Month: June 2005

PTUA Bus Route Reform

Posted on by alex

The PTUA Outer East Branch meeting is currently held on the second Tuesday of each month. The meeting for June however, consisted of a forum to discuss the opportunities that exist due to the expiration of the existing Metropolitan bus contracts in 2007.

The new contracts and the possibly of an improved funding arrangements from the State Government would finally ensure a comprehensive, frequent and readily accessible bus network that the people of Melbourne both deserve and require.

Just $60 million per annum (this figure excludes any increased revenue) is required to provide a bus network that will ensure improved patronage and the realisation of increased public transport modal share, through providing a frequent network of bus services.

To help stimulate discussion on the issue of bus route reform and the new bus contacts the PTUA Outer East Branch organised a round-table workshop consisting of the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), Environment Victoria (EV), local council representatives and bus operators.

A cohesive approach is required to ensure that the two-thirds of Melbourne currently without readily available public transport will finally be provided with services that inspire confidence in Melbourne’s public transport network.

The future potential for patronage growth in public transport will depend on improving bus service operating spans and frequencies.

Commitment To Ringwood Congratulated

Posted on by alex

FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Media Release – Thursday, 9 June 2005

Commitment to Ringwood Congratulated

The Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC) has openly welcomed the announcement of funding towards the Ringwood Station Precinct.

“One of our major concerns was the dire need for drastic transport improvements within Ringwood”, RTCCC Transport and Planning spokesman Alex Makin said. “As such it is pleasing to see that our efforts and those of the broader community have ensured that the needs of Ringwood are truly on the agenda as demonstrated by the commitment towards this study”.

As reported by the Maroondah Leader on the 11th of January 2005, the RTCCC initiated a campaign calling for the redevelopment of Ringwood Station which due the steepness of the current ramps fails to meet the accessibility standards as defined in the 1992 Federal Disability Discrimination (DDA) Act. At 14% of the Maroondah population, the Maroondah municipality has one of the highest proportions of people with a disability within Victoria.

“This study finally has the potential to truly integrate the planning and transport aspects of the Ringwood Transit City Project”, Mr. Makin said. “Provided that improvements, such as increased bus service levels, pedestrian improvements and the redevelopment of Ringwood Station are forthcoming; this will revitalise not only Ringwood but also the troubled Melbourne 2030 planning strategy”.

Survey data commissioned by the RTCCC identified major community concerns relating to pedestrian crossings (Maroondah Leader, 7th of June 2005), bus service levels and difficulties accessing the built environment. The RTCCC recently issued a submission for the Maroondah Integrated Transport Strategy which examined each of these concerns, including a detailed analysis of the economic and social justifications for improvements.

“It is crucial that the broader community through the Community Reference Group (CRG) is provided with genuine dialogue to meaningfully discuss the terms of reference with Maroondah Council and the Ringwood Transit City Advisory Committee”, Mr Makin said.

“We have proved the need for improvements; the RTCCC and myself as a CRG member now look forward to cooperating with all parties involved to ensure a comprehensive and community supported terms of reference so that this study will ensure that long overdue improvements are forthcoming”, Mr Makin concluded.

About the Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC):

The RTCCC was formed to strengthen community participation and stimulate open and honest discussion regarding the Ringwood Transit City project. For further details call 0409 136 213 or visit www.rtccc.info.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES: ALEXANDER MAKIN ON 0409 136 213

ENDS

Maroondah Community Cabinet

Posted on by alex

Today as part of the Maroondah Community Cabinet, the Ringwood Transit City Community Coalition (RTCCC) met Peter Batchelor (Minister for Transport) and Rob Hulls (Minister for Planning).

The animosity displayed by Peter Batchelor was unconstructive and as such Peter Batchelor failed to understand the need for immediate transport improvements within Ringwood and Maroondah.

The response from Rob Hulls in regard to the topics of Community Participation, Planning and Accessibility were more positive. Rob Hulls recognised the need for accessibility improvements within Ringwood including current building access and pedestrian facilities.

It is crucial that the State Government provide the leadership and funding necessary to ensure the positive revitalisation of Ringwood. Unfortunately hostile responses from non performing do not demonstrate confidence in the State Government’s current abilities.