Safety stations

By EMMA SUN
TECOMA and Upwey train users will be better protected with the recent completion of safety-targeted upgrade works at both train stations.
But local township groups are hoping more improvement works would be done in the future to make the stations even safer.
Five CCTV cameras have been installed at Upwey and three at Tecoma station, as well as additional lighting.
Tecoma station now also has handrails to assist people walking up.
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Edward O’Donohue, who announced the completion of the project last Friday, hoped it would encourage more people to take pubic transport.
“The improvements at Upwey and Tecoma will promote the use of public transport and improve the amenity of these urban areas,” he said
“These works will also improve accessibility to the stations, especially for those people with mobility difficulties.”
David Jewell from the Tecoma Village Action Group (TVAG) praised the initiative and said the improvement works would make people feel better using the station.
“I think it will make users feel safer and those who walk to and from the station will feel more comfortable so it’s definitely a step in the right direction.”
Upwey Township Group’s Andrew Fullagar was also pleased with the upgrades to Upwey station.
He said the additional security has already had an effect.
“It’s definitely safer and we’ve already noticed already there is less graffiti and people feel much safer walking along with additional lighting,” he said.
“Lighting has been a problem for some time, so it’s much better that it’s fully lit and great for students that come through it, especially at night time.”
However, both residents said there will still many things at the stations that required improvement and hoped more works would be done in the near future.
Mr Jewell said one of the problems was the need for shelters towards the end of the platforms so passengers could spread out along the station and avoid being buffeted by bad weather while waiting for the train.
“There’s limited space on the existing building and the passenger waiting area is actually gated off – it’s been locked for a long time now and it’d be good to see it reopened,” he said.
“The additional shelters would mean people won’t have to make a bolt for other carriages in the rain from the station building.
“If it’s not raining then there’s water dripping off the trees.”
Ivy covering trees was another problem, which Mr Jewell said could kill trees and cause them to land across railways.
Mr Fullagar said he hoped the government would deliver on its initial promise to make the station a better facility.
“From the Upwey perspective, we would love a full upgrade of the station but we are grateful for the improvements that have been provided,” he said.
“In the previous government promise, there was supposed to be a full upgrade, with toilets and a manned station and we missed out on that.
“The Upwey township would certainly improve if the station was fully upgraded and we are optimistic that somewhere along the line that would happen.”
Mr O’Donohue said the government would work towards making the stations better.
“We’re pleased to have honoured our election commitment with the completion of these works and look forward to working with the local community, Metro and VicTrack to make further improvements as further resources become available.”