Hard to believe it is happening, no longer shall we need to throw our rubbish on the ground at Southern Cross or leave it on Metro Trains (that do not have a bin themselves) it will soon be possible to believe you are living in a first world city.
Bins are finally arriving at Southern Cross Station this coming May.
‘Cleanliness and customer experience’ are not at all important to the entity operating Southern Cross station. I have written twice to them about the appearance of the station. The filthy orange pods, the dust layers on the grey skeleton structure and many of the windows which have never been cleaned EG windows facing the Bourke St bridge. They wrote back advising they had engaged contractors to start cleaning the windows…that last a few weeks. Since then…nothing.
August 2024 I wrote:
Message: Wondering after almost 20 years since it opened, when you guys are going to give our station a thorough spring clean and maintenance?
Windows – some windows are opaque with dirt and grime as I don’t believe they have ever been cleaned. But all windows need ongoing attention.
Lights – it’s now impossible to count all the lights that have blown through out the station. All of the original lights over Platforms 13 and 14 have blown so the sculptured roof there is no longer illuminated. However it’s very easy to see throughout the complex an aura of gloom has decended due to the darkness.
Filth – the two Orange pods are covered in grime and the windows equally so.
More filth – along the Bourke Street footbridge, leading to the platforms and around the retail area.
Even more filth – The skeletal structure is covered in grime and dust that has become a part of the grime.
I realise your tenure is over half way passed, but am wondering if it’s your intention to do any of this work before 2035?
Kind regards,
Mike.
Their reply in October:
Hi Mike,
We sincerely apologise for the late response and thank you for your time on the feedback regarding cleaning and maintenance at the station.
Please note we have investigated this matter with the facility cleaning Management. The cleaning plan has been scheduled.
The window cleaning along Spencer street has been progressing. We will continue to monitor the cleanliness of the station to ensure they meet the expected standard.
Regarding to lighting, please be advised that the lighting levels at platform 13/14 meets the standard of Lux reading. The adequacy of the lighting coverage throughout the station precinct is reviewed frequently, and we continue to monitor the lighting levels.
We appreciate and value your comments as this helps us to continuously improve our facility user experience moving forward.
Thank you,
Southern Cross Station Pty Ltd
A piecemeal reply which addressed a few windows only and a mention of their ‘facility cleaning Management’, whatever that is.