Fed up with the lack of parking spots at local train stations, Nicole Puttyfoot decided to do something about it.
The Point Cook resident, who works in Melbourne’s CBD, recently launched a petition calling on the state government to introduce more parking spots at Williams Landing and Aircraft train stations.
In just one week, 500 people have pledged support.
“I try to catch the train into work, but it just isn’t happening lately,” Mrs Puttyfoot said.
RESIDENTS OPPOSE MORE PARKING AT AIRCRAFT STATION
“I do shift work so if I get to the station after 8am it’s impossible to get a car park and I’m forced to drive. Then I get on the freeway and the traffic is at a standstill. It takes me more than two hours to get to work.
“The solution is simple: increase the number of car parks at train stations and it’ll take cars off the road. Enough is enough.”
Mrs Puttyfoot said she had trialled catching a bus to the station, but the journey to work from Point Cook exceeded two hours and was not practical.
“We need more roads and better infrastructure, but that’s a long-term solution.
“Start small – get more car parks,” she said.
Mrs Puttyfoot hopes more people will sign her petition, which will then go to local MPs.
Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said the carpark at Williams Landing train station had space for 500 cars, while nearby Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations had a further 2000.
“But we know that with Melbourne’s west booming and more people using our public transport system, we need to unlock more land for parking,” she said.
Ms Allan said the state government was in the process of auditing landholdings near train stations across the state to identify areas that can be sealed and made available for free parking.
“Any opportunities to expand parking at Williams Landing will be identified as part of this process,” she said.
Ms Allan said the Wyndham bus network last year introduced direct connections to Williams Landing and other stations along the Werribee line. She added that commuters could ride bicycles to the station, which can accommodate almost 60 bikes.
To pledge support for Mrs Puttyfoot’s campaign for more parking at train stations, go online to http://chn.ge/21IenGd
