[publictransport] Comments on draft -- from one V/Line commuter

[eve.merton at dcu.ie]

The draft is pretty comprehensive, well done. I agree that it would be simpler
to leave V/Line business to V/Line travellers; however, I am concerned that
regional commuters are being marginalised by DoI. Apparently, DoI have been
extremely rude to Jill (from MASG) on the phone, with much (sensed) eye rolling
and huffing and puffing when asked simple things like 'when do we need to
get our submission in'. There was mention that DoI would only be consulting
with Bicycle Victoria, which we know isn't true, so I reckon we nned to get
in as many submissions as possible.

I would like it to be seen that BtBB are batting in our corner, which they
have been, but if it can also be reiterated that regional groups MUST be
consulted AS WELL, that'd be great.

'Fix overcrowding' as a bit nebulous. I also would rather have more concrete
points.

Maybe adding something like 'a ban should never apply to V/Line services
that already have dedicated storage for bicycles' (i.e. the V'locity and
N-Carriage sets)' (for number 1)

Number 5 needs to be really strong. But I don't know how to strengthen it.

Number 6 maybe re-write to put the subject first, something like: All changes
to laws must be announced through notices etc at least one month prior to....blah,
blah

Number 7 should be for both Connex and V/Line. The current storage facilities
on V'Locity trains, for example, should also be modified (retro-fitted) to
add hooks.

Number 9. there are two issues here. They will say that they ARE adding more
carriages in March and that they cannot increase frequency when V/Line trains
can't get past Connex trains when they get into the metro area. I think this
should be avoided or turned into a long-term goal. Second, many of the V/Line
services do not need a dedicated bike storage area/carriage because they
already have one. I think this should either be more specific (to carriage
type?) or dropped, or made into a long-term goal.

Thanks so much for enabling comment on the draft.

Cheers,

Eve.