6 Sep 2009: SEQ: Bus is busted!

[ozbob]

Media Release 6 September 2009

SEQ: Bus is busted!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has again called for an increase in bus frequency on the Inner Northern Busway, and a new bus route based on a combined 109 and 66 routes (1).

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members and public feedback have reported constant overloading and long waits for buses to board between the new busway station at RBWH, RCH Herston, QUT Kelvin Grove, and the CBD (2,3). During the past two weeks some passengers have had to wait up to 50 minutes at RCH Herston to board a bus!  Acceptable? Of course not! Given the RBWH's serious parking problems, this has been a great chance to get people to switch to public transport, wasted!"

"The route 66 bus needs to be extended to RBWH and increased in frequency.  The introduction of a new additional bus route utilising the new and existing busways, essentially a combined route 66 and 109 would provide a one seat connection between all the major medical campuses in Brisbane, and UQ and QUT Kelvin Grove and assist in the overloads (4)."

"The problems of passengers not being able to board buses in timely manner is not encouraging continued use of public transport. The huge public transport infrastructure investment demands maximum use of the asset."

"Government and  TransLink need to focus on service delivery and properly resource the operators. There is now a distinct community impression of inaction in terms of addressing the obvious service shortfalls on bus and rail."

"We note that the timetables for routes 66 and 333 are missing from the PDF bus timetables on the TransLink web site (5).  Is this to avoid public scrutiny of failing INB timetables or is it a sign that something may be finally in train to address this failure to plan and resource properly?"

"Who would know, public transport commuters are just left to blunder on hoping that today is their lucky day and they can squeeze on a bus or train first time!"

References:

1.  15 Aug 2009: SEQ: Bring on the Buz!   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2613.0

2.  SEQ: New busways are 'not buz-ing'!   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2558.msg12540#msg12540

3.  Bus Routes which need fixing   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2542.msg13534#msg13534

4.  SEQ: Where's our Buz?   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2538.0

5.   http://www.translink.com.au/tt_results.php?routett=&mode=BUS

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Correction:  The 66 and 333 PDF Timetables are available, they are out of sequence on the list on the bus timetables. This would be confusing to users no doubt.

[beauyboy]

I would like to add that this problem could also be relieved if the 393 was extended to Roma Street or King Goerge. Terminating this route at Normanby effectively makes it almost useless.

Donald

[ozbob]

Yes, good point Donald.  Certainly would assist.

Regards
Bob

[ozbob]

Published City North News 10th September 2009

Long waits to board buses prove opportunity wasted

[ozbob]

Followup.

14 September 2009

Greetings,

The Courier Mail has highlighted the problems with  public transport not coping again this morning.  See -->
Passengers stranded by full buses

This is no surprise to us.  It really is time to properly resource rail and bus.  The massive amount of money being poured into roads is not working and is not sustainable.  The failure to properly utilise the new bus way extensions is a major worry.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

=================================================
Media Release 6 September 2009  re-released 14 September

SEQ: Bus is busted!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has again called for an increase in bus frequency on the Inner Northern Busway, and a new bus route based on a combined 109 and 66 routes (1).

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members and public feedback have reported constant overloading and long waits for buses to board between the new busway station at RBWH, RCH Herston, QUT Kelvin Grove, and the CBD (2,3). During the past two weeks some passengers have had to wait up to 50 minutes at RCH Herston to board a bus!  Acceptable? Of course not! Given the RBWH's serious parking problems, this has been a great chance to get people to switch to public transport, wasted!"

"The route 66 bus needs to be extended to RBWH and increased in frequency.  The introduction of a new additional bus route utilising the new and existing busways, essentially a combined route 66 and 109 would provide a one seat connection between all the major medical campuses in Brisbane, and UQ and QUT Kelvin Grove and assist in the overloads (4)."

"The problems of passengers not being able to board buses in timely manner is not encouraging continued use of public transport. The huge public transport infrastructure investment demands maximum use of the asset."

"Government and  TransLink need to focus on service delivery and properly resource the operators. There is now a distinct community impression of inaction in terms of addressing the obvious service shortfalls on bus and rail."

"Who would know, public transport commuters are just left to blunder on hoping that  today is their lucky day and they  squeeze on a bus or train first time!"

References:

1.  15 Aug 2009: SEQ: Bring on the Buz! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2613.0

2.  SEQ: New busways are 'not buz-ing'!  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2558.msg12540#msg12540

3.  Bus Routes which need fixing  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2542.msg13534#msg13534

4.  SEQ: Where's our Buz?  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2538.0

5.  http://www.translink.com.au/tt_results.php?routett=&mode=BUS

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Jon Bryant]

I am left wondering if our Governments really understand the transport problems they have created over the last 30 years by focusing soley on the motor vehicle.  Buses full, trains full and people clearly voting with their feet with demand clearly outstripping supply.  Yet the Brisbane City Council and State Government spending billions on wasteful roads whilst the people wait for a bus or a train.  Something is very wrong.   

It is time for our Governments to take the "road" blinkers off and realise that public and active transport are the only solution to our congestion problems.  There is more than enough research evidence showing that road based transport systems have never reduced congestion.  The only cities to have reduced congestion have not built a freeway in 40 years instead they invested in public and active transport.  They also top the Liveable City List year in year out.

It is time to finally read the WRONG WAY GO BACK sign that is our current broken and failing transport network.

[ozbob]

18th September 2009

Sent to the Minister and all contacts

----------------

Greetings,

There are major problems on the INB.  Patrons are unable to board buses in a timely manner.  Our members have reported many instances of long waits.

As one of our members has commented;

The overcrowding situation on the Northern Busway is a disgrace because:
1) This has been happening for over a year, and despite many complaints (which Translink admit), Translink have done nothing.
2) Despite the overcrowding, the bus service was not increased when the RBWH busway station opened which was expected to increase patronage. Spend millions on building the busway, but not increase the service - doh!
3) Passengers have been known to have to wait up to 50mins to board a bus on numerous occasions inbound in the pm peak, despite buses timetabled at least every 10mins.
4) It is forcing passengers off public transport, and making public transport unattractive.
5) It is making some public transport users to travel by alternative and less convenient routes.
> 6) Due to the RBWH's poor parking situation, improving the busway could have converted some drivers to public transport, but it hasn't.

http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2739.msg13928#msg13928

We have suggested some obvious solutions to the problems.  Increase frequency of the 66 extend to RBWH  and introduce a new route based on a combined 109 and 66.  Extend the 393 into Roma St.
See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2709.0

Why are we not utilising the massive investment in busways properly?   What on earth is going on?

Commuters have reached breaking point.
If TransLink is unable to manage our public transport please shift control back to the operators so that we can move forwards.

There are major congestion bottlenecks on rail as well. 

Where are the new fares for the go card?  This was promised mid year.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2165.0
Go card equipment is unreliable and clumsy. Something positive has to be done to drive uptake.

My own personal view is that we have a crisis looming on our public transport system unless something is done now to sort out the mess.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 18th September page 4

Full of bus frustration

[ozbob]

Follow up, sent to the Minister and all contacts

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

19th September 2009


Greetings once again,

The response by TransLink in yesterdays mX was interesting.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2709.msg13966#msg13966

Wouldn't it be better to just come clean and explain the reason why we are seeing public transport not able to cope is due to a lack of operating funds?

The massive funding announcements yesterday for the Road Infrastructure Program just further highlights the serious situation with respect to long term transport sustainability.

It is unfortunate that the acronym for the Road Infrastructure Program is R. I. P.  So freely quoted in the myriad of statements.  RIP means Rest In Peace to many, perhaps a true indictment on the most unsafe transport mode human kind has created.  The cost of the road toll in ongoing injuries and deaths to our community is horrendous.

Road users are generally irresponsible and selfish fools.  Government has a duty of care to ensure safe modes of transport are accessible, frequent and affordable.  Monies need to be redirected from roads into sustainable safe public transport. Rail is the safest transport mode, build it up.

Take care.

Best wishes
Robert

[ozbob]

Follow up to all outlets:

12th October 2009

Greetings,

No change in the failure to utilise the huge taxpayer capital investment in busways properly.

Used the Northern Busway from RBWH to Roma Street for the first time for a few weeks on Friday. Still no improvement. Despite a theoretical average waiting time of 5 mins, it was 20 mins before bus (333) turned up, which of course was full. Thankfully a few minutes later both 330 and 340 turned up together which managed to (just) clear the crowds waiting at RBWH and RCH busway stations.
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2542.msg14747#msg14747

Have a nice day!

Regards
Robert

[Jon Bryant]

We must convert a lane on each major road to a Bus Lane.  Buses must be allowed to flow freeley of traffic.  This will allow buses to complete their trips more quickly thus allowing them to complete another route (with a driver change if necessary) in the same time they now complete the single journey or worse.  This is a low cost solution that will fix congestion.