Article: Big squeeze gets tighter for Connex

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Big squeeze gets tighter for Connex

Big squeeze gets tighter for Connex

Ashley Gardiner

April 15, 2009 12:00am

SEATS on platforms could be torn out of busy train stations to make way for booming passenger numbers.

Connex, struggling to cope with soaring patronage, has reviewed the layout of platforms.

Seats, vending machines and poster boards could be removed to improve the flow of passengers at crowded stations.

Connex has already moved seats and bins at Parliament station to avoid passenger bottlenecks.

The 2008 Connex business plan, obtained by the state Opposition, reveals the operator is developing strategies to cope with unprecedented crowds.

"A review of all non-operational items at platforms will be conducted with a view to removing them if they affect passenger movement and crowd management," the plan says.

"Items could include poster boards, seating, vending machines and advertising."

The plan also outlines a particular concern at Richmond station, which is a busy interchange for southern and eastern train lines during the peak.

"The extension of platform canopies at Richmond would assist in spreading passenger loadings," the plan says.

Connex has already introduced a refurbished train that has fewer seats and can accommodate more standing passengers comfortably.

Opposition transport spokesman Terry Mulder said the removal of platform seats would be another blow for passenger comfort.

"After a long day at work, passengers want to be able to sit down and read a paper and unwind," he said.

"The elderly will find it particularly uncomfortable to have to stand if (Public Transport Minister) Lynne Kosky removes seats from station platforms and trains as well."

Connex spokesman John Rees said there had been several reviews of passenger flows in recent months.

"We are constantly monitoring and creating improvements," Mr Rees said.

Government spokesman Stephen Moynihan said overcrowding would be addressed in the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan.

"We know that amenity at stations is important, and that is why passengers always have seats to use and we are taking action to improve services across the network," Mr Moynihan said.