13 Apr 2011: SEQ: Core Frequent Network ...

[ozbob]

Media release 13 April 2011

SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Policy on core frequency & operating hours required

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers highlights the lack of policy on core frequency, core operating hours and inter-modal connectivity (transfers). We just can't wait until 2031.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Frequency, extended operating hours and connectivity are the three most critical ingredients in a functional public transport system. This has been proven on the ground in Brisbane with the buses, so no-one can say that 'it won't work here' (1,2).

"RAIL Back On Track believes that the patronage on the rail system and buses could be improved if timetabling and frequency were made the focus as in Perth, and now Melbourne which has services every 10 minutes on the Frankston Line in the off-peak (3.

"We need to move step-by-step to a metro-style rail operation with higher frequency off-peak as fuel prices sky rocket. Petrol prices are now reportedly at a 30 month high, and that is with the added benefit of a strong Australian Dollar (4). We would like to see a policy on core train and arterial bus frequency and extended hours of operation on current infrastructure. It is plain to see that the 30 minute train frequency, poor connections and very poor service frequency off-peak is holding back patronage on the entire train system, which we suspect is one reason for the poor cost recovery."

"While we welcome new infrastructure such as extensions, it is important not to confuse infrastructure extensions as service improvements. Many rail extensions have great infrastructure but the actual service frequency is often no better or even worse than the bus route that it replaced!"

"Infrastructure is very costly. We want to see money and bang for our infrastructure buck, particularly when ticket prices we pay are so high. Much can be achieved on the current system using low or no new infrastructure to make the current system run better and more frequently. This is the approach Metro Trains Melbourne is taking, and it is an approach that SEQ could adopt too."

"It won't happen overnight but a consistent effort will reap rewards. As RAIL Back on Track has always said, services must be frequent. Bottom line!"

References:

1. SEQ: Happy Birthday CityGlider!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5768.0

2. BUZ- Frequency and reliability, the winning formula
http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6058/1/thredbo10-themeA-Warren.pdf

3. Moving to a Metro, Metro Trains Melbourne
http://destinationbetter.metrotrains.com.au/moving-to-a-metro

4. Petrol price hits 30-month high
http://www.qt.com.au/story/2011/04/11/petrol-price-hits-30-month-high/

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org