9 July 2009: SEQ: Ten point plan to fix urban transport congestion crisis ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 9 July 2009

SEQ: Ten point plan to fix urban transport congestion crisis - improvements are needed urgently!

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 bureaucracy has failed south east Queensland in terms of the urban congestion crisis.  Experts have failed to convince the Government that they actually need to be proactive and forward thinking. So called community consultation processes are a cosmetic sham. If they weren't, we wouldn't be in this mess.  Here is a simple ten point plan to turn around. Has the service agreement for 2009/10 between TransLink and QR Passenger been finalised?  We have been promised extra services, where is the proof?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Here is a simple ten point plan to fix the urban transport congestion crisis, free of expensive consultancy fees!

1.  Ramp up Citytrain rail services to achieve a frequent service off peak and peak all lines.  This will take pressure off the overloaded bus system (1).

2.  Fix the go card system or junk it.  Denial of a ticketing system in crisis is not resonating with the public who observe the many issues daily. The go card contract was signed in 2003 for a 12 year contract.  We are now halfway through this contract and there is still only 30% of journeys on the go card.  Has this been a prudent investment?  A properly operating go card system with a high uptake will generate real time load data (2).  Place ticket machines in bus stations and ramp up pre-paid only on bus.

3.  Introduce more local 'station buses' to help alleviate  the car parking crisis that is causing its own level of chaos around bus and rail stations(3). 'Car park rage, bus rage, train rage' are all terms now in common use that reflect the impacts on individuals. This is not healthy!

4.  Introduce incentive ticketing on the go card, early late and off peak to assist in congestion management.  Further encourage variable shifts and decentralisation of the work place (4).

5.  Get serious about fare evasion.  Fare evasion is rampant basically because of the failure to drive the go card roll out properly and the complications of a dual ticketing system.  Issue all TransLink Transit Officers with mobile go card readers (5).

6.  Maximise the use of transport assets all ready in place.  For example, the Exhibition loop line provides opportunity to reduce the number of people transiting through the CBD axis with the recreation of a railway station at Normanby, linked with the bus station at Normanby and around the year service through Exhibition station (6).  The standard gauge rail corridor in from Bromelton offers opportunities for a regular commuter rail service.  The Doomben line is under utilised.  The Tennyson loop line can ease pressure on the main southern line at peak and provide further opportunities for innovation.

7.  Introduce more lateral bus routes.  The great circle bus route is an example.  Brisbane public transport is fixated on a radial pattern which contributes to the CBD congestion.

8.  Fix the systemic problems identified in the recent urban congestion management audit.  Queensland Transport was flagged in June 2008 as a poorly performing government department (7).  How many times does the government have to be told? Step up deployment of public transport infrastructure such as the railways to Springfield and Kippa Ring. Correct the imbalance in funding and move funds from non sustainable roads to sustainable public transport.

9.  Ramp up bicycle storage facilities at rail and bus stations.  Step up the emphasis on active transport options.

10. Properly fund all public transport operators for an immediate increase in services and capacity."

"These improvements will move people off the road nightmare and free up space for commercial and other road users that truly do need to drive. They will save the community billions of dollars in reduced congestion costs, reduced environmental impacts and a reduction in costs to our health system."

"Why hasn't there been public confirmation of service details for QR Citytrains for 2009/10?  What is going on?"

References:

1.  SEQ: Ramp up rail now!  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2187.0

2.  SEQ: Commuters are abandoning the go card http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2447.0

3.  SEQ: Car parking crisis at and around stations worsens, community rage - solution? http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2052.0

4.  SEQ: Go Card - manage congestion,  add off peak and incentive fares, time to GO! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2301.0

5.  SEQ: Fare Evasion rampant on TransLink network http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2377.0

6.  Brisbane: The Exhibition rail loop is another option to ease congestion! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=175.0

7.  Department is breaking down http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,23862794-3102,00.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

New changes in store for taxi drivers
Jul 22, 2009

Taxi drivers - not the most popular profession, it's fair to say.

Stories of confused drivers, suspicious tariffs and miscommunications arise time and time again.

New regulations aim to improve standards across the cab network and regulate who can become a taxi driver.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan and Taxi Council of Queensland head Blair Davies spoke with Spencer about the changes:

External Link 612 Breakfast here!

There is an interesting go card question to the Minister for Transport towards the end of the interview ...