Public Transport Woes On Break-Up Weekend
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Public Transport Woes On Break-Up Weekend

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Nightclub owners welcome blitz on louts during this work Christmas break-up weekend, but warn that lessons are not learned on public transport.

Prominent Melbourne nightclub owner, Peter Iwaniuk, has welcome this weekend’s blitz on loutish behaviour.

This blitz is part of the Victoria Police’s Operation Unite, a large-scale patrol aiming to send out a strong and clear message that police will not put up with alcohol-related violence.

However, Iwaniuk stresses it is very important that this year the Baillieu Government learns from the failures of the Brumby Government to plan properly for major events, such as end-of-year office break-up parties.

"We accept that the Baillieu Government has had limited time to remedy past mistakes, but at least they can ensure that their transport, planning and licensing bureaucrats are out and about in the streets between 2am and 7am this weekend, observing the reality of what is a very poorly planned and neglected environment," said Iwaniuk.

"It is essential that the taxi industry is overhauled and trains and trams run all night on Fridays and Saturdays."

This time last year, when all the work Christmas parties were happening, the media described the aftermath of the night as "fight night", as booze-filled revellers battled to get home.

Many arguments broke out as thousands were forced to wait for up to three hours for taxis, and nightclub owner Iwaniuk thinks it would be a shame if the same scenario is repeated this year.

"Mr. Baillieu must now act quickly to redress this situation," he said.

"The public has a right to safe reliable public transport at all times of peak demand, and the new Government must allocate resources to make this a reality."

All we can do is wait and see how this weekend turns out, and whether there is any change to the disaster of last year’s break-up weekend.