Public transport group urges for more off-peak services to help social distancing on trains
As Melburnians slowly stagger back to their city offices, serious concerns have been raised about how users will be able to social distance during peak-hour periods. But experts say there is a way to keep commuters safe.
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne’s rail network needs a timetable shake up to avoid cramped and unsafe peak-hour conditions during the coronavirus restrictions, transport advocates have warned.
Analysis by the Public Transport Users Association shows availability of trains across the city falls by up to two thirds once peak hour ends, leaving fewer options for travel outside of the morning and afternoon rush.
It comes after the Andrews Government announced that rising patronage was making it harder to maintain social distancing and that passenger numbers had risen past the key threshold of 15 per cent of normal levels.
The PTUA has urged for a redesign the current timetable to let Melburnians move around outside of the peak and keep safety restrictions enforced.
Spokesman Daniel Bowen said it was vital to spread demand throughout the day by making more trains available during these times.
“It’s clear that we can’t return to the usual peak loads, with rampant overcrowding on trains, trams and buses,” he said.
“We don’t want a situation like Adelaide, where passengers are unable to maintain social distancing.
“It makes sense to encourage staggered working hours, with people travelling at different times – but this won’t help if public transport frequency and capacity is not boosted to enable it.”
Outside of the peak, the PTUA found the number of trains running each hour fell by 66 per cent on the Craigieburn, Hurstbridge, Mernda and Sunbury lines.
Mr Bowen said the services plummeted across Melbourne during these parts of the day.
“This means that on some lines, off-peak trains can be as crowded as peak hour.” he said.
“The public transport network is key to Melbourne’s economic recovery from this crisis.
“But it must be run in a way that ensures passengers and staff are as safe as possible.”
Mr Bowen said some passengers were also nervous about catching public transport while the virus remained in the community.
“The government should seek health advice on options such as deploying hand sanitiser dispensers at stations, and the effective use of masks,” he said.
“But fundamentally, capacity must be managed, and the key to this is encouraging staggered travel, which is only possible by providing sufficient services throughout the day.”
MORE NEWS:
HOW VIRUS HAS CHANGED DINING OUT
SHANE PATTON’S RISE FROM ‘GO-TO MAN’ TO TOP COP