By NICOLE VALICEK
A COMMUNITY advocate group is holding a public meeting to discuss the failures and future of the “neglected” Altona Loop and is inviting commuters to attend.
Jennifer Williams, an Altona Loop commuter and member of community advocates the Altona Loop Group said the forum was a chance to hear from community, transport experts and elected representatives about how they think the Altona Loop problems can be fixed in 2014.
“Anyone who wants reliable and accessible public transport is encouraged to attend,” she said.
“We would also like people who have abandoned the service to come along.”
Ms Williams said Public Transport Victoria statistics showed a 30 per cent decrease in patronage on the three loop stations, indicating serious problems with the current level of service.
“People are demanding better public transport that is frequent, reliable and safe. Passengers are frequently dumped at Newport due to late running services or trains simply do not turn up.”
She said the group want partial loop duplication in non-residential areas, increased train frequency and no changing trains at Newport or Laverton.
“These improvements should not wait for another 20 years or more. We had direct trains to the city prior to May 2011 and this must be reversed.”
Last year, Public Transport Victoria told Star that improvements would be possible when the Regional Rail Link opens in 2016 and Altona Loop trains ran through to Flinders Station so passengers wouldn’t need to change trains at Newport.
Ms Williams said timetabling and reliability had caused significant disadvantage to the community and many local residents had given up, driving to Newport or Laverton for a better service.
“The unreliability and numerous train changes have seriously affected those with a disability and also shift workers.”
“People should not be dumped at Newport because their train is late. The suspension of the service for two afternoons/evenings in January was harsh and unfair.”
The meeting will be held on Thursday 20 March, at 7pm, at the RSL in Sargood St, Altona.
