Early this week an older reader wrote in a letter to tell us about his experience travelling on the South Coast line.
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He’d opted to take the train trip from Shellharbour to Sydney and back and remarked about the scenery on the way. It was breath-taking, he noted. Or words to that affect.
Yet, what detracted from the journey was the fact he was forced to stand for much of it, which would be less than enjoyable for anyone let alone an older member of our community.
This week Wollongong MP Paul Scully revealed a story he’d been told by a constituent who was forced to use the toilet on the train as a seat in preference for standing for the journey.
Excuse the pun, but that’s a pretty crap situation for passengers on the South Coast line and one we hear they are faced with on a daily basis.
Figures released this week from Transport for NSW show South Coast trains are getting more and more crowded.
Mr Scully says he has continually asked Transport Minster Andrew Constance about the issue – a man more adept at finding excuses than answers. It is little wonder Mr Scully comes away from those conversations equal parts confused and disappointed.
“The response from the minister defies any real understanding of the issue or sympathy for passengers,” Mr Scully told NSW parliament this week.
It is high time Premier Berejiklian found some real solutions to address an issue which continues to worsen in front of her government’s eyes.
A BIG WEEKEND AHEAD
This weekend is the last weekend before winter hits. With the forecast looking magnificent it will be a perfect excuse to get out and enjoy all that is on offer in our region including a couple of feature events.
The Kidsfest finale will be held on Saturday between 2-7.30 pm at Killalea State Park. It will feature a host of family-friendly activities in one of the most picturesque spots in our region.
On Sunday, the jewel in the Illawarra’s crown – the Wollongong Botanic Gardens _ will be polished and on display as part of the Australian Botanic Gardens Day. The national concept originated in our very own gardens which will feature activities between 10 am-2 pm.