Is This Great Customer Service - This Was Over 6 Years Ago At Blacktown City Train Station...

NSW Sydney Trains, Rachel at Blacktown Train Station was so cool, calm and collected when she had to announce trains delays due to a facility at Mount Druitt Train Station.


This was at night time, when commuters are generally rushing home. Delays going home, is not what they want.

A lot of people like to bag station staff and think their job is easy but in actual fact, their job may be difficult. This day, no matter what Rachel, she personally handled herself with such dignified respect for her role. Even, there was a gentleman who seemed quite rude and she most certainly handled that part exceptionally well.

Click here for Part 1 video


Click here for Part 2 video


How would you rate this customer service out of 10. 1 being Low and 10 being high

Major Sydney Train Services Changes on 26th November 2017 Time Table

So, as we have discovered with the new Sydney Trains time tables of 26th November 2017, that Express trains Services over 27 years has increased the amount of train stations by 6 in this period of time. That is one extra train just over every 4 years Click here for previous post.

Now the further disadvantages with the new time tables for 26th November 2017 are disable around the vestibule area of Mount Druitt train station, as follows:

So, this means for dome train stations there will be more waiting for interchange services.

One thing we must compliment the NSW Government is there are 15 minutes services on weekends, which has been overdue for a long time and according to a Sydney Trains spokesperson, there are 3 extra trains services morning and afternoon creating less overcrowding on trains, commuters are able to have  a better chance of reaching empty seats. It is good to hear this.

Solution To New Time Tables DE-Express Train Services....

So now you are wondering what is  the solution to the previous posts problem. It is something that I have been advocating for years and it has been falling on deaf ears.

It is something that former Labor Party Member of Penrith, Ron Mullock has also  been advocating for, prior to his death years ago.

It is something that is falling deaf on ears on NSW Transport Stake holders and hard for Blacktown City Council Transport Officers, to  act on when it is outside their Local Government Area.

It is such a simple solution to resolve and the job could be completed in less than a year, if the Stake holders pool their   monetary resources together, get the planning into projects and then, there would not be De-Express Train Services. It would allow more services to be injected into the City and also on the return journey home, as well. This will reduce the amount of trains station on the current Mount Druitt Express train to stop at and adding a proposed new express train service that could miss St Marys, Mount Druitt train stations heading straight to Rooty Hill, Doonside, Blacktown and Seven Hills, Parramatta and then City, as an additional express train service, catering for those commuters.

So the suggestion will present a cost to the NSW Government but as  all population grows, we cannot just expand and provide new rail infrastructure in certain growth areas and leave other growth areas not catered for. The cost , to my understanding would be as much as  the of providing the new North West and South Westh railway lines links.

 We have duplicated carriageways  all the way to St Marys train Station and from St Marys Train Station to Penrith and Emu Plains, there is a single line carriageway for each direction. So the simple solution is to duplicate the single carriageway right up to Emu Plains or if not direct to Penrith. There would little or none acquiring of  land use to provide the final product as there is ample land on each side of the single carriage way.

 I personally have requested this to beaded to the NSW Long Term Transport Master Plan 2030 and Blacktown City Council Integrated Transport Plan. So, it appears that it will nor happen unless more ears hear and understand how this can provide a positive affect in improvement of Sydney Train public transport improvements. If we sit down and read this post and do nothing and you are a stake holder, then then ignorance. Personally, I am not taking any credit for this solution, it would have to go to the Former Member of Penrith, Ron Mullock.

This is the view from East of St Marys Train Station (trains coming from Mount Druitt)

This is West of St Marys Train Station - - where you can see all railway carriage ways lines go into one (each way).

Click here for previous post

'Music To My Ears' but is it 'Music To Your Ears' Mount Druitt Train Station - Sydney Trains

Sydney Trains Management has recently been seeking ways in calming commuters, making their walking journeys entering and existing trains stations.

Not to sure if this will continue for ever and they seem to be following what Westfield Mount Druitt is doing by playing music, not only inside the shopping complex but externally. I was amazed and startled when I heard music piping out of speakers from  the vestibule ceilings the other night. Today they had an amplifier plugged into the Mount Druitt, Sydney Trains office.

I suppose if it is not heavy metal music or hard rock  music and the genre of the music is fairly modern for all to enjoy, that would be great. at Present it sounds like songs from 70-90's. Will they be playing classical, Christian music and will there be a children's version?  My guess the answer is no, no and no.

Click here for video on the Music at Mount Druitt train station

Sydney Trains Mount Druitt Pesticide Warning

There is a Public Notice  to warm Mount Druitt commuters that NSW Sydney Trains will be using a pesticide.Refer to below notification:

NSW Opal Top Up Ticketing Machines Can't Top Up - Mount Druitt Train Station

It is amazing that in recent years we had the launch by the NSW Government of the well known 'Opal Card Electronic Ticketing System' for NSW Sydney Trains commuters.

Obviously, it has its up and downs like many  new introduced technologies like job losses in production of paper tickets, train station ticket sellers, distance  ticketing pricing possible covercharge by Mount Druitt commuters based on distance charges, easier way to purchase Opal Cards, great customer service from Opal, easy replement of cards (if lost/misplaced), proper recordung of each commuter journey (vital for planning for the future of public transport and mostly importantly an easier way of checking if the commuter is fareinvading.

So, we can see in sumnary the 'Pros' and 'Cons'  for all commuters and stake
holders.

Now, we expose how when new technology doesn't work it upsets the system and no bacjing up by Nsw Sydney Trains staff anymore. I mean no ticket selling.

Yes there is Opal Card Ticket Selkers in Private businesses like major retailers, newsagents and Seven Eleven Stores.

Here is the inxident of Opal ticketing machines not able to handle dollar notes;
:

NSW Sydney Trains Poster Message At Mount Druitt Train Station

It is always good to promote good news that will ensure the safety of patrolling NSW Police Officers on  NSW Sydney Trains as they catch fare invaders, barrier jumpers and commuters with anti-social behaviours on all Sydney Trains.

 This also would  bring more positive evidence for matters that reach criminal courts against these parties.  The message is NSW Police will be wearing 'Body Worn Cameras', on all occasions. I just hope that they are always on and batteries do not run out  on them, if and when any incidents occur.

This also ensures better safety for all other commuters  as any behaviour against commuters that occur can be caught on camera, 'Big Brother is Watching'.

Sydney Trains Mount Druitt Train Station Has A New Inniative It is Using,,,, Umbrella Covers

Mount Druitt Sydney Trains Staff showcasing it

I was quite surprised when I had seen these umbrella covers, on both the Northern and Southern side of Mount Druitt Top Concourse at Mount Druitt Train Station. I have seen these at Westfield Shopping Centres at Mount Druitt and Parramatta and I think it is actually a great initiative that they are releasing to assist train commuters.

Although, I didn't need it today. I'm sure it will be handy to use in the future. It appears they are trying to prevent dripping or the shaking of umbrella's on steps, walkways, train station platform and even  on other commuters. My twofold issue is what happens to the plastic sleeves, will they not be dropped in bins after use and will this be introduced into our local bus services.

So this will be used on wet and rainy days. I  hope there is  security there and it doesn't get stolen. Mind you it would be noticeable if someone it carrying away!

Overcrowding Trains Admitted By NSW Government - NEW Services Missing Mount Druitt - Channel 9

Well it is good for the NSW Government to realize we are reaching in over capacity of over crowding trains, especially in peak hours.
This i has been reported to be in  many posts over the years, including overcrowding on train stations and vestibule areas,

So, is the NSW Government wanting to increase rail services but only from City to  Parramatta and miss the west and south west? That is what it sounds like. We applaud increase in rail services but we need  public transport funds to be spent in the right direction. 

Attending a  Blacktown City Council  Public Transport Forum number 41, I have year after year explaining that if money was spent to duplicate rail lines from St Marys to Emu Plains, there is that provision of allowing more trains and carriages to enter and  leave the NSW Sydney Trains network system. But we seem to want to clog up the rail network  first, before we think of the bigger picture.

So to announce further public transport train services is good, but to announce further public trains services but not to expand rail lines and not to duplicate lines is ridiculous. Especially, when this serves aas a more important role in  providing more efficient and reliable trains services.

The Channel news video reports on the struggle commuters face  currently on overcrowding but doesn't  touch on the necessity of   expanding current lines as previously discussed.


Blacktown City Council report on Public Transport Forum Number 41

Click for Channel Nine News Video

Western Sydney Trains Western Line - More Unairconditioned Trains - More Fare Discounts Required For Mount Druitt Commuters

Approximately 2 months ago, Dwayne from Mount Druitt was complaining about being a public  transport train user on the Western Line, traveling form the city  to Mount Druitt.

There was no sealed windows, with on board air-conditioning. There was  uncomfortable passengers, with sweat appearing on foreheads. hand and armpits.

Today, we have the same situation today,  same train reaching Mount Druitt, 4.48pm and  more commuters on train, with more feeling uncomfortable.

Dwayne has told myself, that he has seen train  services with air-conditioned  carriages in the front of the train and then non air-conditioned  on the behind carriages.

We were told by Sydney Trains experts that Western Sydney get trains like this when other carriages are in maintenance service.  So my question is twofold: Where are the spare air-conditioned  train carriages that be placed to replaced the  air-conditioned trains for maintenance service and does trains travel;ling to Eastern and Northern suburbs have the same replacement trains for air-conditioned trains being serviced?

In Western Sydney, Mount Druitt, we pay full fare and now I feel, our dares should be reduced and even given weekend fare-free weekends, like previously provided before last fare increase. We should take much more heat.

Let's hope, we don't get these silly excuses of other trains being serviced from NSW Government. They should plan ahead and prevent this happening.

If we talk bout the NSW Long Term  Transport Master Plan 2030,  which plans for public transport for 20 years in advance. This type of planning places us 20 years behind. We understand our local NSW State member  is right behind us here and we hope that  he drags this "hot" issue to NSW Parliament. Maybe, he can travel on the same train back to Mount  Druitt and feel how it is.

Click here for previous posts

State Member for Mount Druitt To The Rescue Of Un-Airconditioned Trains- The Heat Turns Up

Hon. Edmond Atalla, State Member for Mount Druitt has sent a letter, looking to see why we are  receiving - un air-conditioned trains in Western Sydney, Mount Druitt, on the Sydney Trains T1 line. This is especially, when fares have gone up dramatically after  8 trips, after the Opal Card was introduced.

The Free trips after 8 trips was a great concept to entice people to  move from private  transport into public transport, but the heads of NSW IPART didn't see that. The  "Free Fare Promotion", should have been maintained.

Maybe if offering other then First Class trains our fares should be reduced,no matter what the excuse is for offering 2nd class train carriages. I am happy that our local NSW State Member is raising this issue with NSW Parliament.

I have ask Dwayne from Mount to contact the  NSW State member and make his contact from there.

 Click here for previous post

Sydney Trains Transport Sign Has "No Sign" At North Parade, Mount Druitt

As we have new orange, white and black 'Notice Boards' at Mount Druitt Train Station, it is important that they do convey a message. A message that resembles importance and relevant information towards our Mount Druitt Community.

So why would a message be blank on one side and be a map of mount Druitt on the other side. What information is that sending. We recommend the Member for Mount Druitt, Councillor Edmond Atalla, investigate this matter and see what sign, should be on this sign, on North Parade, Mount Druitt, outside the lifts and stairs, through this post.

Further Info On Mysterious Interviewer At Mount Druitt Train Station - Was He A Scam?

So, serious concerns are being raised now after information provided to myself, by a Sydney Trains Mount Druitt spokesperson.

When I reflect on what I witnessed last week with the interviewer, what I was told by a Blacktown City Council Transport Spokesperson and finally, what I was told today, it is worrying me!

I was told today that 2 days before the male interviewer commenced his interviews/surveys on last Thursday week, he approached the Sydney Trains Mount Druitt spokesperson, showing a authentic/copy document from Blacktown City Council, allowing him to do interview.

This interviewer required and requested access to the below platforms and he was denied for 2 reasons: he refused to show his personal identification and Sydney Trains Mount Druitt, did not receive an email from their Head Office confirming any interviewer was coming from Blacktown City Council or from a private company. 

Once they are informed of these people doing interviews or  handing out leaflets, they have to proceed with an induction process, allowing them access to platforms. Emails are always received (Sent by Head Office) if interviewers or a campaign is on by Opal before the event.

I have also sighted the Mount Druitt Train Station diary and there was 'NO' entry of interviewer added in the book for that day- I was advised it was a new Duty Manager on that day and the Sydney Trains Mount Druitt spokesperson will discuss and investigate this matter further. They normally keep a copy of the documents from Opal or any other interviewers and so far no copies of these types, were sighted, from this myster.

The interviewer was only allowed to stay between Station Masters office and the electronic ticketing machine. 

After I advised that the interviewer was not representing Blacktown City Council, that I spoke to him  and was asking for commuters  under 49 years and requesting their phone numbers and names, the Sydney Trains Mount Druitt Spokesperson was shocked.


This is what is worrying myself, for the commuters that freely gave their details to this interviewer - the interviewer never gave a  business card or document explaining what the interview was about - all to me sounding suspicious. Added to this, is that the Blacktown City Council Transport Spokesperson advised his department knew nothing of any surveys they are conducting for under 50's, or on public transport.

I hope this is now further investigated and we get a response  from all relevant authorities for the benefit and to ensure that commuters provided details are not used for improper use.

Click here for previous post

Waratah Train Heigh Difference -Visual Photo - "Trains" Face Book Page!

Thanks to Lester Pasley, Secretary from the Mount Druitt Commuters Group, we provide a photo  confirming the height difference stepping on and off the 'Waratah Trains' on "Trains" Face Book Page.

If you have any issues please a comment on "Trains" Face Book Page, we would like to here from you.  Click here for "Trains" Face Book Page

To my understanding these carriages were made in China and I understand that all Sydney Train Stations have different platform heights. Announcements should be made to commuters whilst getting on board, "Watch your step"!

 Click here for previous post




 

Trauma Support For Railway Staff - As They Deal With Issues Every Day!

When we travels  on trains in our Sydney Railway network, we are most sublime to  the Railway staff that deal  with many difficult situations every day: new directions from Management that may affect their  job stress level, abuse from commuters, accidents and emergencies that require their assistance.

I know a majority of the Sydney Trains staff at Mount Druitt and  they are true blue human beings, like us. Their emotions are the same as ours, so should something negative happen in their working  environment, they may need to ensure that they are OK!

We have seen  how a post is the recent past here has portrayed an incident where abuse was made at a Mount Druitt  Sydney Trains Staff and next day, did not escape Police in charges being laid.

So having an application that you can upload on your mobile phone "Trauma Support", may make their lives healthier as they using this application. Check it out as I will notify the Mount Druitt railway staff this week about this application.


Click here Trauma Support Application!

Mount Druitt Future Trackwork For The Next Six Months - T1 Western Line!

Important for Commuters within and around Mount Druitt is planning and knowing when track work occurs, especially on weekends. When this happens buses replace trains and you will have to add time to your journey, depending where you are going 15 minutes or upwards.
  
You need to check the T1 Western Line for Mount Druitt train stations:
Click here for Sydney Trains Track work For The Next 6 months

A Sugestion To Improve 'Kiss And Ride Point" North Parade, Mount Druitt - Mount Druitt Community Member!

Time and time again we talk about areas of improvements required by community members. Yet when you know this  community member more than you know other community members, that you have met in your time at Mount Druitt, your talking to someone you can depend on, for great ideas.

Kiss And Ride Point, North Parade, North Mount Druitt

So, this Mount Druitt community member loves the  'Kiss and Ride Point', which she uses quite frequently over many years and suggests that as more and more community members use the 'Kiss  And Ride Point', especially in peak times, yet there is limited car space to actually use this, when completely used. So, alleviate any future issues as our community grows, she has suggested that the car spaces west of the North Parade downstairs lifts could be made into an extended pathway and  a 'Kiss And Ride Point' driving bay constructed, so that more commuters could be picked up or dropped of more conveniently  by cars driving into the bay. The removing of these car spaces is minimal and be replaced in due time with the future expansion (in due time) on the Mount Druitt Commuters Car Park.


A great small improvement, that could be taken up by  all public transport stake holders from Blacktown City Council, NSW Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Transport (Sydney Trains).

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.

Sydney Trains Need To Spell Correct Names Of Places -

For most of us, we don't normally check the electronic indicator board on platforms or outside barriers, and check for the spelling of places. The only time we would check these out is are if  notice our own train station suburb spelt incorrectly.

Picked up on the Parramatta Train Station electronic indicator board, by a professional educator, this makes you wonder who actually 'spell checks' on Sydney Trains?

Did you work it out? If not, see where it says, 'Mcqaurie Uni' it  should have been Macquarie Uni'.
Yes, I know it is a minor issue, but it is definately 'improper.
We hope that any State member of parliament will follow this through, as it was pick up originally at Chatswood, earlier  yesterday, but there was no time to take a photo!