Level crossings and PSOs on Melbourne's rail network: what do they have in common?

A few months ago the Committee for Melbourne announced via press release that it would probably be a good idea if the private sector was allowed to help remove some of Melbourne's level crossings.  During the same period much press has been given to the Ballieu government's plan to have Protective Services Officers (PSO) at every train station and their need for training and toilets.  Much like the gang in the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, I want to combine the two ideas.

Firstly, some background.  The Committee for Melbourne is 'an apolitical organisation that looks strategically at issues that impact beyond the short term electoral cycles. The Committee brings together Melbourne’s most influential businesses and organisations to work collaboratively to enhance Melbourne – economically, socially and environmentally.'  They have been involved in projects like the Citylink freeways and the creation of the city circle tram.  In June they announced that removing Melbourne's 172 level crossings at an average cost of $100million was likely to need the private sectors help.  Removal of level crossings is seen as a major step in increasing rail service frequency and alleviating road traffic congestion around points of intersection.

PSOs form part of the Ballieu government's law and order agenda.  They were promised pre-election as a means of combating violence and graffiti at and around railway stations.  The use of PSOs to create confidence and safety around the rail network is a good idea as this city becomes more reliant on rail travel.  In the course of considering the roll-out of this program, it was realised that the PSOs would need to be able to perform bodily functions whilst on shift and that there would need to be working toilets at railway stations.  The problem is that many stations do not have working public toilets and a few do not have toilets at all.  They have been locked up and not maintained for so long that major works may be required at some locations.

Of the fifteen or so level crossings that I know well, most have an adjacent railway station.  So let's combine the two problems.  To put the railway line under the road will require rebuilding the train station where it is adjacent.  For the private sector to invest $100million to solve this problem for the taxpayer they will want to build a bit more than just a train station on the available area.  So I say let them have the rights to build shops or apartments above or in front of the station.  Give them a 99 year peppercorn lease.  Make sure that they build sufficient car parking and public toilets for the PSOs.  Stipulate that they station must be well lit and have multiple entry points.  Add lease clauses for recycling bins if you think it's important, but get the ball rolling on some redevelopment.

Obviously grade separation and rebuilding of railway stations takes a lot longer than renovating some bathrooms, but level crossings and the awful old and tired stations have got to go.  Commuters deserve better and would love to have PSOs patrolling clean, new, 21st century railway stations.  Dear Ballieu government, it will be a vote winner!