Fairness matters for taxi industry says Barton

The commercial passenger vehicle industry is in a mess and it’s time the Government did “the right thing” to make it safe and viable again and this week I took the opportunity of the debate on an fishing licence compensation bill and emergency service superannuation legislation to remind the Government…

SMARTbus service for Suburban Rail Loop route

This week I asked Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne to create a SMARTbus service along the proposed Suburban Rail Loop route and get these services running now rather than waiting 50 years.

Trackless trams for Doncaster Rail

We think trackless trams are an obvious option to explore for the new “busway” services proposed in the North East Link plans and would meet the long promised rail connection from Doncaster to the city. 

Barton calls for fair price increase on taxi fares

Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton has called for an increase in the maximum regulated taxi fares of 10 percent immediately with annual CPI increases in the future. 

“These Victorian public transport drivers are slugged with increasing costs on all sides and no way of improving their working…

Barton defends community after NELP lawyers “unfair blow”

Rebuttal comments from North East Link Project lawyers on the final day of public hearings have unfairly dismissed community concerns and left them fearing the worst says Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.

Mr Barton has come out in support of the community whose hopes for changes to the project now rest…

SUBURBAN RAIL LOOP – Include Doncaster in stage 1

I’ve asked the Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan to reevaluate Stage 1 and extend the first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop to include Doncaster to ensure that Victorians are better connected as quickly and effectively as possible. 

Tighten up on CPV safety says Barton

We need to tighten up safety across all commercial passenger vehicles following recent reports of rape and sexual assault by men posing as Uber drivers.

“We’ve created an unsafe culture that encourages young people especially to get into unmarked vehicles for a cheap ride home.”

NEL HEARING – Put community first in North East Link planning

In his presentation to the NEL advisory panel on Monday Mr Barton asked them to consider five areas of community concern in its recommendations to the Minister – enforceable EPA construction guidelines, better solutions for the Bulleen Industrial Zone, better protection of the Green Ribbon, the inclusion…

Make EPA construction guidelines mandatory on North East Link says Barton

I will address the government’s expert advisory panel for the North East Link on Monday morning (September 9 at 9.45am) and will call for Victoria’s Environmental guidelines for major infrastructure construction works to be mandatory requirements on the project.

Doncaster busway plan is just ‘box ticking’ and needs urgent review: Barton

This week Mr Barton asked the Government to review its current plans and ensure the delivery of the rapid transit busway to Doncaster ahead of other works starting.

“This Busway must provide a practical alternative to our growing north eastern suburb commuters whose daily commute will be effected…

Community input into final design for North East link

Community design solutions need consideration in the development of a final design for the North East Link. I’ve asked the Planning Minister to ensure the needs of the community and their input be incorporated.

NORTH EAST LINK – Rezoning hopes for Bulleen businesses

I asked Minister Wynne in Parliament today to undertake the required rezoning of the site at Websters Road as soon as possible to allow Manningham Council to subdivide the area to accommodate businesses from the soon to be displaced Bulleen Industrial Zone.

Single safety test needed for taxi and rideshare vehicles

Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton has asked the Minister for Public Transport to implement a single annual safety inspection standard for commercial passenger vehicles.

Fix and finish Murray Basin Rail: Barton

Delays and budget blowouts on the Murray Basin Rail Project are driving up costs for regional producers and pushing trucks onto our roads, and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton has asked the Transport Infrastructure Minister to clarify plans for the abandoned project, stressing the importance…