Thursday, December 2, 2010

New Ideas For Trains

Well, let's start off with commuters improvements for trains - public transport - although some may say they are happy with their environmental surroundings in Mount Druitt train station. I personally would like to see a few positive changes.Yet I will still allow our group to provide their own individual creative suggestions, especially when new members concerned about their trains and services provided, comes on board.

Here are my suggestions or ideas - one is even further supported by one of our group members who is interested in locomotive steam trains. This can be used as Sunday Funday events:-

Electronic indicator boards/signage on the 4 platforms and on the top of the train station concourse, opposite to the station assistant's office - other major train stations seem to have these upgraded already (we are behind the times). The electronic signage is to show next time and destination of trains due. Yes, although this is a costly improvement -  I see it as an OHS issue (even to the public), when station staff have to leave their posts and  manually change the indication boards.This can take a few minutes. Whilst commuters may be passing though the electronic gates, with no station staff to ensure public safety.That is when someone following someone else can have an injury or potential harm with the gate closing in on the second person walking behind. Putting aside who's to blame - I have seen this happen and commuters receive bruising. 

One of the negative responses is that these electronic signs could be destroyed. I seem to think if there are CCTV's everywhere around these signs, the culprits chances of being caught is high and should they mount these signs in a very unreachable position, this may prevent damage and destruction. Announcements could also be made of how much damages can be paid for/charges can be laid against the culprit.

More seating benches required under more covers  on platforms - providing protection from direct rain and extreme heat - leaving too many old and frail people standing. Signs advising that children and young adults must get up from a seat and allow elderly, disabled and pregnant ladies. This is allocated and marked on or by the permanent seating. Also continual announcement made as well promoting this.

There are commuters that smoke and they seem to smoke in front of non-smokers or passive smokers on platforms - maybe allocate one end of the station that will be allocated for smokers or ensure that ample 'Non-smoking signs' are placed and there is at least one announcement on non-smoking on the P.A. system every ten minutes!!!! Even Non-smoking Billboards on the Shops side would promote non-smoking!

Whilst station staff are relieved of cleaning around the station, this is done by regular contractors and is cleaned regularly, we are now in a position that Mount Druitt could have some nice floral beds positioned in places that will make the Train Station attractive. One of our members of our group, Peter, has also suggested of plants over-growing on the fence preventing commuters jumping over the fences and on a positive aspect beautifying the area.

Commuters survey conducted by City Rail maybe with the support of our group to get the commuters to tell City Rail what they want to improve and provide within the Mount Druitt Station.

Underneath the top of the train station is covered in black, an initiative that could be done is to get local graffiti artists to place a pleasant artistic picture representing the good qualities of people and reflecting its history  and environment around Mount Druitt.

I know the next one is a hard task - but whenever I have waited for trains on a platforms or even travelled along tracks all around Sydney I hated seeing junk tossed and left on railway tracks. I would say City Rail organises clean ups but people are quick to rubbish their own land. This is the same with carriages. Announcements should be made when commuters entering carriages, that they take their own rubbish with them off the train as this maybe a contributing factor to rising fare costs to the public.

One of the things that used to get me when I first arrived in Mount Druitt over 20 years ago was we have a great direct trains to the City after Blacktown Station & then I think it did stop at Stathfield station ( this was good for commuters who need to get to work quickly in the city or north shore). Then they brought in the stop at Parramatta. No offence I work at Parramatta - but the  Parramatta station stop clogged the train with commuters from Parramatta seating on at least half the seats and then 5 minutes waiting for commuters to leave the train. Maybe consideration could be given - we will review these time tables to ensure Mount Druitt Commuters are not disadvantaged!

After what happened last year at Mount Druitt train station regarding  the bashing incident,  there was immediate security placed on the train for the first few months at night. Now you sometimes now see police or  Transit Officers at night keeping at eye on the place.  There are cameras around - all they do is identify the culprit and may provide evidence in court but they don't protect the commuters. For the cost involved, commuters  health and safety comes first - I would suggest security  guards/police patrolling the station at all times right through to late at night. This would bring job security, commuters  feeling more secured and lessens the risks in potential crime being established, with end result potential hospitalisation or even fatality.

These are just a few - let's think positive, be positive  leaving our Mount Druitt station looking spic and span, whilst feeling secured from all danger!

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