2 Dec 2014: 2014 Public Transport Passenger Survey results now available!

[ozbob]

Media release 2nd December 2014

SEQ: RAIL Back On Track's 2014 Public Transport Passenger Survey results now available!

Fare affordability bombshell!

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 conducted a survey of how public transport passengers rate our public transport in south-east Queensland (1).  Anyone who travels on public transport in south-east Queensland was invited to participate.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Since RAIL Back On Track formed in 2006 we have conducted our own annual member surveys on how members rate public transport.  This year we again opened up our survey up to the public! There were 140  responses to our survey!"

"The survey was web based and all public transport passengers on the TransLink network in south-east Queensland were welcome to complete it.  The survey was anonymous and quick to complete."

"Results of the survey, including comments, are now publicly available on the RAIL Back On Track discussion forum (1)."

"On behalf of our members we thank those public transport passengers who took the time drop by and fill out our survey.  Information is knowledge.  Knowledge leads to improvements."

There are three key messages from the survey:

1.  The public thinks the present fares are much too expensive, but is happier with the go card system itself, although some aspects do need improvement. Despite the introduction of free travel after 10 journeys early in 2012, followed by the introduction of free travel after nine journeys mid 2012, affordability further worsened. Fare cuts have not worked, only proper fare reform will. 82% of survey respondents rated go card fares as expensive / extremely expensive.   It is time for a complete review of fares with community consultation.

2.  The service frequency of public transport, particularly rail out of peak and counter-peak, and bus and ferry, needs significant improvement. Bus network reform is needed

3.  The Gold Coast Light rail is a standout success.

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11038.msg149907#msg149907

Contact:

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

All 2014 survey data and summaries can be viewed here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11038.msg149907#msg149907

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11038.msg149912#msg149912