that are more than 55 percent of them will be accessibly compliant by the end of year 2012.
Busways are looking at electronic devices to be installed in Buses that will show when the trains arrive at the local train stations - claims they have been taking pictures of the Perth bus ones ( which have these installed ) and will look at this new technology for the near future.
Although the former 762 bus service can be introduce (now 761) in Chestnut Crescent due to no or little anti-social issues of recent (as advised by Bus Manager at Busways Blacktown, last week! He is not interested to increase services claims on weekend the nearest walking distance as per international guidelines is 800 metres People can walk up the road on Sundays and catch the 750 bus service. Mr Glass, if you go to Google maps you will see Sedgeman Crescent, Bidwill is more than 800 metres length most probably close to 1400 metres - check it out!
I also pointed out that the part of the re-introduction was over 3,000 people from Mount Druitt requesting the full service back. Eac h person may represent up to 20 people in the community and so on! Do the numbers Mr. Glas & that is also called consultation on our groups part!
We agreed to disagree on some issues but moving forward looking to see if Busways will work with our group in the future and not keep us out of the loop with information. We great information from NSW taxi Council and we work together. Mr. Glass you are paid for what you have to do and I am unpaid really who got the real passion here to listen to our people and stand up for them and be counted. At the end of the day your company is only a service provider that may change one one day people.
NB: you have to understand Busways are there for the money and make their own profit and under contract they cannot change contract as they are only contracted to receive a certain amount - all to do with money! One thing is I am not stupid I can read between the lines Mr. Glass! That is why further extension of 755 is being rejected! And you cannot fool the people of Mount Druitt!
