There are renewed fears for public safety after reports today indicated there will not be enough workers or volunteers at
There are renewed fears for public safety after reports today indicated there will not be enough workers or volunteers at CBD train stations for World Youth Day.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union is calling for a fare-free week to help ease the situation and take pressure off rail workers who will be working around the clock to cope with the increase in passengers.
Nick Lewocki, Secretary of the RTBU says if something is not done to ease the expected congestion at inner city stations, the safety of thousands of commuters will be put at risk.
“The Government needs to stop messing around and consider the impact World Youth Day will have on our city’s rail network. It will be absolute hell unless something is done to ease the pressure,” Lewocki says.
“Our workers are doing the best they can but when we are thousands of people short, stations in the city will just not be able to cope.
“Rail workers have told us of their concerns for public safety during World Youth Day and there are some serious issues the State Government can’t afford to ignore.
Lewocki says workers would do their best but with so many people expected in the city, the threat to public safety could not be ignored and the government needed to look at the option of a fare-free week.
“Public safety is the issue here and if protecting the wellbeing and safety of thousands of people means the government has to opt for a fare-free week, it is an option they should seriously consider,” he says.
Figures released today show the World Youth Day Authority have been unable to fill thousands of positions.
“With all the extra trains running to cope with the week’s activities we’re going to need a lot more people on the ground to ensure the safety of pilgrims and commuters.
“The only answer is to give commuters a fare-free week and pray that everything runs smoothly,” Lewocki says.