21 May 2010: SEQ: TravelSmart is smart!

[ozbob]

Media Release 21 May 2010

SEQ:  TravelSmart is smart!

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 ongoing TravelSmart campaign (1) is a very worthwhile initiative, but there is a problem.  The train and bus service frequency needs improvement to ensure maximum benefit of the campaign.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"TravelSmart is a behaviour change program that encourages people to use sustainable travel modes such as public transport, walking, cycling  and carpooling. There are too many single occupancy journeys in cars which contribute to congestion.  My own household is presently involved in the TravelSmart campaign (2). The most important factors in getting people out of their cars is that public transport needs to be accessible, frequent and relatively affordable.  This is not the case at the moment.  Service frequency on rail is very poor and the go card fare structure needs improvement (3).

"Rail frequency needs major improvements to consolidate the TravelSmart campaign. There is plenty of latent capacity on the rail network which could be put to good use today.  The frequency of rail services is very poor, simply by increasing train frequency and using more feeder and satellite bus routes, the chronic bus congestion problems will be relieved (4). Promises of extra rail services are yet to be delivered (5)."

"To maximise the benefit of the TravelSmart campaign investment public transport needs major improvements. Time to get on with it!"


References:

1. http://www.travelsmart.qld.gov.au/

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3805.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3860.0

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3778.0

5. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3840.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3805.0