16 July 2010: SEQ: Public takeover of Brisbane Transport buses and ferries

[ozbob]

Media Release 16 July 2010

SEQ: Public takeover of Brisbane Transport buses and ferries

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 called for a public sector takeover of all of Brisbane Transport Bus and Ferry operations. Brisbane City Council has done a great job; historically running the tram and bus system over the years and developing the river ferry network and moving forward with bus rapid transit.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Queensland Government already owns Brisbane City Council's buses and ferries through the Queensland Treasury Corporation. It regulates them through TransLink and subsidises them. RAIL Back on Track calls on the Queensland Government to take the final step and formally take control over Brisbane's buses and ferries from the Brisbane City Council.

"Doing so will make running and funding services to destinations outside Brisbane City Council's boundaries less contentious and give Translink the flexibility to plan and quickly adjust routes around South-East Queensland's broader needs. The removal of an extra layer of government, improved accountability and transparency will also be welcomed by the community.

"RAIL Back on Track members believe services should be planned around community transport needs not arbitrary local government boundaries, and that the state government, through TransLink, is now best positioned to do this. There will also be more opportunities to integrate Brisbane Transport buses with rail stations under this scheme, and allow private operators to use bus stops in King George Square and the Queen Street bus station.

"Precedents for state ownership and operation exist, both in Australia and abroad, such as the Toronto Transit Commission in Canada, which operates the bus, subway and tram system or Western Australia's TransPerth which operates trains. Services could also be contracted out if this is demonstrated to be better than public operation. Amendments to the Transport Operations (TransLink Transit Authority) Act 2008 would allow integrated public ownership and operation to happen.

"Brisbane has grown beyond the boundaries it had during the time of trams, trolley buses and steam trains. Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's offer to allow the state to run Brisbane's buses and ferries is one that should be taken up and considered seriously (1)."

Reference:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newman-wants-state-government-to-run-buses/story-e6freoof-1225839337936

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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