Category: Media releases
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New thinking still needed, but Infrastructure Victoria options paper welcome, says PTUA
The Public Transport Users Association has welcomed the options paper “All Things Considered” by Infrastructure Victoria, calling it an important opportunity to ‘reset’ the debate over transport infrastructure in Victoria. At the same time, the PTUA has cautioned the new agency not to fall captive to ‘groupthink’ stemming from a half century of encouraging dependence…
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State budget brings good news for train users
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed much needed investment and priority for rail projects for both for Metro and regional passengers. PTUA spokesman Daniel Bowen said it was pleasing to see public transport investment finally on par with roads. “We welcome the state’s commitment to fully find the Metro Tunnel project, but encourage…
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PTUA calls for better stations with skyrail
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has called for all stations rebuilt as part of the Caulfield to Dandenong “skyrail” proposal to be upgraded to Premium status, and for better facilities and more weather protection than proposed by the government. The PTUA’s submission to the Level Crossing Removal Authority called for escalators at all stations…
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Turnbull prolongs Abbott roads-only agenda
PTUA slams neglect of public transport in $1.5 billion funds reallocation The reallocation of $1.5 billion of Federal transport funding to Victorian projects is just a continuation of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s ‘roads only’ agenda, the Public Transport Users Association said today. “Virtually all of this money is going to roads, and the majority…
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PTUA Calls for Fairer Fines
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has presented the results of a recent passenger survey on public transport fines. The survey results form the basis of the PTUA’s submission to the State Government review in Public Transport Enforcement Fares, which is currently underway. PTUA President Dr Tony Morton said “we were overwhelmed with the response…
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PTUA calls for immediate action on Port Rail Link
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has urged the Victorian Labor government and Liberal/National Opposition to incorporate plans for direct freight rail links to the Port of Melbourne as part of the lease being debated in Parliament this week. PTUA President Tony Morton said, “Without direct rail links from the Port to an intermodal rail…
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World’s busiest airports have rail connections – Melbourne missing out
The majority of the world’s busiest airports have mass transit connections, and the number is increasing every year. A Public Transport Users Assocation (PTUA) study of airports around the world to be released at a forum on Friday found that by 2021, 83 of the world’s busiest 100 airports will have rail services. Of the…
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Mr Turnbull unlocks the box, but will public transport benefit?
The Public Transport Users Association today congratulates Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for opening the “locked box” reserved by former PM Tony Abbott for the wasteful and ideologically motivated East West Link project. At the same time, the Association urges the State and Federal Governments to use the opportunity to fund urgently needed public transport upgrades,…
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PTUA welcomes new PM
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to the position, and expressed the hope that his ascension will herald a new era of Federal funding for both urban and regional public transport. “Mr Turnbull is to be congratulated”, said PTUA President Tony Morton. “While we may not see him…
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Homesafe a great start to all-night weekend PT
The PTUA has welcomed confirmation that the “Homesafe” all-night weekend public transport services will start in January 2016, while noting that the government would need to make adjustments to the trial as it became clearer what worked and what didn’t. PTUA spokesman Daniel Bowen said that Melburnians had been calling for all-night trams and trains…
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State Budget: Big boost for rail, less for trams and buses
The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has praised the State Budget for taking significant strides to bring the rail system into the 21st century, but noted tram upgrades are more limited, and most bus routes are unlikely to see any improvements. PTUA spokesperson Daniel Bowen said the Andrews Government deserved credit for taking rail transport…
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Westlink revival: Where’s the business case?
PTUA Demands End to ‘Knee-Jerk Planning’ The Public Transport Users Association has demanded the Andrews Government and Transurban publish all analysis supporting the government’s decision to progress the $5.5 billion Western Distributor toll road project. “The government has joined up with the company that makes money off tollroads, and together they’re springing on the public…