The Public Transport Users Association gets regular enquiries from students, including journalism students. Here is some information covering common topics. We have included links to media, government and operator information, but note that the PTUA may not agree with the content on those sites.
What is the PTUA?
The Public Transport Users Association represents passengers on all forms of public transport in Melbourne and around Victoria. We are a non-profit, voluntary organisation, with no political affiliations.
- More about the PTUA
- PTUA history — the organisation was formed in 1976, and was originally called the Train Traveller’s Association
Why we should improve public transport
Good quality public transport brings numerous benefits, including:
- it cuts traffic congestion and pollution, including greenhouse emissions, and the road toll
- it reduces the impact of high petrol prices, which are likely to keep climbing as oil production peaks
- it reduces the need for valuable land to be taken by roads
- it provides social equity by making opportunities to jobs, education and recreation reachable to everyone, including those who are unable to drive, or can’t afford to
- it leads to healthier lifestyles, helping cut obesity, as users stop driving everywhere
For these reasons, governments of all levels must commit to funding better public transport both in urban and regional areas.
The current Labor government (2014-) has made progress on public transport infrastructure, but has made less progress on increasing public transport services, and unfortunately is also pursuing major road projects such as the West Gate Tunnel and North East Link.
- PTUA: What is the PTUA / the importance of public transport
- PTUA and allies: Moving Australians Sustainably — report highlighting some of the ways that public transport can reduce congestion, oil imports, greenhouse emissions, and contribute to healthier lifestyles and improved workforce productivity, and calls on the Federal government to fund public transport.
- Government: Department of Transport — long-term planning of the public transport system
- Government: Public Transport Victoria — plans and manages public transport services, and provides official information on public transport routes and timetables
- Government: Public Transport Ombudsman — handles complaints about public transport
Student interviews with the PTUA
The PTUA is staffed entirely by volunteers. We are sorry, but due to a lack of resources we cannot accommodate queries from students, with the exception of written questions from those studying tertiary-level journalism. All responses will be via email.
Please note that we cannot handle any interviews by phone or in person.
You are welcome to use any of the material on our web site in your assignment. Please use the search box in the top-left to find the topic you are interested in, and take a look particularly at the following pages:
Please note that some older archival material on the web site may no longer be relevant.
Tertiary-level journalism students only may email students (at) ptua.org.au with written questions. Questions should be specific, and should ask for the PTUA’s opinion, rather than inquiring about facts which can be independently researched. While we will attempt to answer enquiries in a timely manner, you should allow up to a week for a response.
Please note that requests to contact particular PTUA officers cannot normally be accommodated, and you should bear that in mind when formulating your questions.