RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Sent to all outlets:

State Government commitment to make Translink an Independent Authority welcomed!

6th August 2024

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) has welcomed Premier Steven Miles' policy to make Translink an Independent Authority.

Robert Dow said that the single public transport authority model had been proven successful beyond doubt in Perth.

"It might shock Brisbane residents to learn that in Perth, trains come every 15-minutes or better,  to all stations (bar one), all day on weekends and during the week, something that has never been achieved in Brisbane."

"In fact, Perth has a higher per-capita public transport usage than Brisbane, and higher train patronage as well."

"All of this is achieved in a city with a lower density, lower population, and a higher car dependency than Brisbane".

"Perth is able to achieve this because they run bus passengers to train stations, something that Brisbane City Council has been, until only recently, very averse to doing here."

"For decades, the Queensland Government has tried to make three agencies - Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, and Translink work more closely together."

"It has never really worked well, and perhaps never will."

"Brisbane City Council's bus operations, Queensland Rail and Translink should be combined into a single State Government public transport authority, just like Western Australia."

"Put everything public transport under one roof."

"We believe this change can happen quickly by amending the City of Brisbane Act 2010, and introducing new legislation to set up a public transport authority in the Queensland Parliament."

"If Queensland Government ministers want to see how it works, we recommend they travel to Western Australia. Members of their own political party will be able to show them how it is done."

"Our members look forward to a 'One public transport system, One public transport authority future where policy misalignment between bus and rail operators can no longer be possible."

References:

1. Premier promises to cap petrol price hikes, and take over Brisbane buses
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/premier-promises-to-cap-petrol-price-hikes-and-take-over-brisbane-buses-20240805-p5jzqs.html

2. RAIL Back on Track Public Transport Governance Mapping - Perth vs Brisbane



image: https://backontrack.org/docs/media/6aug24/BCC_Functions-3-min1.jpg



image: https://backontrack.org/docs/media/6aug24/BCC_Functions-4-min2.jpg

3. Review of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (a Translink predecessor)
PA Management Consultants - Year 1984
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/_/media/aboutus/rti/disclog/2023/rti-3474-release.pdf

See section 4.8 "Relationship with Operators, Agencies and Organisations" which illustrates why a governance model that relies on co-ordinating three separate transport agencies will always create major conflict and policy misalignment opportunities.



image: https://backontrack.org/docs/media/6aug24/MTA_1982_4.jpg

4. A South-East Queensland Transit Authority: Transport Planning And Coordination Amendment Bill 1995
Legislation Bulletin 7/95, David Thannhauser, Queensland Parliamentary Library, Brisbane.
November 1995. https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/explore/ResearchPublications/LegislationBulletins/lb0795dt.pdf

"In summing up the lessons which the demise of the MTA might have for similar coordinating bodies, John Minnery has warned that organisations created with charters that effectively restrict the powers of pre-existing agencies will be resisted and that their jurisdictional limits and powers must be developed and clearly defined or they may have to struggle for their very existence." (Page 5).

5. Light rail down under: Three strikes and you're not out!
https://trid.trb.org/view/700198

"Consequently, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane is pivotal in all decisions affecting the functioning of the city. As BCC also operates the municipal bus service, the extent of its influence on road-based transportation investment and operation becomes readily apparent. With BCC's preference for undertaking transport planning activities within its boundaries, any unaligned overlap between state and BCC planning activities can require vigorous negotiations."

6. RAIL Back On Track Discussion Forum thread:
Public Transport Queensland
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.0

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

Facebook ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820495988345483287

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1820498153357087115

https://x.com/MelbOnTransit/status/1820545667233927591

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101029

7th August 2024

State of the State Address 2024

...

Independent Transport Authority

That's why if elected in October I will create an Independent Transport Authority for the South East.

The new Transport Authority will work in conjunction with our local government partners and Queensland Rail, to outline a longer term jointly agreed vision for the growth and evolution of our transport network.

And to set out the future of public transport planning and investment, including key routes, in the South East Queensland region all the way out to the 2032.

Translink will be a one stop shop for trains and buses and making sure they all work together.

Moving out from under the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Translink will have its own board and CEO and be empowered to ensure scheduling, services and planning across our transport system are synchronised.

And if elected we will set up a new all traffic management centre at Kedron.

In a truly multi-modal operations centre, road, rail, bus, light rail and ferry operations will be overseen together as part of one traffic management centre.

Sitting side-by-side at the new Kedron centre, state and local government staff will be able to work together to create a safer, more efficient, more effective and accessible network.

For our hardworking transport workers, this won't change their pay, conditions, or employment relationship.

What it will mean, is a better, more responsive service for commuters across our state.

Together these measures will create the integration that has been lacking from our public transport system in the South East.

Ultimately the winners are the passengers.

Passengers who will no longer have the state and council running duplicate services on one route and no services on another.

Passengers who will be able to get off their train and jump on the bus that takes them on the next leg of their journey in a seamless system.

Outside the South East, public transport will get a boost too.

We will review the public transport network in Mount Isa, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gladstone, and Rockhampton and Yeppoon in the next term of government to improve services, routes and service frequencies. ...

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-news-live-premier-to-cap-petrol-price-hikes-seq-s-micro-business-hotspot-20240805-p5jzop.html?post=p57e9d#p57e9d

QuoteSchrinner on board for new public transport authority

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has confirmed a move towards a new public transport authority in Queensland.

"We have been talking to the state government about a number of things when it comes to how we can work together better," Schrinner said on ABC Radio this morning.

"And one of those things is a situation where there was better co-ordination between buses and rail, for example. And so, as part of that, we have been discussing the opportunity to have an integrated transport authority."

Rather than a state takeover, however, it would be a "more co-operative" arrangement, similar to what already occurred in other cities, Schrinner said.

"When Translink was first set up, it was intended to be a separate transit authority and then it became a part of the government department."

Premier Steven Miles said the council would remain a contractor to the new authority.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1820834444795883773

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101028

Miles Doing What Matters: A new Independent Transport Authority for Queensland

6th August 2024

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

. Premier Steven Miles has announced if elected in October, a Miles Government will create an Independent Transport Authority.

. The move will see a more intergrated public transport transport system, particularly in the South East.

. The Authority will align transport planning for trains, buses and ferries.

Premier Steven Miles has announced his plan for a more integrated transport network in Queensland.

In his State of the State address today, Premier Miles said helping Queenslanders get where they need to be, sooner is a priority.

The plan to establish a new Independent Transport Authority will see Translink moved out from under the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with its own board and CEO.

The move will empower the authority to ensure scheduling, services and planning across the transport system are synchronised.

Translink will be a one stop shop for trains and buses and making sure they all work together.

The new Authority will work in conjunction with local governments and Queensland Rail, and set out the future of public transport planning and investment, including key routes, in the South East Queensland region all the way out to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

If elected in October, a Miles Government will also set up a new traffic management centre at Kedron – a multi-modal operations centre including road, rail, bus, light rail and ferry operations.

This will complement existing traffic management centres with State and local government experts being collocated, to better work together to create a safer, more efficient, more effective and accessible network.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"I want to help Queenslanders get to where they need to be sooner, so they can spend less time travelling and more time with their loved ones.

"Unprecedented population growth means there are more cars on the roads than ever before.

"And too often, the option of public transport has been too expensive or too inconvenient for Queenslanders to leave their car at home.

"That's why we have a long term plan to make every trip easier, faster and cheaper – whether you're travelling by car or public transport.

"Establishing an Independent Transport Authority will empower TransLink to better intergrate our transport system.

"Passengers will no longer have the state and council running duplicate services or services that don't link up. Instead, we will see a more integrated transport system that works together.

"Passengers will be able to get off the bus and jump on a train that takes them to their next destination, in a seamless system." 

ENDS

Sent to all outlets:

The best news! Re: State Government commitment to make Translink an Independent Authority welcomed!

7th August 2024

Good Morning,

This is the best news.  Very pleasing to note the Lord Mayor of Brisbane is on board too!

QuoteGovernment Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101028

Miles Doing What Matters: A new Independent Transport Authority for Queensland

6th August 2024

Thank you Premier for moving forward on the Independent Transport Authority for Queensland.  RAIL Back On Track has been advocating for this since around 2016 ( See Public Transport Queensland - An Independent Transport Authority https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.0

( Schrinner on board for new public transport authority
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-news-live-premier-to-cap-petrol-price-hikes-seq-s-micro-business-hotspot-20240805-p5jzop.html?post=p57e9d#p57e9d

It is now up to the State LNP Opposition, all MPs, to adopt this policy in a non-partisan manner.  It is without doubt, the right thing to do.

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

Quote from: ozbob on August 06, 2024, 02:03:38 AMSent to all outlets:

State Government commitment to make Translink an Independent Authority welcomed!

6th August 2024

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) has welcomed Premier Steven Miles' policy to make Translink an Independent Authority.

Robert Dow said that the single public transport authority model had been proven successful beyond doubt in Perth.

"It might shock Brisbane residents to learn that in Perth, trains come every 15-minutes or better,  to all stations (bar one), all day on weekends and during the week, something that has never been achieved in Brisbane."

"In fact, Perth has a higher per-capita public transport usage than Brisbane, and higher train patronage as well."

"All of this is achieved in a city with a lower density, lower population, and a higher car dependency than Brisbane".

"Perth is able to achieve this because they run bus passengers to train stations, something that Brisbane City Council has been, until only recently, very averse to doing here."

"For decades, the Queensland Government has tried to make three agencies - Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, and Translink work more closely together."

"It has never really worked well, and perhaps never will."

"Brisbane City Council's bus operations, Queensland Rail and Translink should be combined into a single State Government public transport authority, just like Western Australia."

"Put everything public transport under one roof."

"We believe this change can happen quickly by amending the City of Brisbane Act 2010, and introducing new legislation to set up a public transport authority in the Queensland Parliament."

"If Queensland Government ministers want to see how it works, we recommend they travel to Western Australia. Members of their own political party will be able to show them how it is done."

"Our members look forward to a 'One public transport system, One public transport authority future where policy misalignment between bus and rail operators can no longer be possible."

References:

1. Premier promises to cap petrol price hikes, and take over Brisbane buses
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/premier-promises-to-cap-petrol-price-hikes-and-take-over-brisbane-buses-20240805-p5jzqs.html

2. RAIL Back on Track Public Transport Governance Mapping - Perth vs Brisbane



image: https://backontrack.org/docs/media/6aug24/BCC_Functions-3-min1.jpg



image: https://backontrack.org/docs/media/6aug24/BCC_Functions-4-min2.jpg

3. Review of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (a Translink predecessor)
PA Management Consultants - Year 1984
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/_/media/aboutus/rti/disclog/2023/rti-3474-release.pdf

See section 4.8 "Relationship with Operators, Agencies and Organisations" which illustrates why a governance model that relies on co-ordinating three separate transport agencies will always create major conflict and policy misalignment opportunities.



image: https://backontrack.org/docs/media/6aug24/MTA_1982_4.jpg

4. A South-East Queensland Transit Authority: Transport Planning And Coordination Amendment Bill 1995
Legislation Bulletin 7/95, David Thannhauser, Queensland Parliamentary Library, Brisbane.
November 1995. https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/explore/ResearchPublications/LegislationBulletins/lb0795dt.pdf

"In summing up the lessons which the demise of the MTA might have for similar coordinating bodies, John Minnery has warned that organisations created with charters that effectively restrict the powers of pre-existing agencies will be resisted and that their jurisdictional limits and powers must be developed and clearly defined or they may have to struggle for their very existence." (Page 5).

5. Light rail down under: Three strikes and you're not out!
https://trid.trb.org/view/700198

"Consequently, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane is pivotal in all decisions affecting the functioning of the city. As BCC also operates the municipal bus service, the extent of its influence on road-based transportation investment and operation becomes readily apparent. With BCC's preference for undertaking transport planning activities within its boundaries, any unaligned overlap between state and BCC planning activities can require vigorous negotiations."

6. RAIL Back On Track Discussion Forum thread:
Public Transport Queensland
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.0

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

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1820851313942622268

https://www.racq.com.au/latest-news/news/2024/08/fixing-the-bruce-tops-state-election-survey

Quote... Additionally, RACQ also welcomed news that the Government plans to announce a single public transport authority for the south east.

"A single authority will lead to more effective and efficient running of bus, trams, trains and ferries," Mr Carter said.

"RACQ has felt for some time that SEQ's public transport system is convoluted, marked by multiple agencies and organisations with overlapping roles and responsibilities.

"We need a fast-growing region like SEQ to have administration that sees state and local governments working closer together to provide better public transport services for residents." ...

This authority MUST have veto rights over transport projects that compete with the active & public transport and decrease their mode share.  We are at almost 90% of trips by car.  Something dramatic is needed.

^^ I can practically guarantee that it will not have any such power.

Of course they won't and QLD will have 2 separate groups working against each other!!

"Process doesn't depend on just starting the right things. It depends on stopping the wrong things and fixing the mistakes"

As a tax payer this is just ludicrous!!

Rail Express --> ELECTION: A new Independent Transport Authority for Queensland

QuotePremier Steven Miles has announced his plan for a more integrated transport network in Queensland in the lead up to this years state election.

In his State of the State address today, Premier Miles said helping Queenslanders get where they need to be, sooner is a priority.

The plan to establish a new Independent Transport Authority will see Translink moved out from under the Department of Transport and Main Roads, with its own board and CEO. ...

Sent to all outlets:

Fifty cent fares - permanent ?

14th September 2024

Greetings,

RAIL Back On Track notes the Premier's  commitment to make 50 cent fares permanent if Labor retains office after the October State election.
[ Couriermail --> Premier: 50 cent transport fares here to stay if Labor wins state election https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premier-50-cent-transport-fares-here-to-stay-if-labor-wins-state-election/news-story/baca6d66d727c784efd7a68037b99487  ]

Our principle concern with this is that it may lead to a lack of funding for public transport service improvements throughout Queensland.  Fifty cent fares are fine if there is a bus to catch!

We do note, and particularly welcome however the comment by the Premier "The patronage boost, he says, will also help Translink expand services, should it become an independent transport authority after October". 

The Policy to set up an Independent transport authority is in our eyes a very significant policy for the future of public transport throughout Queensland. 

See RAIL Back On Track media 7th August 2024  "The best news! Re: State Government commitment to make Translink an Independent Authority welcomed!"  https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=286183

Best wishes,
Robert

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