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Category: Media releases

  • “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…

  • Metro’s trains every ten minutes welcomed – more please!

    Trains every ten minutes on weekends on the Dandenong, Ringwood and Frankston lines have been welcomed by the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). PTUA President Daniel Bowen said the proposed services, due to start in late-April[1], would be a good step towards more frequent train services, seven days-a-week, that would encourage people out of cars.

  • Fares rising at almost double rate of inflation – Monthly fare cuts could ease myki pain

    Public transport fares have risen at double the rate of inflation, a study of fares over the last twenty years by the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has shown. PTUA President Daniel Bowen said that the Consumer Price Index was 66.7% over the last two decades[1], but that many fares had jumped by about 120%.…

  • Public left behind on Chadstone transport planning

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called on the Baillieu Government to ensure greater transparency in transport planning for the proposed Chadstone shopping centre expansion. PTUA outer east convenor Jeremy Lunn said public participation must be a key component of the planning process, but the government and the developer seem to be operating behind…

  • Chadstone interchange not a full solution

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has warned that a modified bus interchange will not be enough to cater for expansion of the Chadstone shopping centre, as it would be only a partial solution. It says bus services themselves need significant upgrades, along with the extension of train and tram services into the centre. “It’s…

  • Point Nepean visitors cheated with poor public transport

    Visitors to the Portsea polo event at Point Nepean National Park last Saturday were cheated by the poor quality and over-priced public transport service offered, according to the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA). PTUA spokesman Jeremy Lunn said people wanting to travel by bus to the polo event from Sorrento to Point Nepean National Park…

  • Summer buses insufficient and poorly promoted on Southern Peninsula

    The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has slammed the State Government for failing to provide sufficient bus services over the summer holiday period on route 788 between Frankston and Portsea. It has further accused the government of poorly advertising service amendments, nor promoting the service as an alternative to driving, leading to increased road congestion…