De-Express Trains In Mount Druitt Are Not Real Express Trains Servcices - New Train Times Tables

Mount Druitt Sydney Trains commuters are gobsmacked / disgruntled with the added extra train station stations on the express trains services based on the released new train time table services of 26th November 2017, stopping in Mount Druitt.

New time tables of 26/11/2017 have added 3 extra trainon the the express journey: Rooty Hill, Doonside and Seven Hills, in early morning train peak services. This adds approximately 8 to 10 minutes on the previous time tables per service.

So, if commuters are catching trains from Mount Druitt 10 times a week (which includes return to home services), then at least an extra 80 to 100 minutes is added to travelling times of Mount Druitt commuters, per week.

What I have noticed that over the last 27 years, the NSW Government has added train stations with new time tables over this of this period of time. made the spread train at Mount Druitt to a Non-express train service. You can't fool me. Soon, we will end up with no express train services.

When I first caught express train services from Mount Druitt first stop  to City was Redfern and from Redfern was Mount Druitt. Now that is what I call 'Express Train Service.' Then a few years later Blacktown was added in. Following that, was Parramatta then Strathfield was added in later, and now 3 trains stations added on: Seven Hills, Doonside and Rooty Hill*.

We recently has a Blacktown City Council Public Transport Forum and NSW transport attended the meeting. They discussed about improvements and projects up and running but they do not discuss time tables and the affects or improvements of it. Maybe if  they could speak to our forum and explain the  change of time tables - we would be in a better stance to

I don't know why Transport NSW doesn't consult with the people living in the area of changes or is Members of Parliament, represent ing us as constituents, before introducing  these time tables and saying, 'like it or live it' attitude  The major Stations on this T1 Western line out West of Sydney are Penrith, St Marys, Mount Druitt, Blacktown.

I ask all  NSW State Members  to ask  the NSW Parliament on demand and ask why are Express trains Services becoming De-Express Train Services in Mount Druitt.

* Please note whilst I am discussing what has happened with  Express train services with the three new train stations added on, I am not unhappy they have been added on. It is because they have been added an Express Service to make it De-Express Service.

There is a solution and I will ask to refer to next post for the solution.

Rooty Hill Train Station Gets The Needed Upgrade - Former Christian Democratic Party Candidate For Mount Druitt - Joshua Green

Whilst we know that our local, state and federal politicians have been lobbying so hard for many a years for a lift upgrade at Rooty Hill Train Station by petitions,  question time in NSW Parliament talking to constituents or commuters and gaging what they want for the Station.

Commuter after commuter has been showing frustration in the past thinking that they are getting  nowhere with local politicians. It is funny as we had a guest from Sydney Trains who looks after the  upgrade of new train station infrastructure.

So, I van tell you from a Media Release from Joshua Green, former candidate for the State seat of Mount Druitt has been lobbying his Party colleague NSW MLC Representative, Paul Green and has achieved an a great improvement for our local community.

Click here for details of this from NSW transport Action Program

On behalf of Rooty Hill residents, I would like to thank his effort, in the last 2 years in working hard  in the background to help us get this wonderful achievement.

Click here for previous post

At this stage, I would like to 'Thank' former Hon. Member Richard Amery and current member for Mount Druitt, Hon. Edmond Atalla, Councillors Bali, Mayor of Mount Druitt and all former Blacktown City Councillors and current Councillors as well as Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic, NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian and her members of NSW Parliament as well and  NSW transport/ Sydney Trains.

Rooty Hill Commuter Car Park Asphalt & Resurface Upgrades 23rd January 2017

Whilst I had seen this sign at  just down the  sign of the  walk way ramp on North Rooty Hill, I then realised there is another improvement we could look at within the Rooty Hill commuting community for the future.

The sign indicates that there will be an asphalting and resurfacing of the Rooty Hill Commuter Car Park on the 23rd January 2017 between 8am and 6pm. The sign was also flapping loosely in the wind and was not secured on the walkway or properly positioned where commuters could  read it. That was one issue. In fact there weren't many signs around to notify many commuters.


Yet, the other improvement that could be made to alleviate traffic parking issues in Mount Druitt, slightly, as previously mentioned Click here for previous post
It is a simple one and I don't think many commuters have thought about it in Rooty Hill and that is to construct a multi-storey commuter car park to accommodate for commuters catching trains, possibly around the  capacity of 600 vehicles.

Let see if this sparks  a fe public transport stake holders, nodding heads,

More Tap On/Off Opal Electronic Machines Could Have Been Installed At Rooty Hill Train Station!

It was just a thought that came up to myself as I was waiting for a train at Rooty Hill train station. I don't think everyone has got an eye moving around looking for physical improvements within our area as I may do. Yes, I am sure there are times our community members have great suggestions for community improvements and they don't know how to get their voice across on it, to test it.

Luckily there is neighbours, friends and family that could be the first point of call to to tell them. From there, local newspapers, bloggers and the community is well informed by then.

So my suggestion would ease congestion of commuter traffic at Rooty Hill train station by having another tap/off Opal card electronic machines, on the right side of the poll as per below picture:

 
It would be situated just in front the drainage poll is, which can be moved back a bit or the electronic machines moved forward! What do you think? The more commuters tap on/off, the more commuters get to their destination quickly.
 

Mount Druitt Train Station Peak Time For Existing Train Station Suggestion!

Mark, A fellow former work colleague and Whalan community member has prompted myself to look at a quick and low cost effective way of resolving the overcrowding at Mount Druitt train station concourse, at peak pm times when going through barriers

Just talking to different people everyday an getting a better understanding of ways our great area can be improved, can make that small change leading to major improved changes to all the train commuters community.

So the quick improvement required is exactly what is at Rooty Hill station has, because of its set up.  That is the electronic ticketing machines that are on poles on the bottom of the steps, currently on the steps of each plat Rooty Hill platform.

Mount Druitt could have two  or of these pole on the left side and same on the right side of steps as well as  at the bottom of the two ramps as well. Additional to that could be these same poles at the  top of the stairs and the open gate (barrier) is free for commuters, that have already 'tapped' on  or off.

This would be a smaller cost for time being, until the Mount Druitt train station is upgraded with bigger and larger facilities and then cope with the amount of commuters reaching home all in one hit/time.

We  hope that Council Traffic/transport officers add this to their Integrated Transport Master Plan and that Councillors back this  improvement as well as the Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla refer this to the NSW Parliament and to the NSW Minister of Roads and Transport. We also ask for feedback from all stakeholders, of any progress.










Previous blogs

A Win For Rooty Hill Commuters - Train Station Upgrade - Who Claims The Prize! - Daily Telegraph News Local

One of the wins the from the NSW State Government is the Rooty Hill train station upgrade in a Labor held Mount Druitt State Seat, which is in planning stages, is a great news for the community.

Hard campaigners like the Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group inc, had lobbied to  NSW State Government and local government on many occasions and won the battle for the community, I know  as I was former twice elected President. We understand that one on the  improvement that the former NSW State Member for Mount Druitt, Mr. Richard Amery, and most of all candidates that for the Mount Druitt seat at the last State Election, held earlier this year, Olivia Lloyd, Brent Robinson, Edmond Atalla and Joshua Green.

I am sure that the newly elected NSW State Member of Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla  has been carrying the Rooty Hill Station upgrade flag and I feel that he thought it may not be done whilst under a NSW re-elected Government. That is how politics is! Politics aside people do matter!

Credit also goes to the thousands that signed petitions organised by former NSW Mount Druitt member, Richard Amery and by current Federal Member for Chifley, Mr. Ed Husic.

So in order of preference community of  Rooty Hill and surrounding suburbs and it's commuter needs to be congratulated first. Thanks to all that have have tirelessly given their time up for this cause.

Click for Rooty Hill Train Station upgrade

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.

Mount Druitt Is Top 31 Most Patronised Railway Stations in Sydney!

Lester Pasley, Secretary of the Mount Druitt Commuters Improvement Group Inc,  has compiled and provided the top 20 Most Patronised Railway Stations in Sydney:
Click here for the Top 20 Most Patronised Railway Stations in Sydney


Also Lester is  providing the following details on further Patronised Railway Stations on the T1 Western Line beyond ranking of 20:

"Mt Druitt ranks 31 with 7,550 passengers daily.

Penrith ranks 32 with 7,250 passengers daily

Seven Hills ranks 41 with 6,080 passengers daily.

St Marys ranks 56 with 4,270 passengers daily.

Rooty Hill ranks 70 with 3,440 passengers daily.

Doonside ranks 92 with 2,760 passengers daily.

Toongabbie ranks 113 with 2,110 passengers daily.

Rooty Hill, Doonside and Toongabbie have all had campaigns for lifts for some time but missed out in the last round because they sit in Labor held electorates i.e. Mt Druitt, Blacktown and Seven Hills.

Interestingly, Redfern which is the 6^th busiest station in the network with 23,360 passengers daily also missed out on lifts despite sitting in the marginal electorate of Newtown.  Redfern is the only station in the top 20 that does not have lifts.  With my leg injury, I found Redfern a challenge when I had to go there last Monday for a choir event.

I’ve linked a survey of Western Line stations that I’ve been working on for a few months."

It's funny, as when I am at Mount Druitt at part of the Peak  time periods - Monday to Friday and I would have thought without looking at Lester's Research that we would have had close to 15,000 commuters per day. I must be seeing double! Just imagine if we are at 15,000 commuters per day how would Stake holders deal with this at Mount Druitt?

 
Thank you Lester for your wonderful contribution!

Where Would Lifts For Rooty Hill Be Situated At Rooty Hill Train Station?

They are undoubted local community desire and from public transport commuters and most important local politicians officers of Blacktown City Council and transport, for lifts to be upgraded at Rooty Hill Train Station.
 
The question is now where should it be built? I think a lot of people do not care where it as long as it is easily accessible. This is just my suggestion of where it should be on the  Rooty Hill train station platforms:

 I think it should be on the eastern side of the walkway pedestrian overpass, on each platform. This is just a suggestion. Maybe you all have ideas, let us know and will will show the stake holders

Many Blacktown City Council Transport Officers could design lifts and refer that to NSW State Government - show initiative - but I think they will say this is a State Government issue. I don't doubt it is but they are a vital part to change transport hubs infrastructure.

A Small Win For Rooty Hill Cyclists - Blacktown City Council Response And Provides Improvements - Thanks to 'whyilovemountdruitt'!

 Although I was waiting for Blacktown City Council to get back to myself as to how they actually solved the problems of cyclists at Rooty Hill, tying their bicycles on the railing on the up and down ramp to Rooty Hill train station. 

I hadn't been back into that area until this week since then and I noticed a great improvement that Blacktown City Council had provided. They are to be congratulated for listening to the community and responding to 'whyilovemountdruitt's' request. A metal latch has been placed with a chain, on the side of the ramp, connecting to poles holding up the awnings. This is so that bicycles are properly locked on the side, placed away from the public, not only that it looks improved and better. Have a look for yourself

This is only a sample of suggestions for improvements, we are asking relevant authorities and stake holders to attend to. See this bicycle tied to pole correctly and refer to previous  blogs, showing you what was happening and looked before. Although cyclist around the area may not have realised of this small change, they will know a small positive change in the right direction.

Click on previous blog

Mayors Response To Rooty Hill Free Shuttle Buses For Australia Fireworks Is Reasonable!

Mayor Stephen Bali, has sent a response in relation to suggestions to use free shuttle buses for the Australia Day Fire Works Event:

8 December 2014 at 10:02

John, thanks for your suggestion. We will take this on board but to highlight the difference between Rooty Hill & Chipping Norton Lakes, Ascot Drive, is:

* The hill at Rooty Hill is 800m from the railway station.

* Chipping Norton Lakes is 5km from Liverpool Station, and approx 3.4km from either Warwick Farm Station or the Racecourse.

So the Rooty Hill is centrally located but Chipping Norton Lakes is miles away from any transport hub.

As you hold Council to account to ensure we are efficiently and effectively spending ratepayers money, I assume some people may see it an unnecessary cost to put on buses when we are trying to encourage exercise (particularly since it is 800m away form the station) due to the obesity plague effecting most of us.

Mayor Cr. Stephen Bali

 

My feed back: I am highly pleased that firstly, there is such a quick response from the Mayor (which shows such great community interest) and that he is probably thinking one step ahead of and for the community. I think it doesn't matter what side of politic you sit on, it is important to lead by example!
It is easy for myself or other community members to jump up and down, request for community improvements that may not be in Council's Budget constraints for that financial year. The decision to  provide  free bus shuttle services may be a costly service to provide for the community. 

For example, take the Parramatta Free Shuttle Bus Loop, which I was explained by a former Parramatta Mayor a few years ago, the cost of running one bus was approximately $600,000 per annum to pay for (after supplying a bus), driver, fuel and any on running costs, on top of that like maintenance. The Parramatta Free Shuttle bus is an economic boost to the Business Hub of Parramatta, that is why it has been successful. 
 
If the proposed Rooty Hill Australia Free Shuttle Bus ends up to be too expensive, maybe a limited bus service could be provided for the elderly and people with walking disabilities, that may appreciate this support service.

As a community member that is trying to lose weight, I do agree that  people walking to events, makes their life healthier and that walking is also a great way to get to the event, even when it is 800m away!

Click here for Previous Blog 

Rooty Hill Commuter Car Park Could Expand!

Rooty Hill train station has community members traveling stretching as far as Plumpton and Glendenning and Minchinbury driving there cars to commute to trains. It is a growing area and we look at the layout of Rooty Hill, we can see that it is a congested area and the current commuter car park, may now need upgrading to cater for the future growth in population  within the area.

If Blacktown City Council's plan 20-30 years ago for community planning and future expansion was implemented, it appears Rooty Hill North has remained the same for  many many years. What was the plans. You can see that  whilst there are many train commuters at Rooty Hill, lifts are still required and Blacktown City Council should be placing this as a high issue on there Transport/Traffic Agenda as well as planning  2-3 stories of Commuter car park on the current commuter car park.