31 Dec 2010: SEQ: Public transport priorities for 2011!

[ozbob]

Media Release 31 December 2010

SEQ:  Public transport priorities for 2011!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) is a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters, members have discussed transport priorities for 2011. The full discussion thread can be read here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There clearly needs to be a continued focus on improving the Queensland Rail suburban and interurban train service frequencies in 2011(1). This will begin to occur with the implementation of the new rail timetable on the Ipswich to Caboolture line. An out of peak 15 minute train frequency for all stations between Darra and the CBD will be transforming and offers opportunities to put in place proper bus feeder systems to escape the road and bus congestion from the western regions particularly.  Alarmingly there has been no indication by TransLink what these arrangements will be."

"A major concern is ongoing issues with bus - rail integration, this is compounded of course by the abysmal train frequency on most lines out of peak particularly. Fixing this is a major priority. More consideration needs to be given to cross-suburban bus routes, this will help ease the inner city bus and road congestion. A lack of community consultation by TransLink for bus improvements and changes has no doubt contributed to the poor outcome in Ipswich and the introduction of the wasteful route 88 bus service."

"The failure to sort out the Airtrain so that it operates around the clock is very concerning. This is presently a wasted resource."

"Transit oriented development rhetoric needs to be translated into action.  Major rail infrastructure projects, including Cross River Rail need to be accelerated.  Peak Oil and the extreme negative impacts of a imported oil based economy are going to hit big time, now is the time to put in place proper sustainable mass transit systems (2,3)

"The fare increases which impact on the 17th January 2011 are being disguised by clever advertising, reminding all of the at least 30% cheaper fares for go card relative to the paper single tickets but no direct mention of fare increases. Off peak fare discounts need to be increased more than the planned 15% to help maximise use of the public transport assets.  How the public takes to an annual 15% compound fare increase is a moot point.  Unless there is a dramatic improvement in service frequency and delivery there is likely to be a significant electoral backlash.  Now is the time to get cracking! Happy new year!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0

2. Report warns of oil woes http://www.theage.com.au/national/report-warns-of-oil-woes-20101227-198k2.html

3. New Zealand Parliament Report: The next oil shock? http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/ParlSupport/ResearchPapers/4/6/a/00PLEco10041-The-next-oil-shock.htm

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5139.0