TRAINS are a vital service for the people, not a cash cow for the state government.
Transperth has announced it is cancelling its free late-night weekend trains, citing low patronage and trumpeting $6million in savings over the next four years.
But anecdotal evidence suggests the train lines, including Mandurah’s, are well used by area residents going to Perth for a good time and wanting to return safely. Photos on a Facebook page dedicated to keeping the amenity running show well-used trains over the weekend for all late service times.
Saving the state money is certainly a laudable goal, but having more drink drivers on the road is something that should be avoided at all costs. In this case, the price is $17 per rider, according to a Transperth news release, a small amount for taxpayers to come up with to keep dangerous drivers off our roads.
Ridership varies, but there are nights when those trains are packed with people, many of them young, who have wisely chosen to take the train home instead of driving after a night of alcohol-fuelled revelry. A taxi ride back to Mandurah that costs more than plane fare to Bali is not an option for most of them – that is, if they can even get a taxi.
The free service will end in early April, according to a media release from Transperth. Currently, trains leave for Mandurah at 1.15am and 2.15am on Saturdays and Sundays, but after the Easter long weekend the latest train will go at midnight. For a lot of people, that’s when the fun has just started.
As far back as 1993, government officials cited a reduction in drinking and driving when first considering late-night train service, which began in 1997.
What has changed now? Nothing, as far as we can tell.
