trains

MEDIA RELEASE | 22 February 2013

GRAFFITI AND VANDALISM ON TRAINS UP TEN PER CENT FOLLOWING CUTS TO OFFICER PATROLS

There has been a ten per cent increase in graffiti and vandalism on Sydney's trains – at the same time the O'Farrell Government has reduced the number of officers patrolling the CityRail network.

According to RailCorp's own figures, obtained under Freedom of Information laws by the Shadow Minister for Transport Penny Sharpe, there were 12,158 incidents of graffiti or vandalism in 2011/12, up from 10,926 in 2010/11.

Meanwhile, the O'Farrell Government has bungled the transition from transit officers, to uniformed police – resulting in a reduction in the number of people patrolling trains and stations from 750, down to less than 500.

Media Release | Wednesday, December 5, 2012

TRAINS GETTING LATER AND DIRTIER UNDER BARRY O'FARRELL

COMPLAINTS UP 10 PER CENT ON LAST YEAR

The Auditor General has revealed CityRail trains are getting later and dirtier under the O'Farrell Government and as a result – passenger complaints have increased by a whopping 10 per cent to 29,219 this year.

During eight peak hour periods in the past year, less than 60 per cent of the train network operated on time with train reliability at its lowest level in four years.

"Today's report confirms what train commuters already know – trains are getting later, dirtier and more crowded under Barry O'Farrell," said Shadow Minister for Transport, Penny Sharpe.

"More than six per cent of trains on the CityRail network arrived more than five minutes late in 2011/12 – the worst on time running in four years.

"Seven out of 16 train lines failed to meet the 92 percent on time running target – a disgraceful performance.

"The worst performing train lines are the Western, Southern Highlands, Newcastle/Hunter, South, East Hills, South Coast and Northern via Strathfield lines.  

"Meanwhile, according to the Auditor General's report today, complaints about dirty trains and stations have increased by a whopping 26 per cent.

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday, 10 October 2012

COMMUTERS TO BE STUCK IN UNAIRCONDITIONED TRAINS FOR LONGER UNDER THE O'FARRELL GOVERNMENT

Commuters will be stuck in unairconditioned trains for longer after the O'Farrell Government confirmed they have no plans to replace them – with passengers from western and south western Sydney to be hit the hardest.

Under questioning from the NSW Labor Opposition during budget estimates, the O'Farrell Government confirmed unairconditioned trains will remain on the CityRail network even after the roll out of the new Waratah trains in 2014.

"Commuters will be forced to sit in trains that are stinking hot in summer and freezing cold in winter for even longer under the O'Farrell Government," Shadow Transport Minister, Penny Sharpe said.

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday, 18 September 2012

O'FARRELL FAILS TO DELIVER LATE NIGHT TRAINS FROM KINGS CROSS

The O'Farrell Government's failure to introduce late night train services from Kings Cross means thousands of revellers will still be waiting around on the streets every Friday and   Saturday night causing trouble.

"While the NSW Opposition welcomes today's announcement, the Premier has missed a key piece in the puzzle to solving the problem of alcohol fuelled violence in Kings Cross," Opposition Leader John Robertson said today.

"This plan fails to include late night train services to move thousands of people out of Kings Cross quickly and safely on Friday and Saturday nights.

"A train could move 1,000 people out of Kings Cross, directly to Town Hall and Central, in under ten minutes.  

On time running slipping badly | Channel 9 News | 14 August 2012 from Penny Sharpe on Vimeo.