[Greens-Media] Public Transport Problems Impacting on Jobs, Environment, Families

[Elizabeth.Ingham at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Media Release - Wednesday 11 April 2007

Public Transport Problems Impacting on Jobs, Environment, Families

The public has responded with enthusiasm to Colleen Hartland?s call for 
the public to send her their stories on the impact of the train problems 
in our local area.

"The letters have the same themes over and over." said Colleen Hartland. 
"The trains are so overcrowded, people are left stranded on the platform. 
Other trains are cancelled outright.  On some lines, that means a 20 
minute wait for the next train, and who can afford to be 20 minutes late 
to work, or 20 mins late to pick up the kids after school?"

"Many people say they have tried driving to other stations, or other 
lines, in the hope of catching a train.  Others have given up altogether 
and drive."

"I've also received letters reminding me that many areas don't have trains 
at all, and the bus service is a disgrace", said the Greens MP.

"Is it any wonder the roads are overcrowded?  They're full of people who 
want to do the right thing and catch public transport, but they've been 
forced into their cars by the complete lack of service".

"I have a simple message for Steve Bracks.  If you want to stop climate 
change, give us a public transport system.  If you want to help the 
economy, then get the public to work on time.  If you care about family 
values, don?t leave parents and school kids stranded on public transport."

Ms Hartland commutes to Parliament House by train most days, and has been 
forced to drive to Footscray Station to catch the train, as she can't 
squeeze on to the overcrowded train at her local West Footscray station. 

The public are encouraged to send their stories to Colleen by email at 
colleen.hartland at parliament.vic.gov.au, or post to Colleen Hartland MLC, 
Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne 3002.

"I've tried sending a complaint to Connex, and I've received the same 
response everyone else receives ? absolutely nothing.  So write to me as 
well.  I'm going to bring these letters up in Parliament, and lobby for a 
better service", said Colleen Hartland.

For Further Comment: Colleen Hartland ? 9651 8788 / 0417 445 845

*********
Liz Ingham
Office of Colleen Hartland MLC
9651 8413 / 0409 333 595

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