This article was originally published in print in the Swan Hill Guardian on September 7, 2018.
WITH the recent announcement of Protective Services Officers (PSOs) on metropolitan trains adding to their services of manning train stations, regional Australia seems to be left behind.
Add to this wound the potential for an underground railway network linking metropolitan railway stations to the airport in 2050, and the second city loop in Melbourne currently being built.
On top of this, connectivity for motorists will increase, with constant upgrades to freeways in Melbourne and the construction of West Gate Tunnel Project which will open in 2022.
Regional commuters are generally the ones going to be travelling on the train the longest, so they should be priority when it comes to upgrades to make them feel as comfortable as they can on their long journey.
At present, PSOs, who are part of Victoria Police, were present at 212 metropolitan station in Melbourne and four regional train stations across Victoria (Bendigo, Traralgon, Ballarat and Geelong).
However, they should be placed at EVERY regional stations no matter the town’s population.
Or at least, be patrolling several regional stations across their shift.
The role of a PSO is to provide greater safety at train stations and other associated areas from evening to the last train at that station.
But, why should someone be left to feel unsafe just because they live hours away from the heart of Victoria’s capital, Melbourne.
And, on Sunday, Victoria Police announced that PSOs would now deployed on metropolitan trains throughout the day and night.
Transit and Public Safety Assistant Commissioner Chris O’Neill said the new model will be a boost for public safety on trains.
“The mobile PSO deployments will allow Victoria Police to proactively target crime and anti-social behaviour across the entire train network,” AC O’Neill said.
He said an additional 100 transit PSOs were employed over four years to staff additional deployments, with 25 of them already in place.
AC O’Neill said Victoria Police would continue to recruit PSOs with particular focus on improving commuter safety for the AFL finals series and other major events.”
At present, safety measures at V/Line stations are more focussed on safety at level crossing and warning people to be safe around trains.
But, focus on safety for commuters from others while on the the train or platform should become the priority.
According to V/Line, “safety is our number one priority”.
“We focus all our efforts on keeping our customers and staff safe and secure,” a V/Line statement said.
“Our commitment to safety relies on everyone in the community being alert and aware near railway tracks.
“Trains are heavy and fast moving, so please take extra care near tracks, on platforms and at level crossings.”
Their safety warning goes on to explain the fines and penalties that apply for motorists and pedestrian around level crossings.
Furthermore to their safety, when a delay occurs on a train line this could add hours to a trip for those living hours away from metropolitan Melbourne.
They do not have the ease of jumping on another form of transport, be it a tram, bus, taxi or an alternate train line.
I think it’s about time that more of a look in is given to regional residents
Lillian Altman 