[Greens-Media] Rees* new rail structure should prioritise safe rail

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 9 October 2008

Rees* new rail structure should prioritise safe rail 

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Premier Nathan
Rees* new vision for rail services must focus on service delivery not
cost cutting, manage corruption and prioritise front-line staffing to
provide a clean, safe rail service for commuters.

*Railcorp is top management heavy, with over 80 group general
managers and 290 SES staff,* Ms Rhiannon said.

*The public wants a safe, clean and efficient rail service and
international best practice shows this requires adequate front-line
staffing. 

*The Premier should avoid pressure from the Opposition which is
trying to paint the government*s reform agenda as bowing to the union
movement.

*Stripping NSW*s rail system of station staff, in line with
recommendations from Boston Consulting Group, will compromise the
ability to cope with rapidly increasing patronage. 

*Staff cuts will create danger for patrons at already overcrowded
railway stations.

*The focus of the government*s rail reforms must be on the delivery
of services and public accountability, not cost cutting.

*Further reducing staff at smaller train stations will alienate
commuters who view ghost town train stations as threatening personal
safety.

*At a time of peak oil and a tight economy public transport will only
continue to grow.

*Any reform agenda for rail should focus on boosting infrastructure
and building quality services which are adequately staffed,* Ms
Rhiannon said.

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St 
Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 
Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au/
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 

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