Article: Melbourne's worst train stations named

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Melbourne's worst train stations named

Melbourne's worst train stations named

    Ashley Gardiner
    From: Herald Sun
    July 12, 2011 12:00AM

COMMUTERS have named Melbourne's worst railway stations - and what they don't like about them - in a survey.

The findings will be collated as part of a campaign to get better facilities at the city's 200 stations.

Improvements suggested by commuters are easy fixes: more shelter, functioning toilets, extra car parks, better cleaning and staff.

The stations copping the most criticism included Balaclava, Footscray, Ringwood, Hoppers Crossing and Frankston.

The pt4me2 Better Stations survey is being run by the Metropolitan Transport Forum, a council-based group.

MTF chairwoman Jackie Fristacky said the findings would be presented to the State Government.

"Already the survey is showing strong support for more shelter, better cleaning and toilets on stations," Ms Fristacky said.

"Stations are the beginning and end of every train trip. We're looking for cost effective ways for the State Government and local councils to make them better."

Some respondents also complained about antisocial behaviour.

A commuter said of St Albans: "This is a horrible station with a lot of undesirable people accosting you and being a nuisance."

One commuter said of Ringwood that they would like "less gangs and druggies at night".

A spokeswoman for Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the Government had set up a station user panel for public input into planning.

The Government has funded improvements at stations including Balaclava, Beaconsfield and Ringwood stations, as well as for new stations at Southland and Grovedale.

All stations were being assessed in the lead-up to the introduction of armed guards in stations.

This information would be used when planning for station upgrades, spokeswoman Larissa Garvin said.