Will There Be Less Weekend And Late Night Services On Next Time Table Reviews Coming Out

Last sunday a Busways bus driver told myself that Busways Management are reviewing real time travelling from Opal Card records, in  NSW Bus Region 1 and there is a possible chance that bus services in weekends will stop earlier than previously time tabled. Mostly like be stopping around 6pm as well as reduced bus services during the day and this may also be happening during weekday nights as well.

Thank God  for bus drivers able to speak out and voice their opinions on it.

I think this proposal is negative compared to the good news they share with us at what we receive at Black City Council Transport Forums, each year. Click here for last Blacktown City Council Public Transport Forum 2016

One thing that Busways may want to provide to the NSW Transport and Minister of Transport is a report on how many times the  Opal Card ticketing machine malfunctions on Busways buses and what do Busways bus drivers do to potential fare evaders.

Click here on Opal Card Machines not working on Busways Buses

Click on post ob Busways Fare Evaders compared to other regions

So before Busways discuss cutting down bus services in  NSW Bus Region, how about ensuring that Opal Electronic ticketing machine are working as if they  are not, they are not recording correct  commuter trips. This, I notice machine not working are mostly on weekends.

Western Sydney Commuters Will Get 250 More Trains Services With New Time Tables

Whilst the news is good that  there will be 250 more trains services out on the T1 Western Line and this will ease overcrowding on trains, I can see a few issues arising from this, as follows:

1. More pressure on Sydney Trains employees handling these services
2. More chaos will affect all of Sydney if one trains services is delayed or stopped
3. The duplication of the rail tracks between St Marys and Emu Plains has not been put into plan, which will clog up services on the greater west of the line as trains may queue up
4. That some services may have to change at Parramatta to get to the East, that will delay getting into the city and disrupts commuters comfort

I'm just wondering if all these have been thought out properly. It is great to come as a NSW Premier and NSW Transport Minister and made these announcements but really has there been a  rushed decision without thought. Don't get me wrong, I have been advocating for the duplication of rail lines between St Marys and Penrith since 2010 and in the NSW Long Term Transport  Masterplan 2030 .

The former deceased Member of Penrith, Ron Mulock was a lone State Member Advocate that shared the same views on this issue, when I was lucky one time to have a great discussion on it. Maybe it will not fall on deaf ears this time.

Click here for Sydney Morning Herald Story

Opal Senior/Pensioner Cards Costing More When Cards Are Lost /Missing - Lethbridge Park Community Member

Today, Jim a community member from Lethbridge Park I was speaking to, told of many pensioners that have issues with the Senior/Pensioner Opal Cards.

The issue is that too many pensioners that lose or are missing the Opal Cards, cannot get replacement Senior/Pensioner Opal Cards from authorised retailers. So when they catch local buses, the bus drivers charge full fare for the journey, until they receive the replacement Senior/Pensioner Opal Cards.

It is as easy as obtaining replaced Standard Adult Opal Cards, where replacement Opal Cards, can be issued at any authorised retailers. Otherwise, the system would be wrought with people obtaining Senior/Pensioner cards over the counters. This can take 3-7 days for the new replacement card to be received by mail. So, pensioners are in the mean time forced to pay full fare, when they are entitled to their discounted fares.

Jim suggested that the Senior/Pensioner Opal Cards, be issued at all Australian Post Offices an then the Pensioners can present their ID to confirm their identity, for releasing the replacement card. That would be a great way to ensure that pensioners/seniors are not waiting for days on end and will be paying the appropriate fare.

Even better, I thought with today's advanced technology, once a Senior/Pensioner Opal Card is reported lost/missing, then a soft copy could be emailed to the senior/pensioner customer, so that they can print it off as a 'hard copy' and it would have some sort of barcode or expiry date of 1 week. This will then  allow access to  use local buses and trains, until replacement Senior/Pensioner Card is received.

Jim thought my suggestion was brilliant. Although, I thought his idea was better. Jim advised he would visit his NSW State Member of Parliament tomorrow, to see what can be done.

Something needs to be done about this. We hope all stake holders, understand the issue here for Seniors/ Pensioners and look at a resolution to this issue. If you know  someone that has had the same issue let us know.



A form of ID (Identification) w

So....If NSW Government Surplus in Annual Budget 2016-2017...Then Why Did NSW IPART Increase Public Fares? Is That Fair?

As I thought thought this, it occurred to me that whilst I applaud the surplus spending on new trains for Sydney trains,  I need to question another aspect of public transport that worries me.

Even though I understand the need for new public transport infrastructure and replacement of train carriages, why do NSW  public transport commuters have to suffer with train fares increases as suggested by IPART as from 1st July 2016?  Is that Fair?

This is something I would like our NSW State Member, Edmond Atalla, ' jump on the bandwagon' with and voice our thoughts on behalf the community. A  government  as it does it's budget can direct how they increase fares/retain fares and spend the surplus. Promoting public transport by maintaining fares, while interest rates are low is a fairer way of dealing with this!



Click here for nine news summary on NSW Budget 2016-2017 

Click here for NSW Budget 2016-2017



Click here for last post on NSW IPART Fare Increases

My Response to THE NSW Transport Minister, Mr. Andrew Constance, response to NSW IPART's Unfair Fare Increases!

Dear Mr Andrew Constance,

I have been dealing with the past public transport issues within and around Mount Druitt with former NSW Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian and now write to you about a concerning 50 percent price increase on over 8 trips per week (when offered free from  the previous NSW Transport Minister) and nearly 50% increase in Opal Gold card fares - which IPART suggest should only be 4.2% increase.This  increase will hurt the needy and poor in our area as well as our hard workers try to save or pay off mortgages.

Furthermore there could a  major loss of voters from your party from the last election, in electorates within and surrounding Mount Druitt State Electorates. We understand IPART does not want tax payers to subsidies further into public transport but by shifting the cost payment to commuters, this may have a detrimental affect of  how people perceive the current NSW Government in relation to providing a cost effective public transport in the area.

We still do not have early morning and late night bus services in weekends and I have been advocating for years, so why should fares increase for the people of Mount Druitt and surrounding areas?

I ask the government to reconsider the IPART recommendation, before rubber stamping the huge price increase and I also wait for your important feed back. Please refer to my post on my local community website: http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/so-ipart-recommend-to-increase-public.html

Kind regards

John Svoboda

This  has been sent electronically by email to the NSW Transport Minister.  I have also seek support from local NSW Members of Parliament t o review IPART's  recommendation, before accepting it!

Click here to previous post 

Height Difference with Waratah Trains To Platform - Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc.

Do do you have difficulty stepping on/off Waratah Trains, within the Sydney Trains area? Did you realise that there is a height difference on these trains?

Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc. are  advocating for warning signs, announces on stations and by guards. Now they are response from NSW Minister of Transport, after raising it with  former NSW Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Ray Williams. This letter has been sent to our local State Member of NSW Parliament for Mount Druitt, Hon. Edmond Atalla.


Click here for link to letter to Hon. Edmond Atecoalla

I also recommend that the same letter be sent to NSW State of Member of Londonderry as well, Hon. Prue car as well.

NSW Transport Ministers Response To Accessible Buses In Region 1 - Hon. Edmond Atralla - NSW Member Of Mount Druitt!

It is great to hear that our number one community advocate and NSW State Member for Mount Druitt Hon. Edmond Atalla, is charging forward, with  improvements in public transport accessible buses. He has done his job and referred to the NSW Minister of Transport, Hon. Andrew Constance.

While  I respect both of their offices, I question the response from the NSW Minister of Transport on that he understands..... it is not confirmed.  Busways says they are complying to 55% and the Ministers understands that Busways has 61% - yet we are called 'Outer Sydney' - So 'Inner Sydney' appears to be a preference as per previous NSW Government Sydney Bus documents Click here for inner Sydney 86% wheel chair accessible buses 

If you go to quarterly performances - September 2015 from Sydney Buses page 86.9% are wheel chair accessible - this confirms that we are right behind the times compared to these bus regions. We are considered outer Sydney, yet Bus Region 1 is part of Sydney's bus region. We are definitely part of Sydney's bus network within Western Sydney, we no not say that North of Sydney is outer Sydney, so the same should  be  said of us. Outer Sydney west would be the Blue Mountains.....

All NSW bus Regions within Sydney (which includes Bus Region 1), should be equally provided with the same  ratio of accessible bus, same as other bus regions.

I take point where the Minister suggests that  I contact 131500 - I had done  that on a previous blog and got a bureaucratic response from Busways which did not address the issue. If  previous blogs were read this would have been picked up.* It needed a Minister of Transport response and our State Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla got it. Well done!

And Still the issue remains! I'm sure this will still be discussed in NSW Parliament!


Response from 131501 inquiry

 Previous post

Rubbish And Recycling Combined Bins Required At Mount Druitt Train Station

I'm sure that this article will make 'Greenies' Happy! Actually, I'm sure there is a bit of  'green-natured love' in all of us.

Spotted at Parramatta Train Station the last few day a new rubbish bin that  has been placed on each platform. The beaut idea is definitely required  to bring a conscientious attitude towards a better improved public transport  train station. I would even suggest that all State Politicians in and around Mount Druitt advocate for these bins for Mount Druitt, Rooty Hill and St Marys train stations and bus interchanges and request the new NSW Minister of Transport, Mr Andrew Constance to support much needed improvements within our area.

What Sign Is Needed At Mount Druitt Train Station!

This sign I spotted in a hidden spotted at Parramatta Train Station is required on every column on every platform at Mount Druitt train station, in view of every commuter, so they are aware of laws preventing future fines.

This is obviously a NSW State issue and we recommend the new State Member of Mount Druitt. Hon. Edmond Atalla, investigate this matter with the new NSW Minister of Transport, Hon. Andrew Constance.

I apologise that the post is blocking part of it!

NSW Minister Of Health Annoucement At Mount Druitt Hospital Today - Possible Buses Back to Hospital!

 Sometimes it takes years before we start hearing further improvements and progress with improvements within the Community. In an area that has had slow progress in the twenty-five years that I have lived, within 2 suburbs of Mount Druitt, yet has had rapid population growth. 

Since I had taken for the community, with the passion of the community in my heart, things are changing, stake holders are listening and politicians are not taken for granted. Like everyone else within the community Mount Druitt is not only, one way traffic for politicians, it is like an expansion of a major multiple road lanes, we welcome many politicians coming from different directions, to stand up and show passionately how they would work for the community, if elected.

We have had a NSW Liberal Premier in Mount Druitt, We have had the NSW Liberal Minister of Police and Emergency Services and today a NSW Liberal Health Minister at Mount Druitt Hospital  today and this is her announcement with the NSW Liberal Candidate for Mount Druitt.

From Jillian Skinner MP Face book Page  click here for link

6 hrs ·

A re-elected Baird Government will allocate $20.42million to further redevelop Mt Druitt Hospital to include fit-out and commissioning of an additional operating theatre, a drug centre for opiate treatment program, a new MRI machine and a new12-chair Community Renal Dialysis a Centre.
I was joined by Liberal candidate for Mt Druitt, Olivia Lloyd as we talked to some of the wonderful volunteers who support the hospital.
Pictured here with Emily and Margaret among volunteers who run the kiosk as well as a well stocked gift shop.

I have heard also that NSW Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, if elected, will be discussing with the NSW Minister of transport, Gladys Berejiklian in relation to getting a bus service back to Mount Druitt Hospital grounds.

They should also refer to Blacktown City Council that passed a motion for a bus service into Blacktown Hospital rerouted from a current bus route, late last year.

Click here for Council's details on bus service to hospital! 

Rooty Hill Train Station - Lifts Upgrade The Political Field

One major political issue that came out from the Community Forum on 'Meet The Candidates for State Seat of Mount Druitt' , held on the 5th March 2015, by the Mount Druitt- St Marys Standard on the public transport in relation to all candidates is the
Rooty Hill train station upgrade of Lifts. There was a 100% passion for this improvement from the candidates of all Parties: Liberals,  Labor, Greens and Christian Democrats. Maybe Australian Government could have taken notice to a universal decision at the forum.

Click here for 'Meet The Candidates' for State Seat Of Mount Druitt

A lot of people, who know myself know that if something  is wanted and needed by all, I will study, research history public  to be self-educated and I am not scared  to publicise, to our local community and the wider world a better understanding of how and where we are on the political field, on this issue.

Click here: NSW Transport Minister, John Robertson - Doonside 23/7/2010 Letter (located in Google)

The important fact here is the second last paragraph, 'I am advised that Doonside Station is not presently considered a priority for an Easy Access upgrade. Blacktown and Mount Druitt stations are accessible stations on the Western line in close proximity to Doonside.'

In between Blacktown and Mount Druitt train stations there is 'Rooty Hill' and my gut feeling if Mr. Richard Amery. NSW Member of Mount Druitt did get a letter of response for the lifts upgrade at Rooty with the then Minister, my strong guess is the same paragraph would be used but the first suburb mentioned would be Rooty Hill and the last one Mount Druitt. That is, if he wrote to him then.

One of the first times I received advice from Mr. Richard Amery, about Rooty Hill upgrade of Lifts was a 'Press Release' sent to myself  on  20th December 2011:
Click here: Richard Amery's Press Release on Request For Rooty Hill Lifts Upgrade 20/12/2011

And then located in NSW Parliament in Hansard:
NSW Parliament: Richard Amery Private Members Statement Rooty Hill Train Station - 14/3/2013 

We also had Federal Member for Chifley, Mr. Ed Husic who has  been backing State Members of Mount Druitt and Blacktown and their constituents for upgrade of lifts at Doonside and Rooty Hill train station, an online poll. So far 35 agree to it:
Ed Husic's Online Petition For Rooty Hill Lifts Upgrade 35 so far! 



Sydney Trains confirming Rooty Hill train station is not wheelchair accessible

A great article from the St Marys - Mount Druitt Star getting more feedback from Richard Amery regarding upgrades required at Rooty Hill and community members:
St Marys -Mount Druitt Star 20/3/2015 


Previous Blog On Rooty Hill Train Station Lifts Upgrade

Now, this is from information researched and provided to myself from politicians. If there has been some advocating by Richard Amery, before 20th December 2011, he may have been doing from his heart but I just could not find it in my research. Maybe Mr. Amery can point myself in the right direction, before he retires.

Heading Home To Mount Druitt from Parramatta - Rock Thrower - What Cheeses Me Off!

On Friday afternoon, I was traveling home from Mount Druitt o Parramatta, when after  leaving Parramatta, a rock thrower near the North-West end  of Joseph Frank Park,  Doonside/Blacktown appeared to make a large noise by hitting the back top of the carriage I was in. Luckily, I was in front top and no one got injured. This cheeses me off!

Check out the crack/dent

In my personal opinion, we need to have police patrolling these areas as I do understand it is not the first time this has happened. I understand that you need to have numbers in the NSW Police force to do this but I also think the protection of endangering lives from young people that have no fear in endangering people's lives. I hope that t State Member of Mount Druitt will talk to his Blacktown State member counterpart and do something with co-operation of the NSW Minister Of Transport, placing politics aside.

NSW Minister Of Transport Asks For Feedback on NSW Government - Survey!

• Do you believe that supporting our schools and hospitals should be a priority?

  Yes, I agree with the Baird Government’s plan to increase education and health resources across the State No, I think our schools and hospitals have enough resources. Unsure
• Do you support making our transportation system more efficient and cost-effective through the newly released Opal Card?

  Yes, I think the Opal Card is easier to use and improves my commute. No, I think the old paper tickets were a better system. Unsure
• Do you support the Baird Government’s clear plan to unlock an additional $20 billion in infrastructure through a long-term lease of 49 per cent of the “poles and wires” network?

  Yes, we should use the money to improve services for infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals and regional NSW No, I don’t support these measures Unsure
• Do you support the Party’s plan to increase transparency within government and also to enhance regulation of lobbying through an independent regulator?

  Yes, I believe these measures will improve accountability within our government. No, I don’t support these measures Unsure
• Do you support the continued expansion and upgrades to the road network in both urban and regional NSW?

  Yes, I support the Baird Liberal Team’s plan to address congestion in Sydney and advance the WestConnex and the Northwest Rail Link projects. No, I don’t support the government’s plan Unsure
• Do you have any additional thoughts you’d like to share with Mike Baird and the Liberal Team? What matters most to you?
   
   
  I answered 'Yes' to all except the West Connex one - as I feel increasing by widening or implementation of new roads is choking  the Sydney road network and this has been happening for years. Why don't we have a 'Sydney Trains Connects' which links people to jobs efficiently via an an affordable public transport network system? This is just my question. 
  
  
  I thank the NSW Transport Minister for allowing myself to answer an important survey. I am waiting for the opposition questions  survey and if received, will respond to it as well!

Northwest Link Raillingl Link (Eventually To Mount Druitt) Commences Tunneling - NSW Government Moving Ahead!

Courteous of Hon. Member of  Hawkesbury, Mr. Ray Williams, NSW Parliamentary Secretary of Transport, we have been provided video footage of the huge boring tool being  used for tunneling on the North West Rail Link. This is a huge rail infrastructure that is commencing, after many years of talking about improvement, it is coming.

And as previously report it is coming to Mount Druitt, eventually. The current NSW Government current must be congratulated for taking on this great task and required Sydney Rail improvements. It shows that action speaks louder then words.


Click Here for North West Rail Link Tunnelling Commences

Click here for North West Options - Extension of North West Rail Link To Mount Druitt 

Opal Card Price Bands - Mount Druitt Misses Out On Lower Price Band by 11-6 Metres Reaching Parramatta Train Station!

I have personally made some investigations and made a discovery 

Mount Druitt (West) train station distance to Sydney

that due to the the Fare Bands Opal say is set by NSW for Transport. Yet when I ring up NSW for Transport, they say it is set up by Opal.

Click here for Opal Train Fares 

On the right there are picture of  Sydney Rail distances to 
Sydney from designated poles along the Railway Line. "SL"
stands for Sydney Line.

Mount Druitt (Middle) train station distance to Sydney

 I have taken 3 pictures from Mount Druitt Train Station and 2 from Parramatta Train Station. What is intriguing is the distance from Mount Druitt to Parramatta is within the 2 10-20 and 20-35 Km bands.

Mount Druitt (East) Train Station distance to Sydney

In fact, according to the fare bands where opal measured distances between Mount Druitt and Parramatta train stations as 20.7Kms.  Yet, the best I can do in working out the distances from these poles is 20.071 Kms, as you can plainly see: 43.304 - 23.23 = 20.071Kms

Parramatta (Middle) Train Station distance to Sydney

This means if the train stations were 71 metres closer to each other, then and only then would the fares of both Parramatta and Mount Druitt commuters would be in the lower fairer band.

Parramatta (East) Train Station distance to Sydney

Just for your information: where the Mount Druitt (Wesst) distance pole, is probably placed 10-15 metres from the East end of the platform. The Parramatta (East) distance pole, is probably based 30-40 metres, from the East end of the platform. That would then mean the distance is reduced 60-65 metres less leaving the distance 11-6 metres. How close are we to qualify for the lower band?

My guess is distances between train stations are measured end to end. That is west of platform to East of platform and visa versa?

What are your thoughts? Are the Opal Fares fair for Mount Druitt commuters traveling to and from Mount Druitt.

I Have Officially Used My Opal Card At Mount Druitt Train Station! - Some Issues To Be Fixed!

We talk about how difficult it is to possibly use the new Opal Electronic Ticketing System being introduced within this complex Sydney public transport network. So, it was exciting myself to use my first Opal Card, with so many questions asked and the complexity in just myself applying for the Opal Card!

I hope that the experience that I have gone through, no one goes through.
  
Firstly, I would like to the NSW Minister of Transport, Hon. M/s Gladys Berejiklian, former NSW Premier, Hon. Barry O'Farrell, NSW Parliamentary for Transport, Hon. Mr Ray Williams and the current NSW Premier, Hon. Mr Michael Baird, for bringing in this new electronic ticketing system to revolutionise the way commuters purchase and use ticketing for all journeys.


From there I found just to apply for an Opal Card, was completely pain staking and complete knock backs until of recent when I was advised of a way to apply and obtain my Opal Card. My dilemma was that I didn't have a debit or credit card to provide 'Opal' for the first application until I was informed by an Opal customer service officer made a suggestion. This was to purchase a throw away debit/Master Card at any Australian Post Office.Why wasn't this suggested to myself before. I have lost the benefits of savings for the reduction of train fares, since the Opal Card was released on the Western Line.

Now getting the Opal, later then earlier, wasn't the only issue that I found. When I received the 'Starter Pack' from Opal - did not supply a listing of fares and prices. They response was - they don't do it as they don't set the prices!

So when I got charged for my first trip, $4.70 - I got confused which fare I get charged. The distance that this website provided between Mount Druitt and Parramatta was 20Kms.  When you speak to Opal Customer Service Opal have worked out

the distance as 20.7Kms, which places my fare into the higher band of fares:

*Maximum per week is based on the following assumptions:

• Two journeys a day (one in each direction)
• Peak hour travel only starting between the hours of 7.00am-9.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm weekdays on the Sydney Trains network and between the hours of 6.00am-8.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm weekdays on the NSW TrainLink network
• The Weekly Travel Reward applies after 8 paid journeys in a week (from Monday to Sunday) – all subsequent journeys are free to customers
• The Daily Cap of $15.00 for Adult and $7.50 for Child/Youth per day applies

** Off-peak discount applies to travel by train only, outside the hours of 7.00am–9.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm weekdays (Sydney Trains network), or outside the hours of 6.00am-8.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm weekdays (NSW TrainLink network).
** A further off-peak discount of 30% (on full price Opal full fares) applies to all train journeys taken before or after the weekday morning and afternoon peaks, as well as all day on weekends and public holidays. This is if you tap on outside of 7.00am-9.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm on weekdays on the Sydney Trains network or outside outside of 6.00am-8.00am and 4.00pm-6.30pm on weekdays on the NSW TrainLink network i.e. at stations outside the Sydney Trains network.
^†† An airport station access fee applies at Sydney Domestic and International Airport stations.

How are Opal fares calculated for customers

Opal card vs MyTrain adult fares comparison

Fare distance band	Distance KM’s	Station to station examples	Card type	Opal single fare - peak	MyTrain single fare (peak)†	Opal off-peak	MyTrain Weekly†	Opal (8 journeys = Weekly Travel Reward)
Train 1	0-10	Bondi Junction to Central Chatswood to North Sydney Lidcombe to Parramatta	Adult	$3.30	$3.80	$2.31	$28.00	$26.40
			Child	$1.65	$1.90	$1.15	$14.00	$13.20
Train 2	10-20	Hurstville to Central Blacktown to Parramatta Bankstown to Central	Adult	$4.10	$4.60	$2.87	$35.00	$32.80
			Child	$2.05	$2.30	$1.43	$17.50	$16.40
Train 3	20-35	Parramatta to Central Hornsby to Central Liverpool to Central	Adult	$4.70	$5.20	$3.29	$41.00	$37.60
			Child	$2.35	$2.60	$1.64	$20.50	$18.80
Train 4	35-65	Richmond to Central Campbelltown to Central Emu Plains to Redfern	Adult	$6.30	$6.80	$4.41	$52.00	$50.40
			Child	$3.15	$3.40	$2.20	$26.00	$25.20
Train 5	65+	Gosford to Central Wollongong to Town Hall Katoomba to Central	Adult	$8.10	$8.60	$5.67	$61.00	$60.00*
			Child	$4.05	$4.30	$2.83	$30.50	$30.00*

* Caps at 4 x Daily Travel Cap of $15.00 for Adult and $7.50 for Child/Youth
based on 2 paid journeys or more per day to reach the Weekly Travel Reward. Excludes airport station access fee

I personally would like to see a mapping device provided by Opal to the community, showing us how they calculate the train distances between stations as per individual search!

Opal Card Improvements Required - Refered to The NSW Minister of Transport and NSW Transport Parliamentary Secretary

 I have recommended improvements with the launching of the Opal Card Electronic Ticketing System. Things that I fee are important especially for the elderly that may not understand the process of using the Opal Card. This e-mail was sent to the Minister of Transport's e-mail and then returned, so I have sent it as an electronic contact to the Minister of Transport. Here it is :

To: M/s Gladys Berejiklian,

NSW Minister of Transport,

CC: Mr. Ray Williams,

NSW Parliamentary Secretary of Transport,

Dear M/s Berejiklian,

I am John Svoboda a former public transport advocate for Western Sydney and Mount Druitt. I am an advocate for community improvements within Mount Druitt ( which it includes public transport) and my new website .is http://whyilovemountdruitt.blogspot.com.au/ .

Yesterday, I have just received my new Opal Electronic Ticket to be used on all forms of public transport. I have been promoting the Opal Card, as a great new public transport initiative that should have been introduced 10 years ago or more, people keep telling myself. I would like to make a couple suggestions, to your government, which could be great improvements for all commuters in NSW.

One of them is mostly for the elderly, who will be thinking that the fares may be more expensive and not understanding the process of applying for the Opal Card and use of, I think the NSW Government should have community meetings with Opal ( out Western Sydney) inviting the public to information sessions, in major business hubs, as well as ensuring bus drivers are handing out Opal Card pamphlets to each bus commuter that is not using an Opal Card.

Secondly, I was speaking to Russell from Opal tonight, he said he is the only Russell there. He was very polite and liked my idea that Opal trip details, providing journey statistics (Month after) be made available on th Opal or Transport for NSW website or both, similar to Transport for NSW visual barrier statistics http://visual.bts.nsw.gov.au/barrier/. And then the wider public as well as the NSW Government will be able to see the true picture of public trans and even sight new corridors  needed for public transport improvements!

Can we see more adds on TV for the Opal Cards - this could be a great idea as well!

I take this opportunity to thank you both for  viewing my e-mail and hope you make look at these improvements to assist the community. Thank you both for your great jobs and effort to run a smooth NSW State with public transport.

Yours sincerely,

John Svoboda

Bus Drivers Travel Cashless From Now On!

For many years there has been so much crime with attempted  robberies on bus drivers, life threatening situations and importantly health & safety issues, as well as mental after affects from these situations, drivers and commuters face.

While the NSW Minister of Transport made the announcement of 'Pre-Pay' or 'Cashless' buses starting as from 1st best June 2014, although it will change the life style of how commuters travel on buses, this will take a bit of getting used too.

In the long run, it will reduce crime rate and make bus drivers focus, more on the job - which is really what they are paid to do!

 I have advised letter that NSW family and Community Services has sent our letter to all pensioners, providing them with retail outlets where tickets can be purchased at $2.50 - purchase is minimum 10 tickets - with an indefinate date of usage.

Click Here For Previous Blog