Sydney Light Rail Fails New Years Eve Challenge

[Paul Hogan <pghogan@spam_nyet_bigpond.com>]

The Sydney Light Rail had a real taste of "crush loading" last
night after the 9pm fireworks display, and came off second best.

I watched the display near Pyrmont, and then joined the crowds at
Casino station (more out of curiosity than any urgency to get back
to the City.)

The first problem was the auto ticketing machine - an appalling design
which would make a hardened Metcard veteran weep. The only machine
on the "up" side at Casino had run out of tickets, but this didn't
stop it accepting the punters money!  (they must be in league with Casino
management). At least 6 people put up to $10 each into the thing without
a result while I was there.

The first Citybound variotram arrived, and most people managed to get
on it (standing room only). It didn't like the load - two false 
starts, then a heavy brake application at Pyrmont Bay which sent
several passengers sprawling.  

An announcement was made to "present tickets for inspection" which 
went down real well!  After being harangued by a few ticketless (and
moneyless) patrons, the stressed connie more or less gave up, and
made a cursory inspection at the front of the tram. 
He had also run out of tickets. I got off at Haymarket without any
real opportunity to pay my fare.

Granted that New Years Eve is always going to stretch public transport
facilities beyond reasonable limits, but this system is supposed 
to be an advanced people mover, designed for Australia's largest
metropolis.  If it can't cope with even a moderate crowd, what value
is it as a mass transit conveyance?

Cheers,

Paul Hogan