Commuters to have their say

TRAIN commuters are encouraged to rate their local train stations to help their council advocate to the State Government for improvements.
The City of Casey is one of 21 councils in the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) urging people to rate their stations on an online survey.
City of Casey mayor Shar Balmes said information obtained would help the council and MTF in their quest for upgrades.
She said it was important that residents had access to a range of transport options so that they were not fully reliant on using their car for transport.
“The train system provides a cost effective and environmentally-friendly alternative for some journeys undertaken by residents, particularly those who travel towards Melbourne,” Cr Balmes said.
“In order to encourage the use of public transport, improving the safety and efficiency of train stations is a priority.”
Metropolitan Transport Forum Chair Cr Jackie Fristacky said the survey had been customised for mobile phones.
“You can do our survey waiting on the station or riding on the train,” Cr Fristacky said.
“Stations are the beginning and end of every train trip. We’re looking for cost effective ways for the State Government and local councils to make them better. Already the survey is showing strong support for more shelter, better cleaning and toilets on stations.”
To comment on train stations, commuters in Casey are encouraged to complete the pt4me2 public transport survey online. The website address is www.pt4me2.org.au/progress/stationsurvey.shtml or alternatively by using a mobile phone at www.pt4me2.org.au/mobile by 29 July 2011.