RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Two thoughts..

Firstly, I don't think it's immediately obvious that cutting fares will reduce investment in the system.  It might, but at the same time, we've been cutting the (time and financial) cost of driving for years and it hasn't once led to a reduction in road 'investment'.  Instead, every cut to the cost of driving encourages more people to become drivers and they exert political pressure on governments to keep 'investing' in more car infrastructure.  A six month trial is perhaps not long enough to see this effect, but I still think that any policy that encourages more people to become public transport users makes it politically harder to do public transport dirty in the future.

Secondly, I think there's a risk of counterpeak overcrowding on parts of the network.  Most jobs (~80%) in South East Queensland jobs are located in the suburbs, or in a satellite city.  At the moment, these jobs are almost exclusively accessed by private car.  A portion of this is based on convenience, but another large portion of these car trips are based on cost.  Lowering the cost of transport will inevitably change the way that cost sensitive workers evaluate their transport options, and bring some number of suburban workers onto the public transport network.

The problem is, there's a lot of suburban workers out there.  And many of them will need to use at least one counterpeak service in their commute.  In some parts of the network, this is only a problem of having enough vehicles and drivers - something for which quick temporary solutions are available, and longer term solutions are relatively achievable.  But some parts of the network (I'm looking squarely at the Beenleigh / Gold Coast corrridor) are also constrained by the timetable.  There is almost no room to run extra counterpeak services on this corridor (without losing the expresses).

The current counterpeak capacity on the Beenleigh / Gold Coast corridor is around one third of the current peak capacity.  And that is a hard limit that could get eaten up very fast if even a moderate portion of suburban workers along this corridor decided to switch to PT.  Or not.  I don't really know, but I'm very curious to see.

ABC News --> Queensland transport authorities to 'combat' fare evasion during 50-cent fare trial

QuoteQueensland authorities are warning they will still take action against fare evasion during an upcoming trial of cut-price fares for public transport commuters.

Premier Steven Miles announced this week that all fares on the Translink network – regardless of the length of trip – would be slashed to 50 cents during a six-month trial to kick off in August.

When he unveiled the pre-election measure, Mr Miles said the new fares were as "close to free as you can get".

Translink has confirmed it still plans to combat fare evasion on the state's network of buses, trains, and ferries while the 50 cent fares trial is underway. ...

Quote from: ozbob on May 30, 2024, 12:44:30 PMABC News --> Queensland transport authorities to 'combat' fare evasion during 50-cent fare trial

QuoteQueensland authorities are warning they will still take action against fare evasion during an upcoming trial of cut-price fares for public transport commuters.

Premier Steven Miles announced this week that all fares on the Translink network – regardless of the length of trip – would be slashed to 50 cents during a six-month trial to kick off in August.

When he unveiled the pre-election measure, Mr Miles said the new fares were as "close to free as you can get".

Translink has confirmed it still plans to combat fare evasion on the state's network of buses, trains, and ferries while the 50 cent fares trial is underway. ...

I've been wondering what the approach to that would be. I pity the poor SNOs/Authorised Officers/QPS Railway Squad that have to check tickets for the sake of 50 cents...

What it really shows though is that fare evasion is just the means for 'engaging' with persons of interest to check for other offences.

Quote from: Cleveland Line on May 30, 2024, 13:10:18 PM

Quote from: ozbob on May 30, 2024, 12:44:30 PMABC News --> Queensland transport authorities to 'combat' fare evasion during 50-cent fare trial

QuoteQueensland authorities are warning they will still take action against fare evasion during an upcoming trial of cut-price fares for public transport commuters.

Premier Steven Miles announced this week that all fares on the Translink network – regardless of the length of trip – would be slashed to 50 cents during a six-month trial to kick off in August.

When he unveiled the pre-election measure, Mr Miles said the new fares were as "close to free as you can get".

Translink has confirmed it still plans to combat fare evasion on the state's network of buses, trains, and ferries while the 50 cent fares trial is underway. ...

I've been wondering what the approach to that would be. I pity the poor SNOs/Authorised Officers/QPS Railway Squad that have to check tickets for the sake of 50 cents...

What it really shows though is that fare evasion is just the means for 'engaging' with persons of interest to check for other offences.

I'm not sure if that assertion is true. The purpose of keeping a 50c fare instead of making it free is to ensure that people still tap on and off to get good data on the effects the policy has. If Transnink also stopped checking for fare evasion that would add another point of difference which could possibly impact the data that they are collecting.

Or they could reintroduce the old passenger count surveys to draw a comparison between gocard, ticket and fare evasion data. Then shift sno's towards buses. It's been long standing knowledge that the gocard system has a flawed dataset across multiple models. Translink themselves have admitted this previously.

Quote from: HappyTrainGuy on May 30, 2024, 15:33:42 PMOr they could reintroduce the old passenger count surveys to draw a comparison between gocard, ticket and fare evasion data. Then shift sno's towards buses. It's been long standing knowledge that the gocard system has a flawed dataset across multiple models. Translink themselves have admitted this previously.

The 'Bus' Network Officers employed by the Privates wearing the Blue uniforms (i.e Clarks Logan, KBL, Kinetic Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Transdev, etc) is largely covering most of the outer regions and both Coasts.   This is in addition to the G:Link Tram CSOs and QR AOs.
 
Rarely do you see an Translink employed SNO outside the Train network or BCC Bus/Ferry network areas those days.

South East Queensland fares, zones and tickets

https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares-and-zones/south-east-queensland

Couriermail --> Airtrain fares slashed by 50 per cent for six months $

QuoteJust days after fares on TransLink services were slashed to 50c, passengers using Brisbane's often derided Airtrain have been delivered a major cut of their own for the next six months.

Travellers heading to Brisbane Airport on the Airtrain will receive a 50 per cent ticket discount for six months from August as part of the government's latest transport trial to help relieve cost of living pressures.

Under a new deal cut between the government and Airtrain operators, tickets for services between Central Station and Brisbane Airport will cost just $10.95 instead of $21.90, with worker prices cut down from $43 to $21.50 for weekly tickets and $120 down to $60 for a book of 20 tickets. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1796588754846745010

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Couriermail --> The editor: Fare discounts a short-term sugar hit $

QuoteAnother day, another mammoth cost-of-living move by the state government. But while the latest fare cuts will be welcomed by Queensland, the state government is yet to fix the broader problem with the Airtrain service.

Another day, another mammoth cost-of-living move by the state government.

That's good news for Queenslanders feeling the pinch, at least in the short term. And you can expect more to come as both sides of politics battle it out until the state election.

We reveal today the government will subsidise cut-price Airtrain fares. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1796586192550625649

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1796624304383406341

Great, this is reasonable.

IIRC there was a view by some that Airtrain can't or won't be subsidised... well it can.

This now establishes beyond doubt that it is not necessary to buy it out to get fares at general Translink levels.

Now, they just need to add more service.

Oh look, another election bribe while the superannuation fund who owns the line gets money for nothing 🤣.

Same as the free return that they had in place until recently. Although now it's cheaper one-way and you can use smart ticketing as well.

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100464

Half-price train tickets to Brisbane Airport

1st June 2024

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. The Miles Government will cut Airtrain ticket prices in half, with the addition of Airport rail services to be included in the massive cost of living relief initiatives on offer across the network.

. Half-price tickets on Airtrain services will be available from 5 August 2024 for 6 months offering more savings to Queenslanders.

. Significantly reducing the cost of catching the train will encourage more people to leave the car at home busting road congestion and providing a cheap, fast and reliable alternative to Queenslanders.

The Miles Government will cut Airtrain ticket prices in half, with the addition of Airport rail services to be included in the massive cost of living relief initiatives on offer across the network.
Half-price tickets on Airtrain services will be available from 5 August 2024 for 6 months offering more savings to Queenslanders.
Significantly reducing the cost of catching the train will encourage more people to leave the car at home busting road congestion and providing a cheap, fast and reliable alternative to Queenslanders.
The Miles Government is leading the nation by delivering another massive cost of living relief initiative to Queensland commuters, and busting congestion.

Savings are set to soar, with half-price Airtrain tickets now part of the Queensland Government's cost busting 6-month initiative across the public transport network.

The Miles Government has negotiated a deal with Airtrain, further bolstering cost of living savings for commuters.

From 5 August 2024, half-price train tickets will be available to Brisbane Airport terminals for a 6-month trial period.

This initiative will result in real savings for Queenslanders, with ticket prices reduced from $21.90 to only $10.95 for go card and EMV and $11 for paper tickets when traveling from Central Station to the Airport.

The reduction of Airtrain fares is just the latest cost-of-living relief initiative the Miles Government has offered to public transport users, having earlier this week announced 50 cent fares on all Translink services across the state from 5 August.

With Airtrain now included in this initiative, this means that commuters can travel on the network, from as far as the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast to the Airport for as little as $11.50.

Significantly reducing the cost of public transport to the Airport will encourage more commuters to hop on board the Airtrain, reducing the pressure on the road network and busting road congestion.

In an effort to better enhance ticketing availability and extending purchase options for workers, work is underway for Airport staff tickets to soon be available at Queensland Rail's Central Station (worker tickets are currently only available at Brisbane Airport).

Airtrain's Worker Ticket is included in the significant price reductions, with Weekly Worker Ticket to reduce from $43 to $21.50 and workers Book of 20 tickets reducing from $120 to $60.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"I am listening to Queenslanders which is why we worked hard to come to an agreement with Airtrain to reduce the cost of travel to Brisbane Airport.

"Rail travel to the terminals will now be included in our six-month cost-busting public transport trial, meaning travellers and workers will pay less to get to the airport.

"We are leading the nation in delivering cost of living relief initiatives and we know this will provide further help to commuters.

"This initiative, combined with our 50 cent fares on Translink services, will make taking public transport more affordable and attractive to Queenslanders and tourists.

"There has never been a better time to leave the car and the stress of airport parking behind and enjoy the half-price train trip instead.

"We've got a growing population, with more cars on our roads and more people visiting our sunny state by the day - this initiative is a great way to showcase our public transport network and reduce pressure on our roads.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

"By delivering cost of living relief no matter where people work, we are doing what matters to Queenslanders.

"In a state as big as Queensland, that is important.

"20,000 people work in the airport precinct, and tens of thousands more Queenslanders use Brisbane airport to connect with their jobs and with family.

"Including Airtrain in our six-month trial on cheaper tickets makes perfect sense, but this has taken longer to achieve because of the dud deal the LNP negotiated with Airtrain.

"It's only Labor Governments that deliver infrastructure in the way that matters to Queenslanders.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

"The Miles Government is providing critical cost of living relief to Queenslanders.

"This initiative will mean money in the pockets of Queenslanders including our valuable workers based out of the Brisbane airport.

"We want to encourage more people to use public transport and enjoy stress free transport to the airport, from the Gold Coast, the Sunny Coast or from Brisbane."

"The Airtrain deal was negotiated by the former LNP government led by Rob Borbidge.

"Former Queensland Liberal Deputy Premier, Joan Sheldon said:

"The Airtrain Citylink was definitely, totally, all the coalition Government's initiative. I actually negotiated that myself." (Hansard – 20 July 2000)

"Thanks to the LNP, Queenslanders have had to put up with a 35-year contract that has cost Queenslanders.

"It is the Miles Labor Government who recognised Queenslanders were being duped, and brokered this new deal with Airtrain.

"We will keep working on a long term solution for public transport to the airport, to provide the best value for money for Queenslanders.

For information on Airtrain services visit www.airtrain.com.au.

ENDS

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1796710410747589015

Brisbanetimes --> Halving of Airtrain fares labelled a 'cynical' election vote grab $

QuoteQueensland's opposition has branded Labor's move to temporarily reduce Airtrain fares just two months before voters cast their ballots as a "cynical" election ploy that lacks a long-term fix to the overpriced service.

On Saturday, the Miles government announced a six-month halving of Airtrain fares to and from Brisbane Airport from August 5, after a years-long attempt to wrest control of the line from the UK-based private operator. ...

For perspective, Perth Airport is 2-zones for $4.59 using a SmartRider card (10% cheaper than cash fare/paper ticket). Perth's Airport train is still way cheaper, more frequent and runs for longer than Brisbane Airtrain.

TransPerth fares https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/tickets-fares/fares

And a temporary 50% subsidy of Brisbane Airtrain is a lot less subsidy than general PT services, where the subsidy level sits around ~ 75%. It is essentially bringing it into line with fares on the Translink network.

https://x.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1796816994853077065?t=a3L0Y1yEl7RuiJIW-YX3sQ&s=19

Couriermail --> Queenslanders' herculean task to 'use it or lose it' with 50c fares $

QuoteSouth East Queenslanders would need to log nearly 450,000 extra public transport trips a week in order to bring patronage back to pre-pandemic levels and make the state government's 50c fare trial a success, new data has revealed.

Analysis of Translink trip data has also revealed current public transport use in the southeast is lower now than it was more than a decade ago, despite a population boom.

Commuters across Queensland will receive 50c public transport fares until February in a six-month trial aimed at easing the cost-of-living, getting more people on to trains, buses and ferries and easing congestion on the roads.

The state government, including Treasurer Cameron Dick, hope the trial will help get public transport patronage back to pre-pandemic levels. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1797300972886331416

Sent to all outlets:

Public transport - red alert  

8th June 2024

Greetings,

At RAIL Back On Track we monitor the Translink daily reported service disruptions.  This gives a guide as to how the bus and rail networks are performing.

For the period 18 Mar 2024 to 6 May 2024 average daily reported bus service disruptions was 81.  For the period 7 May 2024 to 7 June 2024 average daily reported bus service disruptions was 138, a 70% increase.  This suggests some significant issues with driver availability.  We suspect the main issues are driver shortages compounded by respiratory illness. Constant bus service cancellations, particularly with the low frequency services, makes it very difficult for passengers.


> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15577.0

So far in June Queensland Rail Citytrain has had 238 reported service disruptions in 7 days!  The monthly average monthly Citytrain reported service disruptions January through to May 2024  was 406.  Signal issues comprise 45.4%, train faults 12.6%, bridge strikes 9.2% the main reasons listed for the disruptions so far in June.  Tardiness with the compromised roll out of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS-L2)  digital signalling doesn't give any real confidence that signalling reliability will be improved any time soon.

We have highlighted problems with bridge strikes for near on 20 years!  Today there is some single line running on the Ipswich line while Queensland Rail crews fix the damaged rail over road bridge at Corinda, a consequence of the bridge strike earlier in the week ( > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=284492 )!  The Minister for Transport needs to take some decisive action to address the problem of bridge strikes. We have suggested some steps to take (see link).


> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15542.0

With the introduction of the 50 Cent Fares from August 5th, unless there is a dramatic improvement in both bus and rail reliability, let alone capacity increases, the public transport in SEQ is likely to be overwhelmed.  The consequence of this will be very damaging to the State Government, to the transport authorities, and unfortunately to the operators.

Action is needed; not spin, not weasel words, no more bumbling incompetence, but decisive leadership and action!

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

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https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1799296971200708744

Brisbanetimes --> 50-cent fares to extend to Brisbane Metro mega-buses $

QuoteFifty-cent fares will now apply to the $1.4 billion Brisbane Metro network when it begins services later this year, Transport Minister Bart Mellish finally confirmed on Sunday.

The 60 mega-buses are expected to be popular with university students, suburban commuters and people travelling to Brisbane's main hospitals.

"There is a signed agreement already in place with the Miles government for Brisbane City Council to commence Brisbane Metro in November [if the system is ready]," Mellish said. ...

^ this was never in doubt 

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1799824341368180852

All that is wrong with Transport Planning in SEQ on display.

Quote from: Jonno on June 10, 2024, 07:12:36 AMAll that is wrong with Transport Planning in SEQ on display.

Sent to all outlets:

BCC Bus Rapid Transit Metro Funding - Too Much Politics Not Enough Fixing

10th June 2024

RAIL Back On Track says the recent Metro Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) funding discussions played out in the media show that there is too much politics and not enough fixing between BCC and the State Government (Brisbanetimes: 50-cent fares to extend to Brisbane Metro mega-buses https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/50-cent-fares-to-extend-to-brisbane-metro-mega-buses-20240605-p5jji6.html).

Recent claims by the Lord Mayor that the Metro BRT services would not be covered by the 50 cent fares unless the new [service provider] agreement was signed before September were just politicking.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish, noted "There is a signed agreement already in place with the Miles government for Brisbane City Council to commence Brisbane Metro in November".

It is important to note that BCC provides bus services to the State Government, just like the other 25+ service providers, but they behave as if they are running the show.

The BCC Metro was originally proposed as a true rail-based Metro but BCC has only delivered new electric bi-articulated buses that can carry a tenth of the passengers a real-Metro could.

This is not how a service provider should behave.

The Lord Mayor states that the Metro buses "marked the beginning of a mass transit system in Brisbane, rather than the status quo of bus services on already congested roads."

SEQ already has a mass transit system called the SEQ Citytrain Rail Network, but the current bus network does not integrate well with railway stations, is confusing and full of duplication plus in many instances competes with the rail service.

In 2013 when Translink attempted to address these issues the BCC had the review pulled down and did its own half baked review.

Finally, BCC removed the City's bus lanes that would allow buses to avoid already congested roads.

Public transport accounts for only 6% of trips in SEQ a far cry from the cities leading the way on public transport that sit between 25-50%.

It is time for BCC to be just the service provider it is, and let Translink and the State Government get our public transport use closer to these cities.

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

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1799955997357908282

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Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100591

50 days until 50 cent fares

16th June 2024

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. Today marks 50 days until Queenslanders will be able to travel on any Translink public transport service around the state for just 50 cents.

. 50 cent fares will be trialled for six months from Monday, August 5 on all modes of public transport across Translink's networks.

. Queenslanders planning to use public transport for the first time during the trial are encouraged to visit the Translink website to find their best payment method and plan their journey in advance.

The countdown to the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland's modern history is on with 50 days to go until 50 cent flat fares take effect.

The Miles Government will trial 50 cent public transport fares across the Translink network for six months from Monday, August 5.

During the trial Queenslanders will be able to travel on bus, train, ferry, tram, on demand services in South East Queensland, and all regional urban buses for just 50 cents.

Fares on Airtrain services will also be slashed to half-price for the same period, reducing fares to $10.95 when travelling from the city to Brisbane Airport and slashing worker tickets in half as well.

Public transport usage across all modes remains about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels, but Translink will monitor usage on all services during the trial to help inform future decisions on the cost of public transport fares and service levels.

Public transport users can also visit Translink's Service Capacity Tracker to view a forecast of the space available on their service based on the day and time they are planning to travel.

More information on the six-month trial of 50 cent fares is also available on the Translink website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:

"In 50 days, the Miles Government will trial Australia's first-ever 50c fares for public transport.

"Whether it is going to save someone more than $100 per week on their work commute, or just a few dollars here and there, this trial means money will stay in the pockets of Queenslanders.

"It's really important public transport users continue to tap on off during the trial as this provides Translink with valuable data on which services are busy and where people are travelling, which helps Translink plan an efficient and reliable public transport network.

"Whether you're a frequent public transport user, a first timer, or coming back after a break, there has never been a better time to jump on-board.

"The rollout of Smart Ticketing is making it easier to pay for your journey, and the trial of 50c fares will make public transport more affordable.

"These investments and initiatives are designed to get more people onto public transport which will help to reduce congestion.

"The only mention of public transport in David Crisafulli's budget reply speech was their $6.6 billion unfunded 'promise' to deliver Sunshine Coast Direct to Maroochydore by2032, which experts says is impossible.

"We know the LNP did not support the Northern Transitway and we know they sacked more than 2000 workers from TMR when they were last in government.

"The Miles Government backs public transport and we will continue to invest in new infrastructure and initiatives for Queenslanders."

Fast facts:

Public transport fares on all Translink networks across the state will be 50 cents from Monday, August 5.

This includes South East Queensland trains (excluding Airtrain), Brisbane River ferries, Southern Moreton Bay Island Translink ferry services, Gold Coast trams and all Translink bus networks across the state.

From Monday, August 5, Airtrain fares will be reduced to $10.95 for go card and Smart Ticketing users, and $11 for paper tickets when travelling to and from the Brisbane Airport.

The 50 per cent reduction will also apply to Airtrain's worker ticket products, which are sold separately to the Translink zonal fare. As a result, Airtrain's Weekly Worker Ticket will reduce from $43 to $21.50, and the workers Book of 20 tickets will reduce from $120 to $60.

Public transport users should continue to tap on and off during the trial with their existing payment
method.

New public transport users are encouraged to visit the Translink website to find out which payment options are available on their service.

Head online to Translink's journey planner, use the MyTranslink app or call the Translink Contact Centre on 13 12 30 to plan your journey.

ENDS

Sent to all outlets:

Re: Public transport - red alert

23rd June 2024

Good Morning,

We did warn you.

50c fares could break Brisbane's fragile bus network, City Council warns as Metro could be delayed until 2025
https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/brisbane-city/50c-fares-could-break-brisbanes-fragile-bus-network-city-council-warns-as-metro-could-be-delayed-until-2025/news-story/5496f7226af43643d3ebac14034c9dbc

Reported service disruptions for bus and rail are continuing to get worse.  June is shaping up as the worse month for many years.

Have a great day!

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

Quote from: ozbob on June 08, 2024, 13:24:37 PMSent to all outlets:

Public transport - red alert  

8th June 2024

Greetings,

At RAIL Back On Track we monitor the Translink daily reported service disruptions.  This gives a guide as to how the bus and rail networks are performing.

For the period 18 Mar 2024 to 6 May 2024 average daily reported bus service disruptions was 81.  For the period 7 May 2024 to 7 June 2024 average daily reported bus service disruptions was 138, a 70% increase.  This suggests some significant issues with driver availability.  We suspect the main issues are driver shortages compounded by respiratory illness. Constant bus service cancellations, particularly with the low frequency services, makes it very difficult for passengers.


> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15577.0

So far in June Queensland Rail Citytrain has had 238 reported service disruptions in 7 days!  The monthly average monthly Citytrain reported service disruptions January through to May 2024  was 406.  Signal issues comprise 45.4%, train faults 12.6%, bridge strikes 9.2% the main reasons listed for the disruptions so far in June.  Tardiness with the compromised roll out of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS-L2)  digital signalling doesn't give any real confidence that signalling reliability will be improved any time soon.

We have highlighted problems with bridge strikes for near on 20 years!  Today there is some single line running on the Ipswich line while Queensland Rail crews fix the damaged rail over road bridge at Corinda, a consequence of the bridge strike earlier in the week ( > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=284492 )!  The Minister for Transport needs to take some decisive action to address the problem of bridge strikes. We have suggested some steps to take (see link).


> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=15542.0

With the introduction of the 50 Cent Fares from August 5th, unless there is a dramatic improvement in both bus and rail reliability, let alone capacity increases, the public transport in SEQ is likely to be overwhelmed.  The consequence of this will be very damaging to the State Government, to the transport authorities, and unfortunately to the operators.

Action is needed; not spin, not weasel words, no more bumbling incompetence, but decisive leadership and action!

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

For me one of the good outcomes of the 50c fares is that the direct frequency services get slammed whilst I the infrequent wanders don't.

Thus proving that frequency and legibility are king!

Completed an interview with 7 News Brisbane earlier today.  For tonight's news.

Brisbanetimes --> What Brisbane can learn from the city's happiest commuters

Quote... Public transport use is still 13 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, but we need more bums on train, bus and ferry seats if we have any chance of busting congestion as Brisbane's population soars.

We can't take a private vehicle for every journey and keep building expensive car tunnels, or we risk becoming Australia's answer to Los Angeles, which is infamous for its urban sprawl, bad traffic and car-centric culture.

A single bus can take 50 cars off the road, and a train can remove 600.

But will the statewide six-month 50¢ fare trial – at a cost of $150 million – be enough to lure people back?

Beyond cost, people need public transport to be convenient, with stops or stations close to them, as well as access to frequent, fast and reliable services. But it also needs to be enjoyable. ...

====

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1804912273049448701

Quote from: ozbob on June 23, 2024, 13:17:48 PMCompleted an interview with 7 News Brisbane earlier today.  For tonight's news.

Fears Brisbane's buses to crumble under passenger surge once 50-cent fares begin | 7 News Australia



For discussions on BCC Bus funding see > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=285048

Great interview Ozbob.

Hilarious that Seven got a shot of the Premier handing apples from an apple container! 🍎 🍏

Couriermail --> Cheap rides, costly parking chaos: SEQ gears up for 50¢ fares $

QuotePeak-hour public transport users are being told to brace for congestion at park n rides, shopping centre transit hubs and railway station car parks when the cheap 50c public transport fares come into play in August as part of a state government election sweetener.

Transport officials said they expected a 13 per cent spike in the number of commuters hitting the cheap buses and rail network when the new fares started on August 5.

Hardest hit are expected to be Logan Hyperdome, where there are no plans to install new boom gates, Springwood transfer station, Chermside Shopping Centre, Eight Mile Plains bus station, Springfield Central, Geebung train station, Greenbank exchange, Lindum train station and Salisbury train station.

Shopping centres at Chermside, Springfield and Logan which have nearby bus stations where people may park for free, have started planning ways to shield access into their car parks. ...