26 Nov 2011: SEQ: Core Frequent Network: 'BUZ 400' to the Centenary Suburbs?

[ozbob]

Media release 26 November 2011

SEQ: Core Frequent Network: 'BUZ 400' to the Centenary Suburbs?

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 called for a Centenary 'BUZ', and consultation to re-work bus services in the Centenary Suburbs.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Core Frequent Network is the minimum basic network required to properly link the CBD with the suburbs and suburbs with each other using orbital bus routes. This creates a basic anywhere-to-anywhere-at-anytime network for Brisbane."

"RAIL Back On Track is suggesting that a review of the Centenary area bus services is needed as a priority. The Centenary suburbs of Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Middle Park, Mt Ommaney, Riverhills and Westlake are a large gap in the BUZ network. Bus routes in the area are also in need of a review as the current bus services are neither frequent nor simple to understand. Indeed, there are 9 different bus routes serving this area, namely bus routes 450,453,454,455,456,457,458,459 and 452.  Some buses go to Mt Ommaney first, some go via the Centenary Highway, others go via the Western Freeway, or via the Western Freeway but then Coronation Drive, some stop at Indooroopilly, some don't; one goes to the Darra railway station clockwise in the morning, but then anticlockwise in the afternoon. The whole thing is a mess!"

Rail Back On Track emphasises that bus services should be:

(a) frequent,

(b) of maximum simplicity,

(c) direct,

(d) fast,  and

(e) with a decent scope of hours.

"We suggest that bus services in the area need to be 'steam ironed' and simplified before the introduction of a high frequency BUZ route to this area. High frequency (15 minutes or better) feeder services terminating at Indooroopilly or Mt Ommaney as per the TransLink network plan could also be introduced."

"Community consultation could take place as a letterbox drop and online survey form, similar to that conducted for the New Farm area service review earlier this year. Our members' constructive discussion on services in this area is available on our website (1)."

"Once again we applaud TransLink and Brisbane City Council for the good work in laying down much of the Core Frequent Network on buses. With the recent BUZification of 100 Inala/Forest Lake and BUZ180 Mansfield, a 'Core Frequent Network', on buses at least, could be complete by the end of 2013."

"As RAIL Back On Track has always said, services must be frequent, bottom line."

Reference:

1. The Centenary BUZ thread http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7110.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7110.0

[Set in train]

Great to have sent this out. Centenary suburbs suffer from a lack of connectivity despite quarter hourly train services 5 mins away. Others require buses for their destinations, much needs to be done to improve PT in this area. Those living in the Centenary suburbs need to make this an election issue, both state & council, the seat/ward are highly sought after.