8 May 2010: SEQ: There are solutions

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 May 2010

SEQ:  There are solutions

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 prophecies of doom regarding failure to manage public transport today are wrong (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There is plenty of latent capacity on the rail network which could be put to good use today.  The frequency of rail services is poor, simply by increasing train frequency and using more feeder and satellite bus routes, the chronic bus congestion problems will be relieved (2).  The Cross River rail project will be needed to give the longer term capacity and frequency increases, but doing nothing now is not acceptable."

"There appears to be a reluctance to place additional rail services which are well within the present system capacities. Why is this so?"

"By addressing the present gaps on the rail timetables this will encourage a more even use of public transport.  We have the go card rolled out, but it is in a 'fare straight jacket'.  Why is the significant public investment, our investment, not being properly used to encourage more flexible travel patterns?"

"Simply accepting that things will get worse before they get better is not acceptable.  If the authorities cannot move forward with improvements today they should get off the bus!"

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/big-squeeze-on-buses-trains/story-e6freoof-1225863842978

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

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3811.0