Campaign priorities Queensland votes!

[ozbob]

These are the major issues for the forthcoming campaign:

1. Failure to deliver proper bus network reform for Brisbane.

The State Government, BCC and by inference TransLink have failed the community on this.  It also is a factor in the fare system unaffordability.

2. Failure to deliver proper fare reform for SEQ.  A 5% cut, with fare costs frozen for 2015, is only a cut that had to happen as a consequence of the carbon tax repeal which was dressed up as a political stunt and will not do it.  Far from it.

3. CRR versus BaT.  We have shown conclusively that the bus component of the BaT is a massive waste. Proper network reform is all that is needed for the bus network.  BaT is a half baked project IMHO.

4. Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail (I expect this will be announced prior to or during the election campaign).

5. Track amplification of the Sunshine Coast Line north of Beerburrum.  Duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North is the first priority, with some additional passing arrangements put in place between Landsborough North and Gympie North.

[#Metro]

Failure to deliver proper fare reform for SEQ.  A 5% cut, with fare costs frozen for 2015, is only a cut that had to happen as a consequence of the carbon tax repeal which was dressed up as a political stunt and will not do it.  Far from it.

BCC contributes 80 million per year. 30 million Carbon tax would have made a good start to buy out BCC's share of the bus network. Full control should return to the state.

[#Metro]

Just had a chat to a friend. They were complaining that they have to drive a long way.
They landed a job in Zillmere and live near Eight Mile Plains.

'Oh, you can get a busway bus to Roma St and then a train to Zillmere' I said

'No, the cost of that is about $14 per day, if I use my scooter, it works out to be around $2 per day...'


CRAZY!

Not everybody works in the Brisbane CBD, so you need connections. Not everyone can afford to prop up taxi style bus network!

[ozbob]

^ and sadly risks of trauma are increased at least x 100 times. This has profound sad outcomes on the individuals and broader community, and health care sector costs.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th December 2014

Queensland votes soon

Greetings,

Queensland votes soon for a new state Government.

These are the major issues for public transport that we would like to see properly addressed by all political parties and independents in policy development.  In our opinion, whomever addresses these issues will win the election.

1. The failure to deliver proper bus network reform for Brisbane.

The State Government, BCC and by inference TransLink have failed the community on this.  It also is a factor in the fare system unaffordability.

2. Failure to deliver proper fare reform for SEQ.  A 5% cut, with fare costs frozen for 2015, is only a cut that had to happen as a consequence of the carbon tax repeal which was dressed up as a political stunt and will not do it.  Far from it.  What happens post election, more run away fare cost increases?

3. CRR versus BaT.  Proper network reform is all that is needed for the bus network.  BaT is a 'half baked' project, it lacks transport planning rigour and still needs extensive analysis and evaluation to justify the cost.  It is a political solution rather than a long term transport solution.

4. Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail.

5. Track amplification of the Sunshine Coast Line north of Beerburrum.  Duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North is the first priority, with some additional passing arrangements put in place between Landsborough North and Gympie North.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Re: SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

Greetings,

Over Christmas I had the opportunity to visit Melbourne.  During my stay there I had plenty of opportunities to travel on public transport, mainly the suburban rail (Metro) and country rail (V/Line) systems, although I managed to fit in some tram travel as well.

What is immediately apparent is the very reasonable public transport fare structure as compared to the high cost fare structure failure that is SEQ.  People are encouraged to use public transport with an equitable fare cost from the first journey. Base fare costs in SEQ are amongst the highest in the world.

Decent fares are reinforced by sound community initiatives in Victoria.  For example on Christmas Day, public transport was free in Victoria, including country rail. As we observed during the G20, transport authorities in Queensland are unable to act for the community, they simply do not understand that free travel days get people onto public transport for the longer term. No free public transport for the community on Christmas Day in SEQ, we cannot afford it is the bleat!  Rubbish, getting people out and about is an investment for the future as well as a business multiplier.  SEQ is a great case study in how not manage public transport in many respects - bus network review failure, fare system failure being stand-outs.

New Years Eve, there is free public transport in SEQ, but only from 9pm on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) until 5.30am on New Year's morning (Thursday 1 January). In Victoria Metropolitan trains, trams, buses and regional town buses will be free from 6pm on New Year's Eve until the first scheduled service on New Year's Day. This again shows how mean spirited the authorities are in SEQ.  The only reason they make free travel available for such a narrow window is that the system cannot cope otherwise, they do not grasp the bigger picture as authorities do in other jurisdictions.

2015 and the looming State Election perhaps provides the best opportunity for locking in fare reform for SEQ.  There also needs to be bus network reform for Brisbane as well.  To continue on the present fare path failure will be devastating for the community.  We need a Government that will drive real reform and rise above the spin and mediocrity that characterises much of public policy at present.

Happy New Year!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Reference:

Melbourne December 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11008.0

Media release 20th December 2014

SEQ: Fare unaffordability crisis continues - fare & network reform needed!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the TransLink performance snap shot data for November 2014 has again confirmed that fare 'affordability' remains at crisis levels. Worst KPI is ' affordability ' by a huge measure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fares for public transport in SEQ have gone up in real terms (compound) around 83% for go card and 114% for paper single tickets during the period 2010 - January 2014 (1). A recent 5% decrease in November has only had a marginal effect. The Affordability KPI remains most unsatisfactory."

"CPI for the period 2010-2014 has gone up around 10% (2).  The sheer magnitude of the fare increases  stagnated patronage on public transport in SEQ.  Fare box revenue is also on the slide.  To continue on this failed fare path is not in the interests of anyone."

"It is then no surprise then that affordability is again the stand out failure for the TransLink Customer Satisfaction KPIs for November 2014 (3).

"It is a great disappointment to our members, and to many informed public transport users that rather than take the big steps to sort out the failed fare system and the network once and for all, in the shadows of the election a charade poll was put to the public - suggesting that a windfall gain from the cancelled carbon tax can be used to fund cut in fares of 5%."

"Fares on qconnect and TransLinkQLD (Cairns) urban buses are around half to a third the cost of fares in SEQ.  Service improvements would be far more important for these jurisdictions, but they were simply done over by the numbers in SEQ on the poll."

"A new balanced fare system needs to be put in place immediately for SEQ, rather than just a notional cut.  A fare system that drives patronage around the clock, is affordable and fair to all demographics.  The present free after nine paid journeys is easily rorted and is adding to further cost pressures for high base fares. This failed fare paradigm was introduced by the former State Government as free after 10 paid journeys in a week. The Newman Government simply carried on the basic flawed paradigm by changing it 9 paid journeys in a week as the threshold. The end result has been worsening patronage, a failed fare box and  worsening affordability overall."

"The nine and free fare paradigm is leading to massive fare box leakage and is NOT making fares affordable at all, the TransLink Affordability KPI attests to that.  It is just a massive rort and a drain on the fare box! (4)"

"We have seen fuel prices fall lately.  This in time is going to mean that more people will abandon public transport in SEQ due to the very poor anti-public transport fare system.  Road congestion will only worsen.  Road trauma costs will further exacerbate."

"Will we see some moves to sensible fare and network reform as part of the forthcoming Queensland election?"

"There are very big cost savings to be made to the economy by getting people back on public transport with a sound fare system and a truly connected network.  Fares in SEQ are amongst the worlds most expensive. Token fare cuts do very little without real reform.  Time to act decisively!"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg135186#msg135186

2. http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/cpi-all-groups-bris-wt-avg-eight-qtr/index.php

3. http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2014-Nov-snapshot.pdf  pages 1 & 14

4. 16 Jun 2014: SEQ: Flawed cost estimates for the nine and free go card rort?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10765.0

5. KPI Summary November 2014



6. KPI Affordability November 2014

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th January 2015

Campaign priorities Queensland votes!

Greetings,

These are the major issues for public transport for SEQ that we will be looking for definite policy commitments from all parties and independents.

1. Failure to deliver proper bus network reform for Brisbane.

The State Government, BCC particularly and by inference TransLink have failed the community on this.  It also is a factor in the fare system unaffordability.

2. Failure to deliver proper fare reform for SEQ.  A 5% cut, with fare costs frozen for 2015, is only a cut that had to happen as a consequence of the carbon tax repeal which was dressed up as a political stunt and will not do it.  Far from it.  Fares for urban bus (regional) Queensland are fine.

3. CRR versus BaT.  We have shown conclusively that the bus component of the BaT is a massive waste. Proper network reform is all that is needed for the bus network.  BaT is a half baked project more a political solution than a well grounded sustainable transport solution.

4. Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail - ideally in place before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

5. Track amplification of the Sunshine Coast Line north of Beerburrum.  Duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North is the first priority, with some additional passing arrangements put in place between Landsborough North and Gympie North.

There are a myriad of local issues as well of course.  But if these major issues are addressed, the rest will follow.

Happy electioneering!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[Stillwater]

Queenslanders will know later today the date of the next state election, says Premier.  Channel 9 is tipping a 31 Jan. poll.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-election-to-be-held-on-january-31-20150105-12iduw.html

[ozbob]

Fare reform:

The former Bligh Government set up the fare failure.  The Newman Government simply carried on with it.

What matters from here is who is going to fix it?

[Stillwater]

With the election due on 31 January, we will have a short campaign where one party or the other will be releasing a policy a day.  Hopefully, both major parties have a PT policy.  The problem is that scrutiny of a party's PT policy will be swamped by the announcement the following day of the health policy, or the education policy etc.  Journos will not be able to scrutinise a policy for long, as the political caravan will move along quickly.  LNP and Labor PT policy will be yesterday's news all too quickly, unfortunately.

[SurfRail]

I'm not expecting any policy.  There will be vague promises of allocating money from asset disposals to fixing the Bruce Highway and some metropolitan rail issues, and probably nothing else at all.

Certainly nothing like the Green Book:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-green-book-appraisal-and-evaluation-in-central-governent

http://www.citymetric.com/transport/how-britain-s-treasury-saves-transport-projects-disaster-563

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times published 8th January 2015

http://www.qt.com.au/news/your-say-call-commitment-public-transport-issues/2504070/

Call for commitment on public transport issues

THESE are the major issues for public transport for south-east Queensland that we will be looking for definite policy commitments from all parties and independents.

1. Failure to deliver proper bus network reform for Brisbane. The State Government, BCC particularly and by inference TransLink has failed the community on this. It also is a factor in the fare system unaffordability.

2. Failure to deliver proper fare reform for south-east Queensland. A 5% cut, with fare costs frozen for 2015, is only a cut that had to happen as a consequence of the carbon tax repeal which was dressed up as a political stunt and will not do it. Far from it. Fares for urban bus (regional) Queensland are fine.

3. CRR versus BaT. We have shown conclusively that the bus component of the BaT is a massive waste. Proper network reform is all that is needed for the bus network. BaT is a half-baked project more a political solution than a well grounded sustainable transport solution.

4. Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail - ideally in place before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

5. Track amplification of the Sunshine Coast Line north of Beerburrum. Duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North is the first priority, with some additional passing arrangements put in place between Landsborough North and Gympie North.

There are a myriad of local issues as well of course. But if these major issues are addressed, the rest will follow.

ROBERT DOW, RAIL Back On Track, Goodna

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> LNP throw weight behind the Coast rail duplication

THE streets of Nambour were campaign central for the Sunshine Coast LNP team today as four Ministers, the Speaker and Nicklin Candidate Matt Trace threw their collective weight behind the Coast rail duplication.

Andrew Powell, Jarrod Bleijie, Steve Dickson, Mark McArdle, Fiona Simpson and Matt Trace said only the LNP had a plan to create a major infrastructure fund capable of delivering projects such as the rail project.

"We've put our hands up to say the rail line duplication is what together we're fighting for," they said.

"It's the local LNP team's number one infrastructure priority to unlock the Coast's public transport network and more local jobs.

"The Labor Government pushed back the rail duplication from 2018 to 2031 - but we are lobbying for the project to be brought forward if Queenslanders return an LNP Government and support the asset recycling plan.

"It's new infrastructure such as the rail duplication which becomes possible with our Strong Choices plan to lease some existing infrastructure to cut State debt and release the funds. Thanks to Labor's debt, there is no other way to fund it. We believe it's time to replace old assets with new ones that serve today's needs."

At the 2012 State Election, the Sunshine Coast LNP MPs' combined number one priority was the construction of the Sunshine Coast University Public Hospital. Thanks to their lobbying, it's now being built and will deliver free public hospital beds from 2016. Work is also underway on the Bruce Highway upgrades which was another team commitment.

"We have demonstrated that as a strong local team who work together, we deliver together for the Sunshine Coast. We can achieve a lot more as a team, than individually as the Coast hospital and the Bruce Highway upgrades have shown. Our hospital is one of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest hospital construction projects and it's going to change the Coast's future as a health capital.

"We also want to see the best public transport network and to achieve that the 1880s single rail line has to be duplicated to connect our region as part of an integrated network."

[ozbob]

Media release 11th January 2015

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the unaffordability of fares in SEQ must be fixed. A key to fare reform is also fixing the Brisbane bus network. Public transport in Queensland is in such a mess there also needs to be a public inquiry (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Without bus reform, there is every chance 20% plus fare increases will return to SEQ."

"In 2009, fares were frozen during an election year. The next year, fares increased by 20% for go card, 40% for paper tickets, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees and those on Centrelink payments. Escalating costs within the Brisbane City Council's bus network also saw repeated 15% fare increases year on year, destroying patronage."

"Is the 2015 election year ' fare freeze ' a harbinger of fare Armageddon and more run-away fare increases? History repeating??"

"In 2013, it was revealed on ABC Radio that Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had asked for increased funding beyond the 4% annual provision - possibly up to 21% more funding from the Queensland Government (2). Had this cost increase been passed on to passengers as more 20% plus fare increases, patronage and bus driver jobs would be threatened. Job security isn't guaranteed by government ownership; it is guaranteed by strong and growing patronage. After all, empty buses don't need drivers."

"Our own research shows inefficiencies within the Brisbane City Council Bus Network is fuelling increased fares (3, 4, 5). What will Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk do to fix the root causes of the problem?"

"RAIL Back on Track calls for Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk to reject 20% plus fare increases. In addition, we call for full commitment to bus reform - competitive contracting and comprehensive bus network reform. Independent research by Perth's Auditor General and The University of Queensland confirm bus reform and competitive contracting is the way to go (6)."

"Objectors to bus contracting are well advised to go and ride a CityCat. If it is good enough for Brisbane City Council to contract out special event bus services to five private bus companies, and contract out the Brisbane CityCats, it is good enough for the Queensland Government to do so as well."

"The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all."

"We look forward to the response by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites which turn around public transport in SEQ ."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

References:

1. Queensland: Call for an Inquiry into Public Transport
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11184.0

2. Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink, 04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

3. Current BCC Bus Network -  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

4. New Bus Network Proposal -  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

5. New Bus Network Survey - http://tiny.cc/busreform

6. The contracting of urban bus services – Recent Australian developments
Ian P. Wallis and David J. Bray, Research in Transportation Economics
Volume 48, December 2014, Pages 48–61.
http://doi:10.1016/j.retrec.2014.09.031

[Stillwater]

This is the closest the LNP got to a Transport Policy at the last state election – a discussion paper on the provision of Infrastructure. 

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2011/5311T5219.pdf

The policy just lifted the "Get Queensland Moving 2011-12" document produced by the SEQ Council of Mayors as a chapter within the LNP document.  A "Magnificent 7" list of projects was supported.

A stand-alone PT policy was promised, but never delivered, then the electorate was told the fare-fix was the PT policy.

Here is what the LNP said would drive its thinking:

"Despite the focus on the transformational Cross City Rail project, there is a need to ensure that the rail network is considered holistically - and infrastructure investment does not solely focus on one network component."

The 38km CAMCOS rail corridor was planned to be constructed in 2021-26.
The extension of the Springfield Line to Redbank Plains was to have been built in 2013.
The Manly-Cleveland rail duplication was scheduled to start in 2020.

[ozbob]

Fascinating and significant Galaxy research poll published in the Sunday Mail today page 8  11th January 2015

Results based on a sample of 800 votes - who can best manage these issues:

Issue  LNP %  ALP%  Uncommitted %

The Economy   52  36  12

Law and Order 55  35  10

Health             46  34  11

Public transport 44  40  16

Education        42  47  11%

The Environment 34 51 15%


===================

Clearly indicates that who ever gets public transport policy correct can really get some electoral traction.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th January 2015

Re: QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show?

Greetings,

Fascinating and significant Galaxy research poll published in the Sunday Mail today page 8  11th January 2015

Results based on a sample of 800 votes - who can best manage the issues  below:

Issue  LNP %  ALP %  Uncommitted %

Law and Order 55  35  10

The Economy   52  36  12

Health             46  34  11

Public transport 44  40  16

Education        42  47  11

The Environment 34 51 15

===================

Clearly indicates that who ever gets public transport policy correct can really get some electoral traction.  Time to get cracking on real fare and network reform.

There is a link between the environment and public transport of course.  Big gains to be made in public transport election policy hey?

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Media release 11th January 2015

QLD Election 2015: Will the punters be hit with 20% plus fare increases after the show?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the unaffordability of fares in SEQ must be fixed. A key to fare reform is also fixing the Brisbane bus network. Public transport in Queensland is in such a mess there also needs to be a public inquiry (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Without bus reform, there is every chance 20% plus fare increases will return to SEQ."

"In 2009, fares were frozen during an election year. The next year, fares increased by 20% for go card, 40% for paper tickets, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees and those on Centrelink payments. Escalating costs within the Brisbane City Council's bus network also saw repeated 15% fare increases year on year, destroying patronage."

"Is the 2015 election year ' fare freeze ' a harbinger of fare Armageddon and more run-away fare increases? History repeating??"

"In 2013, it was revealed on ABC Radio that Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had asked for increased funding beyond the 4% annual provision - possibly up to 21% more funding from the Queensland Government (2). Had this cost increase been passed on to passengers as more 20% plus fare increases, patronage and bus driver jobs would be threatened. Job security isn't guaranteed by government ownership; it is guaranteed by strong and growing patronage. After all, empty buses don't need drivers."

"Our own research shows inefficiencies within the Brisbane City Council Bus Network is fuelling increased fares (3, 4, 5). What will Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk do to fix the root causes of the problem?"

"RAIL Back on Track calls for Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk to reject 20% plus fare increases. In addition, we call for full commitment to bus reform - competitive contracting and comprehensive bus network reform. Independent research by Perth's Auditor General and The University of Queensland confirm bus reform and competitive contracting is the way to go (6)."

"Objectors to bus contracting are well advised to go and ride a CityCat. If it is good enough for Brisbane City Council to contract out special event bus services to five private bus companies, and contract out the Brisbane CityCats, it is good enough for the Queensland Government to do so as well."

"The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all."

"We look forward to the response by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczcuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites which turn around public transport in SEQ ."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

References:

1. Queensland: Call for an Inquiry into Public Transport
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11184.0

2. Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink, 04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

3. Current BCC Bus Network -  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

4. New Bus Network Proposal -  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

5. New Bus Network Survey - http://tiny.cc/busreform

6. The contracting of urban bus services – Recent Australian developments
Ian P. Wallis and David J. Bray, Research in Transportation Economics
Volume 48, December 2014, Pages 48–61.
http://doi:10.1016/j.retrec.2014.09.031

[Stillwater]

Channel 7 reports that Campbell Newman will reveal tomorrow morning the projects that will be funded from an $8b pool created for infrastructure spending, based on the sale of state assets.  Should be interesting -- from the perspective of the projects themselves, and where they are located.

[ozbob]

Channel 7 reports that Campbell Newman will reveal tomorrow morning the projects that will be funded from an $8b pool created for infrastructure spending, based on the sale of state assets.  Should be interesting -- from the perspective of the projects themselves, and where they are located.

Thanks, I had heard earlier in the past week that today was a possibility, but things changed.  Hopefully be some good news tomorrow.

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily --> The Campbell that could promises rail line duplication

IN WHAT is being tipped as one of the LNP's biggest infrastructure pledges, Premier Campbell Newman will today promise to fund the duplication of the Coast railway line.

If duplicated the major infrastructure project, which will cost more than $500 million, would allow for a more frequent and faster rail service to Brisbane.

It would also allow more freight to be shipped along the east coast to the Port of Brisbane, which could cut traffic on the highway.

Mr Newman is expected to announce today that the funding for the project will come from the LNP government's Strong Choices plan, with government sources saying it's likely to be one of the biggest items announced during the election campaign.

Last week, the five sitting Sunshine Coast LNP members of Parliament and one candidate gathered in independent MP Peter Wellington's electorate of Nicklin to promise to work as a team for public transport improvements for the Coast.

Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson rated duplication of the rail line as the team's "No.1 priority".

Today's announcement turns their plans to "fight" and "lobby" into a party promise should it be re-elected come January 31.

The former Labor government previously pledged to finish the duplication between Caboolture and Landsborough by 2012 and then extend it to Nambour, but work stopped at Beerburrum in April 2009.

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the project would be a massive boost to the Coast and its economy.

"Labor had 20 years to deliver this project - but delivered nothing but broken promises," Mr Powell said.

"This project will transform rail services for Coast commuters travelling to Brisbane.

"But it will also create hundreds of jobs, benefit the environment and help businesses move more of their goods as rail freight."

LNP candidate for Nicklin Matt Trace threw his support behind the promise.

"Everyone on the Sunshine Coast wants this project - but only a re-elected Newman LNP government will actually be able to deliver it," Mr Trace said.

Further details are expected to be announced today.

WHY WE NEED DUPLICATION

    The train trip from Caboolture to Brisbane took 42 minutes in 1986. Today the same trip takes 62 minutes.
    44% of the daily train services between Nambour and Caboolture are buses.
    Buses take 90 minutes to travel 54km, a train takes an hour. Buses are needed because there is not enough room on the single-line track for the long-distance passenger trains, the freight rail services and city rail passenger services.
    This section of the north coast line has been identified as the busiest single line in Australia.
    Express routes to Brisbane can't begin without the duplication.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Chris O'Brien ‏@COBrienBris 6 minutes ago

Sun Coast @theqldpremier confirms $530m duplication rail Beerburrum Landsborough @abcnews #qldvotes #qldpol

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes -->  LNP promises Sunshine Coast rail line duplication

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes Poll Call: January 13, 2015

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-state-election-2015/poll-call-january-13-2015-20150113-12mw3t.html

6:44pm Jorge Branco: Unsurprisingly, public transport advocacy group Rail Back on Track has wholeheartedly thrown it's support behind the LNP's election promise to duplicate the Sunshine Coast rail line between Landsborough and Beerburrum, adding another 150 services a day.

"The bottleneck on the Sunshine Coast Line saw buses pretending to be trains, long waits, low frequency, poor service and problems for rail freight between Brisbane and North Queensland," spokesman Robert Dow said.

"The announcement of this upgrade will also set the stage for a future direct rail connection into Maroochydore."

He called on the Labor party to match the promise.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th January 2015

Rail Reform: Sunshine Coast Line Upgrade is GO!!

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers welcomes the LNP's $532 million for upgrading the Sunshine Coast Line.

RAIL Back on Track is a non-partisan organisation. We are more than happy to promote our ideas to anyone willing to listen to us. Our members have been campaigning for a long time to get this project funded, today's announcement is a massive win for all Sunshine Coast residents.

We call on the leader of the opposition Annastacia Palaszczuk to match this promise.

The bottleneck on the Sunshine Coast Line saw buses pretending to be trains, long waits, low frequency, poor service and problems for rail freight between Brisbane and North Queensland. The announcement of this upgrade will also set the stage for a future direct rail connection into Maroochydore.

We suggest this opportunity be taken to ensure that all stations are fully DDA compliant, platform heights are raised and alignments straightened to enable driver only operation (DOO) in the distant future.

The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all.

We look forward to public transport policy announcements by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Reference:

LNP will fix Sunshine Coast rail line http://qld.lnp.org.au/lnp-will-fix-sunshine-coast-rail-line/

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th January 2015

Campaign priorities Queensland votes!

Greetings,

Well one of our major election priorities for the election has been addressed by the LNP, viz. Track amplification of the Sunshine Coast Line north of Beerburrum.

Still more to do however.

These are the major issues for public transport for SEQ that we will be looking for definite policy commitments from all parties and independents.

1. Failure to deliver proper bus network reform for Brisbane.

The State Government, BCC particularly and by inference TransLink have failed the community on this.  It also is a factor in the fare system unaffordability.

2. Failure to deliver proper fare reform for SEQ.  A 5% cut, with fare costs frozen for 2015, is only a cut that had to happen as a consequence of the carbon tax repeal which was dressed up as a political stunt and will not do it.  Far from it.  Fares for urban bus (regional) Queensland are fine.

3. CRR versus BaT.  We have shown conclusively that the bus component of the BaT is a massive waste. Proper network reform is all that is needed for the bus network.  BaT is a half baked project more a political solution than a well grounded sustainable transport solution.

4. Stage 2 of the Gold Coast Light Rail - ideally in place before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

5. Track amplification of the Sunshine Coast Line north of Beerburrum.  Duplication from Beerburrum to Landsborough North is the first priority, with some additional passing arrangements put in place between Landsborough North and Gympie North.

There are a myriad of local issues as well of course.  But if these major issues are addressed, the rest will follow.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

13th January 2015

Rail Reform: Sunshine Coast Line Upgrade is GO!!

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers welcomes the LNP's $532 million for upgrading the Sunshine Coast Line.

RAIL Back on Track is a non-partisan organisation. We are more than happy to promote our ideas to anyone willing to listen to us. Our members have been campaigning for a long time to get this project funded, today's announcement is a massive win for all Sunshine Coast residents.

We call on the leader of the opposition Annastacia Palaszczuk to match this promise.

The bottleneck on the Sunshine Coast Line saw buses pretending to be trains, long waits, low frequency, poor service and problems for rail freight between Brisbane and North Queensland. The announcement of this upgrade will also set the stage for a future direct rail connection into Maroochydore.

We suggest this opportunity be taken to ensure that all stations are fully DDA compliant, platform heights are raised and alignments straightened to enable driver only operation (DOO) in the distant future.

The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all.

We look forward to public transport policy announcements by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Reference:

LNP will fix Sunshine Coast rail line http://qld.lnp.org.au/lnp-will-fix-sunshine-coast-rail-line/

[ozbob]

Election 2015: Bus Network Survey - have your say!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org invites citizens to participate in our bus network survey.



This State Election, RAIL Back on Track has released very detailed and specific proposals for more buses, more often - as part of its
New Bus Network Proposal. These include major service upgrades to 'black hole' areas such as The Centenary Suburbs, Albany Creek,
Bulimba and Yeronga. As our proposal recycles existing resources, it is very low cost and be rapidly implemented.

Bus Reform means more buses more often and affordable fares for all. See for yourself with our maps the improvements proposed for
your area! So please take a moment to fill out our short survey. The data collected will help shape better public transport
for Brisbane after the 2015 State Election.

New Bus Network Survey - http://tiny.cc/busreform

Current BCC Bus Network -  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

New Bus Network Proposal -  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

The political party that offers genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform, is the political party able to
guarantee low cost and abundant public transport for all.

We look forward to public transport policy announcements by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk, and swift publication of
detailed transport policies on their respective websites.

Current Survey Responses by Bus Network Area

Brisbane Southside (the area with 100 series routes)   26%
Brisbane East (the area with 200 series routes)      10%
Brisbane Northside (the area with 300 series routes)   33%
Brisbane West (the area with 400 series routes)      27%
Buses in my area are not BCC buses      4%

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

References:

Brisbane Buses: Call for CityGlider in Centenary suburbs
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-call-for-cityglider-in-centenary-suburbs-20141104-11gxl3.html

Details of Local bus improvements under bus reform can be found in our Bus Reform thread:
Bus reform - our proposal media releases grouped http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11099.0

[ozbob]

Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk - will you fix the buses?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers calls on Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk to fix the Brisbane Bus Network.

Exhibit A: Schematic of Coronation Drive bus failure



Image: Coronation Drive (analysis). In our opinion, BCCs bus network places buses exactly where they are least required, wasting resources, pushing up fares and congesting the Brisbane CBD. There are too many buses congesting the Brisbane CBD and too few buses in the suburbs leading to long waits. bph = buses per hour. 26 buses per hour is approximately a bus every 2 minutes. Red circles indicate BUZ routes. Each line represents a bus service, i.e. four lines coming from the 444 circle indicates four buses per hour / a bus every 15 minutes.


Our analysis of the Coronation Drive corridor illustrates major problems within Brisbane City Council's Bus Network. This includes (a) massive duplication of service leading to (b) inefficient loadings and high costs, (c) too many buses congesting the Brisbane CBD while (d) too few buses in the suburbs and (e) 'black hole' areas without decent service and lack of connections with rail. These problems are repeated across Brisbane. All of these problems stem directly from the refusal to engage in bus reform, something that three major New Zealand cities - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch - have now embraced.

In 2013, it was revealed on ABC Radio that Lord Mayor Graham Quirk had asked for increased funding beyond the 4% annual provision- possibly up to 21% more funding from the Queensland Government. In our opinion, this is more evidence that Brisbane City Council was pushing up fares for passengers.

What is Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk's plan to deal with the high levels of network waste and 'black holes' within Brisbane City Council's bus network?  All very well for Ashgrove to get better public transport but what about the rest of the electorates?

We look forward to the response by Campbell Newman and Annastacia Palaszczuk, and swift publication of detailed transport policies on their respective websites.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

References:

The Principles Of Bus Network Reform, Frequency is Freedom
http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/bus_reform.pdf

Brisbane Bus Reform: Brisbane City Council's Bus Network - What Went Wrong?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11175.0

New Bus Network Proposal > http://tiny.cc/newnetwork
New Bus Network Proposal Survey > http://tiny.cc/busreform
Current BCC Bus Network > http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink, 04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

A special election edition of our newsletter ' Public Transport Matters '  can be downloaded direct from:
>> http://backontrack.org/docs/ptm/PTM0115.pdf PDF 1MB

[ozbob]

Media Release 18th January 2015

Queensland Election: Public Transport Privatisation: Fact Check

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the Candidate for Ashgrove Kate Jones is currently circulating a petition which reads:

'We are gravely concerned that any such moves will lead to cutbacks and a reduction in much-needed public transport services..... Our State Government and BCC must do more to improve our bus services and increase routes, instead of putting those services at risk through privatisation.' (1)

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In SEQ, bus routes are contracted out on a region by region basis. TransLink first determines where the buses are routed and how frequently they are run. TransLink then pays operators to run these packages of services. If they don't deliver they are subject to penalties."

"Already in SEQ the majority of public transport is run by Private operators, from G:Link and Surfside on the Gold Coast to Veolia in the Redlands. Even the CityCats are run by a private operator, Transdev.

"Currently, only Queensland Rail and Brisbane transport are the only publicly owned public transport operators in SEQ."

"Privatisation doesn't imply services will be cut back. A private company working for TransLink doesn't have the authority to slash services. They are obliged to run what the government dictates."

"If service cutbacks do occur (For example as happened in Nerang on the Gold Coast) it was a result of government decision making which flowed from the failed bus review for Brisbane."

"In SEQ, our high fares are a combination of successive governments increasing fares above the rate of inflation, and inefficient network design and operating practices that haemorrhage money."

"Outside of SEQ, all urban bus operations are run by private companies with qconnect (TransLink) responsible for setting fares and routings.

"In these regions the public has not been subject to these fare polices, so still enjoy low fares, despite buses being run by private operators (2, 3, 4)."

References:

1. http://queenslandlabor.org.au/saveourbuses/

2. http://www.sunbus.com.au/documents/2013Fares_Townsville_001.pdf

3. http://www.sunbus.com.au/documents/2014Fares_Rockhampton.pdf

4. http://www.qld.gov.au/transport/public/transport/timetables/qconnect/

5. TransLink partners http://translink.com.au/about-translink/who-we-are/who-we-work-with


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest Pine Rivers Press 22nd January 2014 page 5

http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

Lobby group challenges fare policy

Lobby group challenges fare policy

ROBERT Dow, from the Rail Back on Track lobby group, is furious that Labor and Greens candidates for Pine Rivers and Kallangur support the continuation of free travel for the rest of the week after nine paid trips.

"The Labor candidates apparently don't know their own policy for fare reform," Mr Dow said. "To carry on with 'nine and free' is not fare reform."

At the last state election, Labor had a policy of "10 and free" that the LNP under-trumped with the present system, which Rail Back on Track believes is being systematically rorted, placing upward pressure on fares.

[Stillwater]

What are the chances of the LNP and the ALP revealing Public Transport Policies (as opposed to announcements about selective infrastructure projects) before the state election?

[techblitz]

What are the chances of the LNP and the ALP revealing Public Transport Policies (as opposed to announcements about selective infrastructure projects) before the state election?

minimal...jobs,asset sales,cost of living taking precedence....PT fare policy may get a mention as it ties in with cost of living...

[ozbob]

The ALP have lost the plot.   They were tracking along reasonably well considering the numbers of MPs and resources they have.

So, today they float a 'cash for access fundraisers', starting next week.    Fukwits!!

As far as their candidates actually understanding their various transport policies etc.  and actually articulating same,  hello?   DON'T KNOW!!

Well here they are --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11178.msg151090#msg151090

[SurfRail]

Can somebody list all the public pronouncements made by any party?

The only 2 I actually know about are the Beerburrum to Nambour project and the Ashgrove to Enoggera Route 61 extension from the LNP.

I can honestly say I am utterly unaware of anything else having been announced by anybody about anything on public transport.

Nothing on fares, nothing on service improvements, nothing on hard infrastructure, nothing on long-distance services, nothing on bus contracts, nothing on rail network extensions or investigations, nothing for GCLR, nothing.

I am aware of various policy positions, but I'm more interested in the role any party sees this taking in terms of announcements.

This is probably the most dismal showing public transport has seen in any election I can remember.

[ozbob]

LNP getting a free ride.  No real pressure on from ALP or others.  Greens have tried a bit, but they simply are not getting the coverage.

Still a few days yet, but not particularly hopeful.  Down the same path of failure as 2012 ... 

Serious consideration must be given to forming a political party of sorts for the next election in 2018.  The mainstream media and political parties simply are not interested and really do not understand the issues.

Labor should take them on about the BaT, but won't by the looks of things.

[ozbob]

Brisbane media is largely under the thumb.  Hence Alan Jones on 4BC for this and next week.  He is having a real go and the dubious things going on with the Government.  Extraordinary stuff, considering AJ is a rabid conservative and Liberal.  You have to laugh, talk back callers ring in asking why the local media hasn't been chasing the things AJ is raising.  Well it is really a one paper town, ask awkward questions might lose the advertising $$ for a start.  Very sad situation when you think it all through.

Listen for yourself --> http://www.2gb.com/shows/alan-jones-newstalk-4bc

[Stillwater]

There could be a lesson for RailBOT -- next time round organise ourselves to attend the various 'met the candidate' nights with a number of questions to ask of each candidate re public transport.  Go direct to the candidates, not the faceless men and women.  Letters would be useless, just keep hitting them in front of voters, at public meetings.  The media reports those meetings.

[Fares_Fair]

/\

[aldonius]

Serious consideration must be given to forming a political party of sorts for the next election in 2018.  The mainstream media and political parties simply are not interested and really do not understand the issues.

Historical discussions on this were that it wasn't worth it, what's prompted the change? I for one don't see how it will get any further impact than RBoT already does

I think it wouldn't take too much to educate the Greens (and/or similar micros) up to speed. They know things need to improve and aren't shy about reallocating funding to make it happen.

Candidate debate nights are still ongoing for this election.