THE TOONS’ VIEWS

The Editor,

I read with interest the article about Ridwan Quaium suggestions about public transport in Dubbo, and the current cost. [“Call for Uber service in Dubbo”, Dubbo Photo News, August 29.]

Mr Quaium has not included in his interview other options for transport including Community Transport and Vouchers to be utilised with the Taxis (this halves the cost and makes that cost effective).

He is commenting from the viewpoint of the Public Transport Network in Thailand, a big city, not Regional NSW. Each country has its own standards, laws, culture, and training requirements for being able to carry passengers from point A to point B. Each customer need is different – for example, some customers need the Maxi Taxi for wheelchair/ disability access.

The Maxi wheelchair-accessible taxis are also wonderful for family groups and bigger groups and are very cost effective. The cost is the same as a standard taxi and when split between a number of people is very cost effective – not expensive by any means.

Each taxi driver has special training for his/her driving in the taxi system and follows professional standards and training of the taxi industry. This includes training in locations, theory and practical tests, how to deal with special needs customers, the aged, as well as people with wheelchairs, guide dogs and assistance dogs; also tourism directions, and – most important – police checks and working with children checks (for those working with children).

The hotels work with the taxis to transport customers in the early hours of the morning – a very busy time for them. In particular the hotels offer free vouchers to get their customers home after their festivities.

This is very cost effective and they are working together with our local community for everyone to have a good time and be responsible. This works also with the Police focussing on having a Plan A, B and C in getting home without driving in your car when you have had a few drinks.

With tourism, many travellers appreciate the local knowledge of drivers in being able to locate and be transported to the desired location, within a limited time, for example the zoo, the hospital, and the private hospital.

Getting around Dubbo can be daunting for those from smaller centres who are very grateful for a kind word and assistance.

Tourists do not all fly into Dubbo. They also come by road, rail and bus and often like to be able to be transported, in particular if they have a limited time to see the sights.

Many people come to conferences, meetings and seminars from all over the world. Some come for medical reasons and education needs, and they are very grateful for kind directions from public transport drivers for accommodation locations, where to eat and more.

The amount of value added with the extra services that taxis provide, on top of the transportation for their customers from A to B, can not be underestimated. Transportation is at all hours, day and night.

Ann Mclachlan,

Dubbo The Editor,

Uber would be a great transportation network for the Dubbo community, and it should start ASAP.

Raman Dipkuk

Via email. The Editor

Re: The current investigation into a fourth river bridge for the southern part of the city.

I trust that the investigation will look further than providing access for West Dubbo people to access the CBD.

As indicated, simply extending Minore Road, crossing the river and joining up with Bligh Street would provide some traffic relief, but other considerations need to be investigated.

For example:

(1) Actual road construction down the steep embankment to Sir Roden Cutler Park area

(2) Building a bridge across the river at a tight bend in the river where there’s potential for bank erosion. Maybe the same location as the current footbridge would be more appropriate.

(3) The main question to answer would be where would the traffic be heading. A look at the plan of Dubbo would indicate better access to Wheelers Lane, and later Sheraton Road, for workers, schoolchildren, shoppers, etc to attend the abattoirs, Purvis Lane business area, crematorium, university, racecourse, hospital, private schools, Bunnings, Blueridge, Masonic Village, Orana Gardens, dog track, soccer ovals, etc. In reverse, ambulance and fire services, the golf course and the zoo, etc. There would also be improved access to Sydney and Newcastle, along with the tourist precinct and Lazy River Estate.

Limitation to South Dubbo residential roads could be achieved by banning left lane access to these roads. This could be done by signs or the installation of concrete strips. Boundary Road would appear at the most danger with increased traffic. Possibly the Wheelers Lane/cobra Street roundabout would need some conversion or traffic lights.

Maybe a combined traffic and cycleway bridge at the current footbridge site would be the best concept. Safe crossing of the cycleway would need to be included in the concept, no matter where the bridge is located.

Kevin Duncan

Dubbo