Jennifer Williams is sick of waiting for trains on the Altona Loop. 75893 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Vanessa Chircop
WHEN Metro proposed a new train timetable that saw Altona commuters lose direct city access, Jennifer Williams signed petitions, attended meetings and protested against the changes like hundreds of others.
And when the new timetable was implemented earlier last year, Ms Williams waited with other Altona commuters for their service to be improved, as promised by Metro and the Department of Transport.
Eight months later and Ms Williams said they’re still waiting.
“Nothing has changed,” she said.
“People are still having major difficulties getting home with delays and cancellations ongoing.
“It’s actually getting worse.”
Earlier this month, outraged by the delays and cancellations, Ms Williams wrote to the Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder.
“According to the timetable the trains are supposed to run every 22 minutes in peak hour,” she wrote.
“This is basically too infrequent, especially as Metro keeps cancelling trains to Laverton.”
Ms Williams said on November 24, 25 and 29 last year Metro cancelled the 5.36pm Laverton train.
With cancellations so frequent and residents having to change trains so often Ms Williams said some elderly and disabled will no longer catch the train, diminishing their quality of life.
“My elderly mother will no longer use public transport as it has become too difficult and confusing.”
“People don’t know where to go.
“Even me, who is a seasoned train traveller – I find it difficult.
“No one seems to care – not metro and not the government.”
Ms Williams said she hoped her letter to Mr Mulder would re-highlight the issues and prompt improvement.
“But I don’t have any great expectations.”
“We’re being heard but we’re ignored – I don’t think it’s fair for the people of Altona.”
Ms Williams said she is still waiting to receive a response from Mr Mulder.
Star contacted Mr Mulder for comment but he did not respond by deadline.
