[publictransport] DOI Announcement tomorrow

[telstar at cfsmtb.net]

Just in case you haven't seen the official MR yet:

Linkie:
http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/8fc6e140ef55837cca256c8c00183cdc/5d39253e93d9adedca2573f20079a6fb!OpenDocument

Full text below, I'll also link off the BtBB site when time permits.

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Media release: From the Minister for Public Transport
Friday, 15 February, 2008

BIKES ALLOWED ON CONNEX AND V/LINE SERVICES FROM TODAY

Bicycles will again be allowed on all Connex and V/Line services from
today in a push to address the needs of both cyclists and other
passengers, Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky announced today.

In a further boost for combination bike and train users, Ms Kosky
announced $1 million in funding for new bike cages across the metropolitan
and regional train network.

“The initial problem of bikes taking up space on trains hasn’t
disappeared. To begin addressing the problem we will need to place more
secure, modern bike storage facilities at stations,” Ms Kosky said.

“As previously announced, a prototype bike cage will be installed at
Eltham Station in April. We will deliver up to 20 bicycle cages for
stations throughout metropolitan Melbourne and at key regional hubs,
providing around 400 secure new bike spaces for public transport users.”

Cages will feature more secure access and a larger storage capacity than
the bike lockers and cages currently in use across the network, giving
more people the option of combining bike and train travel and providing
greater peace of mind to existing users.

Limitations to bikes on trains were announced in response to train
patronage growing by more than 20 percent over the past two years,” Ms
Kosky said.

“Since this decision was announced, cyclists have provided us with
feedback indicating it created problems for some commuters and should be
reconsidered– particularly for travellers who live great distances from
stations or do not have access to secure bike storage facilities,” she
said.

“We have listened to this feedback and we are responding with a policy
that acknowledges the needs of cyclists and regular commuters alike. From
today, bikes will be allowed on all Connex services, provided they are
stored in the area inside the last door of the last carriage to minimise
discomfort to other passengers.”

In addition, bikes will be allowed on all V/Line services.  For the first
time, from April tram and bus users will also be allowed to take folding
bikes on all services, provided they are folded and contained within a
carry bag.

In revising this decision, Ms Kosky said the Government had consulted with
bike user groups and public transport operators.

Metlink, Connex and V/Line will work together to provide clear signage and
information to assist cyclists and the travelling public to understand
where bikes can be taken on public transport.

Development of an industry-wide set of standards for the carriage of
folding bikes by the Department of Infrastructure, Bicycle Victoria and
the Cycling Promotion Fund is also in progress.


Media contact: Sofia Dedes 9651 5799 or 0400 512 618 www.vic.gov.au




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