Station staff - cutbacks?

[Fares_Fair]

wooo hooo, great news !
Thank you Mr Scurrah.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[colinw]

The Courier Mail -> QR abandons destaffing plan at southeast train stations

Queensland Rail has ruled out removing staff from 16 stations across southeast Queensland.

The proposal was part of enterprise bargaining between QR and the Rail Tram and Bus Union but has been abandoned because it was unpopular.

Quest Newspapers this week revealed skyrocketing rates of good order offences and property damage last year in a Queensland Police crime report.

Property damage, including graffiti, jumped by two thirds in the space of a year at 143 southeast Queensalnd train stations while offences such as indecent and disorderly behaviour were also up, from 1122 to 1379.

RAIL Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow labelled the destaffing as a ``recipe for disaster'' after a similar experiment in Melbourne had led to safety fears on the rail network and the employment of armed guards.

"The rate of antisocial behaviour increased markedly. For some reason rail stations are a magnet for that sort of thing,'' Mr Dow said.

``This (the backflip on destaffing) is a win in a way.

``We still think there is an argument for more staff on stations, we think there is no substitute to staff being attendants at stations to assist customers.''

Queensland Rail CEO Paul Scurrah said union members, employees and passengers did not endorse the efficiency measure to destaff train stations.

``We said from the start this was a proposal and it would not proceed as part of this process without the support of our employees.

``We approached these negotiations in good faith, and in that spirit will not be pushing forward with a proposal our employees and their representatives will not endorse.

``We want to bring the focus back to productive discussions about ways to improve the efficiency of our operations and we look forward to doing so.''

[ozbob]

 

[Fares_Fair]

wooo hooo, great news !
Thank you Mr Scurrah.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Thank you also to Mr Bruce Mackie, President of the Rail Tram and Bus Union for ensuring that staff removal and redeployment were not to be negotiated.

Well done.  

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Set in train]

You never get this behaviour at busway stops- even the more quiet ones in the late evening (think Stones Corner, Langlands, PA, Dutton Pk).

I have seen a few emo/scene looking types pass by the Holland Park West busway station on the road level but never has that proved a problem late at night, not yet, touch wood!

[Set in train]

For my money I consider Helensvale to be the least safe station on the Gold Coast.  Historically it has had huge problems with cars being vandalised, and the seemingly very limited staff presence does not help.  I couldn't say whether it has gotten better or worse since the Westfield opened.

Other stations (including Ormeau which is virtually unmanned) have generally been fine when I have been around late - I have particular experience with Nerang late at night nearly every week-night, and it has never been that bad.  The increasing residential density creeping up (albeit around the sea of parking) is probably helping too.

No station on the Gold Coast is comparable to Woodridge or the like though.

This is an interesting discussion, I've had a look on the QR site, seems no Gold Coast station has after dark staffing. Wonder why?

Also, I agree with Golliwog, CPTED makes a big difference, that is most likely why you may see the emos/scene/punk types wandering the footpaths below the Holland Park West Station (busway), yet it is alright.

Off topic, but I can tell you that CPTED has not been taken into account on a certain part of the GC light rail, despite residents of 5 surrounding buildings making concerns very clear.

[O_128]

For my money I consider Helensvale to be the least safe station on the Gold Coast.  Historically it has had huge problems with cars being vandalised, and the seemingly very limited staff presence does not help.  I couldn't say whether it has gotten better or worse since the Westfield opened.

Other stations (including Ormeau which is virtually unmanned) have generally been fine when I have been around late - I have particular experience with Nerang late at night nearly every week-night, and it has never been that bad.  The increasing residential density creeping up (albeit around the sea of parking) is probably helping too.

No station on the Gold Coast is comparable to Woodridge or the like though.

This is an interesting discussion, I've had a look on the QR site, seems no Gold Coast station has after dark staffing. Wonder why?

Also, I agree with Golliwog, CPTED makes a big difference, that is most likely why you may see the emos/scene/punk types wandering the footpaths below the Holland Park West Station (busway), yet it is alright.

Off topic, but I can tell you that CPTED has not been taken into account on a certain part of the GC light rail, despite residents of 5 surrounding buildings making concerns very clear.

Really? The design a while back made this very clear I'll see if I can dig it up. Cpted is now implemented in all new projects , with light rail this means lighting around stations, lack of obstruction through low level plants, colours also play a large role in this as well.

[Golliwog]

I would be very surprised if CPTED wasn't included in GCLR. IIRC, CPTED has been a big deal and has been quite successful. Pretty sure they've had people from abroad come over and be given a tour of the busways to show them the CPTED design principles.

[ozbob]

*CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)

http://www.varsitylakesonline.com.au/Default.aspx?PrintFriendly=True&ArticleID=924

CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (CPTED)
CPTED is crime prevention based on appropriate design and effective use of the built environment which then leads to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime as well as providing an improved quality of life.

In many instances it is the perceived crime that causes the most stress as it promotes fear and this influences our behaviour, encourages target hardening (fortifying our houses) and initiates avoidance behaviour.

Perceived crime is actually greater that the incidence of crime, has a multiplier effect, and is often derived from environmental cues.

Crime is quite often committed in the absence of a capable guardian such as family, friends, teachers, police, security guards, watchdogs / family pets, employees or neighbours.

There are four key CPTED principles and they are:

    Surveillance – people are on site and can see what is going on.
    Access Management – various methods are used to attract people and vehicles to an area and restrict them from others.
    Territorial Reinforcement – clear boundaries encourage community ownership of a space.
    Quality Environments – a good quality, well maintained place attracts people and supports surveillance.

[Set in train]

I would be very surprised if CPTED wasn't included in GCLR. IIRC, CPTED has been a big deal and has been quite successful. Pretty sure they've had people from abroad come over and be given a tour of the busways to show them the CPTED design principles.

Golliwg & O_128, I don't want pull this off track too much, but I can tell you, the intersection of Gold Coast Hwy/Surfers Paradise Bvd between Thornton & Aubrey Sts has a signalised pedestrian crossing included.

It was installed as part of the SPTMS in 2006, at the southern end of the intersection, a problem for the buildings there as the undesirables would loiter and make problems while waiting for the light (the ped crossing does not get priority).

As part of the GCRT, it is being shifted to the northern end, different buildings impacted but now the undesirables will still loiter and create problems. This was not a problem in this area prior to installing a pedestrian crossing.

[O_128]

I would be very surprised if CPTED wasn't included in GCLR. IIRC, CPTED has been a big deal and has been quite successful. Pretty sure they've had people from abroad come over and be given a tour of the busways to show them the CPTED design principles.

Golliwg & O_128, I don't want pull this off track too much, but I can tell you, the intersection of Gold Coast Hwy/Surfers Paradise Bvd between Thornton & Aubrey Sts has a signalised pedestrian crossing included.

It was installed as part of the SPTMS in 2006, at the southern end of the intersection, a problem for the buildings there as the undesirables would loiter and make problems while waiting for the light (the ped crossing does not get priority).

As part of the GCRT, it is being shifted to the northern end, different buildings impacted but now the undesirables will still loiter and create problems. This was not a problem in this area prior to installing a pedestrian crossing.

Are you saying that people are loitering because of a pedestrian crossing?. CPTED is design, its not going to prevent it but it means that the area feels safer because of the design and sight lines etc. People will still loiter wherever they want however. Because the GCLR is going through an already developed area I really don't see how problems can arise. The only difference is that in 5 years there will be some flashy tram stops and some tracks in the road as well as a lot of the area becoming more pedestrian friendly. This isn't the kind of project that has social impacts compared to say building a rail station at elanora.

[Set in train]

Are you saying that people are loitering because of a pedestrian crossing?. CPTED is design, its not going to prevent it but it means that the area feels safer because of the design and sight lines etc. People will still loiter wherever they want however. Because the GCLR is going through an already developed area I really don't see how problems can arise. The only difference is that in 5 years there will be some flashy tram stops and some tracks in the road as well as a lot of the area becoming more pedestrian friendly. This isn't the kind of project that has social impacts compared to say building a rail station at elanora.

Yes, because the pedestrian crossing has been installed and due to the long wait time for the pedestrians, people get rowdy and continue that behaviour when across the other side of the road. Suppose there's not much that CPTED can do but it is a problem.

[SurfRail]

This is an interesting discussion, I've had a look on the QR site, seems no Gold Coast station has after dark staffing. Wonder why?

Robina and Nerang are staffed for all trains.  I don't believe Helensvale is, and I am not certain about Varsity Lakes or Coomera. 

Ormeau is only ever staffed during weekdays (and likely only during the peak).

[petey3801]

This is an interesting discussion, I've had a look on the QR site, seems no Gold Coast station has after dark staffing. Wonder why?

Robina and Nerang are staffed for all trains.  I don't believe Helensvale is, and I am not certain about Varsity Lakes or Coomera. 

Ormeau is only ever staffed during weekdays (and likely only during the peak).

Im pretty sure Varsity is fulltime staffed (i've always seen someone in the ticket office when im there, day/night/weekday/weekend), I have a feeling Coomera may be also (not sure on that one though).

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 25th November 2011 page 2

QR says staff you

[Set in train]

This is an interesting discussion, I've had a look on the QR site, seems no Gold Coast station has after dark staffing. Wonder why?

Robina and Nerang are staffed for all trains.  I don't believe Helensvale is, and I am not certain about Varsity Lakes or Coomera.  

Ormeau is only ever staffed during weekdays (and likely only during the peak).

That's true, I should've been clearer, was looking at the QR station page and while the main stations have QR staff, Varsity from first till last, Robina supposedly 24hrs, it's the northern stations Helensvale - Ormeau that do not have QR staff all day or after dark staff.

Speaking with an after dark staffer a few months ago, they are paid by Translink.

[O_128]

Shut up minister it was most likely you who said to get rid of the staff ,

[Set in train]

Shut up minister it was most likely you who said to get rid of the staff ,

Here, here! 

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/labor-backflips-on-commuter-safety.html

Opposition Statement

Labor backflips on commuter safety

Thursday, 01 December 2011 15:20

The Bligh government has long been recognised as the political backflipping champs – especially in the transport area.

Labor recently backed down on its decision to rob staff from railway stations.  Now the Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has backflipped once again – changing her mind on employing transit officers for passenger protection.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the Transport Minister had made a joke out of her claim that the Bligh Labor government's one year old public transport detention powers were not needed.  One minute, there was no need for increased security, the next minute there will be security officers.

"It's no wonder Queensland commuters are getting dizzy with Labor's flip-flopping," said Mr Emerson.

"Just last month, the Transport Minister wanted to strip staff from train platforms, jeopardising commuter safety at 16 un-manned stations around the South-East – only to reverse the decision in the face of a public outcry led by the LNP".

Mr Emerson said Ms Palaszczuk today finally admitted what the LNP and commuters have always known, that commuter safety is a concern.  In an embarrassing turn-around, she has been forced to act.

"Disorderly behaviour on our train platforms has increased, yet not a single person has been detained under Labor's public transport detention laws.

"How can a Minister claim to be so blissfully unaware of an increase of more than 250 incidents, and go soft on a security crackdown?  Then after an outcry, finally decide to employ safety officers for public transport users," said Mr Emerson.

Mr Emerson said even figures released by Queensland Rail last week reported a jump in indecent and disorderly behaviour from 1122 to 1379 occurrences.

"It's no wonder public transport users are confused, frustrated and annoyed with Labor.

"Commuters' safety has been jeopardised, yet Labor is fare gouging by 15 per cent each year for the next three years," he said.

"The LNP has announced that under a Campbell Newman-led government, go card users who make nine journeys in a week will get every additional trip that week free as part of its campaign to give Queenslanders relief from Labor's cost of living increases.

"An LNP government will work hard to improve our public transport system," said Mr Emerson.

[Golliwog]

This article gives a bit of background to what he's talking about there:
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-public-transport-transit-officers-numbers-boosted-by-13-for-festive-season/story-e6freoof-1226211447302

Brisbane public transport transit officers numbers boosted by 13 for festive season

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    December 01, 2011 2:35PM


THE army of transit officers charged with keeping Brisbane's public transport safe will be boosted by 13 for the festive season despite questions about their effectiveness.

The extra recruits will take the total number of senior network officers who patrol buses, trains and ferries to 33.

Unlike regular transit officers the SNOs have special powers to detain offenders who do the wrong thing.

Announcing the increase, Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk admitted the current SNOs were yet to detain any offenders.

"They have not had to use these powers but it is very important that they do have these powers in case they are needed,'' said Ms Palaszczuk.

"If people are causing a lot of trouble on our network, if they are doing the wrong thing they will be taken off our public transport.''

Opposition transport spokesman Scott Emerson said the Bligh Government had claimed the extra powers were "vital to help protect trains and buses commuters''.

"Now the Minister has been forced to admit that she has failed to ensure new powers to stop anti-social behaviour on our public transport network are being used," said Mr Emerson.

But Ms Palaszczuk said the SNOs were making a difference because they were "out there talking to people''.

"They have communication skills, they talk to over 50,000 people a month,'' she said.

"They issue warnings, and they also issue infringement notices.''

The minister said crime had decreased at "major railway hubs'' although she did not have any figures to back up her claims.

Mr Emerson said figures from Queensland Rail's 2009-10 annual report showed indecent and disorderly behaviour offences increased from 1122 to 1379.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Meh. Bring on the Railway Squad. Now they have some power

[#Metro]

Opposition Statement

Labor backflips on commuter safety

Thursday, 01 December 2011 15:20

The Bligh government has long been recognised as the political backflipping champs – especially in the transport area.

Labor recently backed down on its decision to rob staff from railway stations.  Now the Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has backflipped once again – changing her mind on employing transit officers for passenger protection.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the Transport Minister had made a joke out of her claim that the Bligh Labor government's one year old public transport detention powers were not needed.  One minute, there was no need for increased security, the next minute there will be security officers.

"It's no wonder Queensland commuters are getting dizzy with Labor's flip-flopping," said Mr Emerson.

"Just last month, the Transport Minister wanted to strip staff from train platforms, jeopardising commuter safety at 16 un-manned stations around the South-East – only to reverse the decision in the face of a public outcry led by the LNP".

Mr Emerson said Ms Palaszczuk today finally admitted what the LNP and commuters have always known, that commuter safety is a concern.  In an embarrassing turn-around, she has been forced to act.

"Disorderly behaviour on our train platforms has increased, yet not a single person has been detained under Labor's public transport detention laws.

"How can a Minister claim to be so blissfully unaware of an increase of more than 250 incidents, and go soft on a security crackdown?  Then after an outcry, finally decide to employ safety officers for public transport users," said Mr Emerson.

Mr Emerson said even figures released by Queensland Rail last week reported a jump in indecent and disorderly behaviour from 1122 to 1379 occurrences.

"It's no wonder public transport users are confused, frustrated and annoyed with Labor.

"Commuters' safety has been jeopardised, yet Labor is fare gouging by 15 per cent each year for the next three years," he said.

"The LNP has announced that under a Campbell Newman-led government, go card users who make nine journeys in a week will get every additional trip that week free as part of its campaign to give Queenslanders relief from Labor's cost of living increases.

"An LNP government will work hard to improve our public transport system," said Mr Emerson.

Yawn. Policy? What policy?

Frequency?
Scope of Hours?
Core Frequent Network (Rail) or (Bus), nope


   

[HappyTrainGuy]

Your looking at it. Nothing.

[SurfRail]

Labor is also working "hard" to improve our public transport system.

Hard ≠ Smart.

[ozbob]

I have heard that there are possible plans to cut staff at Richlands and Varsity Lakes - no staff at weekends or after early evening.

This means increased vandalism, lack of toilets, open fare gates.

The experience in Melbourne has been a salutatory warning.  Remove staff, you then need to put back armed guards to wrest control back.

It is not cost cutting, it is actually going to cost a lot more.

In opposition the LNP were critical of Labor and claimed they helped reverse plans to remove staff, boot on the other foot now?

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/labor-backflips-on-commuter-safety.html

Opposition Statement

Labor backflips on commuter safety

Thursday, 01 December 2011 15:20

The Bligh government has long been recognised as the political backflipping champs – especially in the transport area.

Labor recently backed down on its decision to rob staff from railway stations.  Now the Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has backflipped once again – changing her mind on employing transit officers for passenger protection.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the Transport Minister had made a joke out of her claim that the Bligh Labor government's one year old public transport detention powers were not needed.  One minute, there was no need for increased security, the next minute there will be security officers.

"It's no wonder Queensland commuters are getting dizzy with Labor's flip-flopping," said Mr Emerson.

"Just last month, the Transport Minister wanted to strip staff from train platforms, jeopardising commuter safety at 16 un-manned stations around the South-East – only to reverse the decision in the face of a public outcry led by the LNP".

Mr Emerson said Ms Palaszczuk today finally admitted what the LNP and commuters have always known, that commuter safety is a concern.  In an embarrassing turn-around, she has been forced to act.

"Disorderly behaviour on our train platforms has increased, yet not a single person has been detained under Labor's public transport detention laws.

"How can a Minister claim to be so blissfully unaware of an increase of more than 250 incidents, and go soft on a security crackdown?  Then after an outcry, finally decide to employ safety officers for public transport users," said Mr Emerson.

Mr Emerson said even figures released by Queensland Rail last week reported a jump in indecent and disorderly behaviour from 1122 to 1379 occurrences.

"It's no wonder public transport users are confused, frustrated and annoyed with Labor.

"Commuters' safety has been jeopardised, yet Labor is fare gouging by 15 per cent each year for the next three years," he said.

"The LNP has announced that under a Campbell Newman-led government, go card users who make nine journeys in a week will get every additional trip that week free as part of its campaign to give Queenslanders relief from Labor's cost of living increases.

"An LNP government will work hard to improve our public transport system," said Mr Emerson.

[Stillwater]

Richlands - such a beautiful station.  Will the cost of fixing the vandalism due to a lack of staff on the premises outweigh the cost of the wages for those staff members 'saved' by not having them there in the late evening?

As to Mr Emerson's actions now, given his media statement of December 2011, images of black pots and kettles come to mind.

[SurfRail]

And yet both stations apparently justified putting in fare gates...

[Gazza]

I have heard that there are possible plans to cut staff at Richlands and Varsity Lakes - no staff at weekends or after early evening.

Lets wait for something official though...

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations facing staff reductions

Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations facing staff reductions

    by: Sherine Conyers
    From: Quest Newspapers
    June 28, 2012 2:25PM

FRONTLINE railway staff numbers could be reduced at several train stations on the suburban network as Queensland Rail reviews its operations.

Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations are the first to be targeted in the move which the State Government says "is not a budget measure" and "purely operational".

The move could mean reduced opening hours at some locations.

While the Queensland Rail Tram and Bus Union is opposed to any staff reduction, the prospect has also sparked anger among commuter advocates who fear an increase in criminal behaviour, fare evasion, loss of toilet facilities and risk to public safety if stations are not manned.

Queensland Rail, Tram and Bus Union Secretary Owen Doogan said staff cuts would also equal passenger drops and increased congestion.

"The Premier has been talking about congestion since before he became Lord Mayor, if he's serious about that it's important to encourage people to use the railway and one of the most important issues is security and comfort of the passengers and their own safety.

"The more stations you have with no staff, the less patronage you have on trains,'' he said.

Commuter advocate group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said less staff equated more vandalism and fare evasion.

"We've seen what happened in Melbourne  - they've now had to put armed guards on trains to regain control.''

"If you maintain staff you maintain security, it doesn't deteriorate.''

Mr Dow was also concerned shorter station opening hours would leave passengers "busting'' as toilets were locked.

"As the population ages things like toilets become very important.

"It compounds social isolation because they are scared they'll be embarrassed,'' he said.

A spokesman for Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said some positions were being reviewed.

"Queensland Rail has advised that they are reviewing up to 10 staff positions at Varsity Lakes, Ipswich and Richlands stations.

"These are not budget measures and staff will be redeploy to other roles in the business. Queensland Rail is currently consulting unions and employees.''

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson added: "I'm currently working hard right across the portfolio to find savings that can be directed to deliver more front line services and transport infrastructure."

[ozbob]

... "Just last month, the Transport Minister wanted to strip staff from train platforms, jeopardising commuter safety at 16 un-manned stations around the South-East – only to reverse the decision in the face of a public outcry led by the LNP" ...

1st December 2011 http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/labor-backflips-on-commuter-safety.html

Ummm,  you are now the Minister Mr Emerson and you are now going allow further staff cutbacks at stations? 

[johnnigh]

Mmmmh, how about moving staff from seemingly overstaffed stations (Roma St, Central always seem to have three or four on each platform standing around waiting for something... anything... to do) to the unstaffed stations? Or are the ones standing around actually supervisors looking for someone to supervise? And if Driver Only becomes the go, there'll be lots of folk available to staff the stations. But I'm forgetting. It's Queensland Rail we're talking about...

  Resist Change! 

[#Metro]

Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations are the first to be targeted in the move which the State Government says "is not a budget measure" and "purely operational".

AHAHAHAH

"Not a budget measure, just operational" BAHAHAHA

Pull the other one!! Oh look, a flying pig frequent train service

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th June 2012

Railway stations being set up as no go wastelands

Greetings,

It appears there are plans afoot to cut back staff hours at Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes railway stations (see article appended below).

This is of of great concern.  Not only will vandalism increase, fare gates will need to be left open - fare evasion will soar, and toilets will be closed. As the population ages, access to toilets is essential and already people are being socially isolated because of the lack of suitable amenities when they travel and hence are becoming housebound. Further cutbacks at these very important railway stations will only make it worse.

We call on the Transport Minister Mr Emerson to follow the broad commitments he made on the 1st December 2011  http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/labor-backflips-on-commuter-safety.html
when in part he stated ' ... "Just last month, the Transport Minister wanted to strip staff from train platforms, jeopardising commuter safety at 16 un-manned stations around the South-East – only to reverse the decision in the face of a public outcry led by the LNP" ... '  more --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7036.msg74528#msg74528

Removing staff from stations is a recipe for disaster, vandalism is rampant, increasing costs and security issues. It also means further restrictions to toilet access, which is not a trivial issue at all.

Staffing should be increased, not reduced.  The experience in Melbourne when staff were removed resulted in an out of control security/safety situation which has now necessitated Metro Melbourne to put staff back on stations, and additionally armed guards are being rolled out on their network to guard stations, at great cost.  Do we really want this?

Why don't we learn from others' experiences?  That's right, we are in Queensland ..... dumb dumb dumb ...

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


=============================

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations facing staff reductions

Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations facing staff reductions

        by: Sherine Conyers
        From: Quest Newspapers
        June 28, 2012 2:25PM

    FRONTLINE railway staff numbers could be reduced at several train stations on the suburban network as Queensland Rail reviews its operations.

    Ipswich, Richlands and Varsity Lakes train stations are the first to be targeted in the move which the State Government says "is not a budget measure" and "purely operational".

    The move could mean reduced opening hours at some locations.

    While the Queensland Rail Tram and Bus Union is opposed to any staff reduction, the prospect has also sparked anger among commuter advocates who fear an increase in criminal behaviour, fare evasion, loss of toilet facilities and risk to public safety if stations are not manned.

    Queensland Rail, Tram and Bus Union Secretary Owen Doogan said staff cuts would also equal passenger drops and increased congestion.

    "The Premier has been talking about congestion since before he became Lord Mayor, if he's serious about that it's important to encourage people to use the railway and one of the most important issues is security and comfort of the passengers and their own safety.

    "The more stations you have with no staff, the less patronage you have on trains,'' he said.

    Commuter advocate group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said less staff equated more vandalism and fare evasion.

    "We've seen what happened in Melbourne  - they've now had to put armed guards on trains to regain control.''

    "If you maintain staff you maintain security, it doesn't deteriorate.''

    Mr Dow was also concerned shorter station opening hours would leave passengers "busting'' as toilets were locked.

    "As the population ages things like toilets become very important.

    "It compounds social isolation because they are scared they'll be embarrassed,'' he said.

    A spokesman for Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said some positions were being reviewed.

    "Queensland Rail has advised that they are reviewing up to 10 staff positions at Varsity Lakes, Ipswich and Richlands stations.

    "These are not budget measures and staff will be redeploy to other roles in the business. Queensland Rail is currently consulting unions and employees.''

    Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson added: "I'm currently working hard right across the portfolio to find savings that can be directed to deliver more front line services and transport infrastructure."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th June 2012

Re: Railway stations being set up as no go wastelands

Greetings,

Pull staff progressively out of railway stations and this is what happens.  Gun tooting ' protective service officers (PSO)'  = pseudo police patrolling stations after 6pm.  Cost, a couple of hundred million dollars in Melbourne.  Melbourne withdrew station staff and lost control of the station precincts.  It costs a lot to regain the lost ground from the 'enemy'.

http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/travelling-safely/protective-services-officers-at-stations/

Protective Services Officers at stations

Cost: $212 million
Project description

The government is introducing 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers to every railway station in metropolitan Melbourne and major regional railway stations from 6pm until the last train to improve safety for commuters.

Project benefits

The program will improve safety on the public transport network. Victoria Police will recruit and train the 940 Protective Services Officers by November 2014.

The other tragically comical thing about the deployment of PSOs in Melbourne was the realisation that most of the stations lacked functioning toilets - really?  A further cost of around $20 million or so to re-establish toilet facilities.  I suggest the lack of accessible toilet facilities will become a ' battle ground' in south-east Queensland as well.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-09/government-defends-cost-of-pso-toilets/4000838

Government defends cost of PSO toilets
By state political reporter Alison Savage

Updated May 09, 2012 13:25:54

Government defends cost of PSO toilets

The State Government has defended the cost of installing toilets at railway stations, for protective services officers (PSO) to use.

The Baillieu Government's promise to place armed PSOs at all Melbourne stations will require infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of toilets at some stations.

A budget estimates hearing has heard it will cost an average of $268,000 per station.

Labor's Jill Hennessy says it is an excessive cost.

"It kind of gives new meaning to the term flushing money down the toilet," she said.
Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder says the upgrades will include work rooms for the PSOs, not just toilets.

Comical as much as tragic.

Removing staff from railway stations is clearly counter-productive, and will cost our community much in the years to come.  The sensible thing to do is maintain proper staffing levels.

No brainer?  I would have thought so ...

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the South West News 4th July 2012 page 2

Staff changes off track for commuters

[ozbob]

From Queensland Times 5th July 2012 page 10

Train stations face staff cuts

[somebody]

10 staff - how many at once?  Be surprised if Richlands could justify more than one.

[ozbob]

Heard from fairies might be more station staff cuts coming, particularly at weekends ...

[Fares_Fair]

Can concur ...     look out for a corresponding increase in crime and vandalism

[Mozz]

Won't someone please please think of the children..... (and adults who need to use the toilets which are locked when no station staff)