More frequent public transport will attract more votes in State poll

MTF MEDIA RELEASE: The party that can deliver more frequent and reliable public transport to more parts of Melbourne will win more votes in the November state election according to Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) Chair, Cr Jackie Fristacky.

Cr Fristacky said a recent survey of Melbourne public transport users showed that more frequent and reliable services to more places were the voters’ top priorities.

Last week the MTF presented the results of its What Moves You survey to the Minister for Public Transport, Opposition transport spokesperson and Greens transport spokesperson.

‘All three party spokespeople acknowledged that public transport would be a top issue in the November election,’ she said.

Cr Fristacky said all the parties were impressed by the responses and insights of the public’s comments.

The survey pointed to increased frequency of services, less overcrowding and greater reliability as the top priorities. There was also strong support for extending services, especially to growth areas and other areas currently beyond the reach of public transport, and for extending hours of service.

‘While safety, graffiti and aggressive ticket inspectors are frequently cited as concerns, the strongest negatives were overcrowding, unreliability and infrequent services. The improvement most wanted was more frequent services across a greater number of hours,’ she said

There was also much support for extending public transport, especially rail lines to Doncaster, Monash-Rowville, Tullamarine airport and new suburbs. Tram extensions were also popular, especially in the East and North. A greater span of hours for bus services was also popular.

The public’s biggest likes and dislikes

Negatives
* Overcrowding, cancellations, lack of co-ordination between services;
* Lack of services to new suburbs and outer suburbs;
* Frustration that nobody was accepting responsibility for the system – with responsibility gaps and buck-passing.

Positives
* Public transport because it reduces dependency on cars and reduces carbon emissions;
* SmartBuses and more frequent bus services;
* Super stops, low floor trams and other access improvements.


The complete survey results can be found at www.pt4me2.org.au

Town meetings: election candidates face public transport voters

The MTF is organising a series of town hall community meetings on public transport in August as a follow up to the survey. Meetings are planned for the cities of Yarra, Moreland, Port Phillip, Whitehorse, Manningham, Boroondara and Maribyrnong in late August or early September.