Bikes Banned From Rail Services From Tomorrow

Eratik · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:58 am

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."

Metro Transit · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:43 am

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/0,21985,22988641-661,00.html

Metro II.

Metro Transit - For King and Country

Minister for Cultural Affairs and the Arts

The next station is Spencer Street

melbtrip · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:44 am

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 surfboards
Metropolitan
Bicycles 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 pm
Bicycles 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 Line
Hurstbridge to Ivanhoe Zone 2

Epping Line
Epping to Preston

Craigieburn Line
Craigieburn to Pascoe Vale

Upfield Line
Upfield to Batman

Werribee Line
Werribee to Altona
Express route Werribee to Laverton

Lilydale / Belgrave Line
Lilydale / Belgrave to Canterbury

Glen Waverley Line
Glen Waverley to Darling

Pakenham/ Cranbourne Line
Pakenham/ Cranbourne to Hughesdale

Frankston Line
Frankston to Ormond

Sandringham Line
Sandringham to North Brighton

197M-1981T-3M · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:51 am

The following is from the Connex Customer Charter:

melbtrip · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:05 am

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 6.30pm
Bicycles and surfboards must not obstruct passageways
Or 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.

prometheus_au · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:07 am

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 Rolling Eyes

)

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 Very Happy

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. Shocked

I'll fight it in the Magistrates Court - My argument would be on a point of law. It's not a bicycle! Wink

melbtrip · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:19 am

prometheus_au · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:24 am

Thanks for formalising it melbtrip

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

668M · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:40 am

ZH836301 · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:47 am

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

Metro Transit · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:53 am

Deep Throat · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:53 am

42101 · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:58 am

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?

Thanks heaps to ALL my friends on here.

668M · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:07 pm

YM-Mundrabilla · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:11 pm

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. Twisted Evil

YM Mundrabilla

Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
Reality has been omitted for clarity.
Why is it that there are so many in high places who prefer activity to achievement?