Removing the humans... by blinkings
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Over the last decade or so, the majority of train stations in Australia have had their staff removed in favour of ticket vending machines. Obviously a cost cutting exercise. As a result, graffiti, vandalism and violent crime is now a huge problem, and old fashioned customer service is non-existent. Actual humans have been replaced by security cameras, but who knows who actually watches these cameras (if anyone). I've seen some terrible things over the years, and not once have I ever seen any 'security' arrive to save the day! Many people don't even bother to buy a ticket these days, and the system now loses more money annually than it ever did with staff!
I wonder if this is a global phenomena?
Comments (10)
great shot and wonderful, if sad, social commentary
Gosh! Horrific..soulless and frightening.
Just horrible signs of the times.
Yep, happens everywhere. It's the corporate way.
Yes, Happens here in the Bay Area as well.
Sad sight. And worse, with the crime. Yes, more automatic ticket machines in Sweden, too. BUT, with so many taking tains (due to improvements in public transportation), not much crime. And, yes, the cameras ARE viewed here - so police do come quick. But, the cameras also have proven a deterrent. AND, there are conductors who check tickets - not always, but if you try sneaking along, you get slapped with a $100.- fine! Beautiful photo, despite the desolate feeling. Keep up the good work! :-)
It is part of our capitalist system to try to reduce costs and on the short term this strategy has success. The long term effects however are easily overseen and neglected. Moreover; the cost incurred by the vandalism etc is often paid by society, not by the companies who caused them. Great social scene!
Passenger trains? Well, you can always do what happened here in the USA years ago...drop almost all passenger service and force folks to find alternative means...Cities with Light Rail service do great! Bus systems work. But Amtrak which provides limited cross country passenger service has lost money for years! Your station sure looks lonely:-(
Well for one i can say they are erecting cameras everywhere because of crime here in Pretoria. i recently saw about 4 cameras in DF Malan Drive at different traffic lights at High jacking hot spots. It makes me wonder sometimes we think something will solve problems,but meantime it create more problems. Thank you for sharing this capture and your input regarding this upload.
Yep. Happening here too. I was on a unattended country station last year with my camera gear when a gang of youths appeared. Don't even think there were any security cameras either. Must say I was a bit concerned until more passengers arrived.