[Greens-Media] Train cuts and delays a debacle for Altona Loop commuters

[Adele.Pedder at parliament.vic.gov.au]

Greens MLC Colleen Hartland joined Altona residents in a "rolling protest" 
on this morning's first fragmented train service in the new timetable. 
Residents hoped to catch the 9:10am train from Altona to Parliament 
Station and return, but due to the journey now being a six train return 
trip, combined with delays, residents didn't get home until almost 12noon.

"It's terrible that Altona Loop residents must now catch three trains to 
the city when commuting between 9am and 4:30pm, and this morning's 
experience proved that added delays makes journey times even longer. The 
first journey took an unacceptable 1 hour 20 minutes to travel the 15 
kilometers from Altona to the city," said Greens MLC Colleen Hartland.

"I was in a motorised scooter due to a temporary injury and having to 
negotiate train changes, ramps, and elevators, it made me realise just how 
difficult the new timetable is going to be for people who permanently use 
a wheelchair, scooter or walking frame". 

"This is an unacceptable cut to the Altona Loop public transport services" 
said Ms Hartland.

"Our train journey this morning was a complete debacle. The first train 
was delayed, as a result we missed the second train, we were then held up 
at North Melbourne station where we watched our connecting train go 
straight by. Problems at North Melbourne station meant we were advised to 
go to Southern Cross station to change trains or catch a tram to our 
destination,"  said Sandra Wilson, local resident and spokesperson for the 
Altona Loop Residents Group.

"Compounding the problems on the return journey was that commuters had no 
idea of what train was going where - there was little or no information 
provided onboard trains or through public announcements. It was very much 
cross your fingers and hope for the best."

"There are too many links, too much waiting time and too much margin for 
error, as was very apparent this morning. Even on a good day our journey 
times will nearly double and require catching three trains to get to the 
city."

"These cuts are a backwards step. It takes the 'public' out of public 
transport. We should not be forced off our trains into cars, and for those 
that do not have a car option, such as those with a disability or seniors, 
it will reduce their social connectedness. How can this be good for 
residents of the western suburbs?" said Ms Wilson.

For Comment:

Colleen Hartland: 0417 445 845
Sandra Wilson: 0432 161 777


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Adele Pedder

Electorate Officer
Colleen Hartland MLC
 
Ph: 9689 6373
Fax: 9689 6227
www.mps.vic.greens.org.au
 
75 Victoria Street 
Seddon 3011
 

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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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