Greens Policy Platform

[aldonius]

I believe they finalised their platform last month.

If you've read the one from the last couple of elections, this will look quite familiar.

http://qld.greens.org.au/qld/policy/transport
and more generally, http://qld.greens.org.au/policies

Key features: fold rego into fuel excise; Low Income Health Care Card counts as concession; abolish TTCC and replace with something saner; build all the SEQIP heavy-rail branches; new fare structure; more bus review [feederise]; peak-period CBD congestion charge; Brisbane light rail. Interestingly, nothing on CRR/BaT.

In short, the usual mix of good ideas and wishlist. Which is no worse than the big 2 really, when it comes to PT.

[#Metro]

This is great news that Bus reform has made it into one of the political parties' election offerings. Now for the other two!
Good times ahead!

[ozbob]

Media release 13th December 2014

Queensland Votes: Bus Reform is now Greens' Election Policy

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 all parties contesting the 2015 Queensland Election to unconditionally support bus reform.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"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. The Greens have released their 2015 election transport policy (1). "

"The Greens Support Bus Reform. Key features of their 2015 Election policy are:

* Public Transport Concessions extended to Health Care Card Holders (paragraph #21)
* Replace the controversial Tertiary Transport Concession Card with 'live' smartcards (paragraph #22)
* A new fare structure for South East Queensland (paragraph #26)
* Bus Reform (paragraph #27)

"We invite the other parties and independents contesting the 2015 Queensland Election to submit their transport policies to us at RAIL Back on Track."

Bus Reform means:

(1) Competitive Contracting;
(2) Bus Network Reform - routes and stop spacings

"The benefits of bus reform are enormous. Perth bus reform saw a 20% cost saving from introducing competitive contracting alone. Bus route redesign using existing resources in the Rockingham area saw a 40% patronage increase. By combining both organisational reform (contracting) with network reform (New Bus Network Proposal) patronage and revenue falls can be sharply reversed. Bus driver jobs will also be protected by growing patronage."

"Voters over such a wide area covering so many state electoral seats have been affected by the lack of bus reform and the high-cost explosive fares. A very large potential for an election featuring public transport as a key election issue has been put into motion. Our New Bus Network Reform Proposal (http://tiny.cc/newnetwork) affects 30% of the seats in Queensland Parliament (approximately 26 electoral districts out of the 89 in Queensland)."

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

Reference:

1. Queensland Greens Transport Policy Statement http://qld.greens.org.au/qld/policy/transport

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

[pandmaster]

I think these transport policies are very good. My main complaint is that they have not mentioned an inner city rail capacity upgrade, which is necessary for many of their proposed rail extensions to be worthwhile. It is also a bit silly to commit to building a line that has already been built (Springfield) and is well on the way (Kippa-Ring/Moreton Bay/"Redcliffe").

On the PT side, most of the policies are things RailBOT advocates, but the road policies I find interesting:

17. Set up a "pay as you drive" vehicle registration system where registration is paid at the petrol pump.

I think this is one of the best policies they have. It is fair for elderly drivers, who may use the car once a week to drive 5 km to the local shops and other people who do not drive far. While benefiting infrequent drivers it makes the price of fuel go up, making public transport fares relatively more affordable (people do not and should not take the sunk cost of registration into account when deciding to drive or use PT). It also solves the alleged "problem" of interstate drivers using Queensland roads for free while making it cheaper to register more fuel efficient cars: really just a fantastic, game changing policy.

28. Implement a peak period Brisbane CBD congestion charging scheme.

31. Conduct a feasibility study on making flexible or removing tolls for TransApex tunnels to reduce peak period CBD congestion.

The government made a major mistake by not having demand-based tolling. I think it is a bit silly to have tolls and congestion charges: hopefully they are just proposing each one individually, not to be implemented together. I support congestion charging as it removes the arbitrary nature of the current road use charging system (e.g. logically it makes no sense to have a toll on the CLEM7 and not on the Pacific Motorway). Once NGR is in service, the rail frequency improved (fingers crossed) and bus reform carried out, then it would be a great time to introduce congestion charging. These additional charges could be cushioned if rego not charged upfront but at the bowser.

32. Conduct a feasibility study to integrate AirTrain into TransLink and/or other measures to reduce its cost and extend its operating hours.

Long overdue. Once the AirTrain stops running there is no alternative to a taxi if you lack car access (can not afford parking, no one to pick you up, do not have one, etc...). The fares are exorbitant (at least there are group fares now) and the service stops relatively early. When AirTrain does not operate (late nights and early mornings) they should be given the option to provide a bus service to Toombul, EJ or even Bowen Hills/the City if they wanted or to (for a cheaper price than the train) or give up their exclusive rights for that period of day to enable BT or private operators to serve the airport. How many cities of Brisbane's size in the world do not have a 24/7 public transport service to the airport?

[Cam]

Services to/from Sydney Airport run about 19-20 hours per day. However, this is adequate due to the curfew.

[pandmaster]

Services to/from Sydney Airport run about 19-20 hours per day. However, this is adequate due to the curfew.

All flights are serviced though, which is the problem with Brisbane. It does not need to be 24 hours, just make sure every flight has an option other than taxi.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Larissa Waters ‏@larissawaters 24 minutes ago

On way to launch @QldGreens policy for more affordable, frequent public transport. Fairer fares & zones! #qldvotes

[ozbob]

Greens --> Lower Fares, Better Services

Lower Fares, Better Services

We will reduce fares, invest $60 million in better bus, ferry and train services by improving frequency and commission a review of public transport in regional and remote Queensland.

Queensland's public transport service is increasingly unaffordable, and Brisbane has the highest public transport fares in Australia. This has triggered a huge decline in patronage, which has dropped by 9 million trips per year after many years of growth. Trips by private cars have increased while public transport has stagnated.

The Queensland Greens support public transport. The Queensland Greens recognise that a high quality, affordable and accessible public transport system can lower pollution, alleviate inequality, improve people's health and revitalise local economies.
The Queensland Greens will

    Reduce public transport fares back to 2010 levels and modernise our transport fare zones to make it fairer and cheaper for those living outside the city centre to alleviate the cost of living pressures and boost usage. This has been estimated to cost $200 million per year, an increase of 19%.
    Invest $60 million in better bus, ferry and train services by improving frequency and building extra stops on key bus and ferry routes.
    Commission a review of public transport in regional and remote Queensland.
    Boost social mobility by extending concession travel to Newstart recipients, estimated to cost $4 million per year.
    Give students a fair go by abolishing the botched Transport Tertiary Concession Card.
    Stop the privatisation of the Brisbane bus network.

OUR PLAN

Queenslanders are paying amongst the highest public transport fares in the world. Fare increases disproportionally affect the most disadvantaged in our community. The Queensland Greens will lower fares, improve services, modernise travel zones, extend concession rates to Newstart recipients and give students a fair go by scrapping the botched and unnecessary Tertiary Transport Concession Card which restricts student concessions.
Fair Fares

Brisbane has the highest public transport fares in Australia. Fare rises of 55% mean public transport is no longer a viable option for families or for the most disadvantaged. In South East Queensland, patronage has fallen from 185 million trips in 2010 to 177 million in 2014 – a real decline of 11% – while polluting car use has increased.

The benefits of public transport extend beyond the balance sheet. Public transport cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Just one bus carrying 4 passengers still reduces pollution. Public transport lowers congestion on our roads. Congestion will cost Brisbane around $3 billion annually by 2028. The disadvantaged and the unemployed, for whom petrol prices bite the most, most need affordable public transport alternatives.

Rising fares have resulted in declining usage and lower fare revenue, which means the government 'subsidy per trip' has increased to $6.58 from $5.46 even as fares have gone up. This has been used by the LNP as an excuse to cut spending. In fact, an up-front investment in lower fares will help drive higher patronage as public transport becomes more affordable.

In 2010, a single one-zone trip during peak time on Go Card cost $2.30, but the same fare is now $3.53. The Greens will bring fares back to 2010 levels by spending $200 million annually to increase funding for public transport.iii This is a substantial investment, but it is only 19% of the annual South East Queensland public transport budget, and 4% of Queensland's total annual transport budget, which is $5.5 billion per year.
Better bus, ferry and train services

Rising fares have not resulted in better services. In fact, Brisbane bus services have been restricted and routes abolished. The Greens will invest $60 million in better bus, ferry and train services by improving frequency and building extra stops on key bus and ferry routes. Higher frequency routes with better coverage will ensure that patronage rises.
Regional public transport review

Regional Queensland has around one-third of the State's population, but only accounts for 6% of public transport usage. Regional cities often have little to no public transport, so the Queensland Greens will commission a review of the affordability and availability of public transport in regional and remote Queensland to determine where future network upgrades should occur.
A fair go for students

Not only have fares become amongst the most expensive in the world but students have been unfairly targeted. The Tertiary Travel Concession Card (TTCC) was introduced to cut down on rorting but has excluded legitimate students from accessing concession travel. If a student is enrolled full-time but does not have 12 hours contact then they are not entitled to the TTCC. This has meant that many students have unfairly lost their entitlement for concessional travel.

The Queensland Greens believe that all full-time tertiary students should be entitled to concession public transport rates. We propose to abolish the botched and unnecessary TTCC and implement a system based on student cards and up to date access to enrolment status from educational institutions link to Go Cards. The current system is overly bureaucratic and does not reflect the actual status of the student. Our strategy will ensure there is no rorting of the system while providing a student concession rate to everyone who deserves it.
Modernise Transport Zones

South East Queensland has a complex fare zone system. There are 23 fare zones in South East Queensland compared to 5 in Sydney and 2 in Melbourne. Successive governments have allowed Brisbane to spread unchecked, and South East Queensland has a population of over 3 million. This growth and spread of people has not been reflected in fare zones.

Poorer Queenslanders often live further away from the city centre. These suburbs often have no public transport or, at best, irregular services. Research has shown that less well-off people spend over double the proportion of their income on travel than that spent by wealthier people. Expanding fare zones lowers the cost to low-income people. Zoning should be designed as an incentive to encourage people to use public transport. To this end The Queensland Greens will review public transport fare zoning and ensure it reflects the changing size of our city.
Concessions for Newstart recipients

Queensland is the only state in Australia where Newstart recipients do not receive concession public transport rates. Research has shown that this is limiting the capacity of jobseekers to find work. Many disadvantaged jobseekers, particularly young people and the long-term unemployed, face price barriers which can restrict their ability to affordably travel to and from job interviews, employment or recreation.

The Queensland Greens will align Queensland with every other state and territory in Australia and introduce concession fares on public transport for the 150,000 Queenslanders who receive Newstart.iv This has been estimated to cost $4 million annually.
Oppose privatisation

The LNP's plan to privatise the operation of the Brisbane bus network will result in higher fares, poorer services and job cuts. Public transport is more than a business – it is a public service. Systematic bus network reform does not have to mean privatisation, and the Greens are committed to creating an accessible, world-class network. The Queensland Greens will oppose the proposed privatisation of the Brisbane bus network.
Funding public transport

Right now, the Queensland government spends more $3.6 billion each year on building new roads, or 80% of the total transport capital expenditure budget. It is more than quadruple the amount spent on new public transport and cycling infrastructure ($830 million). Diverting even a small fraction of that money into better public transport would allow Queensland to create a world-class public transport system.

The Greens would divert funding from roads to create an adequate public transport system. Our funding commitments amount to only 4% of Queensland's annual transport budget of $5.5 billion per year. We will ensure that funding for road safety upgrades and for roads in regional Queensland, where many people do not have access to public transport at all, is not affected.

Better public transport will reduce the number of new roads which must be built, meaning that fare relief and improved services will eventually pay for themselves.

Over time, better public transport reduces road congestion, which currently costs Brisbane more than $1.5 billion per annum, and is projected to cost $3 billion annually by 2028. Reductions in road accidents and pollution-related health problems which are currently a substantial cost to the Queensland health system will also help to pay for our proposed improvements to public transport.
WE WON'T STAND FOR FALLING USAGE, RISING FARES

While other cities in Australia and around the world have surged ahead, our public transport system has been decaying. Since 2010, usage has fallen in South East Queensland by 9 million trips per year and in regional Queensland by 1 million trips per year.i When population growth is included, this amounts to a huge 11% decline in the South East and 15% in regional Queensland.

Successive Labor and then LNP governments have raised fares by a total of 55% since 2010. The LNP's recent band-aid solution of freezing fares will not fix the systemic problem of falling patronage. Higher fares have not been reflected in the quality of the service that Queenslanders receive, with services withdrawn and concession access restricted.

Unlike every other State, Newstart recipients in Queensland are not entitled to concession fares. Our public transport system is expensive, outdated and unnecessarily impacts on the most vulnerable.

[ozbob]

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

Well done @QldGreens ' Lower Fares, Better Services' > http://qld.greens.org.au/lower-fares-better-services ... finally some decent PT policy ? @LNPQLD @QLDLabor #qldvotes

[ozbob]

Twitter

Christine Milne ‏@senatormilne 25 minutes ago

Let's cut bus fares & invest in world-class public transport. #fairfares #Brisbane #QLDvotes

[BrizCommuter]

Overall, the Greens have a far better policy than the other parties...

... however, this is a quote from the policy "The Queensland Greens will oppose the proposed privatisation of the Brisbane bus network.". So in other words to improve bus services, the Greens will be spending more tax-payers money to fund Brisbane Transport's inefficiencies.

[ozbob]

At least they recognise this ..

.. Systematic bus network reform does not have to mean privatisation, and the Greens are committed to creating an accessible, world-class network ...

If BCC had allowed BT to cooperate with TransLink for the 2012/13 review all of this would be moot ..

[#Metro]

Overall excellent policies from The Greens, someone has been listening.

Comments

Proposal	Comment
Reduce public transport fares back to 2010 levels and modernise our transport fare zones to make it fairer and cheaper for those living outside the city centre to alleviate the cost of living pressures and boost usage. This has been estimated to cost $200 million per year, an increase of 19%.	Sounds good, but $200 million is just under half of what runs the entire Brisbane Transport bus system per year. Interesting to see how this will be implemented
Invest $60 million in better bus, ferry and train services by improving frequency and building extra stops on key bus and ferry routes.	The more stops there are, the slower services will be, the more they will cost and the less pax on the system. Wider stop spacing is better for lower density areas as more area covered in less time.
Commission a review of public transport in regional and remote Queensland.	Yes, but include Brisbane as well. Contrary to popular belief, countries with well run PT do have rural bus services; places like Toowoomba could get upgrades for example
Boost social mobility by extending concession travel to Newstart recipients, estimated to cost $4 million per year.	FULL SUPPORT
Give students a fair go by abolishing the botched Transport Tertiary Concession Card.	Student cards should be GoCards by default.
Stop the privatisation of the Brisbane bus network.	Competitive contracting has worked well in Perth. Generally 10-30% savings are realised, which can be used to upgrade, extend the network, lower fares or all three. Network reform will also unlock benefits, but the maximum benefits will be realised when network reform is combined with contracting

OUR PLAN

The benefits of public transport extend beyond the balance sheet. Public transport cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Just one bus carrying 4 passengers still reduces pollution. Public transport lowers congestion on our roads. Congestion will cost Brisbane around $3 billion annually by 2028. The disadvantaged and the unemployed, for whom petrol prices bite the most, most need affordable public transport alternatives.

There are no environmental benefits from lightly loaded non-patronage bus services, indeed they are likely to be significantly more polluting than car, because it is like driving a 65-seat or 85-seat car with 1 passenger in it. Environmental benefits only come from well loaded patronage services like BUZ routes.

Rising fares have resulted in declining usage and lower fare revenue, which means the government 'subsidy per trip' has increased to $6.58 from $5.46 even as fares have gone up. This has been used by the LNP as an excuse to cut spending. In fact, an up-front investment in lower fares will help drive higher patronage as public transport becomes more affordable.

Yes.

In 2010, a single one-zone trip during peak time on Go Card cost $2.30, but the same fare is now $3.53. The Greens will bring fares back to 2010 levels by spending $200 million annually to increase funding for public transport.iii This is a substantial investment, but it is only 19% of the annual South East Queensland public transport budget, and 4% of Queensland's total annual transport budget, which is $5.5 billion per year.

Freeze the fares first and then pay for upgrades. See what level of fare reduction may be required then. Perth is a good model to compare to regarding fares. It is always difficult to pick the "right" number for fares.

The LNP's plan to privatise the operation of the Brisbane bus network will result in higher fares, poorer services and job cuts. Public transport is more than a business – it is a public service. Systematic bus network reform does not have to mean privatisation, and the Greens are committed to creating an accessible, world-class network. The Queensland Greens will oppose the proposed privatisation of the Brisbane bus network.

Network only reform is possible this way, but the greatest benefits come when network and competitive contracting are taken together. If the Greens want to do public reform, this option was already tested at BCC level in 2013 when the Queensland Government handed the bus review to Brisbane City Council. It failed and the Lord Mayor openly declared that he would "Never Ever" support such changes to the bus network. The only other public reform option is to separate Brisbane Transport from Brisbane City Council and upload it to the State Government - the State Transit Model that Sydney has. Network reform will bring benefits but benefits from competitive contracting (historically ~ 10-30% cheaper supply service costs) won't be captured if this option is taken.

Unlike every other State, Newstart recipients in Queensland are not entitled to concession fares. Our public transport system is expensive, outdated and unnecessarily impacts on the most vulnerable.

Fully support this, no brainer. How do you charge fees to people who have no money?!?!

[dancingmongoose]

Anything from them regarding CRR?

[#Metro]

Overall, the Greens have a far better policy than the other parties...

... however, this is a quote from the policy "The Queensland Greens will oppose the proposed privatisation of the Brisbane bus network.". So in other words to improve bus services, the Greens will be spending more tax-payers money to fund Brisbane Transport's inefficiencies.

Greens philosophy never really trusts private sector or profiting. Profits are seen as a corrupting influence / greed and gov't seen as pure and virtuous. Of course when you have politicians blatantly peddling lies and scare campaigns, one wonders... but that's the framework they operate in and that is respected.

That said, still very significant benefits from network reform and the other policies which does make their proposal overall excellent.

[#Metro]

Most recent privatisation was NT Bus in Darwin - not a single job lost, no fare rises etc.
Privatisation does not automatically mean job losses.

http://www.territorystories.nt.gov.au/bitstream/handle/10070/249231/ntn07dec13015x.pdf?sequence=15&isAllowed=y

Jobs to stay as buses sold off
By BEN SMEE

PRIVATISING Darwin bus services won't save taxpayers a cent, the Territory Government said yesterday as it announced that buses
would soon be operated by the private sector. Transport Minister Peter Styles made the surprise announcement
yesterday morning. He guaranteed that routes, services, facilities and ticket prices would be set by the Government and
would not change under the proposed arrangement.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/darwin-busses-to-be-privatised/story-fnk0b1zt-1226777082462

NT Government to privatise Darwin buses
BEN SMEE NT NEWS DECEMBER 06, 2013 12:42PM 19

THE NT Government has announced it will privatise Darwin buses.

Transport Minister Peter Styles said this morning the Government would remain the regulator and that services, routes and ticket prices will not be affected.

Employees will retain their wages, conditions and entitlements with a new provider.

"The transfer will provide new competition in the market and allow the Government to focus on delivering the most efficient services possible without running the day-to-day business of a public transport operation," Mr Styles said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-06/darwin-bus-service-to-be-privatised-announcement-peter-chandler/5140746

Darwin bus service to be sold off but it will be business as usual, says Peter Styles
Updated 6 Dec 2013, 3:01pmFri 6 Dec 2013, 3:01pm

Top End government bus service to be sold off
PHOTO: Darwinbus serves Darwin and its suburbs, Palmerston and some rural areas including Humpty Doo. (ABC; Barry Doyle)
MAP: Darwin 0800
Government-owned bus services in Darwin will be sold off.

Northern Territory Transport Minister Peter Styles made the announcement this morning.

He said no Darwinbus services, routes or ticket costs will be affected by the privatisation.

A tender to engage a contractor to run the bus service will open on December 12, with the successful operator to be announced in June next year.

Mr Styles said no jobs would be lost in the change.

"Jobs are secure, employee entitlements are preserved and all permanent staff will be able to transfer to the new operator," he said.

Mr Styles said the government will be the regulator of the privatised transport service to ensure that all facilities, routes and fares "are in line with community needs".

[ozbob]

I hope that this policy announcement by the Greens today, might flush out something from the majors ...   live in hope!

[SurfRail]

^ Live to be disappointed...

I have no hope - it makes me less inclined to be depressed about these things. 

Abandoning all hope gives you great clarity of thought.  I recommend it!

[petey3801]

^ Live to be disappointed...

I have no hope - it makes me less inclined to be depressed about these things. 

Abandoning all hope gives you great clarity of thought.  I recommend it!

Yep, been there, done that quite some time ago! No expectations, no disappointments! To be honest, even if the LNP do get back in and go ahead with their asset sales, I still wouldn't be surprised to see the Beerburrum to Landsborough duplication to be quietly forgotten. Sunshine Coast voters will continue to vote LNP, seats will be safe, so the Government won't bother spending the money, once again...

[BrizCommuter]

I hope that this policy announcement by the Greens today, might flush out something from the majors ...   live in hope!

It may flush out some ill-thought out last minute attempts to make it look like they are trying to reduce fares (such as ALP's daily 2 journey cap from the last election).

[ozbob]

The ' free after 2 for all ' was classic political panic.  A detailed fare review policy should have been in place by now by the ALP, but they are happy to just say they will review them.  Meaningless in the end.

At least the Greens have had a crack at it.

[ozbob]

^ Live to be disappointed...

I have no hope - it makes me less inclined to be depressed about these things. 

Abandoning all hope gives you great clarity of thought.  I recommend it!

Yep, been there, done that quite some time ago! No expectations, no disappointments! To be honest, even if the LNP do get back in and go ahead with their asset sales, I still wouldn't be surprised to see the Beerburrum to Landsborough duplication to be quietly forgotten. Sunshine Coast voters will continue to vote LNP, seats will be safe, so the Government won't bother spending the money, once again...

I am very confident that the track amplification Beerburrum to Landsborough will proceed as the LNP have indicated.  The bigger question for me is what happens after that.  See interesting discussion here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6647.msg151825#msg151825

[ozbob]

MySunshineCoast.com.au --> LNP are dangling a carrot while threatening a stick on Sunshine Coast rail duplication, say Greens.