PTV explains why locked public toilets at Diggers Rest train station to stay that way
Commuters at a thriving northern suburbs train station have been hanging on since 2012 for their toilets to reopen. And relief is not on the way.
North West
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A locked toilet block at Diggers Rest train station has drawn the ire of rail commuters.
While station amenities were upgraded by the state government in 2012, the general public has been unable to access the loos ever since.
Travellers needing a toilet break are instead forced to cross the street to a nearby cafe — or hang on.
Diggers Rest resident David O’Connor has been campaigning for the bathrooms to be reopened for years.
He said with the station’s 550 carparks full most days, he couldn’t understand why open toilets weren’t a priority.
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“The facilities have remained locked and unavailable to the public, especially commuters who live with mobility issues,” he said.
“According to Metro Trains, its policy is (only) to provide public amenities to stations which are staffed.”
Other upgrades since 2012 included platform extensions and a new PSO building — but still no toilet access.
PTV spokeswoman Georgia Main said train station amenities blocks were regularly vandalised when there was no staff member present.
“Decisions on staffing and facilities at stations are made on a network-wide basis to ensure resources are directed to where they will have the most impact,” she said.
“Sunbury and Watergardens stations either side of Diggers Rest station are premium stations with bathroom facilities available from first to last service.”
PTV confirmed there were no plans in place to provide staffing at the station.
Mr O’Connor said the station’s 550 carparks were usually full every day.
“It’s also unclear as to how the Department of Transport intend to increase patronage at the Diggers Rest Railway Station when the amenities remain closed and the car park is full.”
A letter sent from State Transport Minister Jacinta Allen to Melton Council chief executive Kelvin Tori advised the nearest station toilet facilities on the Sunbury line were at Sunbury and Watergardens, during staffed hours.
“I am advised that based on current passenger levels at Diggers Rest station, there are no plans to provide staffing at the station,” she wrote.
“This position will be reviewed should passenger numbers significantly increase.”
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