8 Sep 2014: SEQ: Minister Emerson confirms the obvious - fares are too expensive

[ozbob]

Media release 8th September 2014



SEQ: Minister Emerson confirms the obvious - fares are too expensive in SEQ

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 said today's revelation by the Transport Minister* that 75% of the TransLink Fare Cut or Service Improvements Survey respondents have gone for fare cuts is no surprise, but highlights the fact that the survey has always been more about political stunts than sound policy reform (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The survey has been viewed by many as a stunt. Revealing the response rates of the survey before it has finished has now consigned the survey to total irrelevance.  The money wasted on this stunt should have been put towards more fare cuts and setting up proper fare reform and the necessary network reform."

"The failure of the bus review in 2013 has restricted the opportunity for fare affordability improvements on the SEQ TransLink network."

"Fare unaffordability has never been worse than now in SEQ (2, 3, 4). Rather than simple fare-cuts, reorganise the network along the lines proposed in 2013 to drive the massive savings in operating costs, which together with the carbon tax savings can then be used for a much better balanced and affordable fare system for all demographics, with improved connectivity and improved frequency in poorly served areas of SEQ."

"Simple fare cuts alone will not fix the fundamental issues with the failing network.  Real leadership is needed to fix it for the long term, not just buy votes for the next state election."

*
Twitter

Scott Emerson @scottemersonmp

With one week to go, of 16,000 who've voted so far, 75% want 5% cut to fares over increased services #qldpol http://t.co/de6Qlxd3Tm

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/news-and-updates/have-your-say

2. 23 Aug 2014: SEQ: Fare failure on the political agenda
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10917.0

3. 1 Aug 2014: SEQ: Fare affordability crisis needs action today
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10881.0

4. 23 Jul 2014: SEQ: Cost explosion to engulf Queensland Government at polls?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10836.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

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