Article: Train surfing alarm

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From the Sunday Herald Sun click here!

Train surfing alarm

Train surfing alarm
Article from: Sunday Herald Sun

Stephen Drill and Peter Rolfe

May 10, 2009 12:00am

TRAIN and tram surfers have become significant problems for public transport services.

Connex said there had been up to 360 incidents of train surfing between carriages in the past year as thrill-seeking teenagers took stupid risks and delayed services.

Connex customer service manager Geoff Young said it was an increasing trend, with reports growing from about three a month to nine reports last month.

But it was believed many more go unreported.

Connex blamed train surfing graffiti vandals for dozens of service cancellations. Each time a carriage was "graffitied" it had to be taken out of service for cleaning.

Mr Young said drivers were also often forced to stop and wait as police attempted to catch train surfers.

He said train and tram surfing had become so common Connex had started sending staff to schools to talk to students about the dangers.

Officers spoke to 10,000 teenagers last month.

He said train surfing was most common on the Frankston, Lilydale and Pakenham lines.

A man, 20, died while riding on top of a train in May last year. It is believed several youths have been injured.

"When was the last time you sat on top of your car while it was moving at 70km/h? That's exactly the same thing we see here with train surfing. It's just as dangerous," Mr Young said.

"There is a group of people who have a level of stupidity to willingly, consciously and actively put themselves at risk.

"There are people out there who have suffered head injuries and died."

The rise in train surfing came as a Transport Department report obtained by the Sunday Herald Sun through Freedom of Information revealed the extent of foolish behaviour on trains, trams and buses attracting fines.

Videos on internet social network sites also featured Melbourne teens train surfing, riding on the backs of trams and scrawling graffiti on public transport.

Other offences attracting fines include riding bikes on platforms, crossing railway tracks as a train approaches and trying to jump from a moving tram.

The Brumby Government reaped $8.6 million in fine revenue for commuters failing to produce valid public transport tickets last financial year.

More than $1.2 million was raised through fines for putting feet on seats, $223,357 for drinking alcohol on trains, trams and buses and $48,404 for indecent, offensive or threatening behaviour.

More than $6.5 million in fines were handed out on trains, $5.7 million on trams and $225,000 on buses.

A government spokesman said fine revenue was used to fund public transport projects.

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

It's the Idiot Express

It's the Idiot Express
Article from: Herald Sun

Geraldine Mitchell

May 11, 2009 12:00am

CONNEX can do its best to improve train services, boost cleanliness, remove graffiti and upgrade security, but this man proves it's impossible to idiot-proof trains.

A horrified reader captured the moment this bloke risked his life hitching a ride on the back of a train on Friday night.

Connex management, police and the community at large, are outraged such behaviour is becoming more common.

The rail operator gets about nine reports a month, up from three just a year ago.

Connex spokesman John Rees said the pranksters were risking their lives foolishly riding on the back of trains.

"You wouldn't sit on the roof of your car at 70km/h, so why would you do it on a train?" Mr Rees said.

Herald Sun reader Paul Maric, whose friend captured the moment on camera, said he was horrified to see a man hanging on to the windscreen wipers at the back of the train.

"We couldn't believe it, we called out to him to get off and he signalled us to be quiet," he said. "I just hope someone can identify him and make it known how stupid it is."

Victoria Police also wants to know the man's identity.

Mr Rees said train surfing had grown to the extent there'd been reports of teenagers as young as 14 attempting it.

He said Connex was targeting hot spots such as the Frankston, Lilydale and Pakenham lines.

The Brumby Government said the latest incident was "incredibly stupid, dangerous and irresponsible" and the culprit risked a $222 fine.

Another Herald Sun reader saw a boy of about 12 ride outside of a carriage between Yarraman and Noble Park last week.

The reader, Deon, grabbed the boy at Noble Park station and called police.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au