Save Our Bus Services - Mt Druitt and Surrounding Suburbs

Yes, IT IS TRUE! We Are Now, 'Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group' - Making A Difference!

2010-11-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

I personally am astounded, surprised and most importantly very excited about our new future! Ever since we have lobbied hard for the bus commuters around Mount Druit, we haven't lobbied hard enough (as far as I am concerned) but we got back 2 services that are both incomplete. As we did this we touched into other Transport issues that other commuters may have had issues with or thought of suggestions to improve.

This is were our one group will get involved, moving from a bus transport group to a transport community group that has linkage in all areas of transport from local Blacktown City Councillors, to Blacktown City Transport Officers to Hon. State members of Parliament, to local bus operaters ( who are now coming to the party), NSW Rail Corp Cumberland Line Manager, to support from the local Railcorp Station Staff.

I personally have met Dimitri Hondros and he was such a welcoming 'knight in shining armour', meeting him at Mount Druitt Train Station one morning on the way to work, I was always wanting to meet him. He was the same as well - funny know as I was a chairperson of a bus group and he was a manager of a railway line. Two extremes meeting to make one calming peace keeper for transport. We have been hitting brick walls with buses and then out in the open comes trains wanting us to assist them.

Although I stated that we were looking to become a transport group - I didn't realise my dream for us has come true and I must say the entire group has put in 100 per cent effort in choosing a right name. As from 17/11/2010 we are not any more Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs. Yet in saying this we are not letting go of the hard issues we are fighting for return of weekend services extended bus service to return bus services imcomplete and the complete back of 'Blake's Way!

We passed a Constitution that was accepted by the group with important amendments. We are looking to officially start the group around 26th February 2010, we sill invite commuters from the community to join for a minimal fee and participate in all areas of 'making a Difference' in all forms of public transport.

Please keep an eye on the new Blog spot that we will have and on this note we gave 'Goodbye' to all all readers of this blog Spot!

We Are Pleased To announce An Inniative To Reduce Youths Walking Around Streets

2010-11-14T11:01:00.001-08:00

Midnight Baskett is looking at kicking off in Mount Druitt on 16th November 2010 at Emerton Leisure Centre, Emerton 7-9pm for more info contact John Dacey 98352970 or 0409747412 or john@mtdruittcommunityministry.org.au

Sad for Save Our Bus Services but Glory Days For new Mount Druitt Area Transport Users Group

2010-11-13T02:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is right! Today my proposal to expand our group to a community based transport lobby group was welcomed by each group member today. A unanimous decision was made for us to start a new transport lobby group covering all of Mount Druitt. This will enable train, taxi cycling users to be involved in the transport infrastructure decisions that affect all community members and provide better efficient transport around.

Although this decision has been made, we are all search for new group name and branding. Any assistance from the community will be appreciated. we will advise further - this is a step in the right direction - my understanding we will be able to handle this as we will look at it being fully constituted.

Our next meeting on 17th will resolve this issue and our constitution will set us for the future.

Great News For Save Our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs And The Community

2010-11-11T03:17:00.001-08:00

I have struck gold with a representative from Transport NSW that actually listens, hears and responds. I dropped in unannounced today to meet this Representative and all I can say is complete gratitude - this represent will know who this person is (and doesn't want us to disclose their identity).

I must admit, I did speak to this representative before and my eyes, ears and heart went elsewhere the last year or so. Searching for local assistance from Local councillors, community representative and community members who are members of Labor, support their local members and attending their political meetings. I believe that we are not much liked in the community by the eyes, ears and heart of the NSW Government elected representatives but that is life.

Issues spoken (with this representative) covered a lot of areas from disabled bus services to localised local issues even to new bus ideas that are being used to improve the bus services. What was also discussed was No major changes expected around bus services ( which is surprising with a State Election coming near) except a minor change with 758 will be going through Ropers Crossing - although Blacktown City Council has placed 'bus only' lanes within the last month - this will be obsolete with the intended new bus service. The Bus only lanes were in the original Development Approval.

The Transport NSW Representative has advised will be looking forward to look at extending
Busways 739 service to Blacktown and accommodating other bus services - may look at limited extended 755 bus service to Blacktown from Shalvey. At present bus operaters are stating because the new multiple tickets can be used on various transports to get to destination this should be sufficient but Transport is there to ensure there is transport to get to important most used destinations.

In saying this - the representative was keen to look at Blake's Way and in doing we are asking Blake if he would like to present his report to the representative - we will give you feed back in due time.

On the futuristic way Transport NSW is looking to introduce 'PTIBS' (Priority Transport Information Bus Stops or similar) - This will provide great customer service information directing to commuters owning a mobile phone waiting for a bus that hasn't arrived. Commuters will be able to ' SMS' their bus stop number - ( Bus stops number will be either located on the bus stop or obtained on a map from Transport NSW) - they will then in turn receive a return 'SMS' message advising them of the whereabouts of that particular bus service. Bus stop Numbers provided may start with the suburbs post and numbered from there on . For example Mount Druitt 2770.......

The downside of this are the commuters that do not have mobile phones will not be able to benefit from this and it is not yet know if it will be a free service or small charge. It has been trialled with State Transit Authority and Busways are looking to be the first ones to use it. We suggest to Transport NSW that mobile phones that returned to mobile telephone suppliers that receive old mobile phones may consider donating these to the community that doesn't have one!

There is another electronic future device being used called a 'transponder' - although it will not necessarily be noticed by the commuter it may increase the chance of a commuter hoping on a last arrived service reaching the destination a little bit improved or better. What is it - is an electronic device placed on all buses and when reaching traffic lights it will notice the arrival time of the bus and if running late will change the traffic lights to 'Green' and 'Go,go,go!' - completing reducing waiting time - unless their is a bus stop directly after the lights ( not usually).

It was advised that there may be issues with buses during school vacations bus running early or late either way of the bus stop time table - this will then revert back to normal time table bus runs after these periods .

An interesting suggestion was that Transport NSW would be interested in seeing Blake's Way and will assist him with the mapping of bus routes for presentation purposes. Also for a negative issue within the community they would like to see the rock throwing report that our group member Wayne Lu has presented to us - they are aware that at least there are 2 incidents per day report back to Transport NSW in the Blacktown City Council LGA.

We believe both operaters have different polices regarding incidents caused under their "Standard Operating Proceedures':
Busways - Diversion away the hot spot and only drive through after a Police Safety Report and this could be on same day.
Westbus - diversion away for one day and recommence next day after a Police Safety Report.

Again, it was suggested that if anyone has any issues to ring 131500 for any issues, compliments and feedback to assist the smooth running of transport infrastructure around the area.

Well what more can I say - I was left dumbfounded - the drinking water well has been found - next is the gold nugget!

Save Our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Regrouping From Blacktown Transport Forum - Ready For Bus Review Next Year

2010-11-09T02:28:00.001-08:00

We will be meeting thie week to regroup and discuss bus services for the future. We will also refresh from the Blacktown Transport Forum, held at Blacktown Council.

We will be meeting at Rutherglan Community Centre Blackett this Saturday at 9am.

WSTPU Policy Forum Takes Shape

2010-11-03T04:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday Week, 13th November 2010, is a double whammy for three of us in our group. We have a group meeting at Rutherglen Community Centre commencing 9am - basically outcome of Blacktown Transport Forum and being prepared for future bus review due early next year.

Then Angie, Shane and myself will be heading to the reformed WSPTU Policy Forum/Meeting, where this will be the thrust of motions coming up from group to better and improve transport services and infrastructure around Western Sydney.

Our aim is to be a voice for the community think, discuss, negotiate and act as part of a Western Sydney Community promoting a good cause for Transport. That Transport stake holders not only listen to us but act proactively to ensure all community needs at not just met and promote more users and commuters to use Public transport, with positive outcomes.

I will ask Shane and Angie to present the 'Rock throwing Report' keeping in mind all the wonderful work Wayne has doing. One of our brilliant volunteer workers. he takes negativeness with pride and looks at the positiveness that could have been done.

I am so proud of all our group members that have represented the community and still represent the community, we are not a giving up group, we are there and it appears we will be there for the community for a long time. I hope that if anything happens to me one day that our flag will be carried higher into the skies of Western Sydney reflecting the changes that we want in Western Sydney.

Please note venue has been changed - please contact Debbie Robertson for further deatsils

Outcome of Blacktown City Council, Public Transport Forum Meeting 35

2010-10-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-10-13T03:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Complimentary Bus Driver - Good News For Bus Driver GS5139

2010-10-06T04:31:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-10-05T01:19:00.000-07:00

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!

Our Mission Is Our Passion

2010-09-30T07:04:00.000-07:00

As Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs we really haven't made a mission,vision statement, motto and proceeded to push forward any of these.

So I may place my thoughts forward:

Vision- To represent the Mount Druitt Community, ensuring that bus services are provided and maintained whilst promoting the benefits of public transport buses for the future.

Mission- To reach our vision and work with the community and transport Stakeholders to ensure essential vital services are continuous, ensuring safety to drivers and community are adhered.

Motto- We will ensure buses are always moving forward around Mount Druitt!!!!

I leave future comments for yourselves

We Have Been Invited To Attend And Speak At The Blacktown Transport Forum in October 2010

2010-09-29T15:44:00.000-07:00

Debbie, has advised us we have been advised that there is an invitation to 1 or 2 of us from our Group to be represented in the Blacktown Transport Forum where it appears the residents of Blacktown may not be able to attend.

Firstly, on behalf of our group I would like to that the members of Blacktown Council - who have listened and understand we are a bus lobby group for the community. Secondly, it shows what we have been doing is being recognised as a strong representation and voice for the Mount Druitt Community.

We also have been asked to do a speech - what on we are not sure and will find out what the agenda is as well. We are working for a better bus services community for Mount Druitt.

When Will Mt Druitt, Penrith & Lower Blue Mountains Get A T-Way

2010-09-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

You ask yourself what is a T-Way? To answer your question properly it is a specially made roadway constructed for transit buses to go through residential areas, educational facilities and industrial areas.

If you look up the Transport Sydney buses website:

http://www.sydneybuses.info/western-sydney-buses.htm

Although known as LPT - there is an existing transit between Liverpool and Parramatta - since 2003 and is still running. buses are run by Hillsbus and Busways and when looking closely at timetables initial starts in morning are half an hour service to 12-15 minutes service peak times during the day. under an hour per trip. If this is so successful why not NSW Transport and The NSW Government look at studies to implement other Transit bus services in the outer Western Sydney like from Parramatta , Blacktown , Mount Druitt to Penrith and inclusive of to Bankstown, Castle Hill and Campbelltown.

This could be promoted as a wonderful to travel without worrying about driving ( as a commuter) the T-way Ten ticket is not a weekly ticket it is a ten trip ticket, so cost effective for the commuter if you are not a constant weekly user. Trips can be spaced out and since all buses would lead to Parramatta- in case commuters want to interconnect with another transit service buses would all leave at same time allowing for proper time for commuter transfer.

Steering Committee of Western Sydney Public Trabsport Users Group

2010-09-28T06:21:00.001-07:00

I am honored to provide my services and voluntary time to be part of an exciting lobby group representing the Western Sydney Communities.

Thanks to Amy and Hugh for selecting and promoting myself to the Steering Committee of the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group. I understand that our group branding is not recognised within Western Sydney as much as I feel it should be - but for the time it has been around it has done very well.

I feel we, as a steering committee will be drive public transport to where it should be going, by community interest groups feedback, increase public interest in these groups. Looking at recommendations provided from the policy committee of the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group and make it become a vital and important voice for enhancing, improving public transport. I would like to see a goal of promoting public transport as opposed to private transport use for every day continual use. By doing this, there would be many financial advantages to the individual commuter and environment improvement as less polluted vehicles will be driving around as well as the sue of petrol. by the Private car divers.

We need to let the wider community know we are there to better public transport and ensure that any reviews to transport around Western Sydney may be referred to the 'WSPTUG'. We will need to to ensure politicians and transport bureaucrats refer to us before drastic decisions are made otherwise lobby groups will be there to prevent loss of services as long as it is essential and there is a reasonable demand for it, not leaving community members disjointed.

I also think we need to get out to the communities, to get feed back or enhance the website so that online surveys can be completed on any transport issues, reporting back to the NSW government and all Western Sydney state politicians.

I will find this role an exciting role for myself, especially proud of representing the wonderful people of Mount Druitt. I'm not in this for myself I'm in this for the Western Sydney community members.

Another Bus Driver Bashed In Baulkham Hills - TWU

2010-09-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Today, I located a story from the Transport Workers Union news website tonight, that made me feel distraught. I don't know the bus driver but I feel I should - although is not in this area - I feel like a brother in arms wanted to heel the wounds cause by an upset person.

Here is the website to read the story, the TWU calls it a serious public safety crisis. For the sake of public safety and that of drivers, this must be fixed now! What they are talking about is to provide security screens or guards on a 100 remaining private buses, let hope this is done immediately to prevent further safety crisis.

http://www.twunsw.org.au/twu_news/Violent_bashing_of_bus_driver_last_straw_in _Sydney_bus_attack_crisis.shtml

These seem to be a regular part of life for one more bus drivers - who are probably poorly paid & can cause issues in the long run to recruit bus drivers to drive in public.

We're Getting More Ideas To Assist Rock Throwers to Not Rock-Throw

2010-09-20T05:26:00.001-07:00

At the Bidwill festival, last weekend. one community lady advised us of a suggestion that there should always be undercover police officers siting close to the bus drivers on every trip.

Again great idea that I would like implemented - as this will stop threats and potential violence to drivers or other passengers. If we look at affordability many decades ago the New South Wales government was paying for ticket conductors on buses - they weren't security guards - they made sure commuters got buses or trams - they ensured people were paying fares and some of them even made the public happy with morning laughs and 'Good evening' evenings.

The other idea if group our group idol Joan - a national/state advertising campaign to deter rock throwing through all forms of media: radio, television and the the press. Well campaigned - this would be well money spent!

Again, this is a great idea , yet it would need great financial support to make it! At least these are ideas that have meanings and are educational. If the parents of the children had rocks thrown on them and were hurt - how would they feel!

Back in my young days I remember being spoilt by a conductress 'Aunty Joan" as she was 'Aunty Joan' to everyone. When she knew I was getting the double-decker bus - that was open ended - she always had a piece of fresh fruit for me - I had to eat to keep healthy. Well at least I have been eating and keep that part of it!

A Confessed Private Car Driver Converted To Public Buses!

2010-09-20T04:25:00.000-07:00

This evening there was a man that hopped on the 755 bus and said, 'This is the first time I ever got a bus and I have never realised that is cheaper than a driving a privately used car!'

Obviously he was excited and the thought went into my mind 'A converted public transport user' this is unheard of , this is great news! How many more transport users can we convert from private car users to public transport users - though the end result maybe a cheaper long term cost to the community. This keeps more public transport running.

Bidwill Festival Was Fair

2010-09-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

We have a small win for us again at Bidwill were bus commuters had completed a survey that we will be presenting the outcome of these surveys at the Blacktown Transport Forum on 26/10/10. In fact I was asked to give a 2 minute speech regarding our group while Shane assist me showing the leaflets and brochures we have.

In saying this I not that our Mayor of Blacktown City Council, (although he remains very quiet with us) shares the same point or two than me on rock throwing issues - except for a few of them - that is he says it is hard getting the message across to the young on not doing the rock throwing and we both agree it is an educational program that needs to be directed to the children, and their parnets and/or guardians. This is where our views drift off, after this

I believe if we have something like a community safety meeting then if we can teach one parent and or even one child not to rock throw - we have won - this one or two will talk to others around the community and then 'word of mouth moves on and on'.

Maybe I am new to this but I fell I have something more to pay back to the community, a time of hearing and listening and then working things out for the better of the community. Let's give the community a chance as we don't want our essential bus services taken away because of this!

Charlie, I respect as an elder in politics.he has been there - he has done that - but we need the community to be there and do that and that is where the community's strength are! A lot of community people are talking about rock throwing, a lot of people I have spoken too have been affected - their lives changes but do the rock throwers lives change!

Here We Go - Another Delay For the Bus Drivers

2010-09-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I was informed by a Westbus driver in relation future rock throwing incidents that cause any damage or harm to the bus or any commuters - the bus driver has to go directly to the nearest police station and complete and provide a report to the Police Station.

This now raises a couple of issues that I can think of one is that it will cause total disruption to the rest of the bus service and fore mostly The Police ( who are there to protect all members come of the community) will not come to where the incident is caused. What type off society are we coming too when police will not be able to attend rock throwing incidents for investigation so that the perpetrators are caught and the end punishment will fit the crime. So that the crime will not be done by this individual or another individuals.

A Bus Song In UK For Us!

2010-09-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wayne, one of our young brilliant group members has provided a bus song which I believe could be a hit here: It is on you tube - All I can say is Enjoy it!

Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjTZvk2j6m0&feature=related

A Suggestion That I will Push For!

2010-09-15T06:09:00.001-07:00

As a member of Western Sydney Transport Users Group Steering Committee - I am going to push for a two way radio communication between Mount Druitt train station to the Bus drivers or Bus operaters in relation to train entry times and bus leaving times.

All I have heard from bus drivers all the time is it will never be done! well I'm here to have it done. We want better bus and train services and that means better connected bus services. There has to be a time allowed for commuters to leave the train once reaching a platform head to catch their connecting buses - how many times do i hear that buses leave/depart and leave passengers behind. Anyone who walks leisurely may not get there in time. Anyone who runs like a marathon runner will get there with ease and running out of breath!

Ever since I have been catching connecting public transport in and around Mount Druitt
- this was and has been my aim and goal. Now I can see that I may be able to get things done.
I will advise how we end up with that!

More Suggestions For Safer Services

2010-09-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Today community members I speak to on a day to da basis are all brain storming ideas to provide better protection and safer driving for bus drivers. I personally haven't thrown them out the door or window, I treat them each one as a reputable suggestion - I suppose on a larger broadspect we need to lobby the NSW Government for some important changes.

Each recommendation I would look at: weighing both the positives and negatives for all stake holders and finally decide to use the ones that will be used primarily to bring the best result for the good of the community.

One of the suggestions provided was that the bus operaters have under cover police officers sit behind bus drivers on each trip to be the witness to the rock throwing - thus providing more proof to the courts of the actual incident being witnessed. The under police officer would be more advantaged to provide a better description to catch these criminals.

A Correctional Officer that I have spoken too has advised me that the people that are incarcerated that come from our area do not have much self-esteem, due to one or all of the following factors: being drug related, having little or no parental proper guidance and/or back have personal issues that relate to a mental disorder or some type of depression.

So, you can decide for yourself which of these would be best to be used to make the community safer. Then you can provide feedback to ourselves.

You can also refer to Blog dated on 27/8/10 Community Problem Solving ' Rock Throwers' and add these ideas to the list!

Yvonne McDougall - R.I.P. - 'You'll Always Be With Us Ensuring Buses Are Moving Around Mount Druitt!'

2010-09-14T03:55:00.001-07:00

Today, we are all saddened with the horriffic news that has stunned our Bus Lobby Group, Whalan and wider Mount Druitt community. Yvonne McDougall, Secretary of the 'Whalan Community Action Group' and a prominent strong supporting member of 'Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs,' has today passed away.

We are not certain in the manner that her life has been taken away, yet we all feel for her and her family who are suffering her sudden loss. Yvonne as a backbone to the 'Whalan Community action Group' will be wholeheartedly missed by all members (inclusive of myself). Yvonne was inspirational in our group - when I first met her I saw her her as highly educated woman , with exceptional shills in understanding local community knowledge as well as having a complete understanding of dealings with all tiers of government and community issues.

Yvonne had attended our petition day at Whalan shops, the inaugural meeting of 'Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs', she in fact was the actual one that named our group, she assisted in our community meeting at Whalan Community, she assisted in two further Community Meetings at Dawson Mall, she was one of our 6 delegation of members that represented Mount Druitt to the New South Wales Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, she attended all of our monthly meetings, she represented us on the 20th February 2010 at the Western Sydney Transport Users Group Meeting and also our showing of 'Blake's Way!' to the community at Hoyts, Mount Druitt.

This is just a short list of Yvonne's commitment to our group as well as she was part of our thinking tank that provided a lot of valuable input to get the bus services we got back in Mount Druitt, this year.

So To Yvonne's family - on behalf of our group I would like to offer our condolences and wish them strength as they realise the legacy she has past down to us will be always remembered, in our kind hearts.

'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.'

We're Off To The Bidwill Community Festival

2010-09-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well just as we thought we had finished one festival we have been invited to another festival. Bidwill is a community based festival and should be a lot of fun.

It will be start as from 9am this Saturday 18th September 2010. Once I get more information, we will advise you! Hope to see you there!

Appointment to WSPTUG Steering Committee - I'm excited!

2010-09-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Today, I was told about my recent appointment to the Steering Committee of the Western Sydney public Transport Users Group. I am overwhelmed and proud to represent the commuters of Mount Druitt and Western Sydney to "Promote, providing and moving commuters in the direction of safe, reliable better improved public transport".

I have a clear view of what I have accepted. I can only say this is such a golden opportunity for anyone in my position or same to offer quality time, ideas, resolutions to problems, be a backbone for community lobby groups. I want to be a part of W.S.T.U.G. that helps moving better transport in our future. I want to promote public transport whether it be taxi's, buses, bicycles and/or trains as I do believe that there is benefits for all in do this. A benefit to the individual: no traffic or driving worries, less traveling costs as well. A benefit to the community: the more community members that use public transport facilities, the more cars can be left home - less pollution and less use of fuel. A benefit to the government: for providing employment directly and indirectly, providing the community with the transport link to get to places of need and want. A benefit to the environment - there is less pollutants that are being released on a day to day basis if only one person per day leaves there car at home, gets public transport to get to work and/or shops or just to visit friends and families.

I would like to assist W.S.P.T.U.G. in getting policies in place, working with all parties and stake holders in moving transport forward for the community. Ensure essential services are retained - get W.S.P.T.U.G. involved in bus reviews ensuring no loss of vital community services and that funds provided to update or upgrade bus stops are utilised to ensure that it is fulfilled. Link WSPTUG with City Rail and be involved with discussions to work with to get better reliable services and ensure all train stations has more than adequate facilities to make life better for the commuter.

I would like to say, 'That I will moved forward with W.S.P.T.U.G. and I thank Amy and Hugh for their selection of myself for this very important community role'. I am proud to represent you Western Sydney community!

Mount Druitt Festival Was Great!

2010-09-13T04:07:00.000-07:00

We had a very warm reception from the community with our stall that as provided to us by the Blacktown City Council. On behalf of our group, I would like to thank Robyn Scott (Event Manager), from Blacktown Council to provide her total assistance in accepting our late entry.

Next year we will plan ahead and lodge our application in time. At this years festival we have Business cards with information regarding rock throwing and complaints for transport information. We even provided for vision impaired community members and also provided a brochure with our information.

At the end of the day we have so far complete a survey of fifteen community members of the community taken from all over the community. A summary of feedback so far:

Not enough bus services for people with disabilities (2)*
All drivers are friendly/nice/polite (3)
'Myzone' tickets are great
More security /patrolling around undercharge (2)
Upset of rock throwers (4) leaving area due to rock throwing (1)
If miss bus at Doonside 45 minutes walk to train station
More buses required
Very well serviced
Wants to know why bus services in the afternoon are not the same as the mornings
Divert 780 bus along 674 bus route
More security and better understandable timetable
Buses to wait for you a bit longer
More bus stops - along Chestnut Crescent, Bidwill
Sunday services not good - increased to 20 minutes services
Buses not on time
require more 755 bus services
Seats on buses have holes, windows scratches

These carry a wide area of concern . Community members are not just focused on one issue there are many issues we need to tackle and help them get. That's why we are here for them.

*Bracketed numbers indicated that there was more than one that was concerned of this issue.

What We Need Is Neighbour To Neighbour Good Talk!

2010-09-10T15:15:00.001-07:00

Shaking our head in negativity - we tend to blame ourselves for what has happened or is happening for the 'cock throwing events' around the area. We tend to forget this is an international event and we,in a community of around 56,000-60,000 problem is just a drop in the ocean . Yet this drop in the ocean is getting bigger.

We just can't sit there and ignore what is happening around us. We some seem to have communities that care for the communities. Do we need to have community cuddles and huddles? Who knows? All I know is that we should not hate or detest our neighbour as that is what creates wars around the world. We need to encourage happiness, bring people to be excited, provide warmth towards our neighbours.

I don't mean be with your neighbours 24 hours per day. Just simply saying 'Hello', 'Good Morning' or even a simple pleasant greeting or 'pleasant 'Goodbye'. Just be nice and others will be nice to you as long as they don't take advantage of you! Maybe tell your neighbor of forever goodness. Lend a hand when asked as a hand will be lent to you when you need it! Tell young ones that hurting others is not what everyone wants and what good is it if someone is hurt because of self esteem, self pride of hurting others. Ask them would they like to be the recipient of the rock being thrown at them and how would they feel emotionally if it happened to them!

I found talk gets the message across and I think we need to talk to resolve. To resolve the one's that don't understand the implications to themselves or the negative affects on the community.

Each neighbour we speak has another neighbour and that's how we provide the good talk to make the community a better and safer community.

Stupid Stupid Rock Throwers Disrupt Bus Services For The Community Again!

2010-09-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, I was so shocked tonight when it happened to me, when a Westbus 780 bus service had been diverted from going down to Luxford Road Whalan to Carlisle Road and then Woodstock Streets Hebersham, to continue on in their journey.

It was no more than a week ago I had told the local press of what I thought we could do and you would think that it would calm the situation down. Their is a small problem that comes out of this and that is that these criminals (although they may be frustrated) are stupid plain stupid and do not realise the repercussions that can happen from this. I hope when they get old they don't suffer from rock throwing on bus services and are deprived of bus services.

What was the real shock was that a lady I know from Whalan was totally disillusioned when she didn't know how to get home - no 755 bus service no 780 bus service and the 758 that was at the interchange was not good for her - I did offer to assist her with walking with her from Woodstock Road down to Bulolo Drive - she was confused and didn't know what to do!

Joan (our group idol) has suggested that we look at a statewide/national campaign against rock throwing - full on advertising on T.V. and radio's - we will discuss this at our next meeting.

We Made It! We're At The Mount Druitt Festival

2010-09-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well just when you think every goes bad for you - the sun shines!

We were told on Tuesday that we were not able to apply for a stall due to closing dates for this - all of a sudden (some up there in the sky somewhere) gave us the opportunity to hold our stall at Mount Druitt Festival on 11th September 2010. A window of opportunity. A chance to get our group across the community and make them understand we are still here for them!

We thank Blacktown City Council for allowing this to do this as well at the people that pulled out and didn't want that particular stall.

Let's hope you come to our stall and enjoy it from 9am - 4pm Dawson Mall!

It Appears We Missed Closing Date for Mount Druitt Festival

2010-09-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

I have been informed by Deb that we have missed out on getting a stall at the Mount Druitt Festival for 11th September 2010.

We will try some other way to be at the Mount Druitt Festival hopefully. It appears we missed the extended closing date. I will try to speak to Blacktown City Council tomorrow to see if they would like to change their mind! I mean it would be demeaning to knock back a group like ours.

I will be making every effort I can to see if there is a window of opportunity as we wouldn't want to create bad press about this. We may the thorn in the side of Members of NSW Parliament and local politicians - we are the budding that sprouts from a rose bush to perfume the air with pleasant scenting aromas and colours that are clearly distinct from others may make our true colours come out, true!

We stand up for the community to be counted and represent the community with bus issues which is a forever issue within our community. We need correct decisions to be made from within the community for the community to ensure are buses are moving.

Our Group Is Looking To Hold A Stall At The Mount Druitt Festival

2010-09-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

Here we are 11 months since our group started & here we are trying to organise a stall for the mount Druitt festival on the 1tth September 2010, to be held at Dawson Mall.

I think of lot of politicians thought our group would not have massed it so far! I think that once something starts and it is a contentious issue - it may remain for a long time. It is hard to rid what in now formalised. Now we are completely formed with numbers in arm. We'll keep you informed once we have further words!

'Union Calls For Training" - Mount Druitt Standard 1/9/10

2010-09-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

We provide an article that was issued on the 1st September 2010 by reporter Susan Lui:

Self-defence for private drivers

Busways has welcomed a cal by the NSW Transport Workers Union (TWU) for private bus drivers to be given self-defence training.

Following a spate of attacks on buses in Mt Druitt and in other parts of Western Sydney, TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno said private bus companies should implement such training for drivers.

Mr Forno said self-defence training had been available to public bus drivers for more than 10 years and should be available to all bus drivers.

Busways human resources manager Brad Cooper supported the call.

'We've got to do whatever it takes to minimise risk. Any training is good to help drivers deal with situations,' Mr Cooper said.

However he said self-defence knowledge will not necessarily deter rock-throwing attacks.

'Rock throwing is a separate issue. It's always going to be there - it's a community issue,' he said. 'For us the drivers safety is paramount and we encourage them to follow the company's protocols in the case of a bus attack.'

Mr Cooper said Busways trainee ships trained drivers to deal with difficult situations.

Mt Druitt bus lobby group Save Our Bus Services chairman John Svoboda said self-defence training would help bus drivers deal with potential violence but agreed it would not prevent rock throwing attacks.

'This is an external missile heading towards the bus and the only thing bus drivers can do is try to avert it if they know they are being hit, ' Mr Svoboda said.

'So this may not help as possible averting of the missile may cause an accident.'

The group has suggested wire meshing on the outside of buses, more police patrols and targeted school educational program.

Police want anyone with information about those throwing objects at buses to call Mt Druitt police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The investigation is continuing.

This story reiterates that society has changed, back in my young days we never heard of 'rock throwing' people were decent, caring and understanding. People were giving up seats on buses for the elderly and disabled . Today, the young just sit down and think they are old and disabled. This tradition is a dying tradition of respect for the person that needs it. Same with the 'rock throwing' skim rock in far away ponds or lakes where no harm can be caused - do something else rather than cause potential harm and injury. Wake up and care! There are more important things to do rather than do things that is totally negative - think about the people you live around - think about them!!!!

Westbus Buses Caught Rock Throwers Off-Guard!

2010-09-03T05:19:00.000-07:00

This evening a Westbus bus driver has told of an incident that happened to a Westbus driver around the Penrith area.

Apparently, there were three lined up 'rock throwers' ready to target and hit a bus travelling down in front of them - they did! What they didn't realise is what would happen next!

The bus driver stopped the bus and parked it. He noticed the three 'rock throwers' disappeared into a residential property on the side the same street. Unbeknown to them was the driver appeared on the front doorstep of the occupants - where the 'rock throwers' were hiding in this house. The occupants denied their children had thrown rocks at the bus. What then transpired was told to the occupants - that the bus has external cameras and that it will be referred to the local area command police to process as evidence for criminal charges to laid against the three children that caused the damage. This has sent shivers down the occupants as well as the three children who could be charged.

Although, this happened the bus driver has now got an issue that is causing the unions to get involved. That is the bus driver rang his depot Manager so that they can lodge a report to the police but was it is up to the bus driver to do this on his or her own time!

My thoughts are that a bus driver should report the incident to the bus depot - it should then be up to the bus depot to notify the police of the safety hazard that has happened and the bus driver should wait for the police for video footage, available.

What I think is great that Westbus have got external cameras on the outside of buses and this can catch these senseless culprits.

Emerton Man Faces Court - MT Druitt Standard

2010-08-29T01:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Community Problem Solving 'Rock Throwers'

2010-08-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

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:

*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

2010-08-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

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!

Private Bus Drivers Get Self-Defence Classes For The Last 10 Years - MX News Newspaper

2010-08-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

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!

We Are Relieved - Thanks To Bus Operaters - Rising Attacks Alarming

2010-08-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

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

How Can We Deal With 'Rock Throwers'?

2010-08-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

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???

Mount Druitt Rock Thrower Charged

2010-08-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Community Suffers And Bus Drivers Suffers - Loose Children Bored And Damaging!

2010-08-20T06:06:00.000-07:00

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

ROCK THROWING ON TRAINS AT DOONSIDE - FROM THE BLACKTOWN SUN - 4/6/09

2010-08-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Located Autralian Transport Council - Looking At Transport At On A Larger Scale

2010-08-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

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.'

Great News For Blake - Blacktown City Council Accepts Invitation For Blake's Way!

2010-08-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Helpful Drivers - They Do Have a Heart!

2010-08-13T05:37:00.000-07:00

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!

Next Save Our Bus Services Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs Meeting 14th August 2010

2010-08-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

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!

I Hear What people Say!

2010-08-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!

Where Do We Go from Here?

2010-08-12T05:25:00.000-07:00

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!

Western Sydney Trasnport Symposium Just Great And Great

2010-08-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

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!

More Wheels Means More Travelling........

2010-08-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

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!

More Irate Bus Commuters

2010-08-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

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?

Feed Back From Community

2010-08-04T03:44:00.000-07:00

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.

More People Waiting And Waiting For Bus Services

2010-08-01T05:30:00.001-07:00

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!

Western Sydney Transport Symposium Agenda

2010-07-30T06:22:00.001-07:00

Transport Symposium 2010

10am arrive, registrations and refreshments

10.30 What are we doing today?
Who is WSPTU? Explanation of the Steering Committee and the main Policy Forum.
Take expressions of interest to be on the Steering committee and the Policy Forum.

11.00 Presentation 1
Professor Corrine Mulley Chair of Public Transport and
Rhonda Daniels, Senior Researcher, Institute Transport Logistics Studies (ITLS)
“Bus planning and the distance gap.
What can be done to improve access”

11.30 Workshop 1
Work around the table
What did we think about what we heard and what recommendations would we make?
Delegation to Meet the Minister for Transport and Shadow Minister. Are there people who would like to create a delegation to talk to the Transport Minister and Shadow Minister on this topic - local transport options and the consultation processes? Nominate yourselves and meet at the end today; 3.30pm.

12.00 Lunch

1pm Presentation 2
Vicki Jarvis and Customer Relations Manager - CityRail.
“How does CityRail and RailCorp work?
How can a local groups interact with CityRail to get improvements or changes to local facilities and services?”

1.30 Workshop
Work around the table
What did we learn from the presentation and what recommendations would we make?

2pm Break and refreshments

2.30 Presentation 3
John Evenden: Access Consultant.
What is important about bus stop infrastructure? Who organises bus stop infrastructure and how is it allocated?

3pm Workshop
Work around the table
What did we learn from the presentation and what recommendations would we make

3.30 Summary, Conclusion,
Info about the website, reminders to leave your contact info and put in your expressions of interest for the Steering Committee and Policy Forum.
Delegation to meet the Minister and ShadowTransport Minister. People from Workshop 1 who are interested to be in a delegation about local transport options and the consultation processes; exchange contact info and make a time to meet to talk about what to do.
Finish and Refreshments.

People Are Great - When Providing Them With Transport Flyers

2010-07-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

First of all they think it is an electioneering campaign that I am working on - yet it isn't - It is a Transport Symposium that i am promoting - last year 60 people attended the first one from all around Western Sydney our group wasn't formed when The first Transport Symposium was held.

People now smile, say 'thank you' and they ask questions , they fold the flyer, they place it is their bag, one lady even asked where it is and how to get there nad one young man came up to me patted me on the back and said 'thanks mate'! PEOPLE ARE GREAT!

Some people have asked me - what does symposium mean - well from wikipedia here it is:-

Symposium originally referred to a drinking party (the Greek verb sympotein means "to drink together") but has since come to refer to any academic conference, or a style of university class characterized by an openly discursive format, rather than a lecture and question–answer format. The sympotic elegies of Theognis of Megara and two Socratic dialogues, Plato's Symposium and Xenophon's Symposium all describe symposia in the original sense. The Latin equivalent in Roman society is the convivium.Symposium as a social activity in antiquity.

The Greek symposium was a key Hellenic social institution. It was a forum for men to debate, plot, boast, or simply to party with others. They were also frequently held to celebrate the introduction of young men into aristocratic society. Symposia were also held by aristocrats to celebrate other special occasions, such as victories in athletic and poetic contests.

So all you have to do is 'pre' add the word 'Transport', and this will give you an idea what will happen - enjoy yourself on 7/8/10!!!!

It's All Not A Smooth Road For Me!

2010-07-27T06:01:00.000-07:00

When I moved out from affluent suburbs like Paddington, Bondi, Kingsford and even Cronulla, I left suburbs that you wouldn't dream have much bad transport. This could be that because a majority of bureaucrats may have lived out in the Eastern suburbs and north shore to Southern Suburbs, in those days.

Since living within Mount Druitt for an accustomed 19 years before bus services were deleted last year, i think I had it easy with public transport compared to what we have now. Yet, if I compare our society to poorer countries, we are well advanced with transport than them. Keeping in mind we live in a modern world that that modern technological changes every day, we should not live in a backward society and neither should the poorer countries be neglected in all facets that we hold in true value with life.

Now don't complacent with the above mentioned comments just made if you are a decision maker or planner of different types of transport around Western Sydney or Mount Druitt.

I am not a perfect person but I can say I have only 'Steered' our group to where we are today, not with support from a lot of quality group members and community members. I have taken the good with the bad - bad meaning criticism and objection to what we have been doing, just last week I was handing out to some young ladies the the 'Transport Symposium Flyers' - when an elderly made swore at me saying I am stupid and mad, using prolific language' - when I left the bus he gentle raised his middle finger to me in complete object to what I was doing! I never said a word against him neither did I want too - some people just like getting upset because they are upset! I forgive this man as he not know what he was really doing!

I still go forward and carry on!

Without Transport....

2010-07-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

Without any transport not one of us can get anywhere. Without any transport, we can only walk on on feet. Without any transport we can not get to work on time. Without ant transport we can reach our major shopping centres. Without transport we can not go the zoo. Without transport we may not reach the church on time!

Without transport, there is no road to success. Without transport children can not reach their schools and be educated. without transport there would be no taxi, bus and train drivers. Without transport people could not do their everyday shopping. Without work we can not visit our doctors. Without transport we would not make it to the emergency of a hospital on time.Without transport we would find our way out. Without transport, we can earn the money to buy. Without transport we can not run transport.

With out transport we need transport to get us all around!

Westfield Stall Provides Warm Feedback

2010-07-26T02:59:00.000-07:00

On last Saturday, we had a Transport Symposium table at WestFields Mount Druitt, to promote the Transport Symposium on the 7th August 2010 and as you normaly do: listen to the community with any transport issues they have. Although we had only a small window of opportunity to promote our cause - this opened up eyes for a few community members we then recruited new members from Mount Druitt and St Marys area.

There are community members still wanting to voice their concern of both bus and trains public transport. It is amazing that we as a bus group are actually talking about the wider transport issues that we face on a daily basis.

We had a few bus issues that was raise with us - that the community wanted us to comment on:-

* No buss to Blackett, now to Poppondetta, children is forced to walk with unsupervised crossing an cannot afford bur trips each way

* No bus services to Mt. Druitt Hospital from Doonside. Train services are slightly better than bus services

* Would like the Tranpsort Symposium make transport come on time!

We are still a vocal group within Mount Druitt. We will not let our community down!

Not Only Are We 'Looking Forward', We Are Looking Backward To Our Group's Success And What Can Happen With Us In Our Future!

2010-07-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Although Blacktown Council seems to own The Transport Forum of recent and seem to have a hold on it, this represent a local government having power on this issue.

We don't realise how much power and decision making goes behind providing a new bus service or redesigning bus services around the area from the local council. What I don't mean is not taking away the voting rights of councilors on Blacktown City Council.They provide the final stamp of approval based mostly on party lines and this maybe to look good or make the opposition look bad. Most of these important decisions happen within the administration of the council - which of the public think they do anything but in reality they do a lot of background work not seen by us.

They are qualified in their own profession as engineers, community councilors and internal customer service staff to do their job within their own boundaries in a professional manner. The General Manager is the one which has his ears to the ground and is aware of most items that come up on council agenda's - if he is he will delegate responses to his leadership team. When we hear the word 'report' - we think is is a made up document that means nothing but reports are official and not tailored to be presented to the general council by council offers to be true to the nature of the report. Generally Council staff will support the current local government in office but we must remember they are not politicians.

After saying all this I have a goal in 'looking forward' (PM Gillian Gillard's election quote as a short term current PM) for us is two pronged:

A) Mount Druitt/Blacktown Transport Community Forum - where members of the community who are passionate of their public trans issues (inclusive of S.o.B.S.), is formed to cover public transport issues with public users of buses, trains and also taxi's - The community will be well informed of these meetings - raise issues of concern, bring up new ideas to 'Make Mount Druitt/Blacktown Transport Go Forward!'

B) Mount Druitt/Blacktown Transport Council - where a delegation of up to 4 representatives(non-Blacktown City Councillors)meet on a monthly bases with key interest groups relation to transport and infrastructure around the area - issues raised from The Mount Druitt/Blacktown Transport Council will be discussed and referred to this Council for resolution: this council will not consist of any councillors from Blacktown City Council, Busways representatives, Westbus representatives, taxi drivers representative, representatives of City Rail West, also may consist of bus union representative and Black city Council Transport Officer's and any BCC Community Councilors as well. Once decisions are made they will be published to the local press and radio stations, so that the public is told of in every form also at the next. Funding of this may be met by Local Council with the assistance of NSW government.

Well I know I sound like a 'POLITICIAN' - I am not and don't want to be but I would like our Mount Druitt/Blacktown to be a better and efficient and more fast public transport area - would like to see less private cars left at home and people moving around not worried about late transport, safety issue , cost issues etc.

This is our Future! Community comes First!

Sound like my previous speech!

Transport Symposium Westfield Information Table

2010-07-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

We thank Susan Day and the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group (Of which we are associated with) for organising a table at Westfields on the 24th July 2010, for us to provide information regarding the Sydney Symposium of 7th August 2010.

We will be at the table between 10.30-12.30pm in Westfield to hand out information - provide feedback to the community, information of our group, WSPTUG and of the Transport Symposium. Our volunteers will be at hand to assist the community as we endeavour to get a feeling of the communities expectations of our group.

There will also be another information day on 27th July 2010 in Dawson Mall organised by Debbie Robertson for approximately the same time - any volunteers would be appreciated. - please contact us.

Will We Have Enough Buses For The Future?

2010-07-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

As we ponder of today's issues regarding bus services around our Mount Druitt Community, I think we need to enter conversations to "Save Our Children's Future'.

What do mean by this - in simple terms all it really means that we have to ensure that there is enough provision for bus services in our are to meet the future demands of our community so that proper . most efficient transport services make a better society.More dependable services, more frequent services even 'Next time signs' asking on bus stops - solar powered, transport User Cards that are swiped and automatically on entering and departing buses , no cash needed, no fiddling for coins or even providing the bus drivers with $100 dollar notes to pay a small $2.00 fare.

Even quicker services with frequent express services only stopping at major suburban bus stops, 1 free trip awarded to the commuters after every hundred single trips. yearly transport days where the community is invited to an open information day with free joy rides for children, a show of new and old buses. discussions on how public transport can be further user by more members of the community by leaving their cars at home, less pollution and less individual travel cost, vehicle there are always comforting seats to ensure everyone travels with ease and enjoys public travel.

Holiday Children Are Bored Rock Throwing

2010-07-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday and Thursday I have heard of 2 to three incidents where children around the age of 10 -14 are rocking rocking along Bulolo Drive in Whalan. It appears that they target buses and don't realise that that they are also targeting the potential loss of bus services if this continues.

I have spoken to Mount Druitt (who are probably understaffed) and they are going to look at patrolling the area more often -also heard of rock throwing on Belmore Road, Mount Druitt - It appears to be a favourite pastime and the children that do it in a certain area live somewhere else. If this pursues the I feel we are fighting a lost cause, loss of bus services, lost of Jobs for bus drivers , potential loss of jobs for some people in the area, potential increase in daily hardship, cost of living if more taxi's are caught if no bus services are around.

This has to be talked threefold: Increased police patrolling of cars around the area, marked and unmarked cars, also police education through all schools around regarding community safety and the alertness of the maximum criminal penalties for rock throwing so far is 5 years jail and place ' Rock throwing fine /criminal signs around the area that is affected by rock throwing around Mount Druitt.

I will refer to Jacqueline Donaldson - our Blacktown City Councillor to investigate these isssues.

Sydney Alliance - My Speech For Us

2010-07-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, all the effort put into the speech for the Sydney Alliance was incredible.

Firstly, to be asked was a great honor - actually I didn't realise how important this speech was for the public crowd that was listening. I am used to speaking to local community, local groups, local crowds and local individuals.

I thank the great team behind Sydney Alliance to make my journey of speaking on behalf of our group, exciting, enthusiastic, entertaining and made it sound it was real life. And it was!

I was only one of three main speakers besides the opening and closing speakers. I was more at ease than I thought I was going to be - I had a good coach - Amy Williams from WSPTUG. She had spent hours with me devising the speech, editing restructuring, retyping it, rewriting and timing me. In those hours we didn't have any disagreement. We obviously had our single opinions to then accepting or not using it. Colorful thoughts were present by Amy bu t I will say the blood and guts of the speech was written by me - she just helped me make it sound right. From my heart 'Thank you' Amy!

Here's the speech:

My name is John Svoboda and I from the group Save Our Bus Services. Our Group is made up of Mount Druitt community members who are fighting for the return of vital bus services that have been taken away from us by the government.

We are fighting for the community because we have heard stories of hardship; stories like older women taking over one hour see their doctors, no buses on weekends, no buses early in morning or late at nights, stories of community members spending more on taxis because there are no buses.

I became involved with this group because of the impact of the removal of bus services would have on my life- travelling to and from work is going to be difficult for me- but I also became involved because the heart of the community was being ripped out.

Today I will share my story with you:

Our story begins nine months ago whilst waiting for a bus outside of Whalan Shops. I began talking to Betty to find out what the local community group was doing about the deletion of bus services in the area. Betty told me she would find out.

Two days later, I was talking to Joan, another community member, she told me she had really stirred things up talking to Betty. Joan told me not to worry- that was a good thing to get people doing things around area!

We decided to place posters up on bus stops around the area advertising a petition day for the reintroduction of bus services that were being deleted.

On the day we met community members and the local press. Within 2 hours we have over 500 hundred signatures on our petition. People came and told us how badly they were impacted by the removal of bus services by the government right across Mount Druitt. What we had thought was only going to be one street affected by the bus removal turned out to be more!

Next day we decided to form our group - Save Our Bus Services. Our first action was to draw up another petition which included all of the suburbs affected by the deletion of bus services in Mt. Druitt. By the end we got over 3000 petitions.

During our time:-

- We have held three community meetings with big turnout every time.

- We have made a film of community members from different suburbs talking
about their transport issues

- We have put over three hundred of our stories on our blog - stories of hardship,

- We have been interviewed by Radio 2UE, Chanel Nine, have had many stories in our
local papers and have spoken at Blacktown City Council meetings - to be heard!

In February this year, 6 of us met with the Minister of Transport, handed him over 3000 petitions and told him of our community stories. Within 2 weeks of this meeting, one of our major services 755 was immediately re-instated partially. Also a second limited bus service has just been re-instated.

We have had success- even when some us didn't see any hope in our cause and thought we were fighting a losing battle with the government.

Our story has inspired other community members to do other things for our community - Blake a 14 year old boy from the area has redesigned the bus network system for Mount Druitt - he will be present this to Blacktown City Council within the next few weeks. We have worked for the return of proper services so that life for the community would be easier. The community told us their problems, we heard and we have fought, and we have won and are winning back more, and still have a long way to go, only for the community! Community comes first!'

Mount Druitt Needs A Transport Voice

2010-07-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

We cover buses and services of buses in and out of Mount Druitt.

What we don't have is a public voice for the entire Mount Druitt public transport system - maybe we require our own transport Review Panel or process. The engine room of this panel would need to have local community voice ears to the community ground not be members of parliament or local government and may be limited to political party affiliations or if party affiliated not to wave the party flag as these transport Review panels or whatever it is called.

There should be regular meeting on a month to month bases to keep the NSW Government Honest in ensuring community recognition for the services that are needed on a day to day basis in each and every one of our lives and this transport can meet in each and every community to given a chance for the community to listen and speak of their concerns or provide positive feedback!!!!

Waste Of A Ticket!!!!!!

2010-07-10T17:06:00.001-07:00

I have been personally purchasing a 'Myzone' 3 Bus and train weekly ticket since the introduction in mid April this year.

It provided me with a great benefit reduction of $1.00 per week as opposite to the previous costs for tickets and also the new benefit of getting bus services from either bus operaters from with Mount Druitt with greater ease. That is not fiddling around for loose change which costs essential time with bus driver sand creates drivers frustration.

Since the new bus time tables have been introduced 11/10/09 and my 755 bus services was being removed - I now had to walk slightly a little further to catch choice of 2 different bus services from from 2 different bus operaters. For me this meant a change in restructuring my personal life to get to and from work on time. You have to understand that living within the area for long standing period of time over 19 years and having a service cut from your community is like ripping a heart out from a human body and leaving it detached.

Now this 'Myzone' ticket has solved the problem as it is accepted by all bus operaters and train stations, reducing time factors in getting into buses and trains (although bus driver in Mount Druitt do not have scanners to scan the 'Myzone' tickets) The bus drivers have to use their manual eyesight to read the ticket(s) with doesn't have clear printing at times and the size of the print may not large enough to comprehend for poor eyesight readers.

My beef is that having the 'Myzone' ticket bus drivers want to offer you a printed free ticket as well - they are instructed too by the bus operaters. In reality it is a small ticket ( and I'll provide a copy to you next time I get one) but what concerns me: I don't need it and if there are minimum 500 other 'Myzone'3 weekly ticket holders multiply1 by 500 and then by 52 and you can then see the waste of paper, time and expense in producing a ticket showing zero amount paid.

Next SOBS Meeting 14th August 2010

2010-07-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

With our Group meeting today there was a cxpouple new people attending our meeting: david barker the liberal Candidate for Chifley and Kathryn Williams from Mount DRuit Community Regeneration.

Wayne, one of our artsistic group members have devised new brochure on our group something that the group is proud of providing to the general community Being a young person he is revitalising our group with his ideas and looks like a future community leader in what ever role he does.

As I wasn't present at this meeting due to another commitment, I was advised what was discussed and that was our group will be having a table on 24th July promoting our group and mainly the Transport Symposium on 7th August 2010.

Our next meeting withh be on 14th August 2010 10 for 10.30am start at 'Rutherglen' 24 Anderson Avenue, Blackett - we will advise further as we go along!

Local Community: Some Give Up on Buses

2010-07-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

I have spoken to two community members the last 2 days with some dismal results for the Transport Industry. Yes that right due to the 'inconsistent bus meets train commuters on time and not leave situation' is a constant problem in the area.

One young lady said to me when she gets her 'P's she will travel to work by private car and is shocked with the inconsistent bus drivers not allowing train commuters to reach the bus stop interchange - I have always privately and publicly suggested ]that there should be a two from Mount Druitt train station to the bus operaters or directly to the bus drivers! Apparently it is a lot of red tape to do this I have heard over 10 years ago!

I think The NSW ministry of transport don't like this idea!

The 2nd lost customer is a gentlemen who had reconfirmed to me that it takes him 40 minutes to get to Mount Druitt from Oakhurst by bus - he has given up on buses and provided complaints to the Minister of transport. He now drives his car to work stating he will never get a bus again.

Are not we to promote better and improved services! Why don't we do this?Why are people recognised for the service they get - if we have adequate services that cater the community needs then that should be done - not making it harder for the community - Sometimes we could look at express bus services where the patronage is high! Oh the bus servicve he was complaining about was 754!

Agenda And Details of Sydney Alliance Listening Forum 11/7/10

2010-07-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

here is the Agenda for the 'Listening' meeting nd details pertaining to the Sydney alliance itself. Feel free to ask their assistance with your local community issues.

Agenda For Western Sydney Transport Symposium on 7th August 2010

2010-07-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

This is the agenda given to myself for the transport Symposium on 7th August 2010. You can then see how trans infrstructure planning now is extremely important for the future. Should we go backwards in transport planning our future children and their children may not be enjoying public transport life like we do.

Some of these issues are intriguing and can be the bases of future planning. I have some ideas on transport planning but I'm not going to be a genius on this issue, I think that if we all pull our heads together we will get what we want. That's one of the reasons our group has succeeded.

We need to look at what is around us, one day there will be no fuel to run all vehicles - then what energy source do we look at. We need to look at private trans wastage against an efficient, well patronised public natural gas=run buses and train services, that promote less use of private transport. About 15 years ago I was thinking of carpooling but I think bus pooling could be good. That is, bus operaters knowing in advance when and where will be waiting for bus services in convenience community places.

Take for example a family with 2-3 cars, there is the waste factor with 3 cars heading to around about the same place may have only one person in each vehicle heading to same destination. If there is a bus pool where there is no wasting of time people paying for fare you pay one amount and that does you for 10 trips. So anyone entering or leaving bus is only short time. Just swipe your plastic bus ticket on the machine and then the fare will be deducted and when you leave the bus you aloe swipe it and it will provide your self with a receipt for the correct journey. All payments are not to the bus driver and paid directly to newsagents or suppliers of bus transport tickets.

The same process can be made with Train tickets!!!

Anyway going ahead see you there!!!!!

Sydney Alliance Meeting 11/7/2010

2010-07-07T03:01:00.001-07:00

It appears we as a group have made a hit with 'Sydney Alliance" with the success of our group.

Not many lobby groups around Mount Druitt have had success and people (even today) are scratching heads wonder how the hell we won back services? They all thought it was improbable and even imposable for us to win for the community - for the community to win back bus services taken away.

Nearly nine months on - we haven't given up and we will not give up Community comes first!

On behalf of Western Sydney Public Transport users Group we have asked to speak about our successful true story. A story that has sent shock waves right thought the community. A story that has altered people's lives : travelling to shops, travelling to visit doctors , travelling to and from work, visiting friends or family or even going to and from school. A story that no one would expect the NSW Government to beckon down and the community wins back what was taken away!

So we will present our story on Sunday 11th July 2010, 2pm at Bowman Hall, Blacktown registration time is 1.30pm. Let's hope all community members attend it and enjoy it!

Support From Taxi Driver Regarding Our Loss Of Bus Services

2010-07-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Today, I had to catch a taxi for e rehearsal of my speech on behalf of our group at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, today.

As I don't normally catch taxis and it was a pleasant relaxing drive to get there . The taxi driver drove within the normal speed and was very complimentary on what I was doing for the community and towards our group - he agreed that bus services should not be removed or terminated from suburbs - he had heard of hardship stories of the are and felt for the community - he actually lives around the area.

Congratulations From Mayor of Hawkesbury

2010-07-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today, I have received an e-mail from Bart Bassett, Mayor of Hawkesbury, with some response feedback:

"Congratulations. You and your group have done a fantastic job!'

This is great but weird as we are getting support from an outside Mayor - I mean we don't seem to have any support for our group from our own Local mayor of Blacktown - Even our Deputy mayor as well. We seem to be getting more outside support than inside is this unusual? I'm sure this has happened before - somewhere else.

I feel our group is alienated from local government members of the Blacktown City Council - they don't call us, speak to us or even offer help. It seems they do not support their own community for important issues! Their turn will come back to them one day!

Great Feedback From NSW Members of Parliament

2010-07-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today I have responses from the Leader of the N.S.W. Opposition Transport spokesperson Gladys Berejikllian quoting the following:
'Well done to John and all the team!'

Also from N.S.W. Leader of the Opposition, Barry O'Farrell he has commented as follows:
'Well done on successfully having the re-introduction of the Gasmata Crescent Service in Whalan.'

it appears that we haven't had any further response from N.S.W. Government Members : local or Ministers or premier as yet but as i have said before the real thanks doesn't go to me is is duly to the entire community that needed back was was taken away! A win for the community. Community comes first!

Westbus Driver Needs Our Support

2010-06-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

A bus driver that spoke to me today advised me that he has been complaining about bus stops being fixed up in the area - what he meant by that I am completely astounded as he indicated he has been advising his management and it has fallen on deaf ears!

He may be talking about proper signage and proper bus shelters - I tell you something - since we are on this subject I personally think that when the Blacktown City Council decides to spend money on bus stop and shelters they should design something that relates to our heritage. Aboriginal designs - for example bus stops shaped as a boomerang and Woomera, didgeridoo and other aboriginal objects that has been used in their primitive life.

Any way who listens - this could be something that could be used a s tourism enhancement for the area. Imagine every bus stop like this - hopefully it won't be destroyed if we have pride amongst ourselves.

131500 - It Works!

2010-06-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

In reference to our story of 17th June this month - where bus drivers nearly miss bus stops! Nick who I speak to on the bus almost everyday has advised he was very surprised that after contacting 131500 that the transport line actually did something to assist him and other commuters on his bus stop. What was it you ask?

The bus drivers use high beam lights to have a better view of commuters waiting on the bus stops now. at 6.10am in the morning it is still dark while the sun is rising. Problem solved! Well done Mick and Transport line!

So if you have a problem with transport ring 131500!!!! and get and incident number, record it for keeps!

2nd Bus Service Retruns To Gasmata Crescent Thanks Mainly To Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs

2010-06-25T06:41:00.000-07:00

Due to mounted pressure from from the Whalan Community members living around Gasmata Crescent - Save Our Bus Services has lobbied for a long time for the return of bus services along Gasmata Crescent. Although it follows a new mapped route - it has angered some residents who have never had this service on there street before - mostly Moresby Crescent and west of Samarai Road Whalan.

I know the Hon. State Member for Londonderry, Mr. Shearan has been pressing hard for this new service to cover residents who previously had a long walk to reach Luxford Road. This is a three month trial by Westbus bus route 674 - which will not run into Bulolo Drive and then into Belmore Road to Mount Druitt. As from 5th July 2010 this service will commence as limited trial run for 3 months. NO update of time tables are currently on w\West bus website as yet.

New Westbus Driver Agrees With Me - Regarding No Invitation for S.O.B.S

2010-06-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

Today it has pleased myself that a new driver unaware that there is a group like our supporting the community for the return to buses with Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs.

We don't realise that sometimes there are new bus driver oblivious to what has or is happening within the community. They just know how to drive buses safely and transport places from destination to the reached destination.

Although the new bus depot complex is modern and drivers are in a comfortable environment, why was it closed doors for the public and we were not invited by the Managing Director Mr Kua Hong Pak.

A bus driver I spoke to today seemed to have sympathise with myself that our group should have been invited - so it is an emerging feeling that needs the extra be looked at carefully!growing

Westbus New Secret Bus Depot in St Marys - Will It Serve Mount Druitt?

2010-06-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Secretly the new Westbus depot in St Marys in has opened today built $14 Million, 28,000 square metres on Lee Holm Drive.

Press release from Media Contact Rod Frail has indicated it is only for the Penrith - St Marys area. So it seems like there is no inclusion of Mount Druitt. He claims they have 102 buses currently located, can house up to 150 vehicles, 164 drivers, 19 mechanics and support staff operating 1035 bus services every week day - which is just over 43 services per hour and just under 1 bus service per minute. They are expecting over 5 million passengers trips will be provided by buses operating from this bus depot every year.

The Managing Director of ComfortDelGro ( which owns Westbus) Mr Kua Hong Pak had come all the way from Asia for the opening with new Hon. Minister of Transport John Robertson. Satated that the companies collective investments in New South Wales stand at $565million. He thanked all people in making the depot a reality and later on wanted to thank the Unions that have worked hard to ensure stability needed to provide appropriate levels of service to the community.'

Well we as Save our Bus services Group have not required Bus Union or Transport Union officials to assist us - we have asked them to come along to meeting to no avail - so I do not where Mr Kua understands that unions have helped our Mount Druitt community! That's just my personal opinion.

But as a Westbus Company we were wondering why they have not invited our group to the opening to provide a good public image - at present it appears it has been made a low key event. I don't appreciate the nose up attitude for our group and there doesn't seem to be recognition towards bus services in Mount Druitt - only bus services to Penrith St Marys area - maybe missing out our area.

I also wonder what Mr Kua understands of the level of service taken away from Mount Druitt residents as from 11/10/2009 - he should check this with is junior staff at lower levels.

I know one day Westbus will want to shake hands with us allowing us to sit on bus review panels and provide positive feedback. This may not be in my life time but it will be!

Sydney Alliance - Invitation To Save Our Bus Services, Mount Druitt And Surrounding Suburbs

2010-06-20T03:16:00.001-07:00

We have been invited throught the Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group to provide a 3 minute speech regarding the success of our group!

Whilst I have spoken under 3 minutes in 3 Blacktown Council Meetings and Debbie has spoken once quite passionately.This is my experience - when it was first requested from us I said don't ask me I can talk more than 3 minutes!

Fun aside, I have prepared the speech and found it hard to condense all what has happened in such short time. Reading our stories would prove this to be true but with the help from Amy at Western Sydney Public Transport Users Group i reach there and speak in front of 400 or more people at Bowman Hall, Blacktown on the 11th July 2010 between 1.30-3.30pm.

Check their website, as they are a new group supported by community groups , unions and churches - if you have time we suggest you check there website and see if you want to go there - entry is free:
www.sydneyalliance.org.au

Labor Party Meeting Does Not Recognise 'Save Our Bus Services'

2010-06-20T03:00:00.001-07:00

It has come to my knowledge that at a local Labor Party meeting within Mount Druitt, Local members of State Parliament were asked why they don't recognise our group. One local State member reply is only concerned of the general election that is coming up next year.

To me, it doesn't really concern me if we get support from Local State members or not anymore as we have got the local support from the community and community group members - that is what counts! We are still right behind the community!

Interesting Facts: Group One Bus Services

2010-06-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

In Group 1 with a total population of 446,528 - the total population living within 400 metres of bus stop is 332,298 approximately 74 percent as a percentage of population. The lowest percentage within other ares of population is 56 percent and highest 99 percent, with other groups around Sydney.

With this in mind we can see that Western Sydney has a population of approximately more than 25 percent that suffer to reach bus stops. This confirms what we have been saying for a long time - people have been taking longer to walk to get to to bus stops and this was before bus services were introduced towards the end of last year.

Source: NSWTI Transport Data Centre 2009 - Note: bus stops with services at least every 70 minutes.

Bus Drivers Sometimes Forget to Stop - Would you Believe At Bus Stops!

2010-06-17T05:55:00.000-07:00

It appears that some bus drivers do not want to stop in early in the morning to pick up passengers on the 755 bus route first first stop after Whalan shops on Bulolo Road, Whalan on the inwards journey to Mount Druitt.

Although it is still dark early in the mornings on Mondays to Fridays around 6.12am, should the driver not check for passengers on the bus stop, the next bus to leave is now half-hourly away thanks to the NSW Government! So should these passengers miss their bus trip although they are waiting for it on time - we have unhappy community members before they start their day in an unhappy way - i have instructed these passengers to contact 131500n and obtain an incident number! It may come to a situation that community members may need to were 'loud' bright colored Shirts that will glow at night and glitter as well or we will have to request Blacktown City Council to provide 'silent coppers' on bus stops that will enable bus drivers to recognise bus stops that have always been placed on the same spot for years!

Mount Druitt's Funny Bus Services

2010-06-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

It appears that bus drivers are completely confused with what is happening when picking up passengers from Mount Druitt Bus Interchange - although I do sympathise with drivers when the have a job to do , they may be new in the area and yet the have confused time tables.

So Here I was talking to Nick another local Whalan community member, who was talking about the manly subject of NSW Origin football with another gentleman. At approximately 6.15pm (we were waiting with others as usual) for the reduced bus service of Busways 755. It appeared there may have been a sudden change in a bus review that the 755 that is supposed to enter and depart on Stand 2m at Mount Druitt entered stand 4, left to enter stand 3 and left straoght without entering stand 2. I firstly approached the driver at stand 4 and he indicated to me that he would enter and driver to stand 2 - so I walked back to stand 2 and waited with nick and others for a washile.

The 758 entered Stand 2 and we were waiting for 755 which left stand 4 for stand 3. At the end, nIck and myself entered the bus at stand 3, there were disgrintled passengers aas they were wondering what is happening - we both sat in one seat as the driver was advising he can not go in busn stand 2 - I advised that there is obviously time table problems that needed to be sorted out by Busways and NSW transport Ministry o0f Transport and Infratsructure! I said we didn't have these problems when they left the full 755 bus service was in place!

omething for the everyone to think about!

WSPTUG Symposium For All Transport Users to Attend

2010-06-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

Any one interested to attend please contact us on our by e-mail/phone so that we can provide details to Western Sydney Pubic transport users Group - it will be a great opportunity to meet other regions within Western Sydney - There are groups fight for one bus services groups that have fought before and groups that are starting for returned bus services.

Our group is a a group that is linked to the Western Sydney Public Transport users Group - they have supported us from the word go! So in turn we need to support them! I believe it is an enjoyable day!

Date is Saturday August 10 2010 - 10am-4pm

WSPTU Transport Symposium 2010

2010-06-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

(Click on the image for full size)

RSVP by August 4.
Email wsbustop@gmail.com or phone 9633 5068.

We have Other Overseas Bus Avocate Group Wanting To Learn of Our Groups Success

2010-06-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

We have received an e-mail from Jane in Michigan USA asking for assistance as they have seen our group has been successful - being us.

They live near a university and are battling to save a major bus stop, have provided comments from Jane, povided to us regarding their battle:

'We are only starting out from a local University in town (Western Michigan University, we are located in Kalamazoo, MI) and have been placed at a community center that service low-income individuals and families if they need assistance with food, financial assistance with evictions or utility shut-offs. The place is called Portage Community Centre; they are having many other services that they offer to the public. So include in this small group that want to save the bus stop is myself, Jane , Mike (another intern) and Dianne the Executive Director of the PCC. Like I said we are very small.

The bus stop across the street from us is vitally important because many of our community members that wish to use services PCC, rely on bus transportation to get them there. We have been petitioning and doing surveys for about 2 months now, and after our input session with community members and the bus authority, other surrounding service agency and council men and women: the Kalamazoo County Transit Authority ( a board member of about 50 people in charge of making bus decisions) have agreed to hold more public hearings! This is great because a BIG issue during the Input session was that the people felt KCTA was not letting the people (taxpayers) know what was going on and felt that those in charge was going behind their backs. So all in all input session did leave an impression.'

I have provided tips to assist them, copied Debbie in and so far they have appreciated the tips provided so far. It appears that although we think that reduction of bus services and or bus stops may be in our front yard it is also an international problem and could be wide spread - I hope that this is not because the 'Global economic downturn in stock shares and financial markets! If so, this is inexcusable! You do not have a society when there there is a general trend to population growth and transport infrastructure is heading the opposite direction to population growth ( negative)!

Thank to Western Michigan USA it is great we are working together in different parts of the world for the same cause - there maybe other parts of the work feeling the same!!!!

Gasmata Resident Wants Bus Stop Moved

2010-06-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

A lady Whalan resident would like the bus stop on Luxford Road travelling north to Tregear to be moved to the top of Gasmata Crescent and Luxford Roads for convenience. The current bus stop is incovenientlty placed opposite Banaro Avenue and is right next to the underpass that is smelly with urine, broken glass and not well lit at night. There is a fear of going through the underpass tunnel.

The resident advised me if our group could assist her. Although our group is not a bus stop issue group - bus stops are part of new and old bus services thus we will try to assist members of the community the way we can through Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson, Blacktown City Council. We will advise you once we receive further feed back from Councillor Jacqueline!

WESTERN SYDNEY 2030 - More Transport Feedback3

2010-06-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here's an acticle from Western Sydney 2030 dated 9/6/10 from 'rd'

Where are the 'planners' who actually understand how a city works? Those who understand why we need frequent public transport? Those who understand how and why the linkages we need to work. It seems that a Shalvey student, Blake, featured in a local newspaper has good ideas. Have these been put forward here?

Choice is the word - let those who want to cycle, cycle, drive, drive, walk , walk or catch a bus, catch a bus. But there needs to be choices of modes available to where we want to go. And when it is Bus/Light Rail/Train, it needs to be more frequent, as it is competing with the car in attractiveness as a choice.

My comments: Interest for Blake is being has been rising and there is many reasons the community may use buses over other modes of transport s from perosnal to no other choice - whatver the reason we need to support our community for what they want - we may not make everyone happy but we will make the majority of the community happy!

Tregear Community Member Walks More Than A Mile

2010-06-09T02:18:00.000-07:00

Today I have heard of lady community member that since the last time table change has been walking in the early hours of the morning from Tregear to Mount Druitt to reach trains as the old 755 bus service doesn't cater for her anymore as it it used too around 4am in the morning.

This is a fine example of bus operaters and NSW Transport Ministry of Transport and the New Honorary Minister of Transport Mr. John Robertson can do to assist our community and restore the integrity of each persons value of transport infrastructure within and around Mount Druitt.

Confidence will have to be rebuilt to bring back the reputation of NSW Government knows it has lost with transport issues around Mount Druitt. When you tear out an artery from the community how do you repair it?

Mount Druitt Rats Running Running Around

2010-06-09T01:51:00.000-07:00

Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson from Blacktown City Council seems to action any request as quick as possible.

I have know Jacqueline since end of last year and have found her to be a 'Community-At-Heart Person'. How do you describe a person like this is not hard to do. We all have different interpretations of what this means but to me it means someone working for the betterment of the community, not the individual issues as well as caring for your family. By doing so you do not place any personal grudge against others, act and be diplomatic towards all members of society. Respect what is told to you and respond with natural courtesy and understanding of general reactions. Show ideas and detailed responses.

Anyway back to the issue i was going to advise you, about 2 weeks ago one common Whalan community member advised me that behind the Mount Druitt long Bus Shelters (Busways), where the grass reeds where, she reported to me that she had sight late into the night hundreds of rats running around that area. I asked her how much she thought she had seen she thought it was around 200-300 rats. I advised I would report this to Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson from Blacktown City Council.

What has amazed me is that when I asked for something to be looked at by Jacqueline, within a short space of time she has looked into, got a report or resolved the issue. I have just received an e-mail from Jacqueline today regarding the hundreds of rats, 'Council is laying baits for the rats and I am told they are baits that only kill rodents.'

I shall inform the community when I see her next!

Blake's Way Ahead!

2010-06-06T04:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a public showing of 'Blake's Way' and although we had approximately 30 members of the public attend, we had enough seating.

The overall feeling was that it was a great overhaul of our current bus transport infrastructure around Mount Druitt making it better. Although we had assistance from Hoyts Management, Western Sydney Public Transport Group, Mount Druitt - St Marys Standard, St Marys- Mount Druitt Star a lot of the general public didn't come and that can be caused by 2 main factors - we didn't publicise "Blake]s Way!' to the general public with flyer's handed out or delivered to the community. We were basing it on e-mail sent - word of mouth and Local papers.

I take full responsibility for that and have learnt if we have something similar again we will try to notify the local public though other means of notification.

In relation to 'Blake's Way', we will further promote his new bus services direct to the new Minister of Transport. We met afterwards as a group meeting and we have ideas as to how we can do this. We will advise further!

Blake is our 'Jessica Watson'

2010-06-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

We are in the final stages of Blake's way' to be shown to the general public. The community that will open it's eyes to such a wonderful boy who will provide his genious ideas for open discussion.

It will start at 8.30am for 9am start sharp at Hoyts Cinema's mount Druitt, onn the 5thn June 2010.

To me, you will see how Blake is in a way our 'Jessica Watson' slthough we have no high seas to tackle by oursleves. Just a young brilliant person - community natured -looking after community that needs proper realistic services that will take people to their destination on time!

Hardship Is Still Occuring Within Mount Druitt With Buses

2010-05-29T04:38:00.000-07:00

There is one community memeber who has travelled for years from around Gasmatta Crescent area to by bus Mount DRuitt train station to Parramatta and to work from there.

Now she has to taxi in from home to Mount Druitt train station to parramatta nd then taxi to work and the return is the same for 5 days a week work - although I have met her through a another commuter she was too stressed out and embarrassed to talk about>She is now thinking of leaving her work - I thought we as a country as a state and as a Mount Druittan are to be promoted with better services to get us to work. We should not struggle to get to our destinations. Government should provide services at a reasonable cost to the community so that people can reach their destinations with much ease! She is not happy with the new Gasmatta service!