Action for Public Transport (NSW)

STRATHFIELD STATION UPGRADE

We refer to the document “Review of Environmental Factors - Strathfield Station Upgrade” dated February 2013. Public comments were sought, with a closing date of 18 February 2013. Action for Public Transport is a member-funded advocacy group for public transport users in the Sydney region.

As train passengers, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on the refurbishment plans. We offer the following comments and recommendations, based on our reading of the REF.

1 – We make no comment on the inconveniences expected during the construction phase. We accept that such inconveniences are tolerable for that relatively short period.

2 – TICKET MACHINES – We can find no reference to ticket vending machines. We conclude that they will remain in their present locations. Nevertheless, care should be taken to ensure that queues waiting to access the machines should not obstruct pedestrian flows, on either a temporary or permanent basis.

3 – SIGNAGE – There is little detail in the REF about improvements to the information signage on the refurbished concourse. As noted in the REF, Strathfield is an important interchange station, users having a multitude of immediate and ultimate destinations. Many people are from country areas. Others are only occasional train patrons. The available space for information signs is severely limited. Their positioning must be such that individuals are not required to hesitate in order to read them, obstructing the pedestrian stream..

A detailed plan for information signs, including their funding, should be developed.

In particular, the provision and location of “Next fast train to the city” (from platform 4 or 5) signs should be considered.

If space permits, bus route numbers should be provided on signs so that passengers leaving the station choose the appropriate (north or south) exit. Adequate provision should be made for updating such information when bus route numbers change in the future.

4 – We support the removal of the retail outlets, circulation space and long sight-lines now being more important to passengers than the convenience of making small purchases.

5 – We note the following errors in the REF. Strathfield is west of Sydney CBD, not south of it (p1). There are eight ramps to the platforms, not four (p6). “Site lines” should be “sight lines” (page xi).

6 – FLOODING – Given the subterranean level of the concourse, and the age of the station's stormwater drainage network, this opportunity should be taken to assess, and if necessary improve, the capacity of the stormwater collection and discharge system. Current debate regarding climate change suggests that storms may increase in intensity in coming years.

7 – PLANTINGS – To “soften” the hard surfaces of the concourse, consideration could be given to plantings within the confines of the closely-spaced columns which are to be surrounded with handrails.

The writer is contactable on 9819-6052.


Kevin Eadie
Advocacy Manager
Action for Public Transport (NSW) Inc.
PO Box K606
Haymarket NSW 1240.

www.aptnsw.org.au
f/Strathf'dStnUpgrade2013
9 February 2013.