The Public Transport Users Association is claiming a win for passenger safety this week as Auckland Transport has decided to review its previous decision to remove Train Managers from all trains.

The Public Transport Users Association is pleased with this week’s decision by Auckland Transport (AT) to retain Train Managers on board all passenger trains for the time being. “We were incredibly concerned that AT Metro was riding rough shod over the safety of train passengers.

Fortunately, passengers can now be assured that staff will be on board all Auckland train services while a review of train safety takes place” PTUA Coordinator Jon Reeves said.

Two weeks ago, the PTUA ran a very successful public education campaign and train safety survey. 89% of 601 respondents thought it was a very bad decision by AT to remove Train Managers from all passenger trains. “98% of respondents also said they had witnessed or been on the receiving end of unsavoury behaviour on AT trains even with existing train managers, meaning we need better safety management not less”, said Christine Rose, PTUA Chair. “That prompted the PTUA to hold an urgent public meeting on Monday, 12th March in Ellerslie. However, now that AT Metro has decided to hold an independent review of the decision to remove Train Managers, we believe passengers stand a much better chance to retain safety and security on Auckland trains” Rose added.

Public Transport Users Association volunteers and supporters spoke with thousands of train passengers at Britomart, Papakura and Henderson stations.

Reeves added “We ran into opposition for our stand against the removal of Train Managers, both from transport bloggers and Auckland Transport / Transdev management. But we knew we were representing the views of the public who actually use the trains”. “Now it’s time to move forward for an unbiased, impartial review of safety on the railway network.”

As an independent voice for public transport users we are pleased that the Public Transport Users Association could add pressure and give passengers a strong voice in opposition to AT’s plan. Should the outcome of the promised safety review potentially lessen the security of train passengers, the PTUA would not fail to represent the public interest again. “We will be keeping a watching brief on this issue” Jon Reeves said.

ENDS

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