[publictransport] castlemaine et all...

[Jillian Gibson]

Hi Russell/Eve et all, 

In the meeting with the Minister on Friday, l did put to her that it is a major problem with the management of luggage, parcels, prams etc. l have repeated this a few times both in written form and at both meetings. So lm not sure what else can be done via the Mins office. She has acknowledged that Vline has specific issues high % inc users in a short period of time, holiday train, public transport, general get around train service. 

In meetings it hasnt been possible to get to down to a detailed discussion on such as issues as overcrowding figures etc with the Minister as most meetings have been quick and a few folks needed to have their say, plus discussions have been somewhat general/broad, a tad metro centric even though as l understand it, most of the compliants re bikes on trains actually came from Vline in the first instance. 

So, my suggestion is, but this would need the backing of cyclist/commuters from the region to come on board to help organise etc, that we try once again to organise a meeting with VLine to outline our specific issues and how these might be addressed re numbers which constitute overcrowding, management of luggage, prams, freight etc.

lm prepared to contact Chris Rossi, regional manager, who was present at the cardboard bike campaign morning at Castemaine station etc, or who ever anyone feels would be aprpopriate to be contacted from Vline, to line up a meeting with. 

My suggestion would be that anyone who is interested or affected, that we should all meet before hand to discuss/plan our message, clearly define the issues, and have these outlined ready to hand over and as the basis for discussion in the meeting, cc'd to the Min. Or if we dont get any satisfaction or do folks feel we should try and go direct get a meeting with the Min now on this issue?  

Yes, we also do need to monitor the situation, cause what happens on the ground may not be recognised or translated accurately up the ranks. So maybe we need a system of feedback in place and to whom (min or vline or both??) worked out. Might be worth informing MASC and Bendigo CC of whats happening and asking the councils for support/backing. 

l will be speaking with the Transport Connections worker on Monday morning, as she needs to get a report in to the Shire, this could be useful. Plus ABC radio is phoning on Mon as well to do an interview, could use this as an op to get ask for others who have issues to be in contact? open to suggestions here folks!!!????? 

l did ask the Minister, that post Fridays meeting/announcment, did she intend to continue to discuss/meet with community groups/reps in relation to medium to long term plans re bikes etc. She agreed that yes there would be ongoing meetings and consultation, so toilet, facility, design items can be discussed at a later date. 



Jill 
 
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