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Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Southern Highlands train users protest

posted Tuesday 13 July 2004
This report is from the Southern Highlands Rail User Group:

On Saturday 3rd of July a Public Rally was held at Mittagong Railway Station to protest against the cuts to Southern Highlands rail services. The rally was organised by the Southern Highlands Rail User Group (SHRUG) who represent the views of rail users in the area. The group opposes the termination of over half of the already inadequate direct Southern Highlands rail services at Campbelltown, forcing travellers to change onto overcrowded and inappropriate suburban services. SHRUG also oppose the loss of half of the train services to Bundanoon and Exeter, due to signalling changes.

The rally was attended by well in excess of 400 angry rail users who oppose the Minister for Transport's decree that CityRail reduces services to the Southern Highlands. Highland rail users sent a clear message to Mr Costa that he cannot treat rail users in such an appalling and arrogant manner. Regardless of Michael Costa's view that rail users were "stockbroker mates of the Opposition who live in Bowral" who only used rail services "to get them to and from their million-dollar weekend retreats", not one pin-striped suit or bowler hat was seen in the crowd.

Local radio commentator Jim Angel hosted proceedings. Amongst the speakers were Southern Highlands MP Peta Seaton, Patricia Forsythe MLC (Liberal), Lee Rhiannon MLC (Greens), Ben van der Wijngaart (Greens Candidate), Leigh Ninan (Democrats), Dell Dempster and Serge Crismale (SHRUG), David Hawkins, Wingecarribee Mayor Gordon Lewis, and Nick Lewocki (Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union). The rally concluded with a motivating speech from Picton commuter Grant McClafferty who is "sick of being told what to do". Grant is concerned of the effect that these cuts are going to have on his work and family life as he, and others, will be forced to travel longer to get to their place of work in Sydney.

Even though the new timetable changes come in on the 24th July, SHRUG will continue to oppose the changes, and try to improve Southern Highland services in future timetables. For more information or to contact SHRUG please visit http://www.railusers.cjb.net.

Thank you to all who supported SHRUG and the Mittagong Lions club fundraising activities.



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