23 June 2010: SEQ: Time is marching on, where are the promised rail services?

[ozbob]

Media Release 23 June 2010

SEQ:  Time is marching on, where are the promised rail services?

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 time has almost run out for the implementation of the train services promised on the 15th October 2009 when the new fare increases were announced.  A commitment was given in a statement by the Minister for Transport for 83,400 additional weekly rail seats by July this year (1,2).  This equates to around 167 additional six car services per week or about 35 additional 6 car daily services.  Only a handful have been implemented since the commitment was given.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Congestion is increasing on the rail network.  Many timetable gaps, coupled with the overall worst train service frequency in metropolitan Australia means that there are many opportunities to place the promised rail services. An increased train frequency will ease the pressure on radial bus routes as it affords the opportunity for more satellite and feeder bus routes. An increase in peak and off peak train frequency means more pax and increased fare box to amortise the fixed costs. An increase in train frequency means problems with bus-rail connections are eliminated."

"Inner city peak overload is becoming a major problem.  There is the opportunity to deploy more sweeper services to ease the pressure on the long haul services. More counter peak services need to be placed as well."

"Rail commuters have done their part.  Despite loss of their affordable periodical paper ticket options and the poor user interface for the go card they have moved over to the go card. With the recent fining of QR does this mean that there will be further service cuts rather than service delivery? Public transport commuters are concerned and this matter needs urgent clarification by Government."

"We have noted the commitment given by the CEO of TransLink that a new train timetable is being considered (3).  This clarifies the previous incorrect comments published in local media on the 16th April (4).  Public transport users are a tolerant lot, however they do expect though that they are kept in the loop in an honest manner.  Spin and subterfuge just builds resentment.  What is needed now is a demonstration of a real commitment to public transport and the immediate implementation of increased train frequency. The obvious gaps in the timetable need fixing."

"We have noted the TravelSmart campaign presently under way (5). This is a great initiative but will fail unless there are public transport services for people to use. It is time that action was taken to implement more rail services in line with the commitments made last October."

References:

1. http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=66877

2. http://download.translink.com.au/ticketing/100104_fares.pdf

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

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3703.msg25047#msg25047

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

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3241.0

[ozbob]

Media Release 23 June 2010 re-released 27th June 2010

SEQ:  Time is marching on, where are the promised rail services?

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 time has almost run out for the implementation of the train services promised on the 15th October 2009 when the new fare increases were announced.  A commitment was given in a statement by the Minister for Transport for 83,400 additional weekly rail seats by July this year (1,2).  This equates to around 167 additional six car services per week or about 35 additional 6 car daily services.  Only a handful have been implemented since the commitment was given.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Congestion is increasing on the rail network.  Many timetable gaps, coupled with the overall worst train service frequency in metropolitan Australia means that there are many opportunities to place the promised rail services. An increased train frequency will ease the pressure on radial bus routes as it affords the opportunity for more satellite and feeder bus routes. An increase in peak and off peak train frequency means more pax and increased fare box to amortise the fixed costs. An increase in train frequency means problems with bus-rail connections are eliminated."

"Inner city peak overload is becoming a major problem.  There is the opportunity to deploy more sweeper services to ease the pressure on the long haul services. More counter peak services need to be placed as well."

"Rail commuters have done their part.  Despite loss of their affordable periodical paper ticket options and the poor user interface for the go card they have moved over to the go card. With the recent fining of QR does this mean that there will be further service cuts rather than service delivery? Public transport commuters are concerned and this matter needs urgent clarification by Government."

"We have noted the commitment given by the CEO of TransLink that a new train timetable is being considered (3).  This clarifies the previous incorrect comments published in local media on the 16th April (4).  Public transport users are a tolerant lot, however they do expect though that they are kept in the loop in an honest manner.  Spin and subterfuge just builds resentment.  What is needed now is a demonstration of a real commitment to public transport and the immediate implementation of increased train frequency. The obvious gaps in the timetable need fixing."

"We have noted the TravelSmart campaign presently under way (5). This is a great initiative but will fail unless there are public transport services for people to use. It is time that action was taken to implement more rail services in line with the commitments made last October."

References:

1. http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=66877

2. http://download.translink.com.au/ticketing/100104_fares.pdf

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

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3703.msg25047#msg25047

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

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Courier Mail poll --> here is rather damning

Question: "Is enough being done to fix overcrowding and delays on the Citytrain network?"

> 90% of respondents think not!

[Jon Bryant]

Can only assume that the 93 who voted Yes work for the Clem7 or Airport link companies.