Passengers Oppose Train Safety Reductions. Public Meeting Planned

Over the past week the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has surveyed train passengers at Papakura, Britomart and Henderson stations, as well as online, about Auckland Transport’s plan to remove Train Managers from all trains.

The results of the survey show train passengers fundamentally want to feel safe on Auckland trains. 84% of the 601 respondents completely disagree with plans to remove Train Managers. In surveys and online feedback, many respondents were aware of and very concerned that Train Managers could be removed and replaced by a handful of roving “Transport Officers” who will be spread thinly across all bus, ferry and train services.

Jon Reeves, PTUA Coordinator said. “Our survey findings suggest the Auckland Transport and Transdev decision remove train managers are out of step with what their “customers” want which is safety on all trains, at all times”. Reeves added that the PTUA has never received so much feedback so quickly to a single public transport issue.

Due to the massive feedback and safety concerns expressed by current rail passengers the Public Transport Users Association will be hosting a public meeting to discuss and focus on these issues. It is hoped that passengers will be able to talk with Senior Auckland Transport and Transdev management about their safety concerns. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Auckland Council Councilors and Local Board members will be invited as well the Minister of Transport Phil Twyford. “Twyford is the Minister in charge of the NZ Transport Agency which have not yet approved the plan by Auckland Transport to reduce safety and security on passenger trains” Reeves said.

Christine Rose, PTUA Chair said “We are hoping key decision makers will be able to attend this meeting to hear passengers’ concerns and address their fears. Many survey respondents had experienced or been scared by violence and aggression on the Auckland passenger rail network, so felt we need more security, not less.”

The urgent public meeting will be held on Monday, 12th March, 7pm at the Leicester Hall, Corner Findlay and Ramsgate Streets, Ellerslie (3 minutes walk from Ellerslie railway station). All train users and those concerned about safety on passenger trains are welcome to attend.

Data from our questionnaire:

1) Do you feel safe on board trains now? 85% Yes

2) Will you be concerned if there is no one to help you in case of emergencies, violence or threatening behaviour in your train? 95% Yes

3) Have you heard of Auckland Transport’s plan to remove on board train staff? 95% Yes

4) Is it a good decision by Auckland Transport to remove Train Managers from all trains? 84% No

5) Have you ever seen or been party to unruly behaviour on an Auckland Transport train? 98% Yes

5a) If Yes, were you concerned for your personal safety of safety of other train passengers? 88% Yes

Train Safety Public Meeting

Monday 12th March, 7pm, Leicester Hall, Corner Findlay and Ramsgate Streets, Ellerslie

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