Re: Drugs on trains and trams

[Chris <csinn@netlink.com.au>]

Michael Walker wrote:
> 
>  http://www.theage.com.au/news/20000712/A1696-2000Jul11.html
> 
> Talks about the drug problem on public transport. It notes the Epping
> line (and presumably the Hurstbridge line) through Collingwood, the
> Dandenong line through Springvale, the 86 tram through Smith Street and
> overdoses on country trains as being the worst areas.
> 
> I'm not sure one of the solutions suggested, returning guards to
> trains, is going to make any difference though. As suggested in other
> threads, and in the past when it comes up, railway guards were there to
> guard the train in a safeworking sense. Every time it was suggested
> guards roam the trains in Melbourne, all hell broke loose. I think it
> happened for a short time and then they stopped doing it (safety
> reasons?). Then the government got rid of them. If all the guard is
> going to do is ride in their box up the end, read the paper and ding
> the bell twice and shut the doors, I doubt that trains will be any more
> safe and secure than they are now without them. Just my 2c worth!
> 
> Conductors on the other hand I can see the point of from a public
> safety point of view.
> 
> --
> Michael Walker
> Email: wk@cgsc.vic.edu.au
> ICQ: 78913383
> 
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.


It is a problem. Once while driving my tram on the 59 rout, noticed
about 8 syringes lying next to a seat. I told the depot starter and he
carfuly removed them. A driver I kow sat on a syringe that was left on
his seat inside the cabin. He had to be AIDs tested, luckly it was
negative. Its all gone down hill since they got rid of the conductors.