13 Jul 2008: SEQ: Where is the TransLink Transit Authority?

[ozbob]

Media Release 13 July 2008

SEQ:  Where is the TransLink Transit Authority?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has queried the lack of a new public presence by the TransLink Transit Authority (TTA) since the authority came into being on the 1st July 2008.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?RAIL Back On Track was looking forward to some announcements or other indications of positive steps forward when the TTA came into being.?

?We have noted that an advertisement for a go card operations manager appeared (1), but other than that no policy statements or indications that the issues facing public transport in south-east Queensland are being addressed??

?For example, on the 1st July RAIL Back On Track put out a media release calling for ticket machines at major bus stations (2). This was followed up by a call for off peak ticketing for the go card on the 2nd July (3).  These are important issues for public transport commuters.  We are surprised at the non responses by TTA.?

?The major failing of Translink was poor communication practice with commuters.  Are we going to see this continued with the TTA??

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1133.0

2.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1104.0

3.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1109.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

I noticed a letter in the Brisbane mX July 21 from a TTA representative answering to some complaints re difficulties of purchasing a go card at Central Railway station.  This is a positive sign hopefully that the TTA is starting to focus.

[ozbob]

The recently appointed Manager, Media and Issues, TransLink Transit Authority, met with me in my capacity as RAIL Back On Track representative last week.

I had the opportunity to discuss  a number of issues.  Thanks for the opportunity and the new direction.

Admin