8 Dec 2014: Brisbane Bus Reform: Even More Buses For Ashgrove Electorate

[ozbob]

Media release 8th December 2014

Brisbane Bus Reform: Even More Buses For Ashgrove Electorate

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 calls on Ashgrove Electorate candidates Campbell Newman and Kate Jones to support more buses more often for The Gap.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our research shows that Brisbane City Council's bus services do not match the distribution of residents within The Gap. As part of our New Bus Network Proposal, we are now pleased to release blueprints for more buses to The Gap and Ashgrove Electorate. Recycling existing waste and inefficiency within the current BCC bus network funds our reforms while keeping a lid on fares and growing farebox revenue. That's good news for passengers and government."


Image: Route BUZ 380 The Gap via Payne Rd Bus Reform Proposal. Image credit: Aldonius.



New Bus Network Proposal > http://tiny.cc/newnetwork
New Bus Network Proposal Survey > http://tiny.cc/busreform
Current BCC Bus Network > http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

"The current BUZ 385 misses a large part of The Gap; a BUZ 385 realignment along Settlement, Kaloma and Hilder roads places all residents north of Enoggera Creek within walking distance of a hi-frequency bus service. The very modest costs to make this change would be offset by increased fare revenue from more passengers, who are now placed within walking distance of the bus service."

"Services along Payne Rd are abysmal. By eliminating bus route network waste, duplication and inefficiency, a new Hi frequency 380 The Gap via Payne Rd can be created. This service travels from The Gap (Payne Rd) through Ashgrove Village, along Waterworks Road, Red Hill and through Roma Street Busway to the CBD. With a bus service every 15 minutes from 6 am - 11 pm, 7 days, residents of Ashgrove and The Gap can consider selling their cars."

"The benefits of bus reform are enormous. Perth bus reform saw a 20% cost saving from introducing competitive contracting alone. Bus route redesign using existing resources in the Rockingham area saw a 40% patronage increase. By combining both organisational reform (contracting) with network reform (New Bus Network Proposal) patronage and revenue falls can be sharply reversed. Bus driver jobs will also be protected by growing patronage."

"Bus reform means more buses more often. What is the Government's and Opposition parties' policy? Rising, unaffordable fare increases or genuine bus network reform?"

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

References:

1. Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often For Ashgrove Electorate
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11072.0

2. Brisbane Bus Reform: How to fund concessions for the disadvantaged with bus reform
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11123.0

3. Premier Campbell Newman in fight for survival in Ashgrove, poll reveals
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premier-campbell-newman-in-fight-for-survival-in-ashgrove-poll-reveals/story-fnn8dlfs-1227147167541

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

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