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Author: PTUA

  • Chadstone expansion off-track without rail, trams, more buses

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has warned that expansion of the Chadstone Shopping Centre will lead to greater mayhem on roads and buses around the centre if high quality public transport is not provided. PTUA President Daniel Bowen said that the expansion should not take place unless it was accompanied by an overhaul of…

  • Minister’s spin doesn’t wash

    The Public Transport Users Association has described as “pure spin” Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder’s excuse for regional trains not stopping at North Melbourne station under the Regional Rail Link (RRL) “The minister is trying to dress up a downgrade as an improvement,” PTUA regional spokesperson Paul Westcott said. Mr Mulder has said that continuing…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Contradictory signage – just who is allowed to use station car parks?

    At many stations, Metro has commenced more stringent enforcement of parking regulations. But the new signage is contradictory. Warning notices inside stations say that parking is for Metro customers only, but signs in the car park say it’s for users of rail or other public transport — meaning passengers catching nearby trams, buses or V/Line…

  • Knox Transit double shuffle

    A recent substitution of route 75 trams with buses[1], has highlighted the need for a tram extension to Knox according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). During the replacement period, passengers travelling between Burwood and Knox had make two transfers by taking one tram and two buses.

  • Peninsula buses take holiday leave

    Route bus services along Point Nepean Road face collapse over the Christmas/New Year period as thousands of revellers descend upon bayside holiday spots. “What is supposed to be a relaxing family time of the year is likely to be reduced to bedlam as visitors try to cram on to infrequent bus services, while the road…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Who enforces tram lanes?

    The rules around tram lanes are reasonably easy to understand: basically, stay out of the way of trams. But lots of motorists block trams, and it’s unclear if they are ever penalised for it. In cities such as London, cameras on buses catch motorists illegally using bus lanes. Perhaps it’s time these were used on…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Old and fading bus stop signs

    There are two problems here: firstly, it’s been more than two years since Connex departed Melbourne, so why are their Rail Substitute Bus Stops still displayed at numerous locations around Melbourne, particularly as newer Metro signs can be found as well? Secondly, and more seriously: Metlink’s standardisation of signage, and detailed bus stop signs and…

  • PT Problem of the Day: The myriad of organisations planning and running public transport remains

    It’s been just over a year since we first presented this flowchart of all the organisations involved in public transport in Victoria. Shortly afterwards Coalition announced an election policy to streamline this maze of different bodies with the Public Transport Development Authority. This Friday it’ll be a year since the Coalition government was sworn in.…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Tram priority at traffic lights

    This is an all-too familiar sight across Melbourne: trams wasting up to a third of their time waiting at red lights. This has resulted in Melbourne having one of the slowest tram systems in the world. Trams (and buses) that may be carrying 20, 50, or even 200 people should have priority over other vehicles,…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Tram-only traffic lights could save passengers time, but aren’t working

    These tram-only lights are meant to light up to indicate when the tram can depart to get a green at the next intersection. It’s not as good as proper tram traffic light priority of course, but could help tram drivers wait at stops (where passengers can board) rather than at red lights (which is just…

  • Eddington’s tunnel vision

    Some things never change. Rod Eddington is still spruiking the east-west road tunnel, even though his own report in 2008 said it would return just 45c in benefits for every dollar spent on it. We can now see that the assumptions underlying the East West report were flawed. Metlink reports that public transport use grew…

  • PT Problem of the Day: Is this the way to Flinders Street Station?

    Down these stairs is the quickest way into Flinders Street Station from the popular Centre Place/Degraves Street/Flinders Lane area. The underground Campbell Arcade goes under the road and direct into the station, so (at least when it’s open — which it’s unfortunately not on Sundays) people headed for the station can avoid waiting for traffic…