2 May 2009: SEQ: Fining public transport operators is not smart!

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Media Release 2 May 2009

SEQ:  Fining public transport operators is not smart!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has queried the wisdom of the so called fines that are levied on public transport operators when performance indicators are not met for events largely out of their control.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Courier Mail has recently highlighted that fact that QR was fined $6.7 million last financial year after its worst performance for cancelled and delayed trains in more than four years (1)."

"Typical comments from RAIL Back On Track members in response to this bizarre revelation are:

'The government restricts QR operations by providing limited funding for infrastructure upgrades while expecting QR to run more trains - and then takes further funding from QR because it can't meet its obligations with the limited funding available,'

and 'I'd rather see QR be forced to spend the fine on infrastructure and other improvements to fix the problems.  I do have to agree it doesn't make sense to take more money away and expect some magical improvement,'

and 'Seeing that the Government is both involved in the TTA and QR (via ownership), it would really be the Government "fining itself" by the sounds of it.' "

"Notionally 'fining' an operator for circumstances largely beyond their control just further highlights the dysfunctional set up we have with the present public transport arrangements in south-east Queensland."

"It is time that QR Citytrain was given the network control it needs.  Maintenance has to shift in its emphasis to preventative rather than as a responsive process.  Government has to stop milking QR of its operating surpluses and ensure that adequate funds are made available for below and above rail asset maintenance and capability."

"It is good that there is an "urgent performance improvement plan under-way" (1).  The figures speak for themselves."

"Apart from addressing the network reliability issues, there are some other actions that will help in the immediate and short term.  For example, passenger education for travelling in peaks needs to be stepped up.  Passengers to be encouraged to spread out on platforms, and move down the aisles of carriages when on board.  Prepare for disembarking prior to arrival at your station.  Be punctual; arrive at the station a few minutes early.  Be considerate of your fellow passengers.  More proactive on board announcements and involvement, engage passengers.  Passengers have their part to play in helping public transport run on time."

"TransLink must also move forward with incentive ticketing to garner a shift out of peaks.  Encourage off, late and early peak travel.  The Go card is a tool that can assist in congestion management (2).  A high uptake improves efficiency of public transport.  Make the Go card attractive for ALL commuters."

"How long do we have to wait for real actions?"

References:

1.    http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25411696-3102,00.html
2.    http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1941.0


Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org