The public were there by virtue of being there to catch a train or
whatever. Everybody was free to mingle. One member of the bus forum even
got a handshake from Gladys as she stepped off the tram, even though he was
just there to catch a train! Gladys is a very nice, down-to-earth person
who still catches the bus to work. I can't speak for Constance, haven't met
him, but don't like what he does sometimes. He has picked up his game
though with the election coming.
Tony P
On Saturday, 16 February 2019 05:43:42 UTC+11, Matthew Geier wrote:
>
>
> Seems Gladys and Andrew didn't want to mix with the public, they did
> their 'official opening' yesterday (Friday 15th), presumably with only
> 'hand-picked' guests present.
>
>
> https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5906155/premier-says-unbelievable-patronage-expected-after-first-ride-on-newcastle-light-rail/
> --
> Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance have
> declared Newcastle's new tram service will attract "unbelievable"
> passenger numbers after they took their first ride on the line on Friday.
>
> Ms Berejiklian and Mr Constance sat with a group of students, elderly
> people, fellow politicians and media as the tram ran the 2.7 kilometres
> from Newcastle beach to the Wickham interchange.
> --
> Also includes an onboard photo showing a smiling Gladys mixing with the
> 'public'.
>
> Well, that's one up on the opening of the IWLR extension, which while
> held on the same day as the opening, they didn't tell anyone other than
> their chosen media outlets when and where and till the last moment. For
> Newcastle they didn't even turn up on the same day!
>
>