Safety first on the line

CASEY councillors will distribute train safety information to commuters on the Cranbourne train line, despite the line being recognised as among the safest in Victoria.
A recent investigation found incidents of assault, robbery and vandalism were highest on the Lilydale and Pakenham lines, while St Albans trains featured highly for drug offences.
In a bid to highlight the various safety concerns, Casey councillors Steve Beardon and Michael Farley have published a safety guide for local users of the rail network.
“The information is distributed on the back of my community newsletter as well as at various train stations along the Cranbourne line and in letterbox drops around the area,” Cr Beardon said.
“A lot of work has gone into the upgrading of stations between Dandenong and Cranbourne and as a result we are seeing safer trains and train stations,” he said.
He said a letter has also been sent to train operator Connex asking for a stand to distribute the train safety information from Merinda Park station.
“We are endeavouring to get security at Merinda Park station but I also think the brochure will help train users travel safer,” he said.
Connex spokesperson Andrew Cassidy said most of the stations along the Cranbourne line were either premium or host stations and were staffed the majority of the time.
He said premium stations are manned from first train to last while host stations have staff present during the morning peak period.
The figures calculated for the Cranbourne train line count only the two stations after Dandenong station. – Callan Date