31 Aug 2014: SEQ: Fare relief or increased services? We can have both!

[ozbob]

Media release 31st August

SEQ: Fare relief or increased services?  We can have both!

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 welcomed the State Government's move to finally consult public transport users via a survey on how carbon tax savings can be used for fare and or network improvements (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"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."

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-transport-to-return-30m-in-carbon-tax-savings-as-lower-fares-or-increased-services/story-fnihsrf2-1227042380700

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]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10930.msg145788#msg145788

[ozbob]

BrizCommuter special - the fare decrease vs service increase vote charade

--> http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/brizcommuter-special-fare-decrease-vs.html