Make it public, make it free!

The "Our Public Transport" campaign was launched in Melbourne on April 12, when some 40 local commuters rallied at Flinders Street Station to demand free, publicly run transport.

A symbolic "eviction notice" was served on Connex, the private company that runs Melbourne's rail network. Connex is notorious for its late and cancelled trains, expensive tickets, heavy-handed ticket inspectors and sparse train services, especially in the outer suburbs. Its contract with the state government is up for review in November.

"We want this action to send a strong message to the private companies and the government alike, that it is time to take our transport system back", said Claire Feely from the Our Public Transport campaign. "Many people see the need for a well-structured public transport system, especially in response to growing concern about climate change — the less cars on the road, the better, but if the services aren't there, then people will drive their cars because there's no other option."

Davey Heller, also from the Our Public Transport campaign, pointed out that the way the transport system is currently run, "it costs about $1 billion more than if it was returned to public hands". Under the state government's "public-private partnerships", private companies are given massive government subsidies. Heller added that "Connex lost their rail contract in England for the same shoddy service as they are replicating here".

The state government's obvious lack of concern about the state of public transport came to the fore after recent media reports that transport minister Lynne Kosky had told colleagues not to bother her with complaints from commuters.

For more information or to get involved in the campaign, visit <http://www.ourpublictransport.org>.

From GLW issue 707