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Category: Media releases

  • Road safety strategy must offer safer transport alternatives and protect vulnerable road users

    Victoria’s new road safety strategy must offer alternatives to car travel if it is to succeed in slashing the road toll, the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) said today. “You’re over five times more likely to die in a car than on public transport, and over 10 times more likely to be seriously injured on…

  • Break down the ‘Myki barrier’: Petition launched for single-use tickets

    The Public Transport Users Association today launched an on-line petition calling on the State Government to make single-use tickets available for occasional users and tourists, and stop compulsory Myki purchase becoming a barrier to public transport use. The on-line petition, at www.mykisingles.com, calls for single-use 2-hour and daily tickets to be made available throughout Victoria…

  • Baillieu Report Card: ‘Go slow’ on public transport but foot to the floor on motorways

    The Public Transport Users Association today released its report card on the Baillieu Government’s first two years, with the State Government earning a D for stalling on public transport upgrades whilst pushing expensive new roads. President Tony Morton said the government had been engaged in ‘half-hearted box-ticking’ on some public transport election promises, starting feasibility…

  • Kennett-era project sets bar for affordable level crossing removal

    Melbourne crossings could be wiped out for cost of East West road link, says PTUA Eliminating most level crossings in Melbourne to catch up with Sydney could create economic benefits exceeding those from the East West road link, the Public Transport Users Association said today. “This idea spread by the government that grade separations have…

  • Frequent services: Trams lead, trains improving, buses still lag

    A study of Melbourne public transport timetables shows much of the city is still lagging on providing frequent, easy-to-use services that will encourage people out of cars. PTUA outgoing president Daniel Bowen said that the study confirmed what most Melburnians think – that trams run frequently, trains are a mixed bag, and that most buses…

  • PTUA President to step down

    Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) President Daniel Bowen has announced that he will step down next month. Mr Bowen said that after nine years as President, he’d decided to take a break, and will not seek re-election at the PTUA’s Annual General Meeting on October 11th. “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to lead…

  • “Illogical” Myki flaw exposes passenger privacy

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for urgent changes to the Myki ticketing system to ensure passenger privacy is not compromised by vending machine EFTPOS receipts. PTUA President Daniel Bowen said that the way the vending machines work is flawed, resulting in many users leaving behind top-up receipts that include not just the…

  • Rail users call on MPs to save North Melbourne stop

    Volunteers will hand out fliers at Geelong railway stations this week, asking passengers to contact state and federal MPs to help save stops at North Melbourne station. When the Regional Rail Link opens, Geelong line trains will run past North Melbourne station without a stop, despite it being the best station for changes to the…

  • Meandering bus routes driving Melbourne around the bend, says new study

    Slow, meandering bus routes are costing Melburnians time and money, the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) said today. A new study released by the PTUA has found that Melbourne buses follow very indirect routes compared to well-designed networks, and the bus system is falling well short of its potential to relieve congested roads and car…

  • Single track bottlenecks must be fixed

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for duplication of critical single track bottlenecks on the Metro network, to help improve on-time running and boost train frequencies. PTUA President Daniel Bowen said that that single line sections of track played havoc with punctuality, and severely limited the number of trains that could run. “It…

  • Vic budget: V/Line trains and level crossing eliminations good news, but what about trams and buses?

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed state budget funding for more V/Line carriages and for three level crossing eliminations, but noted there was little new funding for bus and tram services, nor any funding to complete Southland station, as promised before the 2010 election. “V/Line patronage is booming, and the extra carriages are…

  • Hidden rail plan uncovered: Some lines to miss out on frequent all-day services

    A future rail service plan hidden away in a Rowville Rail study technical document has been uncovered by the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). The plan is contained in Travel Demand Modelling Draft Report for the Rowville Rail Study[1], and although it emphasises that the plan does “not necessarily represent the actual planned services”, PTUA…