Article: Metro reintroduces platform guards to get passengers moving

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Metro reintroduces platform guards to get passengers moving

Metro reintroduces platform guards to get passengers moving

    * Ashley Gardiner
    * From: Herald Sun
    * March 30, 2010 12:00AM

The Metro rail system is bringing in flags and whistles for its trains at stations. Picture: Bruce Magilton Source: Herald Sun

METRO has adopted new tough tactics to try to get trains running on time, reinstating platform guards to get passengers moving in peak hour.

The rail operator introduced white flags and whistles to signal departures and assertive Hong Kong-style tactics to stop commuters rushing for trains.

But many commuters ignored the orders.

The tough new approach follows Metro's failure to improve its punctuality since taking over the Melbourne train system late last year.

Flags and whistles disappeared from the train network in the 1990s, as most station staff positions were abolished.

Platform staff at Flinders St raised white flags and blew whistles to signal imminent departures. Staff around the escalators ordered passengers rushing for a train to stop and wait for the next service; some obeyed, but others remonstrated with staff before running on to the train.

Metro spokeswoman Lanie Harris said the intention was to reduce the time trains spend at station platforms.

"Flinders St is one of our busiest stations, so getting trains in and out of platforms quickly is key to keeping them running to time," she said.

"Every second counts."

Ms Harris said Metro had received positive feedback about platform attendants at city stations, and at North Melbourne and Richmond.

The trial, which will also be introduced at Parliament and Flagstaff, had proved successful overseas, she said.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Trevor Dobbyn dismissed the initiative as "nothing but tokenism", saying: "It doesn't deliver any extra staff and it doesn't deal with the urgent need to staff suburban stations to improve safety and customer service."

But Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said: "Such a simple, low-cost solution makes sense to help our trains run on time, by making it easier for train drivers to depart safely. It's a reminder that efficient railway systems benefit from having more staff on the stations."

But he said it would take time for commuters to adjust.

"If the next train is in five minutes, that's OK. But if it's another 20 or 30 minutes away, you can understand why people rush for trains," he said.

[#Metro]

If only we could get a commitment to double the network services...

[stephenk]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Metro reintroduces platform guards to get passengers moving

Metro reintroduces platform guards to get passengers moving

    * Ashley Gardiner
    * From: Herald Sun
    * March 30, 2010 12:00AM

The Metro rail system is bringing in flags and whistles for its trains at stations. Picture: Bruce Magilton Source: Herald Sun

METRO has adopted new tough tactics to try to get trains running on time, reinstating platform guards to get passengers moving in peak hour.

The rail operator introduced white flags and whistles to signal departures and assertive Hong Kong-style tactics to stop commuters rushing for trains.

But many commuters ignored the orders.

The tough new approach follows Metro's failure to improve its punctuality since taking over the Melbourne train system late last year.

Flags and whistles disappeared from the train network in the 1990s, as most station staff positions were abolished.

Platform staff at Flinders St raised white flags and blew whistles to signal imminent departures. Staff around the escalators ordered passengers rushing for a train to stop and wait for the next service; some obeyed, but others remonstrated with staff before running on to the train.

Metro spokeswoman Lanie Harris said the intention was to reduce the time trains spend at station platforms.

"Flinders St is one of our busiest stations, so getting trains in and out of platforms quickly is key to keeping them running to time," she said.

"Every second counts."

Ms Harris said Metro had received positive feedback about platform attendants at city stations, and at North Melbourne and Richmond.

The trial, which will also be introduced at Parliament and Flagstaff, had proved successful overseas, she said.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Trevor Dobbyn dismissed the initiative as "nothing but tokenism", saying: "It doesn't deliver any extra staff and it doesn't deal with the urgent need to staff suburban stations to improve safety and customer service."

But Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said: "Such a simple, low-cost solution makes sense to help our trains run on time, by making it easier for train drivers to depart safely. It's a reminder that efficient railway systems benefit from having more staff on the stations."

But he said it would take time for commuters to adjust.

"If the next train is in five minutes, that's OK. But if it's another 20 or 30 minutes away, you can understand why people rush for trains," he said.

When London Underground reintroduced platform attendants, the average dwell time at some stations reduced from 50secs to 35secs. This shows that if platform staff are well trained and procedures are good, they can make a very significant difference to reliable running.