Puffing Billy petition to end ban on dangling legs out carriages gathers support

A PUSH to end Puffing Billy’s temporary ban on its decades-old tradition allowing people to dangle out of its carriages is tracking along, with more than 10,000 people protesting against the move.

A PUSH to end Puffing Billy’s ban on its decades-old tradition of people dangling out of its train carriages is tracking along, with more than 10,000 people protesting against the move.

TOURIST BUS COLLIDES WITH PUFFING BILLY

The railway banned the practice after the tourist train and a minibus collided at the School Road level crossing in Menzies Creek about noon on March 6.

An online petition started a week ago by Shayne Wright has gathered more than 10,000 signatures.

The minibus that collided with Puffing Billy. Picture: Instagram/@firdauswong

Mr Wright called on people to sign the petition on “as a shout for common sense”.

Petitioners called on the decision to be reversed, saying it was an “Aussie tradition” that made the train special.

Michelle Colpus wrote: “I can’t believe this has seriously happened! Legs out all the way!”

“I grew up dangling my legs out of that old steam train as a child, as an adult, and as a parent,” she said.

She said “one isolated freakish event” should not spoil it for others.

“I detest booing, but BOO to this decision. Please reverse it at once,” she said.

Investigators were told the minibus was travelling east along School Rd when it collided with the popular tourist train last week.

Sixteen people were on board the bus when it clipped a train carriage and tipped onto its side, smashing the front windscreen.

One bus passenger was taken to hospital with serious chest injuries.

No train passengers were injured in the collision.

Puffing Billy operations manager Nadine Hutchins said the suspension of the tradition would stay until the investigation into the collision had been done.

Children love to dangle their legs out of Puffing Billy’s carriages. Picture: Mike Keating

“The investigation is underway and at this point in time we are unable to say when it will be concluded or whether the ban will be permanent,” Ms Hutchins said.

“Our passengers have been obliging regarding this decision and we sincerely thank them for their support.”

Puffing Billy in 1986.