Vic: Commuters to get public transport industry ombudsman

AAP General News (Australia)
04-13-2004
Vic: Commuters to get public transport industry ombudsman

MELBOURNE, April 13 AAP - Disgruntled Victorian commuters will get an independent ear
for their complaints through a public transport industry ombudsman.

Transport Minister Peter Batchelor announced today the seven members had been appointed
to the ombudsman's board to oversee the appointment of an ombudsman.

"Passengers will now be able to refer complaints to the ombudsman if they are dissatisfied
with the initial handling of complaints," Mr Batchelor said.

The ombudsman will hear complaints relating to services, ticketing, the behaviour of
employees, agents and contractors and the use of public land and rolling stock.

The seven members of the board represent commuters and the passenger train, tram, and
bus operators.

They would complete a search for the best candidate for the position of ombudsman but
would not themselves assess commuter complaints, Mr Batchelor said.

An industry ombudsman was needed since the privatisation of public transport because
privately-owned companies did not fall within the charter of the Victorian ombudsman,
Mr Batchelor said.

AAP nl/gfr/cjh/bwl

KEYWORD: OMBUDSMAN

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