WESTERN suburbs train stations lack security, stink of urine and are poorly maintained, a People for Public Transport survey has found. An audit of 26 stations on the Outer Harbor and Grange lines found most stations were isolated, graffiti and vandalism were common, and only two had security cameras and emergency contact with police. A lack of toilets also led to a strong urine smell at stations on the Outer Harbor line. PPT members Margaret Dingle and Dennis Cripps audited the stations on behalf of The Portside Messenger last month. They said there was a lack of toilets, security, and lighting,disabled access was poor and the stations were riddled with graffiti. "None of them had toilets and I think some of them should have . . . we certainly had some shelters smelling of urine,'' Ms Dingle said. Both Ms Dingle and Mr Cripps were disappointed with a lack of signage at stations. "That's my big gripe they never put enough signage,'' Mr Cripps said. "It's not good if you don't know where you're going.'' They said security was sub-standard at most stations, except Glanville and Woodville, which had security cameras and "panic'' phones to the police. These stations, promoted by TransAdelaide as "Safer stations'', with bike lockers, were rated the best, at 49 and 46 respectively, out of a maximum 60 (see table). "It feels safe, (and the camera and panic phones) are wonderful improvements regrettably, they are needed,'' Mr Cripps said of Woodville. But he was disappointed the toilets were locked and unavailable to the public. The PPT said their audit found most stations were run down, with a lack of maintenance. Ms Dingle was especially critical of the Port Adelaide station, rated 16/60, with its four long ramps to access the platforms on the Commercial Rd bridge, and suggested a lift be installed to improve disabled access. "It's particularly unattractive, but you could see traces of former magnificence, with the ornate bridge pillars,'' she said. "I think it needs a revamp.'' Ms Dingle rated Midlunga her worst, at 14/60. "There is poor disabled access . . . generally steep and uneven, and the south-west ramp is very steep,'' she said. She also said the shelter was inadequate, and as with most stations on the lines, there was no security. Mr Cripps rated the underused Cheltenham Racecourse station the worst, at 10/60, with access to the platform difficult through a garden bed. He was also disappointed with Alberton station, rated 15/60. Other Messenger Press Articles
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