Discussion on Report card for 2007

[Mozz]

Reference to the recent report card post from Bob.

http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=353.0

Bob I can't say that I agree with the score. The concept is a good one in terms of raising the profile of issues surrounding public transport in SEQ.

I would probably give the hard working front line staff a score of 8 out of 10.

I might even go so far as to say the mgt at those agencies responsible for public transport and those decision makers at executive, CEO and Ministerial level an 8 out of 10 for finally recognising that additional resources need to be provided to address future growth however additional trains/buses, drivers, guards, tracks, bus lanes and infrastructure for greater integration of public transport services aren't really rocket science concepts.

I should add that the crisis we are experiencing in public transport in SEQ isn't one which wasn't on the cards for at least the previous three years if not longer.

Thus the pains of 2007 for commuters who stand at packed bus stops and see bus after bus drive past and not stop because they are full. Or commuters who stand on platforms listening to train cancellations, then can't get onto following services due to overcrowding. I had a colleague recently comment that she shouldn't have to leave work at 4.15 to pick up her child from day care however she has been caught out too many times and now won't risk leaving it any later due to cancellations, late trains or other incidents stopping her from picking up her child in a timely manner.

Even today there was a ministerial blast for those responsible for train passenger services.

Personally I would rate 2007 as a year of lost opportunity for public transport in SEQ - the writing was on the wall for a number of years, 2007 saw public transport in SEQ tested and it failed I would give a 4 out of 10.

On a positive note this obviously poor performance has triggered some action in additional resourcing and actual planning for the future, let's hope this impetus is carried through and once the noddy additional human and physical resources are implemented, the focus turns to practical and strategic planning and implementation of solutions such as additional rail loop lines, potentially light rail etc.

[ozbob]

No worries Mozz, fair comment.

80%  is not a good result overall. Overall is the fact the majority of folks do get around the majority of the time, but unless there are significant infrastructure improvements we will see a further slide rather than improvement. 

What we would like to see is a compensation scheme for commuters too, we have suggested this more than once.

The cancellations have been very irritating to say the least, particularly the burst mid year to August.

We have highlighted for some time the cancellations and their impacts.  I am pleased the Minister has finally listened.  Part of the problem is the bus-centric focus of many of the transport planners.  This flawed modus operandi has now been revealed and will see further rail investment.  For years it was neglected.

We will continue to seek extra resources to enable the staff to carry out their task to --> 100% efficiency.

Cheers
Ozbob