This is a story we will follow through as it is pivotal to what can happen to a charged offender. We do not want to name the offender, we just would like the end process, result to be known to the whole community. This in the end would hopefully prevent future rock throwing incidents.
Mt Druitt Standard, 25/8/2010:
Police from the Mt Druitt local area command arrested and charged an Emerton man on Tuesday, August 17, over the attacks on the two buses on Poppondetta Road, Emerton.
The 18-year-old was refused bail, according to police.
He is due to appear in Mt. Druitt Court on Tuesday, September 21.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Community Problem Solving 'Rock Throwers'
Street rock throwers seems to have their own society or so it seems - They appear when they want too only to cause harm, disruption and unstably in others lives.
Their age is mostly young upwards to approximately mid twenties. What makes them 'tick' we are completely unsure, yet I feel it a culmination of many things: complete boredom, no compulsory home work in public schools, possibly no parental/guardian control, peer group pressure ( I'm better than you attitude!), no possible future respectfully life goals, more place for youth activities and youth counselling around the area and maybe I'm wrong.
There is a proper correct resolution to how do solve it - but there is many avenues we can look at to try to get the right message across. First of all what is the right message? The message is 'We as a community need to work together to ensure harmony, peace and safety to on all bus services in or around of Mount Druitt, is instilled within the community through our educational and press sources available to us.'
We now provide the 'A' list as to how we would suggest to the relevant authorities to rid incidents of rock throwing:
Soft approach:
* An Invited Community Forum on 'Community Rock Throwing Issues' - invitation to local youth group members, all children (with supervised children), members of the police, members of Blacktown Local Government councillors, Hon. State Members, Federal Members, Bus operaters and Transport NSW as well as Ministry of Transport, media, bus operaters and bus drivers. Also involving Youth councillors and organisational leaders aroung youth groups see if we can send an importnat message to the community.
*We devise an educational program that can be submitted to the schools with representatives of S.O.B.S. providing affects of rock throwing to the community and to the offender(s) and bus drivers and the flow on affect to the bus operators.
* Becoming 'Doart's inviting the community -without being ashamed - because being a 'doart' may protect the community from potential loss of bus services.
* Security camera's linked up to a bus operators control room - where police have direct access to it as well. Then police can respond within a quick amount of time - (unless understaffed).
* Constant 'unmarked' police cars patrolling the are as well as 'marked' police cars - I do not think that rock throwers would aim at them!
* External hidden camera's on buses - not know by throwers and hidden amongst outside advertising on buses.
* A one day free -trip for youths celebrating youths who work with the community and not against the community, especially in community safety. - all non rock-throwers!
Medium approach:
*We follow the case of rock throwing offender(s) and ensure the community knows what may be end result if caught and charged as an adult and as a youth.
*Is to get through a bill through State Parliament that offenders caught not only a criminal record but there is a fee to be paid paying for damages concerned - if a youth payments may be deferred and start at age eighteen . Declaration of voluntary bankruptcy will be excluded from these fines!
* We recommend that security guards be employed on buses that have customer service skills and may resolve any issue with transport users with the driver, seating arrangement young standing for the elderly, mothers with children and/or disabled. In my younger days conductors ( ticket collectors) were doing this and there was no issue of rock throwing then.
* More community activities provided for youths especially in being proud of providing volunteering servicing 'Serving the community for the good of the community' to make it a better Mount Druitt.
* Use wire meshing on the outside of buses to give bus drivers and passengers that extra bit of protection.
* Anit-spatter glass used on windows.
High approach:
Their age is mostly young upwards to approximately mid twenties. What makes them 'tick' we are completely unsure, yet I feel it a culmination of many things: complete boredom, no compulsory home work in public schools, possibly no parental/guardian control, peer group pressure ( I'm better than you attitude!), no possible future respectfully life goals, more place for youth activities and youth counselling around the area and maybe I'm wrong.
There is a proper correct resolution to how do solve it - but there is many avenues we can look at to try to get the right message across. First of all what is the right message? The message is 'We as a community need to work together to ensure harmony, peace and safety to on all bus services in or around of Mount Druitt, is instilled within the community through our educational and press sources available to us.'
We now provide the 'A' list as to how we would suggest to the relevant authorities to rid incidents of rock throwing:
Soft approach:
* An Invited Community Forum on 'Community Rock Throwing Issues' - invitation to local youth group members, all children (with supervised children), members of the police, members of Blacktown Local Government councillors, Hon. State Members, Federal Members, Bus operaters and Transport NSW as well as Ministry of Transport, media, bus operaters and bus drivers. Also involving Youth councillors and organisational leaders aroung youth groups see if we can send an importnat message to the community.
*We devise an educational program that can be submitted to the schools with representatives of S.O.B.S. providing affects of rock throwing to the community and to the offender(s) and bus drivers and the flow on affect to the bus operators.
* Becoming 'Doart's inviting the community -without being ashamed - because being a 'doart' may protect the community from potential loss of bus services.
* Security camera's linked up to a bus operators control room - where police have direct access to it as well. Then police can respond within a quick amount of time - (unless understaffed).
* Constant 'unmarked' police cars patrolling the are as well as 'marked' police cars - I do not think that rock throwers would aim at them!
* External hidden camera's on buses - not know by throwers and hidden amongst outside advertising on buses.
* A one day free -trip for youths celebrating youths who work with the community and not against the community, especially in community safety. - all non rock-throwers!
Medium approach:
*We follow the case of rock throwing offender(s) and ensure the community knows what may be end result if caught and charged as an adult and as a youth.
*Is to get through a bill through State Parliament that offenders caught not only a criminal record but there is a fee to be paid paying for damages concerned - if a youth payments may be deferred and start at age eighteen . Declaration of voluntary bankruptcy will be excluded from these fines!
* We recommend that security guards be employed on buses that have customer service skills and may resolve any issue with transport users with the driver, seating arrangement young standing for the elderly, mothers with children and/or disabled. In my younger days conductors ( ticket collectors) were doing this and there was no issue of rock throwing then.
* More community activities provided for youths especially in being proud of providing volunteering servicing 'Serving the community for the good of the community' to make it a better Mount Druitt.
* Use wire meshing on the outside of buses to give bus drivers and passengers that extra bit of protection.
* Anit-spatter glass used on windows.
High approach:
*Is placing street signs confirming ( at places where rock throwing occurs) showing maximum penalties if caught- approximate court time etc.
*High police patrolling around all streets around the area -making Mount Druitt better and safer!
* Water spouting devices on top of buses aimed at youth that can potentially rock-throw - leaving them wet easier to catch by police and controlled by the bus driver!
* A day when youth are invited to ride in a bus all around Mount Druitt with community members position with police just holding rock in their hands (no definite rock throwing) with the members of the Mount Druitt Police force also positioned with the community members ensure nothing else happens. Youth councillors asking the youths how would they feel if the community threw rocks of them and ask them them for solutions for youths! A free trip and rewarded with a bar-be-que at the end in Dawson Mall.
******************************************************************************************
We do not want rock throwers to be known if they are doing it - we just want them to know what can happen so they will not do this!!!!
Not all ideas are directly from our group - a lot of ideas are of my own but let me say I am putting my thinking cap on - some are extreme ideas that may not be used. The order of the priority of importance maybe changed
'D.O.A.R.T.' - One Solution To Ridding Rock-Throwers
You might as well say what the hell is a 'DOART'? What has 'Doart' got to do with Rock Throwers?
Is it someone creating an art work and doing something for the community? no.
Is it just doing art? No.
What is it?
Here it is: it is one of my ideas to rid rock throwers and rock throwing in the area. We all have to place our thinking caps on (not just me) to prevent these violent events happening around our community and within our own streets.
I'm not afraid to ring 000 and call the police if I see any unfair acts of violence around. So a Doart is a 'Dob On A Rock Thrower'! That is what it means people who see or recognise juveniles that are acting in a manner that all they want to see is harm and destruction and may even end up to be a death, one day!
So ring the police immediately, let them know what is happening if so see young people provide as much details as you can and hopefully they will understand what it feels to have a Doarter do them in! We need more 'Doarters'! I always hear of how and where the rock-throwers are but what I find difficult is them being caught. A Doarter will catch them - become a doarter!
Is it someone creating an art work and doing something for the community? no.
Is it just doing art? No.
What is it?
Here it is: it is one of my ideas to rid rock throwers and rock throwing in the area. We all have to place our thinking caps on (not just me) to prevent these violent events happening around our community and within our own streets.
I'm not afraid to ring 000 and call the police if I see any unfair acts of violence around. So a Doart is a 'Dob On A Rock Thrower'! That is what it means people who see or recognise juveniles that are acting in a manner that all they want to see is harm and destruction and may even end up to be a death, one day!
So ring the police immediately, let them know what is happening if so see young people provide as much details as you can and hopefully they will understand what it feels to have a Doarter do them in! We need more 'Doarters'! I always hear of how and where the rock-throwers are but what I find difficult is them being caught. A Doarter will catch them - become a doarter!
Private Bus Drivers Get Self-Defence Classes For The Last 10 Years - MX News Newspaper
I found an article in the MxNews dated 26/8/10 as follows:
*Union Call
DEFENCE TRAINING ON BUSES:
The Transport Workers Union has called for all bus drivers to receive self defence training after a spate of violent incidents.
The union wants private bus drivers to get the same training as those in charge of public buses.
The call follows a series of projectile attacks on drivers in western Sydney.
Earlier this month a man also threatened the driver of a bus carrying school children with a 30cm knife in Bella Vista.
TWU State secretary Wayne Forno said government bus drivers had received self defence training for the past 10m years..
But he said private bus companies had failed to fund programs for drivers.
The majority of private operaters do not cover this in their training', Forno said.
'Ideally this training is implemented with one initial course and a regular refresher course, for example annually.'
State Transit Chief Executive Peter Rowley said all new drivers were provided with training and current drivers received refresher training every year.
'The incidence of violence against bus drivers has decreased over the past five years and the State Transit will continue programs and training to reduce this even further,' he said.
last Financial year there were 162 reported vernal and physical incidents on State Transit buses.
A spokesman for Transport Minister John Robertson said Transport NSW met regularly with the unions, industry and operaters to discuss safety and the Government was spending $10 million this year on cameras and alarms on private buses.
*************************************************************************************
I'm not against this what I am against is if transport NSW looks after the community and bus driver's interest for private bus operaters - why is there a policy separate for government-runned buses as opposed to privately run operaters? I mean why wasn't this done ten years ago with the private bus drivers. It appears that on this issue the bus operaters do not seem the drivers interest to heart - may be they should place finances aside and proceed with instant training.
On the negative part of it - how can a self defended bus driver prevent harm from a rock thrower? The rock-thrower is not using seen - he/she is obscure usually - once hit is send a shock wave to the driver and to the inside passengers!
*Union Call
DEFENCE TRAINING ON BUSES:
The Transport Workers Union has called for all bus drivers to receive self defence training after a spate of violent incidents.
The union wants private bus drivers to get the same training as those in charge of public buses.
The call follows a series of projectile attacks on drivers in western Sydney.
Earlier this month a man also threatened the driver of a bus carrying school children with a 30cm knife in Bella Vista.
TWU State secretary Wayne Forno said government bus drivers had received self defence training for the past 10m years..
But he said private bus companies had failed to fund programs for drivers.
The majority of private operaters do not cover this in their training', Forno said.
'Ideally this training is implemented with one initial course and a regular refresher course, for example annually.'
State Transit Chief Executive Peter Rowley said all new drivers were provided with training and current drivers received refresher training every year.
'The incidence of violence against bus drivers has decreased over the past five years and the State Transit will continue programs and training to reduce this even further,' he said.
last Financial year there were 162 reported vernal and physical incidents on State Transit buses.
A spokesman for Transport Minister John Robertson said Transport NSW met regularly with the unions, industry and operaters to discuss safety and the Government was spending $10 million this year on cameras and alarms on private buses.
*************************************************************************************
I'm not against this what I am against is if transport NSW looks after the community and bus driver's interest for private bus operaters - why is there a policy separate for government-runned buses as opposed to privately run operaters? I mean why wasn't this done ten years ago with the private bus drivers. It appears that on this issue the bus operaters do not seem the drivers interest to heart - may be they should place finances aside and proceed with instant training.
On the negative part of it - how can a self defended bus driver prevent harm from a rock thrower? The rock-thrower is not using seen - he/she is obscure usually - once hit is send a shock wave to the driver and to the inside passengers!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
We Are Relieved - Thanks To Bus Operaters - Rising Attacks Alarming
We are relieved that at present there are no bus service cuts being planned - although the rock throwing has affected both the Busways 755 & 758 Bus Services. We thank the Bus Operaters that they are placing the travelling community first in front of juvenile rock throwers - I pray that come the day they do not make a decision to remove services because of safety issue
Story from Susan Liu, 25/8/10;
buses will continue to operate as normal in the Mount Druitt area despite five separate attacks on buses in the last week.
The incidents include three attacks on two buses last Tuesday between 3.30am-4.30am on Popondetta road, Emerton.
The tow other attacks targetted the 758 service at 7pm on Friday, August 13, and last Monday near Whalan Shops.
Although there is anger amongst drivers, Busways marketing manager David Collins said there were no plans for a boycott by drivers or withdrawl of services from the area.
He said they had been meeting with affected people and groups including police and unions. 'We are working on a strategy which we will hope will eliminate further attacks', he said.
NSW Transport Workers Union state secretary Wayne Forno said attacks had escalated.
'Being a bus driver is dangerous job and kit's getting worse' he said last week.
'In the last five days we've had as many attack on buses as we had in a month.'
Mr Forno warned it was only a matter of time before passengers were injured in attacks.
'We encourage people to keep an eye on their neighbourhood and their bus service and if they see any threatening or violent activity to call the police', he said.
The 755 bus attacked at Popondetta Road was a service that local group Save Our Bus Services fought to bring back after it was removed last year.
Group Secretary deb Robertson said the attacks were 'deflating'.
'This kind of thing just blows it all in the air. the spate of attacks is not good. because of a few silly people, the community suffers.'
The buses have since being repaired
Story from Susan Liu, 25/8/10;
buses will continue to operate as normal in the Mount Druitt area despite five separate attacks on buses in the last week.
The incidents include three attacks on two buses last Tuesday between 3.30am-4.30am on Popondetta road, Emerton.
The tow other attacks targetted the 758 service at 7pm on Friday, August 13, and last Monday near Whalan Shops.
Although there is anger amongst drivers, Busways marketing manager David Collins said there were no plans for a boycott by drivers or withdrawl of services from the area.
He said they had been meeting with affected people and groups including police and unions. 'We are working on a strategy which we will hope will eliminate further attacks', he said.
NSW Transport Workers Union state secretary Wayne Forno said attacks had escalated.
'Being a bus driver is dangerous job and kit's getting worse' he said last week.
'In the last five days we've had as many attack on buses as we had in a month.'
Mr Forno warned it was only a matter of time before passengers were injured in attacks.
'We encourage people to keep an eye on their neighbourhood and their bus service and if they see any threatening or violent activity to call the police', he said.
The 755 bus attacked at Popondetta Road was a service that local group Save Our Bus Services fought to bring back after it was removed last year.
Group Secretary deb Robertson said the attacks were 'deflating'.
'This kind of thing just blows it all in the air. the spate of attacks is not good. because of a few silly people, the community suffers.'
The buses have since being repaired
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
How Can We Deal With 'Rock Throwers'?
For me, I feel I am not thinking positively, as a person holding a responsable community position: that has been and is passionate of increasing, maintaining and retaining important bus services within Mount Druitt suburbs, in relation to 'rock throwers'.
I am thinking of punishment, if the 'rock thrower' is caught but yet who is punished if someone is seriously hurt or dies from this kind of incident. Yet, what I need to do as well as others is to think of reasons: why do young people rock throw to cause harm? Is it just a show and tell also be proud? Shouldn't we find out what causes people to do this? What can we do to prevent young people doing these things? How can local, state and federal governments assist these young people as well to prevent 'rock throwing'?
I think of why first and then think of how it can be prevented???
I am thinking of punishment, if the 'rock thrower' is caught but yet who is punished if someone is seriously hurt or dies from this kind of incident. Yet, what I need to do as well as others is to think of reasons: why do young people rock throw to cause harm? Is it just a show and tell also be proud? Shouldn't we find out what causes people to do this? What can we do to prevent young people doing these things? How can local, state and federal governments assist these young people as well to prevent 'rock throwing'?
I think of why first and then think of how it can be prevented???
Monday, August 23, 2010
Mount Druitt Rock Thrower Charged
I have just been informed yesterday that an eighteen year old has been charged for rock throwing on a bus at Poppondetta Road, Emerton and is facing on going court proceedings.
No offence to the rock thrower but this could be a s 'fear' shot in the arm to juvenile rock throwers who persist in doing this activity for personal gain and community harm and disruption. They not know the passable after effects this can cause. We do not want this person named but we feel this person can be a show to the community as to what charges can be laid on this people causing harm.
I have heard that one way to solve rock throwers is to invite rock throwers on a free ride on a ride - have all these people on a bus and then with adults around advise them that these adults will rock on the bus before the bus leaves ( the adults do not actually rock throw) and they ask these young people how they feel? This can instill a bit of fear with them and maybe prevent these incidents. This is just one of many ideas given to me!!!
No offence to the rock thrower but this could be a s 'fear' shot in the arm to juvenile rock throwers who persist in doing this activity for personal gain and community harm and disruption. They not know the passable after effects this can cause. We do not want this person named but we feel this person can be a show to the community as to what charges can be laid on this people causing harm.
I have heard that one way to solve rock throwers is to invite rock throwers on a free ride on a ride - have all these people on a bus and then with adults around advise them that these adults will rock on the bus before the bus leaves ( the adults do not actually rock throw) and they ask these young people how they feel? This can instill a bit of fear with them and maybe prevent these incidents. This is just one of many ideas given to me!!!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Community Suffers And Bus Drivers Suffers - Loose Children Bored And Damaging!
In my younger days there was no such thing as 'rock throwing'. Actually there was when you were on a side of a large lake or riverbank and you would throw the rock and it would skim on top of the water. That was fun! Yet it did not create damage, harm or disarray as a result of the throw.
The modern term 'Rock Throwing' is not skimming a rock on top of the water, in our modern mount Druitt community it provides a ridiculous individual satisfaction to young children as young as nine years old: to aim a stone at Innocent victims, innocent moving targets, Innocent passengers and innocently smash windows, with the goal of upsetting community members and causing potential harm to all involved. These children that do this - i was wondering if they would do it if their parents were driving the bus or if their parents were passengers.
Years ago, I mentioned two ideas to the current State Member for Londonderry and this was obviously not been taken up:
one, was a mounted water hose is on top of the bus (with a full water tank included), as soon as a culprit rock throws, on a push of a button the bus driver can direct the hose onto the culprits direction and a complete gush of water is rushed straight onto the culprit knocking out that person, leaving them motionless and wet until the police arrived.
two, was someone to invent a glass window that would be both rock thrown proof and as soon as the rock was throw on the window the rock would ricocheted back onto the throwing knocking them on the ground , leave them motionless until police3 arrived.
At the same time I raised issues of concern of 'Rock Throwing' of Shalvey etc but I was told that it relates to a different State electorate I would need to go to the Mount Druitt electorate office of the then State Member. I went there and I was told because I don't live in the Mount Druitt electorate I would;d need to raise this issue with the member of Londonderry. So back to square one! Every one was saying go elsewhere.
As community members we are concerned primarily of 'Community first' when it comes to 'Rock Throwing' - in relation to cutting down or diversion of bus services, away of needs of community members that rely on these essential services to make their lives easier. What we tend to neglect to feel for is the individual bus driver, who may suffer from depression, mental illness, mental stress if they are affect by the danger of rock throwers results. How do they recover from this? How would they like to recover? Will they drive again or is there a fear that has been instilled in them/
Now, although the criminal crimes for an adult for rock throwing is law - it appears a young or minor it may not be legislated for this law - they are covered by the 'Young offenders Act'
YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT 1997 - LONG TITLE
An Act to establish procedures for dealing with children who commit certain offences through the use of youth justice conferences, cautions and warnings instead of court proceedings; and for other purposes.
Refer to this website for further details:
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/yoa1997181/index.html#longtitle
So you be the judge of what offence is required for injury or damage claim from rock throwing.
Bus Unions are looking to stop or boycott 2 bus services around Mount Druitt Busways
755 and 758 -once we get further news we will advise you. Our goal is to prevent this from happening
The modern term 'Rock Throwing' is not skimming a rock on top of the water, in our modern mount Druitt community it provides a ridiculous individual satisfaction to young children as young as nine years old: to aim a stone at Innocent victims, innocent moving targets, Innocent passengers and innocently smash windows, with the goal of upsetting community members and causing potential harm to all involved. These children that do this - i was wondering if they would do it if their parents were driving the bus or if their parents were passengers.
Years ago, I mentioned two ideas to the current State Member for Londonderry and this was obviously not been taken up:
one, was a mounted water hose is on top of the bus (with a full water tank included), as soon as a culprit rock throws, on a push of a button the bus driver can direct the hose onto the culprits direction and a complete gush of water is rushed straight onto the culprit knocking out that person, leaving them motionless and wet until the police arrived.
two, was someone to invent a glass window that would be both rock thrown proof and as soon as the rock was throw on the window the rock would ricocheted back onto the throwing knocking them on the ground , leave them motionless until police3 arrived.
At the same time I raised issues of concern of 'Rock Throwing' of Shalvey etc but I was told that it relates to a different State electorate I would need to go to the Mount Druitt electorate office of the then State Member. I went there and I was told because I don't live in the Mount Druitt electorate I would;d need to raise this issue with the member of Londonderry. So back to square one! Every one was saying go elsewhere.
As community members we are concerned primarily of 'Community first' when it comes to 'Rock Throwing' - in relation to cutting down or diversion of bus services, away of needs of community members that rely on these essential services to make their lives easier. What we tend to neglect to feel for is the individual bus driver, who may suffer from depression, mental illness, mental stress if they are affect by the danger of rock throwers results. How do they recover from this? How would they like to recover? Will they drive again or is there a fear that has been instilled in them/
Now, although the criminal crimes for an adult for rock throwing is law - it appears a young or minor it may not be legislated for this law - they are covered by the 'Young offenders Act'
YOUNG OFFENDERS ACT 1997 - LONG TITLE
An Act to establish procedures for dealing with children who commit certain offences through the use of youth justice conferences, cautions and warnings instead of court proceedings; and for other purposes.
Refer to this website for further details:
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/yoa1997181/index.html#longtitle
So you be the judge of what offence is required for injury or damage claim from rock throwing.
Bus Unions are looking to stop or boycott 2 bus services around Mount Druitt Busways
755 and 758 -once we get further news we will advise you. Our goal is to prevent this from happening
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
ROCK THROWING ON TRAINS AT DOONSIDE - FROM THE BLACKTOWN SUN - 4/6/09
Although this is about incident on trains - I just want to point out the result of when young offenders are caught and what happens to them. What is not known is who pays for broken windows, compensation to passengers, train drivers and so on....
Rock throwing smashes train window near Doonside
04 Jun, 2009 03:53 PM
ROCKS thrown at a train between Doonside and Rooty Hill smashed a window yesterday afternoon, at about 2.45pm.
Police alleged three young people hurled the rocks from the M7 motorway.
No one was hurt, but police were contacted and rushed to the scene.
They later arrested a 14-year-old boy from Kellyville, a 14-year-old girl from Rooty Hill and a 12-year-old boy from Mount Druitt.
They were later officially cautioned under the Young Offenders Act.
Rock throwing smashes train window near Doonside
04 Jun, 2009 03:53 PM
ROCKS thrown at a train between Doonside and Rooty Hill smashed a window yesterday afternoon, at about 2.45pm.
Police alleged three young people hurled the rocks from the M7 motorway.
No one was hurt, but police were contacted and rushed to the scene.
They later arrested a 14-year-old boy from Kellyville, a 14-year-old girl from Rooty Hill and a 12-year-old boy from Mount Druitt.
They were later officially cautioned under the Young Offenders Act.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Located Autralian Transport Council - Looking At Transport At On A Larger Scale
I have found a website that covers Australia's Transport - although our area in small in comparison - I will show you their objectives on all levels, as follows:-
Objectives
To achieve this vision the ATC commits to the following policy objectives:
Economic - To promote the efficient movement of people and goods in order to support sustainable economic development and prosperity.
Safety - To provide a safe transport system that meets Australia's mobility, social and economic objectives with maximum safety for its user.
Social - To promote social inclusion by connecting remote and disadvantaged communities and increasing accessibility to the transport network for all Australians.
Environmental - To protect our environment and improve health by building and investing transport systems that minimise emissions and consumption of resources and energy.
Integration - To promote effective and efficient integration and linkage of Australia's transport system with urban and regional planning at every level of government and with international transport systems.
Transparency - Transparency in funding and charging to provide equitable access to the transport system, through clearly identified means where full cost recovery is not applied.
I have posed a question that may send ripples up Federal Government's Ministers and State Ministers as well through this Federal Body:
'Why isn't there community involvement in bus reviews especially when local government may turn a blind eye to the communities needs?
Our Group Save our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs, have lobbied hard for deleted services to be returned and we have had 2 returned services one them a bus service that went through eight suburbs - We did it as a community group by ourself.Chairman.'
Objectives
To achieve this vision the ATC commits to the following policy objectives:
Economic - To promote the efficient movement of people and goods in order to support sustainable economic development and prosperity.
Safety - To provide a safe transport system that meets Australia's mobility, social and economic objectives with maximum safety for its user.
Social - To promote social inclusion by connecting remote and disadvantaged communities and increasing accessibility to the transport network for all Australians.
Environmental - To protect our environment and improve health by building and investing transport systems that minimise emissions and consumption of resources and energy.
Integration - To promote effective and efficient integration and linkage of Australia's transport system with urban and regional planning at every level of government and with international transport systems.
Transparency - Transparency in funding and charging to provide equitable access to the transport system, through clearly identified means where full cost recovery is not applied.
I have posed a question that may send ripples up Federal Government's Ministers and State Ministers as well through this Federal Body:
'Why isn't there community involvement in bus reviews especially when local government may turn a blind eye to the communities needs?
Our Group Save our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs, have lobbied hard for deleted services to be returned and we have had 2 returned services one them a bus service that went through eight suburbs - We did it as a community group by ourself.Chairman.'
Friday, August 13, 2010
Great News For Blake - Blacktown City Council Accepts Invitation For Blake's Way!
We have received a letter from Stephen Briant, Senior Traffic Management Officer,Blacktown City Council advising that representation make by Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson Blake Bardowski's 'Blake's Way Bus Routes', will be present at the up and coming Public Transport Forum.
The next meeting is scheduled for 28th October 2010 at 10am. Once further details are finalised, an agenda and invitation will be forwarded to Blake, as requested.
Well Blacktown has finally heard 'Blake's way'!And the larger community will also hear Blake's Way! We will be there to support him.
The next meeting is scheduled for 28th October 2010 at 10am. Once further details are finalised, an agenda and invitation will be forwarded to Blake, as requested.
Well Blacktown has finally heard 'Blake's way'!And the larger community will also hear Blake's Way! We will be there to support him.
Helpful Drivers - They Do Have a Heart!
A lovely elderly lady train commuter was struggling to get on the train at Mount Druitt train this morning so as I almost always do, I lifted her shoulder so that she was able to get on the train.
As I later discovered she worked on the London buses during the 2nd World war collecting fares and found that people would blame her for late buses not the bus driver.
Her heartfelt true story was that one day she had blood pouring from her lower leg and when she was getting off the bus - the bus driver on Carlisle Avenue asked her where she lived and he told her to get back on the bus he will drop her directly opposite her house - not where a bus stop was. He did this and she was so relieved going home she hadn't had this type of generosity kind service before. Deep down inside bus drivers have hearts like us - keep up the good work bus drivers as this lady was 85 years of age. And she had a great story to tell!
As I later discovered she worked on the London buses during the 2nd World war collecting fares and found that people would blame her for late buses not the bus driver.
Her heartfelt true story was that one day she had blood pouring from her lower leg and when she was getting off the bus - the bus driver on Carlisle Avenue asked her where she lived and he told her to get back on the bus he will drop her directly opposite her house - not where a bus stop was. He did this and she was so relieved going home she hadn't had this type of generosity kind service before. Deep down inside bus drivers have hearts like us - keep up the good work bus drivers as this lady was 85 years of age. And she had a great story to tell!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Next Save Our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs Meeting 14th August 2010
Yes, we do have another group meeting coming up at 'Rutherglen' Anderson Street, Blackett on 14th August 2010.
The meeting will start at 10am for 10,30am - bring some nibblies and enjoy yourself.
There are a few new members that may join up this Saturday - they are joining a growing and exciting group.
I have forwarded my apologies for this meeting to Debbie (due to work commitment and another personal issue), i hope everyone enjoys the meeting for August - I will be able to attend next meeting in September!
The meeting will start at 10am for 10,30am - bring some nibblies and enjoy yourself.
There are a few new members that may join up this Saturday - they are joining a growing and exciting group.
I have forwarded my apologies for this meeting to Debbie (due to work commitment and another personal issue), i hope everyone enjoys the meeting for August - I will be able to attend next meeting in September!
I Hear What people Say!
Tonight a lady whom lives in Tregear has issues with both Buses and Trains - that is catching the slow train to Mount Druitt as misses the fast train that apparently only runs hourly at night.
Whilst missing the train - she also missed by approximately 7 minutes the 780 bus connection, she feels it is fair what happens to her - i have advised her to contact 131500 to voice her disapproval.
Her main issue was that are few and far between bus services at night - she feels they should be running every fifteen minutes. Mind you having more efficient bus services - once the community would be aware of this more of the community would catch this bus services and leave the car at home!. She then realised that there are a lack of bus services early in weekday mornings and nights, as well as weekend issues as well. Same story has been heard everywhere!!!!!
Whilst missing the train - she also missed by approximately 7 minutes the 780 bus connection, she feels it is fair what happens to her - i have advised her to contact 131500 to voice her disapproval.
Her main issue was that are few and far between bus services at night - she feels they should be running every fifteen minutes. Mind you having more efficient bus services - once the community would be aware of this more of the community would catch this bus services and leave the car at home!. She then realised that there are a lack of bus services early in weekday mornings and nights, as well as weekend issues as well. Same story has been heard everywhere!!!!!
Where Do We Go from Here?
Boy, that is easy "Going forward" we will ensure that there is always moving essential, reliable Public Transport all around Mount Druitt
I understand that there needs to be a voice from within the community, actually that voice would be representing hundreds and also thousands of voices that want, need and require transport services in and around Mount Druitt.
Should there not be a voice then Local, State and Federal governments will just 'railroad' transport changes without providing proper community process, advice and feedback. Public 'outcry' reaction through would start splinter groups that would become like us. Thus including a group like ours in the Local Transport Decision process will benefit not just the community, the Transport representatives that run each from of transport and the government officials that make important decisions, paid by the community.
We need to be invited with the bus review process and decisions with City Rail for train time table process and also with the NSW Taxi Council.
Gap buses - what are they and do they work? Flexi bus services will this be the bus of the future: the same cost of your bus fare, you ring up to book your trip to pick you up in your front door - but you have to book your trip at least one hour before.
I'm starting to talk to some people around the area to get a feeling how people would react to it. Everything is negative until you mention the cost is the same as your daily ticket or weekly ticket. It is getting people thinking about new options for public transport. New ventures to look at - something that will make everybody talking and be happy with. We need to ask the local press whether they feel this is what the community needs now . Yet this could be a something that comes in in5 years time!
We will back the community to ensure the correct amount of essential transport meets the demand of supply! We will move the Transport Forward not backwards!
I understand that there needs to be a voice from within the community, actually that voice would be representing hundreds and also thousands of voices that want, need and require transport services in and around Mount Druitt.
Should there not be a voice then Local, State and Federal governments will just 'railroad' transport changes without providing proper community process, advice and feedback. Public 'outcry' reaction through would start splinter groups that would become like us. Thus including a group like ours in the Local Transport Decision process will benefit not just the community, the Transport representatives that run each from of transport and the government officials that make important decisions, paid by the community.
We need to be invited with the bus review process and decisions with City Rail for train time table process and also with the NSW Taxi Council.
Gap buses - what are they and do they work? Flexi bus services will this be the bus of the future: the same cost of your bus fare, you ring up to book your trip to pick you up in your front door - but you have to book your trip at least one hour before.
I'm starting to talk to some people around the area to get a feeling how people would react to it. Everything is negative until you mention the cost is the same as your daily ticket or weekly ticket. It is getting people thinking about new options for public transport. New ventures to look at - something that will make everybody talking and be happy with. We need to ask the local press whether they feel this is what the community needs now . Yet this could be a something that comes in in5 years time!
We will back the community to ensure the correct amount of essential transport meets the demand of supply! We will move the Transport Forward not backwards!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Western Sydney Trasnport Symposium Just Great And Great
Today was my first experience with Western Sydney Transport Symposium, which I have found to be completely interesting, intriguing and also providing a lot of further information than can better our transport community.
WSTUG provided great food throughout the day and we all thank thank Hugh, Amy and Deborah for their assistance in making it a wonderful day.
From our group the following members attended the meeting: Blake,Shayne,Angela, Jacqueline and Pauline. Inclusive of myself the overall representation from our group is a strong representative from our group also which in turn represents a lot of commuters from within the Mount Druitt community.
The total day was relaxing and there was total enjoyment of transport information that I have never heard before especially 'Flexi-bus services' which is a bus service that is looking to be implemented. A bus service that would run 24 hours a day and all you will need to do is book your bus travel one hour before, to be picked up in the front of your door. The cost would be the same as your bus travel tickets. This represented bus planning and the distance gap - Professor Corine Mulley, Chair of Public Transport and Rhonda Daniels,Senior Researcher, Institute Transport Logistics Studies (ITLS).
We also had Vicki Jarvis and Customer Relations Manager - CityRail,'How does CityRail and RailCorp work?' Basically, explained was the complaint process that is used for 131500. What was quashed was that we thought it took 200 complaints to get a resolution - no she advised even one complaint will be looked into.
Thirdly an interesting presentation was made by John Evenden, Access Consultant regarding,'What is important about bus stop infrastructure? Who organises bus stop infrastructure and how is it allocated?'. This topic may have been boring to me many years ago but as we have over 10,500 bus stops around Western Sydney, when we look at each bus stop around Mount Druitt, a majority of them are just bus stop signs. not friendly tot the disabled, vision-impaired or the disable. Some of our bus stops may not be user-friendly; that is no seats for the elderly or disabled and no proper covers. Some bus stops may not even be position properly: shrubs hiding viewing bus arrivals.
In between these topics - we had workshops where we try to explain how we all can communicate these ideas to the community. I thoroughly enjoy the Transport Symposium as I met Glen who is concerned of bus services around South Marayong and I can see that although he has obtained 100 petitions, he feels like he is fighting a losing battle. Personally, I would like to assist him with his goals of restoring buses going through important local communities.
Also I met John, from Sefton Park who has issues with a bus services by-passing a shopping centre - I have asked Blake to assist him but I feel I would like to assist him as well.
My heart feels like there are other community members out there wanting to know how we got pour bus service back - so they can get there back as well.
The 2nd Western Symposium was great and great!
WSTUG provided great food throughout the day and we all thank thank Hugh, Amy and Deborah for their assistance in making it a wonderful day.
From our group the following members attended the meeting: Blake,Shayne,Angela, Jacqueline and Pauline. Inclusive of myself the overall representation from our group is a strong representative from our group also which in turn represents a lot of commuters from within the Mount Druitt community.
The total day was relaxing and there was total enjoyment of transport information that I have never heard before especially 'Flexi-bus services' which is a bus service that is looking to be implemented. A bus service that would run 24 hours a day and all you will need to do is book your bus travel one hour before, to be picked up in the front of your door. The cost would be the same as your bus travel tickets. This represented bus planning and the distance gap - Professor Corine Mulley, Chair of Public Transport and Rhonda Daniels,Senior Researcher, Institute Transport Logistics Studies (ITLS).
We also had Vicki Jarvis and Customer Relations Manager - CityRail,'How does CityRail and RailCorp work?' Basically, explained was the complaint process that is used for 131500. What was quashed was that we thought it took 200 complaints to get a resolution - no she advised even one complaint will be looked into.
Thirdly an interesting presentation was made by John Evenden, Access Consultant regarding,'What is important about bus stop infrastructure? Who organises bus stop infrastructure and how is it allocated?'. This topic may have been boring to me many years ago but as we have over 10,500 bus stops around Western Sydney, when we look at each bus stop around Mount Druitt, a majority of them are just bus stop signs. not friendly tot the disabled, vision-impaired or the disable. Some of our bus stops may not be user-friendly; that is no seats for the elderly or disabled and no proper covers. Some bus stops may not even be position properly: shrubs hiding viewing bus arrivals.
In between these topics - we had workshops where we try to explain how we all can communicate these ideas to the community. I thoroughly enjoy the Transport Symposium as I met Glen who is concerned of bus services around South Marayong and I can see that although he has obtained 100 petitions, he feels like he is fighting a losing battle. Personally, I would like to assist him with his goals of restoring buses going through important local communities.
Also I met John, from Sefton Park who has issues with a bus services by-passing a shopping centre - I have asked Blake to assist him but I feel I would like to assist him as well.
My heart feels like there are other community members out there wanting to know how we got pour bus service back - so they can get there back as well.
The 2nd Western Symposium was great and great!
Friday, August 6, 2010
More Wheels Means More Travelling........
Okay, what do I mean by this title? Simply what it says Having more wheels you will travel. Yes but to have more wheels you need to have more people on wheels.
I just had a vision that could sum up what we need in our travelling lives. I'm not a true 'Greenie' to the word but parts of me believe in some aspects of a 'Green' society. In saying this, I do want communities in and around Mount Druitt (and inclusive of all Western Sydney) to have natural gas powered buses - whether they are privately owned or government run based bus services.
How can public bus transport be promoted, when services are not on time, there are limited services, sometimes packed bus on peak time - long waiting times for next bus service and lastly what I have been campaigning for since my existence in Mount Druitt a two-way radio communication between Mount Druitt Trains and the bus drivers, announcing when trains are expected to arrive, when the train commuters have left the barriers of the train station.This allows excellent communication and not allowing bus drivers getting away with leaving early without picking up train passengers.
While some us drive in the comfort of our own cars, so many individual decisions have to be consciously made to ensure individual road safety and also for the safety of others. Yet when catching buses this pressure is alleviated and the responsibility an onus of public safety is completely left with the bus driver. The bus fares are reasonably cheap compared to ongoing running costs on driving your own car or taxis.
So more people getting on more wheel means more faster, efficient and happier travelling for all bus travellers. And yes, bus have more wheels than cars!
I just had a vision that could sum up what we need in our travelling lives. I'm not a true 'Greenie' to the word but parts of me believe in some aspects of a 'Green' society. In saying this, I do want communities in and around Mount Druitt (and inclusive of all Western Sydney) to have natural gas powered buses - whether they are privately owned or government run based bus services.
How can public bus transport be promoted, when services are not on time, there are limited services, sometimes packed bus on peak time - long waiting times for next bus service and lastly what I have been campaigning for since my existence in Mount Druitt a two-way radio communication between Mount Druitt Trains and the bus drivers, announcing when trains are expected to arrive, when the train commuters have left the barriers of the train station.This allows excellent communication and not allowing bus drivers getting away with leaving early without picking up train passengers.
While some us drive in the comfort of our own cars, so many individual decisions have to be consciously made to ensure individual road safety and also for the safety of others. Yet when catching buses this pressure is alleviated and the responsibility an onus of public safety is completely left with the bus driver. The bus fares are reasonably cheap compared to ongoing running costs on driving your own car or taxis.
So more people getting on more wheel means more faster, efficient and happier travelling for all bus travellers. And yes, bus have more wheels than cars!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
More Irate Bus Commuters
Boy did I cop an ear blasting from a lady that was very relaxed and very composite, prior to handing her a flyer for the Western Sydney Transport Symposium.
She wasn't upset with me she was upset that it took her 2 hours to get from Tregear to Penrith last Sunday, she said it is longer than getting from the Blue Mountains to Penrith. Apparently with Sunday services her bus went early to Penrith thus she had to wait an hour for next bus service - she was told - then went to Mount Druitt via another bus to catch the other bus at St. Marys (by train) and missed then the same bus connection.
So here we are another person not happy with the bus changes that were implemented by the NSW Government for bus changes within Group 1 area!!!!!
What more can we ask for?
She wasn't upset with me she was upset that it took her 2 hours to get from Tregear to Penrith last Sunday, she said it is longer than getting from the Blue Mountains to Penrith. Apparently with Sunday services her bus went early to Penrith thus she had to wait an hour for next bus service - she was told - then went to Mount Druitt via another bus to catch the other bus at St. Marys (by train) and missed then the same bus connection.
So here we are another person not happy with the bus changes that were implemented by the NSW Government for bus changes within Group 1 area!!!!!
What more can we ask for?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Feed Back From Community
As I spread the news of the Transport Symposium travelling between Mount Druitt and Parramatta, I have found more than mixed feeling from all public transport commuters.
Most of them will accept the flyer's that I provide to each one of them with calling it a book mark and advising this is a free meeting regarding buses and trains in Western Sydney. Although our group is based within the boundaries of Mount Druitt, we would find it hard to expand our group to St Mary's area and Blacktown area's, yet will support local lobby groups in these areas, if and when they commence.
What was amazing was a lady who I met at Parramatta, who travelled from Dean Park - 2 buses and onetrain to work at Ryde (each way) - and connects on the 754 bus service which is now a half an hour service. She knows that her life is a little more difficult and understands our lobby group. She was keen to learn more of WSTUG.
A lot of locals have offered their 'thank yous' and support for something that is close to their hearts. It is I thank thank them to give me the opportunity to assist them in restoring proper bus services.
Most of them will accept the flyer's that I provide to each one of them with calling it a book mark and advising this is a free meeting regarding buses and trains in Western Sydney. Although our group is based within the boundaries of Mount Druitt, we would find it hard to expand our group to St Mary's area and Blacktown area's, yet will support local lobby groups in these areas, if and when they commence.
What was amazing was a lady who I met at Parramatta, who travelled from Dean Park - 2 buses and onetrain to work at Ryde (each way) - and connects on the 754 bus service which is now a half an hour service. She knows that her life is a little more difficult and understands our lobby group. She was keen to learn more of WSTUG.
A lot of locals have offered their 'thank yous' and support for something that is close to their hearts. It is I thank thank them to give me the opportunity to assist them in restoring proper bus services.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
More People Waiting And Waiting For Bus Services
A young nice man I spoke to on the 780 bus stop was going to wait 40 minutes for the next Westbus 780 bus service at 6.52pm - he used to get Busways 755 but this doesn't run on this time of a Sunday night anymore and this young man was going to Whalan, Luxford Road.
I managed to get Busways 758 at 6.32pm but felt for the young man who waited more than 30 minutes. What can we ask of the new the NSW Transport Minister, Mr John Robertson other than to restore weekend services so that the peoples lives in the west are catered for. Surely more efficient services can create the community to change heart and maybe leave their cars at home and take public transport to all of Sydney's destinations. So help this young nice man to not wait long for bus services create an atmosphere of trust with the NSW Government, a feeling of belief on a much needed upgrade of vital bus services for the betterment of our community!
I managed to get Busways 758 at 6.32pm but felt for the young man who waited more than 30 minutes. What can we ask of the new the NSW Transport Minister, Mr John Robertson other than to restore weekend services so that the peoples lives in the west are catered for. Surely more efficient services can create the community to change heart and maybe leave their cars at home and take public transport to all of Sydney's destinations. So help this young nice man to not wait long for bus services create an atmosphere of trust with the NSW Government, a feeling of belief on a much needed upgrade of vital bus services for the betterment of our community!
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