26 Dec 2010: SEQ: Route 88 bus absorbs money ...

[ozbob]

Media release 26 December 2010

SEQ: Route 88 bus absorbs money which could be spent on Centenary 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 that the 88 bus route robs funding from upgrading other routes.  One such region is the Centenary suburbs, which has notorious traffic congestion at present.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The current routes which serve Jindalee and Riverhills, the 450, 453 and 454 should be considered for abolition, along with route P88 to pay for 2 new BUZ routes to Jindalee (1).  This is because the 450 and 453 routes excessively zig zag through Jindalee and makes public transport unattractive.  While abolishing the routes may not completely pay for two more BUZs, it goes close, and there would also be increased patronage and therefore fares from the BUZification (2)."

"The P88's SE Busway service could be provided in other ways."

"RAIL Back on Track still thinks that the route 100 is a high priority for being made a BUZ, however if  the Translink Transit Authority believes there is a need for an improved service in the west, at least it could make a useful service. Reaction to the 88 bus route is reportedly lukewarm (3,4). The Great Circle Bus route also needs improved frequency and 7 day services (5). Both of these options are a much better public investment than the flawed 88 bus route in our opinion."

"The failure of TransLink to properly consult the community when implementing major bus changes is partly responsible for the recent inappropriate bus changes (6)."

References:

1. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=207811834889795565086.000497f6c7dffbd8f313a&ll=-27.516341,152.958698&spn=0.130777,0.162392&t=h&z=13

2. BUZ = frequency and reliability- the winning formula, Alan Warren, Brisbane Transport
http://www.thredbo.itls.usyd.edu.au/downloads/thredbo10_papers/thredbo10-themeA-Warren.pdf

3. Westside news, 22/12/2010, p5: http://backontrack.org/docs/wsn/wsn_22dec10_p5.jpg

4. Discussion on Centenary Routes: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4448.0

5. 13 September 2010 SEQ: Call for the Great Circle Bus to do a great weekend! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4410.0

6. Public consultation thread http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5145.0

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4448.0