So we’re going to get a more reliable system, more services and greater punctuality, with the same infrastructure, same public investment and Myki? Looking forward to it, John.
Still in transit
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Tag Archives: transport
More pedals
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky should think big when it comes to bikes. Everyone could be a winner here – commuters, the government, the health system, the environment .. maybe even Connex too. Don’t limit the public bike scheme to inner Melbourne. A bike station on every metropolitan train platform. Train late or cancelled? No worries; pedal power to the rescue. Swipe the Myki over the seat, and away you go. And if the train’s not running anyway, just use the tracks. Now how’s that for a saving on infrastructure? A bit bumpy, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. And you might lose a kilo or two from the vibrations. (And your nose won’t be buried in anyone’s armpit either). The level crossings could be challenge, but nothing a bit of coaching from the Beach Road hellriders won’t fix.
Yep, I reckon that’s it. A pedal-driven transport makeover.
Better parking
Fewer cars on the Westgate? (The Age, 3/12) Brilliant! I won’t need to park quite so close to one in front.
Foot in mouth
State Labor frontbencher Tim Pallas should have resisted the
temptation to score a political point in commenting (3/2) on the
current public transport crisis. The Bracks government may be
spending “$2 billion upgrading rail infrastructure”. But the
reference to “decades of neglect of the previous Liberal Governments”
is both illogical and unfortunate. Victoria has been governed by
Labor for 14 of the past 25 years. Foot in mouth, Tim?
Don’t bring us a shrubbery
In addressing “hazards such as poles and trees near roads” (The Age, 17/5), I hope that the state government’s transport initiative will address one ubiquitous and often-overlooked suburban hazard. Councils across Melbourne seem obsessed with the practice of decorating roundabouts with shrubs. The aesthetic appeal of this practice is undeniable, but the traffic safety implications are diabolical, especially at major intersections during peak periods. The landscape engineers exhibit impressive skill in selecting vegetation of just the right height to obscure car indicator lights. Spices up the daily grind no end, but not good for the ticker.
Transport terror
Please Mr Batchelor, don’t change anything about our public transport system. Especially not before the games. It’s Melbourne’s strongest line of defense in the war on terror.
Unpredicatble timetables, signal faults, train cancellations, trams stuck in traffic, buses that never come, failed connections, uncooperative ticket machines, trains too full to board, mechanical breakdowns, frustrating delays, feral inspectors. And the sheer impossibility of coordinated rendezvous or planned excursions.
The terrorist bombers won’t have a hope.