Public Transport Users Association

The Public Transport Users Association is a community-based public transport lobby group in Victoria, Australia, based in Melbourne.

History and Aims

The organisation was founded in 1976 as the Train Travellers Association, and became prominent after the controversial Lonie Report recommended huge freeway expansion and closure of most public passenger transport in the city.

The Association supports a greater role for public transport and less dependence on the private car. Key PTUA policies include:

• A public transport planning authority to provide co-ordinated planning of train, tram and bus services
• More frequent services, longer operating hours and better connections between modes
• Expansion of the train, tram, and bus networks
• Urban planning, taxation and transport project resource allocations that do not favour car use over public transport
• Reduced reliance on and building of new freeways
• More staffing at stations and on trains/trams
• Fares that ensure public transport is competitive with car travel

Of particular interest to the Association are potential extensions to Melbourne's metropolitan rail network (including lines to Doncaster, Rowville (via Monash University's Clayton Campus) and Melbourne Airport and an overhaul of the bus network, including more routes being upgraded to SmartBus status.

Achievements

The PTUA successfully lobbied for extended New Years Day public transport hours in 2004, a success that was repeated in 2005, 2006 and 2007. It maintains a high media profile, publishes a newsletter for members and operates an office in Melbourne and several local branches.

The current President is Daniel Bowen.

External links

• Official website
• History of the PTUA