Outcome of Blacktown City Council, Public Transport Forum Meeting 35

Yesterday, I was a new attendee at the 'BCC PTMF' and found it to be a great vocal point to air Transport issues concerning residence of Blacktown City Council.

I must admit there would have been at lease 30 attendees (stake holders) at the meeting, all of relevant interest. From Westbus and Busways Operators, other community groups, representation from BCC Youth Councilor, Blacktown Train Station Manager, bicycle community groups, representation from the taxi council , WSPTU and various other interest groups.

Meeting was chaired by Councillor Pembleton, after an interesting display of the railway duplication line at Richmond and showing the Quakers Hill Train Station development, council was council was concerned of the TCA movement of the footbridge at the station. There was also discussion of Blacktown car park to be developed on the First Avenue side of Blacktown Station, and discussion of St Marys Train Station, and mention of a Mount Druitt Train station in progress but not for discussion as yet - my question to the TCA was with the high congestion of bus traffic inn the Bus interchange has there been provisions to expand the bus interchange with the car park in a development process?

I was told environmental impact studies will be done etc - but I don't think they understood what I meant - at this time the Mayor left the Forum.

We then had various discussion about where has there been youth input in these car parks decision process ( as adults make these decisions) - and I think think went over the TCA head as an answer.

Then came my presentation which I had the main speech and dot points that I was going to and from, leaving myself to introduce 'Blake's Way'.

Blake went through reading routes 716 to 800 and also T ( transit way services). Questioned were raised regarding any proper maps - Blake advised no as the other maps he had would represent confusion - Rudi from BCC advised that the bus operators could assist him with mapping program etc. Also what was asked how much Blake being paid for this he answered nothing.

When bus issues came up, I raised the issue of interaction/communication between Train Stations and Bus operators/drivers: that is especially when trains arrive there is a three to four minute walk for commuters to reach bus service waiting at bus stands - if you are not a fast walker - the bus will leave before you reach there - leaving half an hour for next service. Rudi advised this has been addressed to both parties at other BCC PTMF's. It seems like it hasn't been followed up - I will raise this at a WSTPT.

Pauline from our group discussed her bus issues which claims ther is hourly services and although some of the early bus services happen, it has been getting better but feels she is not being heard.

Then Cathy Williams advised of real case studies showing from transport website how long it takes for commuters from their home to Mount Druitt Hospital - response from Westbus was that it is not their issue that the Hospital was built outside the hub of Mount Druitt.

Finally, was discussion of the next BCC PTMF and it was proposed that there be a one issue ( with a resolution) meeting and this is discussed by stakeholders - I brought up the relevance that we could have a the next meeting in Mount Druitt as the issue we have in BCC Mount Druitt in secondary in most discussions - especially at meetings I have attended at BCC. It was advised by Rudi that BCC has facilities as opposed to Mount Druitt - which Mount Druitt will have some facilities like this in the near future.

674 Gasmatta Bus Service To Continue

Blacktown City Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson has advised our group of successful news that the temporary bus service that has been implemented by Westbus and Transport NSW around the Gasmatta Crescent area has been approved that it is a continued permanent service.

We congratulate the community members around Gasmatta Crescent who lobbied with us to get back the returned 674 bus services - although it is a limited bus service.

Mount Druitt Police Support Our Cause

We were blessed to have Sargent Busby from Mount Druitt Police, speaking at our meeting yesterday, regarding issues especially rock throwing around the area.

Although there are some recommendations on the 'Rock Throwing Report' presented by our Group Member, 'Wayne Lu' to Officer Busbsy, it appears that the recommendations we have may not be effective answers. The best answer is local knowledge provided by the community as soon there is a witnessed incident contacting the police. Who will do their best to catch the perpetrators.

I as well as others in our group, we have had our hearts dampened by what Office Busby had told us but yet we hold our heads high and proceed.

What we do believe is that that have been 4-5 charges against rock throwers around the area and this has placed a dampener on the rock throwing area around our area. We now believe that the word is getting around of these charges and this may stop these incidents that have previously caused harm.

Officer Busby has provide us with local police support as they like us do not want to see essential community transport services stopped or even cut.

How Much Time Does a Bus Operater Allow Bus Drivers To Set Down And Go?

Well I am always amazed at what my sources of information tell me. Don't get me wrong I'm not a person to spread rumor - the people that know me know that I do talk but if I talk about something I will talk as if it is factual to what I have been told! I hope that makes sense!

In our society we wake up head down the down and we expect life 'to be easy', that is at a press of a finger buses arrive as you set down at the bus stop and get you to your destination as per your timetable bus route service. And furthermore this would happen on your return trip and for the rest of your travelling days!

Truth to the matter is, that there is a bus operator around Mount Druitt that allows bus drivers to have set down at an average of 12 seconds per every 2 bus stops. Well I am quite overwhelmingly stunned! For arguments sake, if a driver has a time destination of 25 minutes for a journey, bus operators must allow for at least set downs and drive offs for at least more than 50 percent of bus stops, especially if a bus is completely loaded with commuters. thus if that happens the actual time for this is not 12 seconds per every second bus stop. Even if there was one commuter per bus stop set down and entering the bus - this could take up to thirty seconds as long as there is no issues with payment of fares.

I remember many months ago I was told by an unnamed driver that they were allowed 30 seconds per bus stop to set down and then drive off - at least this was reasonable time.

Maybe we should be more understanding, more polite to bus drivers who are on pressured time to get to each destination. I mean they do have our lives in there hands for parts of the day!

We recently had the completion of the Commonwealth games and Australia set a few games records. I just hope that bus operators do not make driver break any speeding records to possibly endanger the the health and safety of commuters lives!

Bus Transport Info - Not Much Info So Far!

I have located a group btinfo NSW that is is supposed to assist you with bus transport information but it seems it doesn't always work that way!

We are trying to find out what are the commuter figures for around since last bus review until now around Mount Druitt but i the answer is as per quote, 'I've looked further for you. Unfortunately, I've found the bus data we require is not publicly available'.

This indicates that that not all details of public transport is public some things are 'private'!

Save Our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs Group Member has planned a new carpark and bus Terminus At Mount Druitt Interchange!!!

Well yes another quality member , Peter Kerr has planned a bus terminus at Mount Druitt replacing the current bus interchange.

Peter is a well respected member of our group,who continually requests for better transport in his area in South Mount Druitt or simply known as 'Mount Druitt' or as I would call it 'Mount Druitt Heights'. He has lobbied for bridge overpasses over railway lines and has been successful in the installation of traffic lights at the corner of Carlisle Avenue and Fuller Streets, Mount Druitt.

His plan for the interchange I am still to sight it but what I have heard provides lending ears from me a vloice to support it. It is basic and can be visioned as a win for local transport for the community. that is there in one level for Busways interchange and a second level for Westbus interchanges bot for buses and the 4-5 floors of car parking. I believe cost would none at it is a commuter parking just like the commuter free parking alongside North Parade and Beames Avenue Mount Druitt alongside the the train station. It is such a simple idea we do not understand why we haven't heard about it as yet from stake holders - anyway we are the first to let you know about it and we won't be the last. We will keep you further up to date with this as more good news for the community come to hand - just wait until the stake holders hear about it and idea from the community!!!!!! That is what community is all about for the community!!!!

Western Sydney Transport Moving Ahead

Today I now think as part of a Steering Committee, Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group is a vital voice for the commuters and the public transport users of Western Sydney. It may not be that popular at this stage as it is not well publicised yet I'm looking to ensure that transport stake holders, concerned community members and transport users are aware that we are for these people also ensuring that there is no lack of services or disadvantaged services are provided. In other words that there is sufficient and efficient transport services to cater everywhere around the Western Sydney area which include 14 local government areas.

Although WSPTUG represents transport community groups of different areas of western Sydney each of these transport community groups will be well represented on the policy committee where local issues will be discussed and raised. This will then provide new upcoming policies for the future of the WSPTUG. Although the steering committee or the policy committees or the WSPTUG does not physically drive any form of transport around western Sydney, we will ensure that transport policies are driven properly and are referred directly to the NSW Government with the support of all relevant stake holders.

The Year Past -Save Our Bus Services

Well what a year has past - today is the day a year ago we petitioned community residents of Whalan for bus services that were going to be deleted from in front of Whalan and as we discovered other suburbs of Mt Druitt.

I am so proud in what we have done - it is incredible. The achievements that we reached have been so outstanding and yet it seems like a never ending job. There is so much more that needs to be done in Transport in and around Mount Druitt and even in the wider parts of Western Sydney. Of course we as a transport lobby group we have touched a lot of peoples hearts and hurt a lot of politicians with our support for the return of bus services taken away.

You can not undermine the power of the people - the power that a local community group can do for the benefit of the local community. My only personal gain from this was a returned bus service and a high standing of community recognition. Yet it was just me that got us to where we are today it is each and everyone that has turned up to community rallies, group meetings - offered their support form outside of Mount Druitt. We will ensure transport gets moving within Mount Druitt.

More Personal Past Bus Driver Success Stories

I can remember almost 8=9 years ago when a bus driver was taking me home to Whalan when the driver straight passed Bulolo Drive, Whalan and drove onto the end of Belmore Drive, approaching Woodstock Road.

I then indicated to the driver that the driver missed the turn. The bus driver became so embarrassed that I was asked if it was alright to miss Bulolo Drove up to Karangi Road, Whalan and back onto Bulolo Drive Whalan past Whalan Shops. I assumed no one would miss any stops and the bus driver followed. I accepted the drivers apology we had a laugh.

Every time I see this bus driver the driver smiles as if embarrassed - I always call the dirver, 'Hi 'boss' and the driver knows what I am talking about. It wasn't a situation that I should cause complain next day - problem came and problem was fixed!

Complimentary Bus Driver - Good News For Bus Driver GS5139

Happiness is what we all want to feel in our every day lives. Not everything in life makes us happy but we all make the best of our when we reach home surrounded by happy environments. Outside, we enjoy comfort with our friends and even our family. We we go to work happiness has to be created within when we receive our payroll payslip and it shows lots of money or we think so.

Yet getting us to work , visit our friends or even doing a little shopping, we tend to be unhappy waiting for the bus. We get excited when the bus reaches. We then put out our smokes ( if we smoke), check our watches for timing and ensure we have the right change for a quick trip to Mount Druitt. Now from here we depend on customer services of bus drivers no matter what time of the day.

Usually my expectations are very dismal of bus drivers as they look underpaid, grumpy and feel like it is not the job they wanted to end up and be. Yet, in their field they are professionals and they have duty of care to customers and to them selves as well as other vehicles.

Bus driver GS5139 on Busways Buses, I have found is extremely friendly, courteous and has exceptional skills as a driver who can ensure 90 percent of his customers are happy. What h=does he do - it is very simple - a simple ' Good Morning', and ,'Have a nice day! before I even say it is incedible. Not an overwhelming smile that a smile that send s the right message to commuters, that makes the state of the day for commuters pleasant.

If I can turn the clock back thirty-five years or more when I used to catch buses and there was one exceptional driver called 'Pommy Chris' - he started off as a ticket conductor and always made sure children gave up seats for adults that needed it (specially free paying students). If a double-decker bus he would go upstairs and check if there was any seats available and then send people upstairs. He greeted you and provided the occasionall joke . When he became a bus driver he was even more polite collecting fares and providing tickets for commuters. He was know to other bus drivers as 'Too polite'! But you can never be be too polite.

What my message is or what I am trying to get across here if every bus driver was like Busways bus driver GS5139, then more commuters will get buses. People get upset but it is up to the bus driver to assess situations and make people happy. It would be nice if drivers could provide the 131500 phone numbers for complaints or even compliments. It makes my day when a driver makes you happy or smile to start your day.

I would even like bus drivers to have a microphone indicating certain important destinations they have reached! This keeps people interested.Thanking customers that they are using their service. The average driver doesn't like talking and yes I understand they are not allowed to talk while driving as that can cause an accident but when the bus is not in motion why not they be polite. I am polite to them I 'Thank' them for a safe journey. They kept me alive!!!

Maybe bus operators need to improve customer service, which will have more winning positives for them -

• It will create more commuters to get bus buses.
• It may create great sense of community satisfaction confidence of bus services provided.
• It can create a safer and friendlier bus commuter community
• Could even reduce crime
• Create an outstanding sense of community pride

Well Blake Is Providing Newer And Better Services!

Today nearly one year since our group started and also since the new time tables were introduced to reduce bus services around Mount Druitt, Blake is running hot devising more and wonderful bus services for the area.

Blake will be invited to attend the Blacktown Transport Forum on 28th of this month and discuss his bus network system 'Blake's Way!'. At the same time these are the feature bus routes he is looking to include - this kid is incredible:

• A route for every number from 716-800 (including 660,670 & 672)
• a rout for every T-Way number between T70-T175
• 3 Shopper Hopper Services
• 5 Shared routes
• 4 Industrial routes (1 numbered I1)
• Routes split into Primary, secondary, tertiary and adjacent routes
• Simplified numbering system: 71x Eastern Blacktown, 72x South Blacktown, 73x South- East Mount Druitt, 74 Long distance services, 75x North West Mount Druitt, 76x North East Mount Druitt, 77x South St. Marys/Mt Druitt, North/Eastern Penrith, 79x South-West Penrith.,
• Region spreading as far as Emu Plains, Windsor, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill, Hornsby, Macquarie Park, Seven Hills, Parramatta, Liverpool and Wetherill Park
• Service to new areas such as Ropes Crossing, new estate Jordan Springs, Bungaribee and The Ponds
• Services to wanted areas including: Nepean Shores, Wetherill Park, Mount Druitt Hospital, Blacktown Swimming pool, Western end of Sedgeman Crescent.
• Plus a lot more

Wow all I can say is that we don't not realise (from a wonderful community we have ), how such a great young talent we has been created from self community interest. I can tell to plan these bus route I would not have dreamed of - maybe our total group would be doing but it would be a great challenge. Blake is like an athlete just entering the arena on the last lap of a great marathon and there is just the line to beat. Blake is like a surfer that picked up the best wave on the last ride of a competition and hangs on and wins! Blake is someone that came of the woods and found your group that needed to get to their final destination!

Blake to me,if I could decide would be Blacktown Youth of the year, Sydney Youth of the year, NSW Youth of the Year and also Australian Youth of the year!

What more can we!