Letters to the editor - Not published

[Mr X]

I hope the media pick this big flaw up. For too long, self-proclaimed transport "experts" have released dumb policies with pie in the sky costings to get a media grab and the public have seen the figures, assumed they are correct, and blasted the existing economically viable solution (in this case, CRR) as "usual politicians wasting money". 

Jeeze  

That report is extremely brief in it's costings and I'd like to see a more accurate estimate and some analysis of the benefits as well as an engineering report to see if it's even physically possible.

[#Metro]

In any reference to the Cleveland Solution, we should stop referring to it as a $2.5 billion project, but as a $7 billion solution (certainly a figure above $6 billion).  That $7 billion figure would be more accurate than the GHD guesstimate.  Wishful thinking by politicians about how they can fund major PT infrastructure from loose change found down the back of the lounge chair must stop.  Both major political parties should respect Queensland voters with careful and considered transport policies during the upcoming election campaign.  They deserve to be savaged in this forum if they don't.

It would be unfair to tarnish the whole report with the same tar brush - points about Kippa Ring low frequency and busways are spot on.
However, Cleveland Solution - non solution IMHO.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Couriermail 3rd June 2012

The Courier Mail has highlighted the funding shortfalls for roads. (Newman axe for $400m road projects, CM, June 2)

The roads are being smashed by ever escalating numbers of trucks.  Road trauma is out of control. It has been another very sad week for road trauma - multiple deaths and injuries,  on the roads.

Specifically mentioned is the Warrego Highway " .. which is in dangerous disrepair ... ".

The Western rail line to Charleville, with branches to Quilpie and Cunnamulla  runs adjacent to the Warrego Highway.  Prior to the 2011 floods, the Westlander passenger train ran as a mixed train, attached to the passenger carriages for each journey out west to Charleville were 4 or 5 freight wagons. This provided an economical, timely and reliable, safe way of transporting goods along the line to Charleville.  Following the floods the freight service on the Westlander was never restarted.

I travelled on the Westlander in April of this year.  At Charleville I spoke with a number of local citizens who were scathing about the loss of their freight service.  The goods now arrive by road transport, without any reliable time line,  and the damage to the goods is causing significant difficulties, damage that did not occur anything like what is happening by the roads.  Also of great local concern is the ever escalating number of trucks, the massive damage being done to the road system, and the sheer terror of being forced to drive on the roads under such conditions.

It is time that the Minister for Transport and Main Roads directed Queensland Rail to negotiate with QRN with a view to restoring general freight services on the Western line.  Attaching freight wagons back to the Westlander effectively means the the cost of providing the passenger service is largely offset, and there are broader economic benefits for the community.  Their goods will once again arrive on time and without damage.  Less damage to the road system, road trauma costs are lessened, environmental impacts reduced.

It is time we moved bulk and long haul freight back on to rail for the economic and social benefit for all Queenslanders.

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Couriermail 17th June 2012

The so called "Independent" Commission of Audit report is cause for concern.  With respect to the superficial and simplistic analysis of public transport it is a dangerous misrepresentation.  For example, an analysis of costs based only on trips completely distorts costs.  Other metrics such as passenger kilometres and length of trip needs to be considered. I am no accountant, however based on the absurd public transport analysis one wonders about the merits of the entire report.

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Queensland Times 17th June 2012

The so called "Independent" Commission of Audit report is cause for concern.  With respect to the superficial and simplistic analysis of public transport it is a dangerous misrepresentation in my opinion.  For example, an analysis of costs based only on trips completely distorts costs.  Other metrics such as passenger kilometres and length of trip needs to be considered. I am no accountant, however based on the absurd public transport analysis one wonders about the merits of the entire report.  It does seem that this report is designed to give a pseudo-basis to the implementation of further flawed government policy.  It matters little it seems which of the major parties is in the majority.  They  all continue to head down a flawed path to terminal transport failure.

[Matt]

The article 'Tunnel network to take its toll' CM 9th September, concludes with the words "Frankly, it will become a nightmare living in Brisbane".

It will only become a nightmare if we allow our planners and politicians to continue on the flawed path of roads, tolls and tunnel vision.  It is clear that the sustainable solution to mass public transport is electrified rail, both heavy and light.  Many of the great cities of the world have turned to light rail. Brisbane pulled up is light rail in the generalised public transport myopia fuelled by the petroleum industry in the 1960s and 70s.

We have a fine rail link to the Brisbane Airport precinct.  Overpriced fare structures and a restricted timetable are stopping a lot more people from using it.  Increase the frequency of the services on the airport railway line (eg. every 15 minutes),  expand the time the service operates from say 5am to midnight, and bring the fare structure in line with normal Translink fares, and expensive toll roads and tunnels are no longer needed.

The fixation with attempting to turn buses into trains is also flawed.  Kerbside maximum bus density in the CBD has already been reached in peak hours.  Feeding intermediate railway stations by integrated bus is the solution.  One six car suburban train is equivalent to 12 to 15 buses or so.  Build up the rail networks, increase the frequency of the rail services, use integrated buses to feed the rail stations and pressure is taken off the the rest of the bus system.  The present transport direction in Brisbane will just lead to congestion, pollution, gridlock and expensive tolls.  It is only a matter of time before congestion taxes are introduced under that scenario.  The solutions to the nightmare are obvious!





Was in Vancouver recently, $9 Ca for a day rover ticket from the airport into the city ,can use all day and return to airport, all for $9, bargain, makes our setup look sad.

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Couriermail 1st July 2012

It is so sad to see short term populist political expediency again attempting to trump  a sustainable transport for future generations and proper nation building.

In a very base attempt to shore up political support Mr Abbott promised on Saturday major road funding initiatives in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 

The reality is that the Australian community wants investment in public transport prioritised over roads in the capitals.

Looming transport failure is not going to be solved by more roads.  A functioning economy needs a functioning transport system. This is the lesson that most jurisdictions have already learned.

Will the real leader please stand up?

[Fares_Fair]

Submitted to Couriermail 3rd June 2012

The Courier Mail has highlighted the funding shortfalls for roads. (Newman axe for $400m road projects, CM, June 2)

The roads are being smashed by ever escalating numbers of trucks.  Road trauma is out of control. It has been another very sad week for road trauma - multiple deaths and injuries,  on the roads.

Specifically mentioned is the Warrego Highway " .. which is in dangerous disrepair ... ".

The Western rail line to Charleville, with branches to Quilpie and Cunnamulla  runs adjacent to the Warrego Highway.  Prior to the 2011 floods, the Westlander passenger train ran as a mixed train, attached to the passenger carriages for each journey out west to Charleville were 4 or 5 freight wagons. This provided an economical, timely and reliable, safe way of transporting goods along the line to Charleville.  Following the floods the freight service on the Westlander was never restarted.

I travelled on the Westlander in April of this year.  At Charleville I spoke with a number of local citizens who were scathing about the loss of their freight service.  The goods now arrive by road transport, without any reliable time line,  and the damage to the goods is causing significant difficulties, damage that did not occur anything like what is happening by the roads.  Also of great local concern is the ever escalating number of trucks, the massive damage being done to the road system, and the sheer terror of being forced to drive on the roads under such conditions.

It is time that the Minister for Transport and Main Roads directed Queensland Rail to negotiate with QRN with a view to restoring general freight services on the Western line.  Attaching freight wagons back to the Westlander effectively means the the cost of providing the passenger service is largely offset, and there are broader economic benefits for the community.  Their goods will once again arrive on time and without damage.  Less damage to the road system, road trauma costs are lessened, environmental impacts reduced.

It is time we moved bulk and long haul freight back on to rail for the economic and social benefit for all Queenslanders.

Good piece of correspondence, this.
Has any reason for the stoppage of freight services been given, by anyone?

[ozbob]

Not directly, no.  But I think there was not the will to resume after the floods.  QRN split off and rumour has it that part of the separation agreement was that Queensland Rail was not run freight trains for a number of years.  Also the freight wagons were scrapped quickly, probably to ensure that the freight service was not re-instituted easily.   Both of these factors can be worked around, but there doesn't seem to be the will in the railways to run trains.  Yes, all rather appalling in actuality.

[Fares_Fair]

Would a media release explaining this specific situation be worthwhile?

If it was cancelled under the former Government, immediately after the January floods, then perhaps the current Government would be willing to restore services that have been lost to these rural areas.
Especially if there were $ to be made, as well as cost of living pressures being eased (potentially, if the road freight is dearer than rail out there).
Not to mention the impacts of financial strain to farmers and agriculture, one of the 4 pillars and all.

It's certainly worth asking the question.

[ozbob]

Would a media release explaining this specific situation be worthwhile?

If it was cancelled under the former Government, immediately after the January floods, then perhaps the current Government would be willing to restore services that have been lost to these rural areas.
Especially if there were $ to be made, as well as cost of living pressures being eased (potentially, if the road freight is dearer than rail out there).
Not to mention the impacts of financial strain to farmers and agriculture, one of the 4 pillars and all.

It's certainly worth asking the question.

No, we raised the issue out west, radio and newspapers already when I was in Charleville.  The new government is well aware, and my guess is that the Westlander will get the chop shortly full stop.  The locals have been making representations to the government.

[Fares_Fair]

Would a media release explaining this specific situation be worthwhile?

If it was cancelled under the former Government, immediately after the January floods, then perhaps the current Government would be willing to restore services that have been lost to these rural areas.
Especially if there were $ to be made, as well as cost of living pressures being eased (potentially, if the road freight is dearer than rail out there).
Not to mention the impacts of financial strain to farmers and agriculture, one of the 4 pillars and all.

It's certainly worth asking the question.

No, we raised the issue out west, radio and newspapers already.  The new government is well aware, and my guess is that the Westlander will get the chop shortly full stop.

Oh 

[somebody]

I think ozbob is right about the Westlander.  It would need to run through some marginal electorates to justify that sort of expenditure.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th July 2012

Letter to the Editor

Group/family go card

Other Australian States have various ticketing initiatives to encourage families, small groups of adults and children on to public transport at times when there is plenty of capacity.

The Queensland State Government touts itself as 'lowering the cost of living for families'  Here is the perfect opportunity to further translate political rhetoric into concrete action.
We have seen a welcome initiative for this years Ekka with an affordable public transport ticket.  Why stop there?

A group/family go card could allow up to two adults and 5 children (5 to 16 years) to travel on public transport as a group at off peak times.  A fare cost of 1.5 times the normal adult fare for the journey would be appropriate which includes travel for up to two adults and 5 children.  There would be no journey capping on this group/family go card as it would generally only be used on weekends and public holidays.

There would be wider cost benefits.  The public transport is running out of peak and is a fixed cost.  By encouraging more passengers this is a return that would otherwise be lost.  Additionally there are further cost savings as people transfer from congested roads to public transport.  Children are introduced to public transport at an early age and this further reinforces the value of such community assets.  There is a business multiplier effect as more people can get out and about.

Other Australian states can grasp the initiative and introduce real community benefits.  Time we did the same in Queensland.

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

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Couriermail August 5

The Couriermail reported on Saturday that up to 2200 jobs may go at Queensland Rail.

At a time when most jurisdictions are improving rail options for freight and passenger services, Queensland appears headed into more transport failure. 

The road system is already being broken to bits by large numbers of over-sized trucks. Road trauma is causing massive social and financial impacts.

Where practical we need to transfer freight back to rail. Queensland has an extensive rail network but it is grossly underutilised.  By investing in rail we will position Queensland for a safer, cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable transport future.  Investment in rail will be returned many, many times over.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets August 7

Letter to the editor

It has been reported in various media that up to 2200 jobs may go at Queensland Rail.

At a time when most jurisdictions are improving rail options for freight and passenger services, Queensland appears headed into more transport failure.

The road system is already being broken to bits by large numbers of over-sized trucks. Road trauma is causing massive social and financial impacts.

Where practical we need to transfer freight back to rail. Queensland has an extensive rail network but it is grossly underutilised.
By investing in rail we will position Queensland for a safer, cost-efficient, environmentally sustainable transport future.  Investment in rail will be returned many, many times over.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets 13 September 2012

Letter to the editor: 2012 State Budget - fare review needed

The 2012 State Budget has highlighted how urgently a review of TransLink's SEQ public transport fare system is needed.

Stalled patronage levels is costly in terms of congestion and road trauma costs, and environmental impacts.

The present fare structure for the go card is bizarre.   Excessive base fare cost with considerable fare box leakage due to an easily manipulated fare structure.  This fare box leakage is forcing further increases in the base fare price which is making public transport last choice for many.

An urgent review of the fare system is needed.  A fare system that is equitable and balanced will drive patronage increases around the clock, and will increase the fare box and reduce the public subsidy.  Something that has not occurred with the present failing fare system.

Queensland is the only state that does not extend concession fares to all health care card holders.  Queensland does not have family/group tickets as in many other states.

TransLink fares have increased 65 per cent over the past 4 years.  Further fare increases of 7.5 per cent for 2013 and 2014 will just exacerbate the unaffordability for many.  My DFRDB pension increased 0.1 per cent this year, 7.5 per cent is 75 times that.  The need to recast the fares is now acute.

The Queensland Government claims to be passenger focussed.  Let's see some real action rather than rhetoric.

Robert Dow
Goodna Qld  4300

[ozbob]

Sent to Queensland Times

3rd October 2012

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank QT and your readers for the support so far given to our petition calling for a review of the fares for public transport in south-east Queensland.

A considerable number of Ipswich based citizens have signed the petition, thank you.  This reflects the concerns that many have with a fare system that is driving people away from public transport.

Please consider signing our petition which can be accessed online here, at this shortened web link:  http://bit.ly/PJDsNr or http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fare-review-for-translink-south-east-queensland-now.html

Seniors, health care card holders, families and workers are hurting.  Lets drive a change for the better!

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

9th October 2012

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,

The TransLink Annual Report has confirmed that public transport fare unaffordability is the major public transport issue facing the State Government.  Excessive fare increases have stalled patronage levels, and is proving costly in terms of congestion and road trauma costs, and environmental impacts.

The present fare structure for the go card is bizarre.   Excessive base fare cost with considerable fare box leakage due to an easily manipulated fare structure.  This fare box leakage is forcing further excessive increases in the base fare price which is making public transport last choice for many.

An urgent review of the fare system is needed.  A fare system that is equitable and balanced will drive patronage increases around the clock, and will increase the fare box and reduce the public subsidy.  Something that has not occurred with the present failing fare system.

Queensland is the only state that does not extend concession fares to all health care card holders.  Queensland does not have family/group tickets as in many other states.

TransLink fares have increased 65 per cent over the past 4 years. Further fare increases of 7.5% for 2013 and 2014 will just exacerbate the unaffordability for many.  The Government is lazy, they have avoided conducting a proper fare review and simply followed the previous flawed fare system in essence.

The Queensland Government claims to be passenger focussed.  Let's see some real action rather than rhetoric.

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

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times

10 October 2012

Ellen Grove railway station

Dear Editor,

The article in today's QT ' Minister to announce Centenary Highway expansion, Oct 10 '  highlights how stupid the decision not to build the railway station at Ellen Grove is.  There are plans to build a railway station at Ellen Grove in about 5 years.  Building the station today would cost around $20 million, easily funded from the savings identified by Minister Emerson.  A station at Ellen Grove would relieve a lot of the parking issues at Richlands railway station, and provide relief at Springfield and Springfield Central stations, stations with planned inadequate park and ride facilities.

To come back at build the railway station at Ellen Grove in 5 or so years will cost at least $50 million dollars, with the added complexity of building it on a working railway.

This failure at Ellen Grove highlights admirably the flawed planning processes that occur in Queensland.  It is not to late to build Ellen Grove railway station ' greenfield '.  Is the Government smart enough?

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

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Couriermail

21st October 2012

During the Parliamentary Estimates hearings last week, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Hon Scott Emerson MP was unable to answer why the fourth quarter year 2011/12 TransLink Tracker had not been published.  What was extremely concerning was the fact that the Minister suggested that the data had been published in the TransLink 2012 Annual Report. That is not the case.  The non-disclosure so far of the fourth quarter TransLink Tracker does not sit well with the LNP's stated committment to 'openness and transparency'.  In fact, it suggests that the Minister is trying to hide data, data that has been publicly available until now.

I think it is time the Premier brought his Minister's into line.

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Queensland Times

24th November 2012

Greetings,

Cyclists are are upset with the decision to delay the bicycle path at Springfield.  Cycle users take on the Minister Queensland Times 24th November 2012 page 8.

Springfield transport corridor is shaping up as a major disaster in transport planning.  Manifestly inadequate park and ride, particularly at Springfield Central will just further force people to drive.

The Government is  encouraging people to continue to drive through by simply widening the Centenary Highway and dropping the bicycle path, whilst restricting the parking at the rail stations - Springfield (200 planned spaces) and Springfield Central (100 planned spaces).  Ferny Grove will have 1000 car parking spaces in contrast.  Richlands rail has 650 car parking spaces.

A frequent comprehensive feeder bus network is years away at Springfield.  Springfield is already advanced about 14% in terms of the over all development and it is already a road congestion basket case.  Yet the Government further encourages even more car transport.

Springfield Central park and ride needs expansion from 100 to at least 500 spaces.  In addition a temporary car park of 500 spaces should also be provided during the transition phases and progressive implementation of feeder bus and active transport.  This temporary car park can be progressively phased out in time.

South East Queensland has a marvelous ability to botch transport projects.  Springfield is shaping up as another classic transport failure.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Goodna

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Queensland Times

12th December 2012

2012 Passenger Public Transport Survey - letter to the editor

Dear Editor,

Thanks to the Queensland Times for mentioning our 2012 Public Transport Passenger Survey.  Results are now available online at backontrack.org and we invite readers to read the results.

Over 300 passengers responded to our survey, and the stand out result of the survey is the fact that fares are becoming increasingly unaffordable.   Expensive fare price is becoming a critical issue, and is actually turning people away from using public transport.  Despite the introduction of free travel after 10 journeys early in 2012, followed by the introduction of free travel after nine journeys mid year, affordability has worsened.  Further fare increases of 7.5% as planned for January 2013 are just going to worsen the affordability and drive even more people way from public transport.

The expensive fares are impacting on those least able to afford it, it is time that a proper review of the fare pricing and structure was conducted.

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th December 2012

Greetings,

Maybe it is time there was an inquiry into the failing public transport network in SEQ.

Characterised by fare prices that can only be referred to as extortion, failing service frequency, failing connections, very poor span of hours for most of SEQ.

Constant track closures that reflect very poor approaches to maintenance over the years is also an issue.

Nothing has changed really under the LNP State Government.  If anything just getting worse ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Couriermail 29th March 2013

The TransLink Bus Review has been a sophisticated game of political con.  The whole exercise has been an exercise to set up a privatisation platform. Despite the Lord Mayor's rhetoric, BCC has created a mess with the present bus system.  It does need a major review and to start to support the rest of the public transport network.  A lack of feeder buses to rail stations is just one of many failures.

For example the Government has spent a lot of money on the track amplification, Corinda to Darra and line to Springfield Central.  There is plenty of capacity.  The timetable on the Ipswich line, peak is excellent and is probably the best effort in terms of rail timetabling done by TransLink and Queensland Rail since TransLink was formed.

It makes a lot of economic sense to feed most passengers onto the rail line, even if it is 5 minutes longer because this is where efficiency is generated, which can then be passed on to provide services to the have-nots and come up with a better fare system.  Bus congestion in the CBD has to be reduced, using rail better will assist that.

We see the proposed bus changes from our own immediate point of reference, naturally and I understand that.  However for the benefit of the network as a whole resources, rail bus and ferry have to be better utilised to drive improvements network wide.  Some people will have to transfer where perhaps they didn't before.  That is something that happens to all public transport networks as they grow. 

Sometimes change is necessary for the wider community benefit.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Letter to the editor

30th March 2013

Dear Editor

The TransLink Bus Review has been a sophisticated game of political con.  Despite the Brisbane Lord Mayor's rhetoric, BCC has created a mess with the present bus system.  It does need a major review and it is time to start to support the rest of the public transport network.  A lack of feeder buses to rail stations is just one of the many failures.

For example the Government has spent a lot of money on the railway track amplification, Corinda to Darra and the railway line to Springfield Central.  There is plenty of capacity.  The peak timetable on the Ipswich line is excellent and is probably the best effort in terms of rail timetabling done by TransLink and Queensland Rail since TransLink was formed.

It makes a lot of economic sense to feed most passengers onto the rail line, even if it is necessary to transfer because this is where efficiency is generated, which can then be passed on to provide services to the 'have-nots' and come up with a better fare system.  Bus congestion in the Brisbane CBD has to be reduced, using rail better will assist that.

Brisbane City Council failed to participate fully in the TransLink bus review.  All other bus operators did and the results for those regions was very good.

We see the proposed bus changes from our own immediate point of reference, naturally and I understand that.  However for the benefit of the network as a whole resources, rail bus and ferry have to be better utilised to drive improvements network wide.  Some people will have to transfer where perhaps they didn't before.  That is something that happens to all public transport networks as they grow.

Sometimes change is necessary for the wider community benefit.

Robert Dow
Goodna Qld  4300

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

9th April 2013

Rock bottom .... PT in SEQ

Greetings,

I guess we are finally at rock bottom.

A broken bus network.

A rail network that is having ongoing infrastructure and train issues.

A fare system that is bananas and driving away passengers.

A confused political dynamic at the state level, who is actually in charge?

A federal opposition, and possibly a likely government,  apparently against any funding of public transport infrastructure.

===============

Well, when at the bottom the only direction is up, although bit hard to see how at this time.

Have a nice day now ...

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Goodna Qld  4300

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Couriermail

21 April 2013

The community feedback phase of the BCC bus review is planned to commence from today (April 22). Minister Emerson handballed the TransLink bus review for Brisbane to Brisbane City Council (BCC) at the first sign of political hysteria, leaving the Assistant Minister for Public Transport, the project director, left behind at the bus stop. Minister Emerson is keen to put the slipper into rail, but rewards bus failure with political favour.   Hardly balanced is it?

Will be interesting to see if BCC is going to stand up and recognise the fact that they are meant to be part of an integrated public transport network, or are they going to continue along the lines of the present failing high cost direct service bus model that collapsed with long bus delays again last week?

Bus operation costs in Brisbane have increased in Brisbane by a whopping 35.5% over three years with only a gain of 2.9% in passengers. Inner city capacity issues are now causing daily bus congestion, further compounding costs. There are massive bus route duplications and multiplicty, and competion with other modes.  Rather than support an integrated network, BCC views the bus network as a carrot for the next election rather than as a proper efficient, sustainable, high capacity, high frequency network.

The TransLink bus review was the right thing to do.  Will the BCC bus review continue to drive a failed network model or will there actually be moves to sort out the network?  Time will tell ...

Robert Dow
Goodna

[ozbob]

5th September 2013

Dear Editor,

A Tony Abbott lead Government has indicated they will not support the funding of urban rail and public transport.  This is an absurd policy.

Presently throughout Australia there are many urban rail and public transport projects underway that are funded either in part or full by the Federal Government. The Federal Government receives the bulk of taxes and is in the best position to provide funding, not only for urban rail and public transport but also roads.

Building more roads only is only going to further exacerbate the already bad congestion in major cities and regional centres.  The way forward is to improve public transport as well as roads. Freight rail improvements are also needed to get bulk freight back onto rail to reduce costs, trauma and constant road damage by heavy trucks. Coalition and Labor support for the Inland rail is welcome.

Most Australians live in the cities however. A life condemned to chronic congestion, gridlock, delay and transport failure is guaranteed under an Abbott Government unless they revise their flawed policies.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Dow
Goodna Qld  4300

[ozbob]

^ 4BC News has followed up.  Thanks for the interest .. 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st November 2013

Letter to the Editor

RAIL Back On Track 2013 Public transport passenger survey open!

Dear Editor,

RAIL Back On Track a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers, is conducting a survey of how public transport passengers rate our public transport in south-east Queensland.  Everyone who travels on public transport in south-east Queensland is invited to participate.

Since RAIL Back On Track formed in 2006 we conducted our own annual member surveys on how members rate public transport.  Since 2011 we have opened our survey up to the public.

The survey is web based and all public transport passengers on the TransLink network in south-east Queensland are welcome to complete it.  The survey is anonymous and quick to complete.

The information from this survey will be used to acknowledge the gains and inform our ongoing efforts for improvements as needed.

Results of the survey, including comments, will be published promptly on the RAIL Back On Track discussion forum after the survey closes on the 1st December 2013.

On behalf of our members we extend an invitation to all public transport passengers to drop by and fill out our survey.  Information is knowledge.  Knowledge leads to improvements.

The survey can be accessed by following the link from http://backontrack.org

Sincerely yours,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26 January 2014

Letter to the Editor:

STOP means STOP!

Dear Editor,

This is a plea to all motorists, to pedestrians, to cyclists, to all.

It is time to stop and reflect on our behaviours when it comes to road use.  Red flashing lights at a level crossing mean stop.  Does not mean speed up in attempt to beat the boom gates. It does not mean an invitation to run across the railway lines before the train comes. Yes, it means STOP. It might save your life and the lives of others, and certainly save you massive fines and costs.

Heavy vehicles, trucks, buses, trucks with big loads. Measure your height before you set off. Know your height. Select a route that avoids low level structures.

If you hire a truck to move furniture, think about it.  The truck is a lot higher than a car, this means extreme caution at rail and road over bridges. Know the height before you set off. Look at the bridge warning signs. Think about it.

Constant level crossing and bridge strikes are very disruptive for all the community. Apart from the possible loss of life and injuries, there are flow on lengthy delays for the road and public transport networks.

How about we all think about it?  Do the right thing, it is the Australian way.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Dow
Goodna

[ozbob]

Sent to Queensland Times 31st December 2014

More feeder buses needed to support Springfield railway

Dear Editor,

It is gratifying to see the Springfield rail line being used by the community ( Springfield train stations shine QT Dec31).  What will further drive more use of our public transport generally is to provide a better feeder bus network.  As was reported, car parks are full or near full now most days.  This means people who may want to use the train later in the day cannot because they cannot park.  We need more frequent buses, to and from the stations and operating at hours that are useful.

In 2013, as part of the proposed bus review a new high frequency bus route from Mount Ommaney to Oxley, Richlands, Inala and Forest Lake was proposed. This would have provided an excellent way allowing people to connect to the Springfield railway line, as well as other transport options.  It is time to revisit this bus route, it would be of great benefit to all.

Happy 2015 to all QT readers and staff.

Yours sincerely,
Robert Dow

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th July 2016

Letter to the editor: Tell the transport truth ...

Dear Editor,

Serious questions need to be asked now of Brisbane City Council, TransLink and the State Government.

Why is Brisbane's bus network being allowed to continue in a shambolic state?   Brisbane Transport cannot even achieve the minimum on time performance standards demanded of all bus operators in SEQ, this is despite a significant percentage of buses that run on Class A busways, free of traffic congestion.

Lord Mayor Quirk and BCC resisted the bus reform that TransLink attempted to do in 2013, claiming that people would not want to transfer.

Lord Mayor Quirk now proposes a half baked metro proposal that would force massive transfers and in fact demand bus wholesale network reform.

The fundamental flaw with the Quirk Metro proposal is that it only delivers 9000 passengers/hour/direction (pphpd). The busways deliver around 15000 pphpd. It is an absurd proposition to spend billions of dollars to decrease the capacity of the public transport network. Absurd!

Team Quirk misrepresented the capacity of the proposed metro to the citizens of Brisbane as being 30,000 per hour.  Using data supplied by Team Quirk we have definitely shown that the peak capacity is only 9,000 pphpd.

Would it not be more logical to actually carry out bus reform now?  This would save billions of dollars and deliver a functional bus network for Brisbane with flow on benefits to all bus regions in SEQ.

Brisbane is on the precipice of transport collapse - failing administrations, bureaucracy and Government that collectively lack the conviction to detail the truth and consequently act for the community good do not help.

No wonder the public has lost confidence in our political processes.

Yours sincerely,

Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track
admin@backontrack.org
Goodna Qld  4300

[locojoe67]

"Why is Brisbane's bus network being allowed to continue in a shambolic state? "

Its probably being set up to fail, so it can be privatised. Much like QR was, except that railfail went too far. Then the labour party got back in. And now it's all too hard.