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!!!!
Showing posts with label SOBS News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SOBS News. Show all posts
Friday, September 3, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Emerton Man Faces Court - MT Druitt Standard
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.
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.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Private Bus Drivers Get Self-Defence Classes For The Last 10 Years - MX News Newspaper
I found an article in the MxNews dated 26/8/10 as follows:
*Union Call
DEFENCE TRAINING ON BUSES:
The Transport Workers Union has called for all bus drivers to receive self defence training after a spate of violent incidents.
The union wants private bus drivers to get the same training as those in charge of public buses.
The call follows a series of projectile attacks on drivers in western Sydney.
Earlier this month a man also threatened the driver of a bus carrying school children with a 30cm knife in Bella Vista.
TWU State secretary Wayne Forno said government bus drivers had received self defence training for the past 10m years..
But he said private bus companies had failed to fund programs for drivers.
The majority of private operaters do not cover this in their training', Forno said.
'Ideally this training is implemented with one initial course and a regular refresher course, for example annually.'
State Transit Chief Executive Peter Rowley said all new drivers were provided with training and current drivers received refresher training every year.
'The incidence of violence against bus drivers has decreased over the past five years and the State Transit will continue programs and training to reduce this even further,' he said.
last Financial year there were 162 reported vernal and physical incidents on State Transit buses.
A spokesman for Transport Minister John Robertson said Transport NSW met regularly with the unions, industry and operaters to discuss safety and the Government was spending $10 million this year on cameras and alarms on private buses.
*************************************************************************************
I'm not against this what I am against is if transport NSW looks after the community and bus driver's interest for private bus operaters - why is there a policy separate for government-runned buses as opposed to privately run operaters? I mean why wasn't this done ten years ago with the private bus drivers. It appears that on this issue the bus operaters do not seem the drivers interest to heart - may be they should place finances aside and proceed with instant training.
On the negative part of it - how can a self defended bus driver prevent harm from a rock thrower? The rock-thrower is not using seen - he/she is obscure usually - once hit is send a shock wave to the driver and to the inside passengers!
*Union Call
DEFENCE TRAINING ON BUSES:
The Transport Workers Union has called for all bus drivers to receive self defence training after a spate of violent incidents.
The union wants private bus drivers to get the same training as those in charge of public buses.
The call follows a series of projectile attacks on drivers in western Sydney.
Earlier this month a man also threatened the driver of a bus carrying school children with a 30cm knife in Bella Vista.
TWU State secretary Wayne Forno said government bus drivers had received self defence training for the past 10m years..
But he said private bus companies had failed to fund programs for drivers.
The majority of private operaters do not cover this in their training', Forno said.
'Ideally this training is implemented with one initial course and a regular refresher course, for example annually.'
State Transit Chief Executive Peter Rowley said all new drivers were provided with training and current drivers received refresher training every year.
'The incidence of violence against bus drivers has decreased over the past five years and the State Transit will continue programs and training to reduce this even further,' he said.
last Financial year there were 162 reported vernal and physical incidents on State Transit buses.
A spokesman for Transport Minister John Robertson said Transport NSW met regularly with the unions, industry and operaters to discuss safety and the Government was spending $10 million this year on cameras and alarms on private buses.
*************************************************************************************
I'm not against this what I am against is if transport NSW looks after the community and bus driver's interest for private bus operaters - why is there a policy separate for government-runned buses as opposed to privately run operaters? I mean why wasn't this done ten years ago with the private bus drivers. It appears that on this issue the bus operaters do not seem the drivers interest to heart - may be they should place finances aside and proceed with instant training.
On the negative part of it - how can a self defended bus driver prevent harm from a rock thrower? The rock-thrower is not using seen - he/she is obscure usually - once hit is send a shock wave to the driver and to the inside passengers!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
We Are Relieved - Thanks To Bus Operaters - Rising Attacks Alarming
We are relieved that at present there are no bus service cuts being planned - although the rock throwing has affected both the Busways 755 & 758 Bus Services. We thank the Bus Operaters that they are placing the travelling community first in front of juvenile rock throwers - I pray that come the day they do not make a decision to remove services because of safety issue
Story from Susan Liu, 25/8/10;
buses will continue to operate as normal in the Mount Druitt area despite five separate attacks on buses in the last week.
The incidents include three attacks on two buses last Tuesday between 3.30am-4.30am on Popondetta road, Emerton.
The tow other attacks targetted the 758 service at 7pm on Friday, August 13, and last Monday near Whalan Shops.
Although there is anger amongst drivers, Busways marketing manager David Collins said there were no plans for a boycott by drivers or withdrawl of services from the area.
He said they had been meeting with affected people and groups including police and unions. 'We are working on a strategy which we will hope will eliminate further attacks', he said.
NSW Transport Workers Union state secretary Wayne Forno said attacks had escalated.
'Being a bus driver is dangerous job and kit's getting worse' he said last week.
'In the last five days we've had as many attack on buses as we had in a month.'
Mr Forno warned it was only a matter of time before passengers were injured in attacks.
'We encourage people to keep an eye on their neighbourhood and their bus service and if they see any threatening or violent activity to call the police', he said.
The 755 bus attacked at Popondetta Road was a service that local group Save Our Bus Services fought to bring back after it was removed last year.
Group Secretary deb Robertson said the attacks were 'deflating'.
'This kind of thing just blows it all in the air. the spate of attacks is not good. because of a few silly people, the community suffers.'
The buses have since being repaired
Story from Susan Liu, 25/8/10;
buses will continue to operate as normal in the Mount Druitt area despite five separate attacks on buses in the last week.
The incidents include three attacks on two buses last Tuesday between 3.30am-4.30am on Popondetta road, Emerton.
The tow other attacks targetted the 758 service at 7pm on Friday, August 13, and last Monday near Whalan Shops.
Although there is anger amongst drivers, Busways marketing manager David Collins said there were no plans for a boycott by drivers or withdrawl of services from the area.
He said they had been meeting with affected people and groups including police and unions. 'We are working on a strategy which we will hope will eliminate further attacks', he said.
NSW Transport Workers Union state secretary Wayne Forno said attacks had escalated.
'Being a bus driver is dangerous job and kit's getting worse' he said last week.
'In the last five days we've had as many attack on buses as we had in a month.'
Mr Forno warned it was only a matter of time before passengers were injured in attacks.
'We encourage people to keep an eye on their neighbourhood and their bus service and if they see any threatening or violent activity to call the police', he said.
The 755 bus attacked at Popondetta Road was a service that local group Save Our Bus Services fought to bring back after it was removed last year.
Group Secretary deb Robertson said the attacks were 'deflating'.
'This kind of thing just blows it all in the air. the spate of attacks is not good. because of a few silly people, the community suffers.'
The buses have since being repaired
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
ROCK THROWING ON TRAINS AT DOONSIDE - FROM THE BLACKTOWN SUN - 4/6/09
Although this is about incident on trains - I just want to point out the result of when young offenders are caught and what happens to them. What is not known is who pays for broken windows, compensation to passengers, train drivers and so on....
Rock throwing smashes train window near Doonside
04 Jun, 2009 03:53 PM
ROCKS thrown at a train between Doonside and Rooty Hill smashed a window yesterday afternoon, at about 2.45pm.
Police alleged three young people hurled the rocks from the M7 motorway.
No one was hurt, but police were contacted and rushed to the scene.
They later arrested a 14-year-old boy from Kellyville, a 14-year-old girl from Rooty Hill and a 12-year-old boy from Mount Druitt.
They were later officially cautioned under the Young Offenders Act.
Rock throwing smashes train window near Doonside
04 Jun, 2009 03:53 PM
ROCKS thrown at a train between Doonside and Rooty Hill smashed a window yesterday afternoon, at about 2.45pm.
Police alleged three young people hurled the rocks from the M7 motorway.
No one was hurt, but police were contacted and rushed to the scene.
They later arrested a 14-year-old boy from Kellyville, a 14-year-old girl from Rooty Hill and a 12-year-old boy from Mount Druitt.
They were later officially cautioned under the Young Offenders Act.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
ST Marys-Mt Druitt Star - Gasmata Tabled for Blacktown Council
Bus route change tabled for consideration
BY KYLIE STEVENS
13 Apr, 2010 09:34 AM
THE fate of a revised bus route to pick up Whalan commuters in Gasmata Crescent lies in the hands of Blacktown councillors.
They will vote on the proposed 674 route at tomorrow night's council meeting.
Westbus has proposed a revised route to include Gasmata Crescent whose residents have been stranded without a service since October.
If approved, the route will turn right into Gasmata Crescent from Luxford Road, before turning right into Moresby Crescent.
It will then turn right into Samarai Road, right into Luxford Road and continue to Mt Druitt.
If approved, the new route will start later this month on a six-month trial.
The Save Our Bus Services group met on Saturday to decide whether to support the proposal.
Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson attended as the group's view will decide how she votes.
Group spokeswoman Debbie Robertson said on Friday it was ``more than likely'' they would support the proposal but push for minor changes to the route.
Blacktown mayor Charlie Lowles will look at the proposal before making a decision.
``It's something I would consider if it has community support,'' he said.
Meanwhile, the NSW opposition has revealed more than 5200 train station lift breakdowns across the CityRail network in a two-year period.
St Marys was fifth worst station across the network for breakdowns with 188 incidents.
Mt Druitt railway station was ninth.
Passengers were trapped in the lift in 11 breakdown incidents at St Marys.
The Star reported in December that a faulty lift on the CBD side was out of action for a month, forcing the elderly and those with prams to use steep stairs to access the station.
``These breakdowns yet again highlight the state Labor government's failure to even get the basics right in public transport,'' opposition transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian said.
BY KYLIE STEVENS
13 Apr, 2010 09:34 AM
THE fate of a revised bus route to pick up Whalan commuters in Gasmata Crescent lies in the hands of Blacktown councillors.
They will vote on the proposed 674 route at tomorrow night's council meeting.
Westbus has proposed a revised route to include Gasmata Crescent whose residents have been stranded without a service since October.
If approved, the route will turn right into Gasmata Crescent from Luxford Road, before turning right into Moresby Crescent.
It will then turn right into Samarai Road, right into Luxford Road and continue to Mt Druitt.
If approved, the new route will start later this month on a six-month trial.
The Save Our Bus Services group met on Saturday to decide whether to support the proposal.
Councillor Jacqueline Donaldson attended as the group's view will decide how she votes.
Group spokeswoman Debbie Robertson said on Friday it was ``more than likely'' they would support the proposal but push for minor changes to the route.
Blacktown mayor Charlie Lowles will look at the proposal before making a decision.
``It's something I would consider if it has community support,'' he said.
Meanwhile, the NSW opposition has revealed more than 5200 train station lift breakdowns across the CityRail network in a two-year period.
St Marys was fifth worst station across the network for breakdowns with 188 incidents.
Mt Druitt railway station was ninth.
Passengers were trapped in the lift in 11 breakdown incidents at St Marys.
The Star reported in December that a faulty lift on the CBD side was out of action for a month, forcing the elderly and those with prams to use steep stairs to access the station.
``These breakdowns yet again highlight the state Labor government's failure to even get the basics right in public transport,'' opposition transport spokeswoman Gladys Berejiklian said.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Minister Tells Bidwill Residents To Walk During Easter!
After a news item on Channel Nine last night where community rewidents showed their anger and disgust on 4 days of no bus services on Easter Holidays - we had the Minister of Transport and Roads aprovide some healthy advice.,'Walk'!
He says there are bus services nearer to Chestnut Crescent to get. ,Maybe before making a comment like this walk the mile like me last Sunday - he is not interested in making life easier for the Bidwill community. Let them walk - some up to half an hour walk. Maybe he will be taking more walks himself nexr year!
He says there are bus services nearer to Chestnut Crescent to get. ,Maybe before making a comment like this walk the mile like me last Sunday - he is not interested in making life easier for the Bidwill community. Let them walk - some up to half an hour walk. Maybe he will be taking more walks himself nexr year!
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