Union calls for all sky rail stations to be fully staffed from first to last train

UNIONS are calling for all new “sky rail” stations to be fully staffed from first to last train to ease public safety fears.

Unions are calling for all new “sky rail” stations to be fully staffed from first to last train to ease public safety fears. Picture: Chris Eastman

UNIONS are calling for all new “sky rail” stations to be fully staffed from first to last train to ease public safety fears.

Across the metropolitan rail network, 82 “premium” stations are staffed from first to last train, including the Cranbourne-Pakenham line’s Caulfield, Oakleigh, Clayton, Westall, Springvale, Noble Park, and Dandenong stations.

Removal of level crossings on the line entails the rebuilding of Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale, Clayton and Noble Park stations.

Public Transport Victoria said existing staffing would remain at all stations between Caulfield and Dandenong. This means Hughesdale will remain unstaffed, and Carnegie and Murrumbeena will be staffed for the morning peak.

Workers build sky rail on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line. Picture: Chris Eastman

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Rail Tram and Bus Union branch secretary Luba Grigorovitch said a failure to fully staff sky rail stations posed a serious safety risk to users.

“It should be noted that all these sky rail stations will have escalators and should be staffed, as they can pose a risk when they break down.

“It would make a mockery of Metro’s efforts to raise customer service,” she said.

“The RTBU is calling on all sky rail stations to be given premium station status and to be fully staffed for all hours.”

Rail Tram and Bus Union branch secretary Luba Grigorovitch says a failure to fully staff sky rail stations pose a serious safety risk to users. Picture: David Caird

Public Transport Victoria spokesman Nicholas White said the Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project will remove nine of Victoria’s worst level crossings.

“On top of removing every level crossing between Dandenong and the city, the project will replace five stations with brand new elevated stations,” he said.

Under a plan developed with police, the government this year set aside funding for 100 more Protective Services Officers across the public transport network.

Premium stations have a customer service centre where passengers can buy tickets and pick up timetables, and get change for vending machines and payphones.

Most of the premium stations also have indoor waiting areas and toilets.

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