Customer satisfaction data released by Transport for NSW last week reflects the persistent problem of overcrowding with lack of seat availability and personal space remaining the biggest problem for light rail users.
The light rail accommodated 9.4 million trips in the year to September 2018, up from 9.1 in the previous year and 3.9 in 2013/2014 – a 260% increase.
A petition supporting the purchase of new trams and laying an extra track at Dulwich Hill has gained over 500 signatures. See here.
Commenting on the news, Jamie Parker MP for Balmain says:
“The light rail has been a major public transport success story with patronage surging 260% in the last five years.
“As more people use the light rail, the government’s own data is showing a noticeable downturn in customer experience.
“Glebe and Wentworth Park are already at crush capacity during the morning peak. Commuters are packed like sardines on peak hour services and residents in Glebe and Annandale often can’t even get on.
“The government has acknowledged that light rail services are over capacity but there are still only 12 trams on the line when there should be 16.
“Buying four more trams would allow the frequency of services to increase from eight to six minute intervals which is a good short-term fix.
“To meet long term demand the government has to lay an extra track near Dulwich Hill to speed up turnarounds and increase the frequency of tram services.
“I’m calling on the government to listen to their own survey, to fast track the purchase of new trams and commit to laying an extra track at Dulwich Hill to allow more services in peak times.”
More information:
Latest Customer Satisfaction Index (May 2018) is available here.
ENDS
For more information: (02) 9660 7586
