21 Aug 2009: SEQ: ClimateQ and the queues at the bus and rail stations

[ozbob]

Media Release 21 August 2009

SEQ: ClimateQ and the queues at the bus and rail stations

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 welcomed the ClimateQ initiatives, particularly the increased emphasis on encouragement for citizens to offset their carbon footprint by increased use of public transport and active transport.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the ClimateQ initiatives.  However to drive the increased public and active transport options there must be accessible, frequent and affordable public transport services (1)."

"The present public transport infrastructure must be properly utilised so that public transport is first choice.  Off peak frequency on many suburban and urban rail lines is poor and is major disincentive for many citizens to use public transport. Some additional services at peak times are also needed at key congestion times. Many bus services after hours are missing or very infrequent.  The lack of coordination that then results between rail and bus is a further major disincentive for public transport travel.  This must be addressed if we are to convince citizens to make the change."

"A better weekend public transport timetable is needed for all modes."

"Overload on the busways is a further disincentive to public transport use (2,3). The problems of passengers not being able to board buses in timely manner is not encouraging continued use of public transport. The huge public transport infrastructure investment demands maximum use of the asset by allowing operators to put in place the extra services that are needed."

"Efficiency of public transport will be improved if go card is enhanced with a revised fare structure and one that also further encourages early, late and off peak travel.  A high uptake of the go card will generate real time loading data that will in turn allow better timetable planning.  A high uptake of the go card reduces ticketing costs."

"Further enhancements to active transport options particularly more facilities at key rail and bus stations for bicycle security is needed."

"Public and active transport can be first choice.  It just requires a real committment."

References:

1.  SEQ: Ten point plan to fix urban transport congestion crisis - improvements are needed urgently!
    http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2481.msg12064#msg12064

2.  Bus Routes which need fixing  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2542.msg12872#msg12872

3.  SEQ: Where's our Buz?  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2538.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[stephenk]

This is a pretty good media release. Unless the problems with full buses, overcrowded peak trains, and infrequent off-peak trains are solved, then there is not going to be major shift to public transport. The Inner Northern Busway is a prime example of Translink failings, where new infrastructure is unattractive to users due to chronic overcrowding and lack of extra services.

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Greetings,

What are we waiting for?  Congestion is sinking Brisbane.  Every effort must be made to provide citizens with frequent accessible and affordable public transport as an immediate priority.

Best wishes
Robert

==============================================


Media Release 21 August 2009, re-released 4 September 2009

SEQ: ClimateQ and the queues at the bus and rail stations

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 welcomed the ClimateQ initiatives, particularly the increased emphasis on encouragement for citizens to offset their carbon footprint by increased use of public transport and active transport.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the ClimateQ initiatives.  However to drive the increased public and active transport options there must be accessible, frequent and affordable public transport services (1)."

"The present public transport infrastructure must be properly utilised so that public transport is first choice.  Off peak frequency on many suburban and urban rail lines is poor and is major disincentive for many citizens to use public transport. Some additional services at peak times are also needed at key congestion times. Many bus services after hours are missing or very infrequent.  The lack of coordination that then results between rail and bus is a further major disincentive for public transport travel.  This must be addressed if we are to convince citizens to make the change."

"A better weekend public transport timetable is needed for all modes."

"Overload on the busways is a further disincentive to public transport use (2,3). The problems of passengers not being able to board buses in timely manner is not encouraging continued use of public transport. The huge public transport infrastructure investment demands maximum use of the asset by allowing operators to put in place the extra services that are needed."

"Efficiency of public transport will be improved if go card is enhanced with a revised fare structure and one that also further encourages early, late and off peak travel.  A high uptake of the go card will generate real time loading data that will in turn allow better timetable planning.  A high uptake of the go card reduces ticketing costs."

"Further enhancements to active transport options particularly more facilities at key rail and bus stations for bicycle security is needed."

"Public and active transport can be first choice.  It just requires a real committment."

References:

1.  SEQ: Ten point plan to fix urban transport congestion crisis - improvements are needed urgently!
    http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2481.msg12064#msg12064

2.  Bus Routes which need fixing  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2542.msg12872#msg12872

3.  SEQ: Where's our Buz?  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2538.0


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org