23 Oct 2007: Minister invited to come for ride on our Citytrain! Compensation.

[ozbob]

Media Release 23 October 2007

Brisbane:  Minister invited to come for ride on our Citytrain! Commuter compensation scheme needed.

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail has said that there is a public transport crisis in Brisbane. Service shortfalls, cancellations and chronic congestion at peak are being endured daily by the long suffering public, and it is time commuters were compensated for the failure to provide timetabled services be they bus, train or river transport services.

We extend an invitation to the Hon. John Mickel MP, Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations to come for a ride on the 6.44am Citytrain service from Oxley to the City on any weekday that is convenient. We can discuss with our fellow commuters options for improvement of the Citytrain services as we journey to Central.

Robert Dow said:

"There has been a lot of negative feedback in the press, on talk back radio and to RAIL Back On Track concerning the ongoing and escalating problem of Citytrain service cancellations, particularly in peak times.  A similar situation exists with the buses and to a lesser extent with river transport."

"There is concern that the chronic problems with public transport are affecting the health and well being of commuters.  Stress and anxiety levels are climbing.  RAIL Back On Track is concerned that commuters' frustrations may lead to poor behaviour."

"RAIL Back On Track believes it is time for an apology to the TRANSLink travelling public, and an outline provided of what is going to be done in the immediate, short and long term to address these issues."

"We extend an invitation to the Hon. John Mickel MP, Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations to join us for a ride on the 6.44am Citytrain service from Oxley to Central Station on any weekday that may be suitable.  The Minister will see firsthand what congestion means and get some feedback on ways to improve our public transport."

"We also call for a commuter compensation scheme. Passengers who are left stranded should be invited to apply for a free daily ticket each time they are bypassed or their service is cancelled and does not arrive."

"A similar scheme operates in Melbourne as an incentive for the operator Connex to maintain service standards.  It would be a fair compensation for South East Queensland commuters if a similar scheme was introduced here in Queensland."

"The details of all Citytrain services cancelled each day, and the number of buses, catamarans and ferries that have bypassed because of full loadings should be publicly displayed on the TRANSLink web site updated daily.  The public is entitled to know this information," said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Queensland Times page 6 Oct 30
Thanks to the Queensland Times for their interest in rail commuter issues.

Mickel urged to ride rails

AMID claims train and bus service cancellations are growing out of control, the Transport Minister has been invited to take a peak hour train from Oxley to see what it?s like for himself.

Web-based rail support group RAIL Back On Track (RBOT) has invited Minister John Mickel to step aboard the 6.44am Citytrain service from Oxley to Central Station in Brisbane on any weekday to discuss with commuters options for improving train services.

RBOT organiser Robert Dow says there is concern the chronic problems with public transport are affecting the well-being of commuters.

?The Minister will see first hand what congestion means and get some feedback on ways to improve our public transport,? Mr Dow said.

?We also call for a commuter compensation scheme. Passengers who are left stranded should be invited to apply for a free daily ticket each time they are bypassed or their service is cancelled and does not arrive.

?A similar scheme operates in Melbourne as an incentive for the operator Connex to maintain service standards.

?It would be a fair compensation for south-east Queensland commuters if a similar scheme was introduced here in Queensland.?

Mr Dow has also suggested details of cancelled services be publicly displayed on the TransLink website and updated daily.

?The public is entitled to know this information,? he said.

Mr Mickel is yet to respond to RBOT?s request to discuss the issue while catching a peak hour morning train service.