14 Feb 2009: SEQ: Public transport commuters relieved

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 Feb 2009

SEQ:  Public transport commuters relieved

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 welcomed the news that the planned industrial action on the QR Citytrain network for the coming week will now not proceed.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is a great relief to many commuters to know that QR Citytrains will be running next week.  Thanks to all parties for agreeing to further negotiations.  Clearly it would have been a major disruption if the action had occurred."

"The advanced planning details that were made public by TransLink and QR through the Minister for Transport and on the TransLink website, and in the media were well grounded, but there would have been many problems getting around to work, school or appointments despite the planned arrangements."

"Public transport is a key community service, and in time increased service frequency and extended hours of operation will be needed on the network.  QR Passenger must be properly resourced in terms of crew and trains and there needs to be some workplace flexibility to provide for more services.  Train  crew undertake demanding tasks; fair remuneration and conditions of employment are needed to ensure a safe, efficient and sustainable workforce."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[dwb]

I think it is shame the strike is not going ahead. I was looking forward to the chaos! I hear you asking why, the reason is simple. Politicians of all levels need to understand the importance of public transport and how many people really do rely on it. The funding imbalance between roads, rail and buses that continues will not be resolved until every single road user out there understands just how much they benefit from all those people who aren't driving.

Two days may not have done it, but I was also very interested in seeing how well the State & Local govt responded to the issue, especially as they had the extended riverside expressway closure just recently. THere is nothing like practice to get better.