Shutdown Just Part of the Countdown

From April 1 to 23, Victorian Commuters will be asked to endure perhaps the biggest prolonged public transport system shutdown ever. Nine train lines will be affected, with major segments replaced by buses, as the train systems major works march forward.

Many are reporting the story as if it is some major drama, an unbearable imposition on commuters, forced to endure the disruption of bus trips instead of trains, interrupting the normally brilliant schedule they so passionately complain about.

I find all this an incredible source of amusement. Sometimes we struggle to see beyond our own comfort and self-interest to look at what is really going on.

And let’s not forget that it is only 150 years ago that public transport did not exist. People walked miles to work every day. And we celebrate the amazing African runners who, we find out after they have won the big races, walked 2 hours to school and 2 hours home every day.

We forget that sometimes, big gains require a bit of short-term pain. Just ask anyone who has endured a successful weight loss plan, or fitness program. Ask anyone who has been promoted beyond the level of their own personal confidence. It takes some discomfort to get what you want.

So, what is it that we want?

I hear of Melbourne being the world’s most liveable city for 6 or 7 years in a row. I was disappointed in 2018 when we lost our title. I selfishly want it to be the world’s most livable city forever. I am proud of the city I call home. Being someone who travels a great deal, I see Melbourne’s extraordinary appeal.

Right now, in the Garden State, we have a government with vision. Daniel Andrews and his team have a huge vision for Melbourne and Victoria. They seem to want to lay the foundations for greatness, for a city that could become a stable and vibrant home for families and communities for the next couple of hundred years.

Good communities, like strong fit bodies, do not just happen. They are not a birth right. They take some work. Just like a body needs strong bones and clear, well-toned arteries, a city needs robust infrastructure and smooth flowing roads and rail.

Just like a body, when arteries become blocked, disease occurs. Crime, violence, unemployment, disconnection and homelessness are all symptoms of a city struggling with poor infrastructure.

Great roads and expansive, efficient rail systems keep the city moving. People can get across town quickly and efficiently. Freight moves with minimal delay and fuss. Families get to spend more time together as commutes are minimal and frustrations caused by delays are rare.

Melbourne’s biggest Achilles Heel is level crossings. Our train system reached its peak capacity back in the 80’s. Rail authorities could not schedule anymore trains at peak hour as the prolonged closure of level crossings would send the roads system into gridlock.

For decades, successive governments ignored the problem, and sold red herrings to the voting public in the form of new roads and toll ways. And while these are not a bad investment, none of them were ever going to fix the fundamental problem. The cross-city tunnel would have been a profoundly expensive attempt to go around a problem that was never going to go away.

But, in these times of great prosperity, on the back of the boom in the Chinese economy, we have a government who has been prepared to take some hard decisions, inflict a few growing pains, and take this state into the future, to get it ready for the significant population growth that will come.

Can you imagine a father, residing in Frankston, who normally drives to the CBD every day for work? His commute takes 75 to 90 minutes and he is often frustrated at the end of the run. Now, he will be able to get a seat on the train, enjoy the 45-minute trip, get some work done, read the paper, listen to a podcast, or even meditate, and arrive at work feeling like something has been achieved. He will work better, leave work feeling more successful, perhaps even a little earlier, and have a productive trip home. When he arrives, he is available for his kids and might even have time to get involved in the community, maybe with his daughter’s Netball club as a team manager.

In April we will endure some inconvenience. But this is a vital step toward an amazing city of the future. How are you going to view it? Are you going to be aggrieved at being inconvenienced, or are you going to cheerfully participate in the exercise and take care of the drivers and other transport staff who are striving to make things work for you? That is how you get to do your bit.

These are exciting times. Our new train system will be amazing. Can you imagine a peak hour where there is a train running from Dandenong every 5 minutes?

Here is how I see it. And I think it is quite simple. As you drive down the road and see the men and women in ‘high vis’ clothing, directing traffic and seemingly slowing things down, ask yourself how you are looking at them.

You might see construction workers. I see surgeons, clearing arteries and performing vital bypass surgery on the grand old lady - Melbourne. Smile at them, give them a wave and thank them for their service. They are doing an awesome job.

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