public transport should be owned by the public

On the 31st May a public meeting will be held to demand the sacking of Connex and restoration of public control over public transport.

Rail and tram franchise agreements expire in 2008 and the State Government has until 30 November, 2007 to decide whether it will exented or renew them. If no such notice is given by the deadline, then Melbourne's trains and trams revert to public ownership without the risk of compensation claims.

On the 27th March, the Shire of Yarra Ranges council confirmed its support for the LinkUp Melbourne campaign including the signing of an open letter to The Premier and the Minister for Public Transport calling for an end to privatisation of the train and tram services.

Yarra Ranges Council have shown we are committed to action on climate change. There is no doubt that a state government run public transport system plays an essential part in reducing reliance on motor cars. What our community needs is appropriate arrangements in place to permit the planning, funding and provision of high quality public transport, this is not what we have now under privatisation. I urge all who can to attend the meeting to lend your support to the LinkUp Melbourne campaign.

The meeting will be held on Thursday 31st May from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at the Wesley Uniting Church at 148 Lonsdale Street, City.

If you'd like to know more about LinkUp Melbourne visit http://www.linkupmelbourne.org.au