WEAB Response For Wilmot Early Buses

We provide a copy of e-mail sent to Jacqueline Donaldson regarding issues raise regarding early bus services leaving Wilmott, from WEAB.


From: WEAB spokesperson

To: Jacqueline.Donaldson@blacktown.nsw.gov.au

Subject: Re: WEAB Meeting Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 20:50:55 +1000

Hello Jackie, The only complaint I have received about the buses is the fact that sometimes they come as much as 10-15 minutes early, which isa big NO-NO and one thousand times worse than being late. I tell people to keep ringing the 131500 number to lodge complaintsso, presumably they are doing that. There is a bit of an issue that they don't go into Discovery Avenue anymore, so the shops, cyber cafe,HealthOne Clinic etc. are at a disadvantage as are the elderly who live in that precinct. I have a notion though, that the people who live on or close to Palmyra Avenue are happy that the bus now passes them. But I am not overwhelmed with complaints from anyone exceptingthe running early issue.....

Kind regards,
Spokesperson
WEAB.

NB: WEAB = Willmot Estate Advisory Board

Blackton City Council Has Details Of Bus Routes And Bus Stops Around Plumpton- Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson To Report To Us

We have received a letter from Blacktown Council stating they have received a letter from Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson on our behalf in relation for bus routes and bus stop improvements in the Plumpton area.

Generally Busways are responsible for any bus route and bus stop investigation, accordingly our suggestions have been referred to Busways for their investigation. and reply to us directly.


Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson will report to us at our group meeting of 10th April 2010.

Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson Supports Us At Blacktown City Council

Although group members Debbie ( Hon. Secretary and represents Shalvey) Janet (representing Bidwill) and myself attended Blacktown City Council meeting last night to support Bidwill and other suburbs for buses. Tonight I was the only community member that spoke on behalf of our group and also the entire Blacktown Community.

On the Trafiic Agenda Busways representative has recommended a new bus stop on the corner of Sedgman Crecent and Luxford Road and the other issue was Gasmata Traffic conditions:

After inspection council approval of a median island in Gasmata Crescent at its approach to Luxford Road has previously been approved by Council and is funded in the current Works Improvement programme. The median will improve traffic conditions by channelising the vehicles on a right angle to Luxford Road. Additionally it also will prevent vehicles cutting corners when turning from Luxford Road. Recommendations of Gasmata Crescent and Luxford Road intersection meets safe distance requirements and the traffic conditions will be reassessed once the median island is constructed.Council claims that RTA would provide a low priority for the intersection : 2 recorded accidents 23/3/07 and 9/8/2008 only injury occured.

We have received an e-mail from Jacqueline Donaldson confirming her sole support for our group:

Hi John I have put in Councillor requests on all the matters raised at the meeting last Saturday and moved the motion that urgent deputation be made to the Bus companies and the Minister regarding reinstatement of the Bidwill bus and at least over Easter period.

We thank you for your continual support.‏

Blacktown City Council Regarding Re-Introduction Of Bus Service On Gasmata Crescent

I have tonight received a letter from the Senior Traffic management Officer of Blacktown City Council advising that 'The matte of the bus routes and bus services is under the care and control of NSW Transport And Infrastructure and will forward the matter to the authority for its investigation and appropriate response to us direct. Council has requested for a copy of the Authority's response.'

This should confirm to Allan Shearan that the Gasmata Crescent Bus has not been approved to run as yet and even on the 23/2/10!

Blacktown City Council Notes For Gasmata Crescent

We provide you with the transcripts courteousy from the Black Topwn Ciuty Council - Business Arising:

File 56-1447-2

Cr Donaldson:
Through you Mr. Mayor, could I get advice from Council officers about the right-hand turn from Gasmata Crescent into Luxford Road.

Mayor:
Do you want to ask for a report.

Cr Donaldson:
Yes Mr Mayor, can I ask for a report on that right-hand turn and anything else that can be done to alleviate the problem at that intersection.

Mayor: this can be referred to the Local Traffic Committee.

Cr Donaldson: Thank You.

Notice of Motion For Gasmata Crescent and Luxford Road (South) Whalan

Tonight was my first time attending Blacktown City Council meeting. One thing I found good is that the public is given a chance to speak before the chair and meeting to be heard.

You have to sign the documentation before 6.30pm on the night of the Ordiunary Council Meeting. When I spoke, I introduced our group and gave quite a brief summary of how we started, what we had achieved and what we were doing there at Council. That we were here to support call for a report to examine the corner and to request traffic lights if necessary Gasmata Crescent and Luxford Road (South) Whalan. The mayor referred it to the Traffic Committee - that means next time but they are looking into it. his was raised in Blacktown City Council meeting by Councillor Jacqueline Donladson.

Manifold Road and Middleton Crescent had been notified to Blacktown City Council, through traffic Committee Meeting held 19th February 2010. Council has found 6 passable sites for bus stops - letters have been delivered to the concerned residents - then there would a community consultation - mr Grady said he would door-knock on Friday. Bus stops not requiring consultant ion will be approved,

A Blackton City Council officer, advised us, Council has done a survey and that the visual view for buses because of their height is not a problem as far as they are concerned.

Blacktown City Council Meeting - Re Gasmata Safety Issue For 674

Anyone who is interested in the Gasmata Crescent and Luxford Road Safety Issue, can attend the Ordinary Meeting of Blackthorn City Council, 7pm, Wednesday, 24th February , 62 Flushcombe Road, Blacktown.

So far Debbie and Joan from our group will be attending! Let's see what Council says about the issue? Can the Blacktown City Council support community members safety issues, which will then support Westbus bus drivers safety. After all, we are looking at safety for all. Let's cut the red tape and make it easy for livelihood of the community and bus drivers.

Can Blacktown City Council also provide a community development program to promote the non-violence of rock throwing. Can rock-throwing fines signs be placed up to scare the culprits that ruin it for the hundreds and sometimes thousands of others?

Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson Checks Our Traffic Enquiry And Makes Recommendation for Gasmata Residents

We have received an e-mail from Jacqueline Donaldson regarding Gasmata Crescent Safety Issue

Re: SOBS‏
From: Jacqueline Donaldson (Jacqueline.Donaldson@blacktown.nsw.gov.au)
Sent: Sunday, 21 February 2010 9:08:37 AM
To: sobs_mtdruittasa@hotmail.com

Hi John I spoke to the Council officer responsible for traffic issues and the Gasmata issue is before council next Wednesday.I will ask that it go back to the officers to examine and recommend that traffic lights be installed. And I found
out that there has never been an accident on that corner

Jacqueline Donaldson

This is a great support from the one Local councillor from Blacktown City Council that has kept in touch and is supporting us. Westbus don't realise that if they don't want to work with us and the community the community will seek ways to get this done.

Councillor Appreciates Update We Provide

This is where we say that there has been one Blacktown City Councillor, response to e-mails and providing support. One out of fifteen councillors great effort from the Council.

Jacqueline Donaldson has thanked us for keeping her up to date.

WE appreciate her comments and support. At least one member of Blacktown City Council is supportive of our group!

Mayor Of Blacktown Claims He Has Made Submissions To Minister Of Transport And Infrastructure

Last night I met the Mayor of Blacktown, Charlie Lowles, after a quite a few months of talking to him about the buses issue started. I remember that day I went to mass on a Sunday at Holy Family Emerton and made sure I spoke to him after the mass. I had met him before on happier occasions and had always respected hum. His advice was to give all petitions to Allan Shearan and Richard Amery straight away! The longer we delay it the longer it takes to have it resolved.

We gave the first lot of Petitions (approximately) 670 to Allan Shearan, on the 7/11/2009 - we believe these were handed over to the Minister of Transport shortly afterwards. We handed the rest of petitions on meeting the Minister of Transport

Anyway, Charlie advised that he has made submissions on behalf of the Blacktown City Council to the Minister of Transport. Yes this was done but as Debbie Roberton reported before there was on 2 submissions regarding Mount Druitt. We discovered a lot areas that were affected - as per previous story. The only comment we could say was hardly had a support phone call to us from the Mayor of Blacktown City Council. Not like other Councillors on other councils!

Where is the Local Councillors Support - Other Councils Support Their Community

As I sit down thinking of what got us where we are today. I suddenly realise that what Sandra said on 2UE when she interviewed me was correct, we are 'People power' - this is because we haven't got power from all the Blacktown Local Councillors.

We have had one councillor (Jacqueline Donaldson) turn up to our first community meeting out of fifteen councillors from Blacktown council. Our mayor has not been seen at any of our meetings - So you can see what is happening - Now look at another Council (neighbouring one) Holroyd Council - their council actually is concerned of their community members and you will find the link to their website that supports their community.This happened before the buses were going to be ripped out of their suburbs.

This is their website:
http://www.holroyd.nsw.gov.au/your_council/news_public_comment/news/2009/save_our_buses_-_before_they_are_gone!

My point is that the overwhelming majority of councillors have not contacted us and offered their support. I thought that was councillors were there for you - I thought they would fight for the people rather than let the people fight the government. I rhought that the council would have supported the local community with ensuring that buses are not removed from Blacktown City Council Boundaries - other council's provide instant support like Holroyd Council. Blacktown is a bit laid back 'Let the people 'fight' attitude.

I am not afraid to face up to these people and tell face to face (that is if you see them!). It seems like th Blacktown Councillors will show up when we have our big win and be part of the picture of glory!

Blacktown's trans[prt website is as follows:
http://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/our-city/access-around-the-city/public-transport.cfm

So next time you see a Blacktown Councillor ask how their support for us is going and in what way are they getting involved with us? Answer is 'Community Power' works!

Minutes of Transport Forums At Blacktown City Council Most Mount Druitt Issues, 'Comments Are Noted And Will Be Taken For Consideration' !

Although, we have highlighted many areas that are affected within Mount Druitt within Mount Druitt and surrounding suburbs, but what has been provided to you is parts taken from minutes of Transport Forums held at Blacktown City Council from 12th June 2008, 27th November 2008 and 23rd July 2009.

Here you will see that same issues currently raised by Mount Druitt community members are the same raised over 18 months ago and the comments made by the representative from the Ministry of Transport have mostly been, 'Comments are noted and will be taken for consideration'! While we accept the Governement has noted commentd what did ythe NSW Government consider, as there were no positive consideration(s) of decsion made towards the community memebers on any of these decsions. So what does the input of community members mean then?

We thank Debbie Robertosn, group member, whom has ask myself to notify all of you of these minutes! WE also thank Blacktowen City Council making these minutes available to Debbie - should you require the full minuteds from us please contact us and we will gladly supplied or contact Blacktown City Council on 9839 6000.

MINUTES OF TRANSPORT FORUM
Held 12 June 2008
Committee Room 3, Blacktown City Council
MEETING NO. 32

Mr Watson advised that Parramatta Council receive a State Government grant to provide such a bus to provide access to the Parramatta Ferry, Leagues Club and Parramatta CBD.

Consultation includes seeking advice from the local MP’s before determining the proposed network.
• Operators must also seek Council approval for local road use and bus stop locations of new bus routes.

20 September 2007
Max Webber Function Room, Max Webber Library
MEETING NO. 29
Council should be aware that bus route / stop locations in bus region 1
may change in the coming year and that this should be considered
when selecting the location of new bus shelters.
Mr Svarc advised:
Page 5 of 10
􀂃 That this had considered when choosing the proposed new bus shelter
locations. New bus stop locations have been chosen following
consultation with bus companies Busways and Westbus/Hillsbus

Mr Watson advised:
Page 8 of 10
􀂃 He had heard of details for a proposed St Mary’s – Ropes Creek
via Willmot and Emerton as part of the review for region 1..

21 June 2007
Committee Room 3, Blacktown City Council
MEETING NO. 28
Some other Councils have started a scheme where Councils have purchased bicycles and then proceeded to hire out bicycles to the local community. This may be something that could also be considered by Council.
IV. Intersection of Carlisle Avenue and Luxford Road – Provision of a left turn deceleration lane and slip lane. (Proposed next financial year)

11 September 2008
Committee Room 3, Blacktown City Council
MEETING NO. 33
Mr Davies advised that the general philosophy of the [NSW Bus] review is to provide higher frequency of buses on bus route paths in accordance with demand.
This should read: “the general philosophy of the [NSW Bus] review is to provide higher frequency on fewer bus route paths in accordance with demand”.

MINUTES OF TRANSPORT FORUM
Held 27 November 2008 Nirimba Room, Blacktown City Council
MEETING NO. 34
New service design
A good bus service should be fast, frequent, direct, consistent and reliable. It needs to be multifunctional and help the community get to the places they need to go such as school, work, the shops etc. Transport should be integrated and operate as one network. Buses should link to major centres, pass through pick up points such as shopping centres and be able to converge onto roads where bus priority is provided.

Issue: Customer raised concerns that the region 4 ‘feedback’ form bus routes have been changed before and feedback has been received (ie. Route 794).
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that the ‘feedback’ form showed the proposed changes. Once feedback has been received the bus routes may change in accordance with the community response to the proposals.
Issue: Customer raised concerns that bus services do not run on time even under the current bus network. How is the Ministry of Transport going to implement on-time services in future? Further, trains between Parramatta and Mt Druitt run at ½ hour intervals, which do not link in with bus time tables.
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that the comments are noted and will be taken for consideration.
Issue: Customer raised concerns that bus services will be withdrawn from Chestnut Crescent under the proposed network review.
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that the comments are noted and will be taken for consideration.
Issue: Customer raised concerns that bus route 755 will be withdrawn from Whalan and that catching a bus from Luxford Road would be difficult for elderly people to walk that far.
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that the comments are noted and will be taken for consideration.
Issue: Customer raised concerns about bus routes which are proposed to terminate at Plumpton. In particular, residents from Marsden Park are concerned that the services will terminate at Plumpton, as there are no good reason that bus routes should terminate at Plumpton. Bus services should terminate at Mt Druitt.
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that the comments are noted and will be taken for consideration.
Issue: Customer asked if there would be a change to the school bus route around Luxford Road, Tregear.
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that school bus routes will not be changed as part of the region 4 network review.

The 739 service was changed slightly due to safety issues with buses making the right turn from Frank Street onto Carlisle Avenue. Busways made the decision to change this to improve the safety of our passengers and the general public. Frank Street still has a bus services on a reduced frequency but this decision was not taken lightly and as a result, Busways has re-routed the 739V service to travel along Frank Street to provide a service to and from Mount Druitt interchange.

MINUTES OF TRANSPORT FORUM
Held 23 July 2009 Nirimba Room, Blacktown City Council
MEETING NO. 35 Growth Buses
§ ComfortDelGro Cabcharge will receive 102 new Growth Buses.
§ 50 will be put into our City Services = increase in frequency during peak times.
§ Also looking at making the 617 Service ALL DAY service.
§ 25 will be put into the T-Way Services = increase in frequency during peak times.
§ The rest will be injected into the local services over time.
Issue: Customer requested that the route 745 that goes from Shalvey to Mt Druitt, not terminate at Plumpton.
Response(s): Representative of the Ministry of Transport indicated that the comments are noted and will be taken for consideration.
Issue: Customer raised concerns about timetabling problems where buses and trains are not co-ordinated.
Response(s): Representative of Busways said that timetables will be co-ordinated with the roll out of the new Region 4 bus network.
Issue: Customer raised concerns about the lack of bus services on Popondetta Road, after 7pm.
Response(s): Representatives of Busways indicated that there is likely to be additional services once Region 4 is finalised. However, it was not known whether service frequencies would increase.
Issue: Customer requested that there be bus services provided from Woodcroft Shopping Centre to Doonside Station.
Response(s): Busway representatives indicated that there were no plans for such a service at this stage. However there will be a new service linking Mt Druitt to Blacktown via Hill End Road.
Issue: Will the bus service along Woodcroft Drive, to the shopping centre, be retained? Response(s):Representative of Busways said that there had been some talk about removing the 753 bus on Woodcroft Drive but that the final decision was not known at this stage.