By Goya Dmytryshchak
Nearly all commuters surveyed have identified car parking as the worst problem at Aircraft train station in Laverton.
The RACV received 418 responses to its ‘Fix my station’ survey on how the station could be improved.
Aircraft has been ranked as either the worst or second worst in Victoria since 2015 in the RACV’s biennial On Track survey.
In 2015, the station was ranked the state’s worst with a rating of 4.86 out of 10.
In 2017, commuters disliked Aircraft even more and its rating fell to 4.20. It only dropped its worst-place ranking because Donnybrook was rated more poorly.
The RACV’s Stuart Outhred said in the latest survey, 97 per cent of commuters wanted to see improvements in the carpark.
Three quarters called for more parking and 53 per cent wanted the parking area to be sealed. Most respondents called for the construction of a multi-storey carpark.
“Commuters feel the station is outdated, neglected and unsafe,” Mr Outhred said.
“Station users are calling for a range of access improvements to be made for pedestrians, bicycle riders, public transport and people with disabilities.
“Survey participants raised concerns about their comfort, stating the station requires improvements to its appearance and lacks sufficient shelter.
“Station users also called for digital timetable displays.” Forty two per cent of commuters called for more bus services to the station and 40 per cent said there should be more frequent train services.
More than half wanted toilet facilities, 66 per cent called for more shelter and 42 per cent identified a need for more CCTV cameras.
When it came to possible improvements around the station, 44 per cent wanted more food options and restaurants and 39 per cent more retail outlets.
“Station users also raised concerns about the surrounding streetscape, calling for a more welcoming aesthetic, particularly at the shopping precinct, as well as safety and access improvements,” Mr Outhred said.
Hobsons Bay councillor Colleen Gates said the council wanted the state government to fund improvements at Aircraft as part of the level crossing removal.
In March, the council resolved to repeat its request that the government improve the carpark and facilities in and around Aircraft.
The level crossing is scheduled to be removed by early 2020.
