Melbournes Herald Sun newspaper reports this morning that bikes are to be banned from all peak hour rail services as of tomorrow. The change of policy is published in the Victorian Fares And Ticketing Manual for 2008, however there is widespread crticism of the Brumby government who have not actively announced the rule change. Its also believed that Melbournes rail operator, Connex, was not informed of the change of policy.

The new ticketing manual, effective from January 1, states "bicycles will not be permitted on services travelling through Zone 1 that; arrive in Melbourne between 7am and 9am and; depart Melbourne between 4pm and 7pm".

Public Transport Users Association president, Daniel Bowen has also criticised the move, saying it is a knee jerk reaction to the growing problem of overcrowding on Melbournes train network.

"They've rushed this in without properly telling people and without properly even telling the train operators.

"We're always told leaving the car at home is the best way to go -- that we should use public transport, we should walk, we should ride our bikes." Mr Bowen said.

Connex Customer Service manager, Geoff Young, says that while Connex has always discouraged bikes on trains, the new law formalises it, however did say that commuters have a right to be informed of the changes.

"We've always discouraged bikes on trains. This formalises that policy into law.

"But people should be given the chance to become accustomed with it."

The government says the bike ban is designed to reduce stop over time at stations, aswell as improve passenger comfort, and says that there are no fines in place for people bringing bikes onto peak hour trains. Government spokesman Dan Ward says they expect Connex and V/Line to take a common sense approach when dealing with this issue.

Mr Bowen is not convinced that fines will not be issued.

"If it's banned, then presumably under the legislation it would become like any other offence, such as smoking or littering or putting feet on seats."

Just to proove the existance of the article amd that it's not fake or made up, here is the link:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/ ... 61,00.html

Metro II.

You can still travel on Connex trains in Peak hour with your bike but you have to get off at last zone 2 station.Bicycles and surfboardsMetropolitanBicycles and surfboards are not permitted onboard metropolitan trams and buses.Bicycles and surfboards can be carried for free on metropolitan trains, but bicycles will not be permitted on services travelling through Zone 1 that: arrive in Melbourne between 7.00 am and 9.00 am depart Melbourne between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pmBicycles and surfboards must not obstruct passageways or doorways and must not inconvenience other passengers. On metropolitan trains, they must not be placed near the first door of the first carriage, as this space is reserved for passengers in wheelchairs.

Hurstbridge LineHurstbridge to Ivanhoe Zone 2

Epping Line Epping to Preston

Craigieburn Line Craigieburn to Pascoe Vale

Upfield Line Upfield to Batman

Werribee Line Werribee to AltonaExpress route Werribee to Laverton

Lilydale / Belgrave LineLilydale / Belgrave to Canterbury

Glen Waverley Line Glen Waverley to Darling

Pakenham/ Cranbourne Line Pakenham/ Cranbourne to Hughesdale

Frankston LineFrankston to Ormond

Sandringham LineSandringham to North Brighton

The following is from the Connex Customer Charter:

Only small number of people read the ticket and fares manual and most people read the fares and travel guide, In the 2008 Fares and Travel Guide 2008 it says the following:

Bicycles and surfboards

Bicycles and surfboards can be carried free on metropolitan trains, but customers are requested to avoid weekday services that: arrive in the city between 7.30am and 9.30am depart the city between 4pm and 6.30pmBicycles and surfboards must not obstruct passagewaysOr doorways and must not inconvenience other customers.They must not be placed near the first door of the first carriage, as this space is reserved for customers in wheelchairs. Some train stations have bicycle lockers which can be used to store bicycles and related equipment such as helmets and safety vests.

So if anyone was fine by travelling with bike on peak hour service, they would have case and they could say in 2008 Fares and Travel Guide 2008 it says nothing about the ban of bikes in peak hour.

Bugger this...

Earlier this year I rode to the station left my bike chained at the bike rack (as one does) along with a dozen other bikes. On my return home, my bike along with about half the other bikes were gone with a number of commuters sratching our heads wondering what had just gone down (Grand Theft Bicycle )

I made a decision that day and purchased a electric motorised scooter. I take this on the train with me, the majority of it fits under the seat leaving only the handle bar sticking up directly in front of me. Thereby not getting in the way of passengers.... and it's fast, nimble and does about 25km/h

After spending a fair bit on this piece of equipment I'll be damned if this government wants to fine me for leaving my car at home. I'll fight it in the Magistrates Court - My argument would be on a point of law. It's not a bicycle!

Thanks for formalising it melbtrip

Let's hope I get to use the argument and stick it up 'em!

Allowing discretion is better than outlawing it. Most cyclists will realise when there is insufficient space for bikes - if not, the dirty looks from fellow passengers are sure to discourage them from trying

Eratic might want to put the fact it is only in PEAK hours in the title instead of going for shock value to cause yet another flame war on here.Can bikes be taken on peak hour buses?

Why not simply restrict passengers with bicycles to the 'disabled/wheelchair' section in all M cars other than the leading car at all times.

Too clear, too simple, self policing, too much like common sense.

Since when is 0700 on Sunday morning 'peak period' - if this is the case I suggest that Connex should run some trains at this time to clear the masses of passengers.

As far as I was aware, "no bikes on trains during peak times" is not a new rule.Frankly, it's common sense not to wedge a bike in between 20 standing passengers, anyway.

Officially speaking bikes are not allowed on rail replacement buses IIRC.

(cross-posting what I said on ATDB:)

If bikes in peak time are a problem, then the needs of the majority should overrule the needs of bike riders. They'll just have to travel outside peak time.

But it disappoints me that this came from the government, not Connex. Connex are the ones who know how big the problem is and how to solve it - that's what they're paid for. If Kosky doesn't want to run the system, she can't make the rules.

Personally however, I don't think this will change much. Are there many bikes on trains in peak time? I don't think so. Connex always asked people to be considerate enough not to take them in peak time. People who are inconsiderate are likely to stay inconsiderate in defiance of the rules.

Maybe Kosky is getting ready to start up the MET mark 2 after all didnt she say the gov was looking at a franchise to run all PT under one umbrella...

As for the bikes didnt riders have to buy a ticket for their bikes? As I recall to travel with bike you use to have to buy a full fair ticket

Easy solution to problem:Remove a wheelIf anyone asks, tell them you are not carrying a bike, tell them you are carrying bike PARTS!

Easy solution around the law.

Would this law apply to these types of bikes too.http://www.brompton.co.uk/