Article: Train plan a 'third world' joke

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Train plan a 'third world' joke

Train plan a 'third world' joke
Article from: Herald Sun

Karen Collier and Geraldine Mitchell

March 20, 2008 03:20pm

A CONNEX investigation into ripping out train seats to ease overcrowding has been slammed as a 'third world' joke and safety risk.

Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu today branded the idea an insult to passengers suffering overcrowding, cancellations and delays.

The Herald Sun today revealed Connex may remove some seats from the back of carriages to make more standing room for commuters.

But Mr Baillieu said the suggestion was ridiculous and treated passengers as  "cattle class".

"Removing seats from our trains is not going to help comfort, it's not going to help safety and it's not going to help with the fundamental problem of overcrowded trains," Mr Baillieu said.

"Passengers now on trains and trams are enduring incredible pressure... On top of all the other problems - ticketing, safety, cancellations, delays - this is just a joke. It's extraordinary."

Connex spokesman John Rees today confirmed the investigation, and said the idea was raised while consulting customers.

"We're all well aware of the issue of crowding, especially at peak times and, while this is not seen as some silver bullet for resolving crowding, it might be a useful method at least in the short term.

"If it was to proceed we would only do so if safety was guaranteed."

Mr Rees rejected claims the move would compromise a train's ability to brake properly.

"Trains can carry far more than they currently do, even at the busiest times. The issue is comfort not safety and we are seeking to find ways that achieve both factors."

About 180 people can cram into a standard carriage during peak hour.

But Connex is hoping that by removing some seats and installing ceiling straps, similar to trams, more people will be able to stand in aisles.

The idea is still being investigated and it is not known how many more passengers the standing-room plan would accommodate.

But new Connex chairman Jonathan Metcalfe said the simple measures could help relieve the commuter crush in the short term.

He said the move was part of a renewed focus on customer service.

Mr Metcalfe, the former chief executive officer of Great North Eastern Railways in Britain, said his passion for better customer service would not wane.

He said his first impression of Melbourne's rail system indicated there was room for improvement.

"I think there's been an enormous focus on the operational side of the railway, trying to drive the maximum reliability of trains, getting punctuality up, getting more services into the system with the capacity we've got, and they've been critical," he said.

"But I think we can add more focus to the customer service.

"My experience is, even when trains are very busy and trains do get delayed, if people feel they are being communicated with -- they're getting explanations, there's high staff visibility, there's attentiveness -- the operation feels clean, smart and polished.

"I wouldn't say (it) compensates for crowding or the other pressures, but it certainly does in people's minds improve their overall experience.

"I think they take the view that says well, we're dealing with trains that are busier and busier but at least we know what's going on."

Mr Metcalfe hinted more staff would be deployed at stations across the network.

But a long-term view of the network was necessary to cope with Melbourne's population growth and subsequent rise in train travellers.