7 Mar 2009: Qld 2009 State Election - Where are the public transport policies?

[ozbob]

Media Release 7 Mar 2009

Queensland:  2009 State Election - Where are the public transport policies?

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 Minister Mickel's statement (1) confirming an absolute commitment for  the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project (2).  There is not much else though in terms of transport policy development so far in this election campaign.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Gold Coast Rapid transit project is an essential evolution of public transport for this vibrant community.  Modern light rail has the capacity needed, is sustainable, and will become an iconic feature of life at the Gold Coast."

"What about public transport improvements in the rest of Queensland?  For example there are opportunities to move forward with innovative off peak and incentive ticketing on the go card to assist with peak congestion management on the TransLink network (3).  An improved fare structure for the go card which addresses capping and seasonal ticketing is essential to drive further uptake. But major bus stations don't have ticket machines!  It seems there is a plot to make using public transport difficult for commuters rather than a seamless integrated experience!"

"Is any anyone prepared to address the problem of the excess fares that connecting  QR Citytrain passengers  pay if they make a single go card or paper ticket journey from a QR Citytrain station to the Airport? (4)  The bizarre nature of this rip-off and the failure to fix it sends a strong negative message to rail commuters."

"It is essential that public transport is supported for the future.  The railway lines from Petrie to Kippa-Ring and from Richlands to Springfield; with stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield lakes, must be started immediately.   We are heading for meltdown if we don't!"

"A ramp up of the railway rolling stock construction industry in Queensland would be a recession buster."

"What is going to happen with the proposed underground railway extensions in Brisbane?  Looming capacity constraints on the critical part of the rail network through the CBD must be addressed with some urgency."

"So many questions, not much vision so far.  Public transport commuters are voters and we are waiting for answers and clear directions for a sustainable transport future."

References:

1.  http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=63026
2.  http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/gc_rapidtransit
3.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1941.0
4.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1304.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

See here for policies of immediate interest to RAIL BoT --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1974.0