23 June 2009: SEQ: Urban congestion is real

[ozbob]

Media Release 23 June 2009

SEQ:  Urban congestion is real

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 said the tabling of the report today in Parliament on Transport network management and urban congestion simply validates our consistent observations and suggestions (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is no surprise to citizens of south-east Queensland to learn the Queensland Auditor General has found a number of systemic deficiencies in transport planning for south east Queensland.  The cost of these failures is the chronic congestion and overloading on our stressed public transport and road networks experienced by us all."

"Rail has the capacity to make a real impact on easing the congestion.  Rather then restricting rail services we should move rapidly to a 15 minute off peak frequency on all lines.  Peak times 7 minutes or better.  This will in turn help move people off the roads and onto sustainable public transport.  More feeder buses running to key rail and bus stations is essential.  High frequency rail services will overcome the present problems of bus/rail and rail/bus integration."

"A scan of train frequencies around the world in similar cities to Brisbane reveals we are a transport backwater.  It is little wonder the report is so damning (2)."

"Re-arranging the 'deck-chairs' won't do it.  What will do it is put resources where it will really give capacity."

"Congratulations to all who wrote the report!"


1. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/docs/find.aspx?id=5309T463

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2410.msg11746#msg11746

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org