Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

[ozbob]

I think we need this in Queensland.  TransLink, and Queensland Rail are not really that interested in passengers and their complaints.

Breaking the bus / rail connections by moving from clock face times on the reduced service timetables is the final straw for me.

Both the ALP and LNP haven't really got a clue either.  Much spin, bluster and arse covering than really advancing the cause.

Game on ...

http://www.ptovic.com.au/

Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria

The Public Transport Ombudsman looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

We work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

We are independent, free and accessible.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885937775576399872

[Stillwater]

^^ Such a position SHOULD NOT sit within the Transport bureaucracy, in case it becomes infected by the culture there.  Maybe sit it with Auditor-General. Independent.

[ozbob]

^^ Such a position SHOULD NOT sit within the Transport bureaucracy, in case it becomes infected by the culture there.  Maybe sit it with Auditor-General. Independent.

Indeed Sir!  Our Ombudsman will be free of the sad culture of failure that permeates TransLink, Queensland Rail, and #bigwilly !!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2017

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is manipulated by a distant TransLink (feedback outsourced) and feedback to the public transport operators re problems and Government is not taken seriously.  Meaningless babble responses are generated if at all.  Recently Queensland Rail removed the negative feedback from their Facebook website.  Out of sight out of mind?  Hardly ... rail fail is a grim ongoing reality.

It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

We work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

We are independent, free and accessible.

This would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport, particularly in SEQ, is an utter shambles.  Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear political success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/886625648525037568

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/886627301084938240

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 18th July 2017 page 19

State's rail fail continues

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2017 resent 20th July 2017

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is manipulated by a distant TransLink (feedback outsourced) and feedback to the public transport operators re problems and Government is not taken seriously.  Meaningless babble responses are generated if at all.  Recently Queensland Rail removed the negative feedback from their Facebook website.  Out of sight out of mind?  Hardly ... rail fail is a grim ongoing reality.

It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

We work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

We are independent, free and accessible.

This would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport, particularly in SEQ, is an utter shambles.  Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear political success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th July 2017

Rosewood rail fail Sunday 23rd July 2017

Good Morning,

Yesterday afternoon at 4.30pm TransLink advised by service alerts that:

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/138976

Altered services: Rosewood line trains

From 4.30pm until the last service this evening Rosewood line trains will be replaced in both directions by rail replacement buses due to an operational issue

This was followed up by this advice:

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/138976

Altered services: Rosewood line trains

Due to an operational issue selected Rosewood line trains will be altered this evening.

The following outbound services will be replaced by rail buses:

    The 4.35pm Ipswich to Rosewood train.
    The 5.35pm Ipswich to Rosewood train.
    The 6.35pm Ipswich to Rosewood train.
    The 10.35pm Ipswich to Rosewood train.

The following inbound services will be replaced by rail buses:

    The 5.05pm Rosewood to Ipswich train.
    The 6.05pm Rosewood to Ipswich train.
    The 7.05pm Rosewood to Ipswich train.
    The 11.05pm Rosewood to Ipswich train.

Simply describing as the cancellation of rail services with the non descriptor ' operational issue ' as the cause is really treating passengers with contempt in our opinion.

What was the real cause of this sudden unexpected cancellation of rail service on the Rosewood line?  Passengers deserve to know.

We can speculate, for example, sick train crew?  Failed train?  Staff roster messed up?  No crew willing to do overtime?

Queensland Rail and Government have been touting ' improved reliability '.  Not really, on time running is worse.  Why isn't non-peak OTR reported as the same way as peak?  Something to hide?

There was a major track closure this past weekend, crew demands were lighter than normal.  It is really disturbing that our rail services are cancelled with no or little notice and the excuse ' operational issue ' used to cover up the real reason. What was the real reason Deputy Premier?

I made repeated requests on twitter to the Deputy Premier, TransLink and Queensland Rail as to the real reason for these cancellations.  I was just ignored as usual.  These sort of issues really do reinforce why we need a Public Transport Ombudsman in Queensland.  The Government, TransLink and Queensland Rail are self absorbed and could not care a fig leaf about the travelling public it seems.

Have a nice day, as rail fail blunders on and worsens ...

Best wishes,

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

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2017 resent 20th July 2017

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is manipulated by a distant TransLink (feedback outsourced) and feedback to the public transport operators re problems and Government is not taken seriously.  Meaningless babble responses are generated if at all.  Recently Queensland Rail removed the negative feedback from their Facebook website.  Out of sight out of mind?  Hardly ... rail fail is a grim ongoing reality.

It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

We work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

We are independent, free and accessible.

This would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport, particularly in SEQ, is an utter shambles.  Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear political success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/886625648525037568

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/896541776156147716

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2017 resent 20th July 2017 resent 13th August 2017

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is manipulated by a distant TransLink (feedback outsourced) and feedback to the public transport operators re problems and Government is not taken seriously.  Meaningless babble responses are generated if at all.  Recently Queensland Rail removed the negative feedback from their Facebook website.  Out of sight out of mind?  Hardly ... rail fail is a grim ongoing reality.

It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

We work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

We are independent, free and accessible.

This would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport, particularly in SEQ, is an utter shambles.  Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear political success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

http://www.seathholswich.com.au/media.html#ombudsman

14 August 2017

CONTINUED RAIL FAILURES STRENGTHEN CASE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OMBUDSMAN

Friday night's train disaster is just the latest in a long line of public transport failures that strengthens the case for appointing a Public Transport Ombudsman, Independent Candidate for Pine Rivers, Mr Seath Holswich, said today.

Mr Holswich is joining calls from public transport advocates for the State Government to appoint a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland.

"It's completely inadequate for Premier Palaszczuk to merely suggest Queensland Rail send written apologies to commuters after Friday night's disaster."

"Enough hollow excuses, enough slaps on the wrist – it's time to get serious about commuter complaints and poor customer service."

"Decisive action is required to restore confidence in Queensland's public transport network."

"A fully independent Public Transport Ombudsman would give commuters an avenue to pursue genuine complaints with Queensland's public transport network."

Public transport advocates point to the Victorian Public Transport Ombudsman as a model worth replicating in Queensland.

"Victoria provide an independent, free and accessible Ombudsman to handle complaints about public transport."

"A similar move in Queensland would add an extra level of accountability to public transport providers."

"I am calling on all major parties to include the introduction of a Public Transport Ombudsman in their public transport policies."

"If elected, this is something I will pursue with the next State Government, because I believe it is in the best interests of Pine Rivers and Queensland commuters."

"Commuters deserve more than what is currently being delivered."

[#Metro]

"Enough hollow excuses, enough slaps on the wrist – it's time to get serious about commuter complaints and poor customer service."

"Decisive action is required to restore confidence in Queensland's public transport network."

"A fully independent Public Transport Ombudsman would give commuters an avenue to pursue genuine complaints with Queensland's public transport network."

Want accountability? Shred the service contract with the operator.

What is the Ombudsman going to do? Fine QR?

Fining QR is just one government department fining another government department - it is ultimately of no effect.

Maybe they will write a report - another one to add to the Mt Coot-tha sized pile of reviews, reports and inquiries into QR.

The sooner that black marks can appear against an operators record and be put under consideration during contract renewal

(and the real possibility of another operator being able to come in), the the sooner we will have "real" accountability.

[ozbob]

The PTO is not there to fine the operators #Metro.  The PTO is there to help out punters who may have an issue to be resolved.  Left to our operators the responses are dismal to real concerns.  For example the punters who were trapped on the train last Friday evening, could through the PTO make a reasonable claim for reimbursement of the money they lost on tickets to the footy, concerts etc.  The PTO is there for the punter.  It is a very good idea, something we really need in Queensland.

I am glad Seath Holswich recognises that too.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th August 2017

Support for the Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

Good morning,

Pleasing to note Mr Seath Holswich, an independent candidate for Pine Rivers has supported our call for a Public Transport Ombudsman (PTO).

http://www.seathholswich.com.au/media.html#ombudsman

14 August 2017

CONTINUED RAIL FAILURES STRENGTHEN CASE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT OMBUDSMAN

Friday night's train disaster is just the latest in a long line of public transport failures that strengthens the case for appointing a Public Transport Ombudsman, Independent Candidate for Pine Rivers, Mr Seath Holswich, said today.

Mr Holswich is joining calls from public transport advocates for the State Government to appoint a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland.

"It's completely inadequate for Premier Palaszczuk to merely suggest Queensland Rail send written apologies to commuters after Friday night's disaster."

"Enough hollow excuses, enough slaps on the wrist – it's time to get serious about commuter complaints and poor customer service."

"Decisive action is required to restore confidence in Queensland's public transport network."

"A fully independent Public Transport Ombudsman would give commuters an avenue to pursue genuine complaints with Queensland's public transport network."

Public transport advocates point to the Victorian Public Transport Ombudsman as a model worth replicating in Queensland.

"Victoria provide an independent, free and accessible Ombudsman to handle complaints about public transport."

"A similar move in Queensland would add an extra level of accountability to public transport providers."

"I am calling on all major parties to include the introduction of a Public Transport Ombudsman in their public transport policies."

"If elected, this is something I will pursue with the next State Government, because I believe it is in the best interests of Pine Rivers and Queensland commuters."

"Commuters deserve more than what is currently being delivered."

A Public Transport Ombudsman would give aggrieved passengers an option to resolve issues.  For example, the passengers stuck on the train last Friday evening on the Ferny Grove line could through a PTO seek compensation for the money they lost on football and concert tickets. Left to the operators, responses to genuine issues raised by passengers are not given any real consideration.  In fact the Premier had to intervene with respect to the last Friday's stranded train and direct that the stranded passengers be offered a weeks free travel on the public transport network. This just demonstrates whey we need a PTO in Queensland.

Public transport in SEQ is in a state of shambles sadly. Passengers need a proper avenue of redress.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

17th July 2017 resent 20th July 2017 resent 13th August 2017

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is manipulated by a distant TransLink (feedback outsourced) and feedback to the public transport operators re problems and Government is not taken seriously.  Meaningless babble responses are generated if at all.  Recently Queensland Rail removed the negative feedback from their Facebook website.  Out of sight out of mind?  Hardly ... rail fail is a grim ongoing reality.

It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

We work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

We are independent, free and accessible.

This would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport, particularly in SEQ, is an utter shambles.  Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear political success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

The Victorian 2019 PTO Annual Report

https://www.ptovic.com.au/featured-news

2018/19 PTO Annual Report >> https://www.ptovic.com.au/documents/annual-reports/6-pto-annual-report-2019  PDF 4.3 MB

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th November 2019

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ)

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is not satisfactory.  At RAIL Back On Track we are often contacted by frustrated public transport passengers who having provided complaints, feedback or suggestions for constructive improvement are largely ignored by Government, TransLink and Operators as applicable.  Meaningless babble responses are often generated, which sometimes don't even relate to the issue raised.

It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).  There is no real mechanism for the redress of complaints.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (PTO) Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

They work with consumers and public transport operators to achieve fair and effective outcomes.

They are independent, free and accessible.  ' Caesar judging Caesar ' as is the case in Queensland, is not satisfactory. Having an independent complaint mechanism will help to build confidence with the public, and keep TransLink and operators on track.

The PTO Victoria would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport in Queensland needs improvement. Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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


1. The Victorian 2019 PTO Annual Report
https://www.ptovic.com.au/documents/annual-reports/6-pto-annual-report-2019  PDF 4.3 MB

" The Public Transport Ombudsman is a fair, free and fast service to sort out
public transport complaints and help make the system better for everyone.

We're here to listen.

We have the power to act, influence and drive change.

We are highly skilled.

We help people reach agreements.

We're impartial and achieve fair resolutions.

We act on opportunities to improve the system.

We're here for the whole community."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1193247023970938880

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1193546806426124289

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Sunshine Coast Daily 11th November 2019 page 14

Queensland needs transport ombudsman

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 12th November 2019 page 17

Call for transport ombudsman

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1193960671005704192

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1227629964205277185

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1227629964205277185

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ptovic/status/1229542358087192576

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1551326537139777537

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland

27th July 2022

Good Morning,

The resolution of issues with public transport in Queensland is controlled by a distant Translink (feedback outsourced) and feedback to the public transport operators re problems and Government is not taken seriously.  Meaningless babble responses are generated, if at all.  It is time that we had a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland (PTOQ).

The Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria (  http://www.ptovic.com.au/ ) is a good model.

The Public Transport Ombudsman (Victoria) looks at complaints about public transport in Victoria.

"We speak with you about your complaint.

We work with you and the public transport operator to find a fair outcome.

We help make the system better for everyone."

This would be a good model for Queensland. A PTOQ would need to be independent as for Victoria.

We hope that the major political parties consider carefully the need for a Public Transport Ombudsman and add it to their transport policy suite.

It would be an excellent move for the present Government to introduce a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland immediately.  Public transport, particularly in SEQ, is not going well at all.  Burying heads in the sand is not helpful, hiding negative feedback does not endear political success in the end.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Call for a Public Transport Ombudsman for Queensland 27th July 2022 Good Morning, The resolution of issues with...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Tuesday, 26 July 2022

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1552060470139293697