Election 2012 related media releases

[ozbob]

Media release 18th February 2012

SEQ:  Public transport key election issue in south-east Queensland

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 has suggested that public and active transport will be a key issue in the 2012 State Election.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Congestion in and around Brisbane is worsening by the day.  Futile attempts to manage congestion by building more roads is actually exacerbating the problem.  This escalating congestion is compounded by a failure to organise the public transport system around a core frequent network, both bus and rail, with good feeder options.  It is the frequency of services that makes public transport an attractive option, most of our public transport network has very poor service frequency, particularly outside the peak times."

"State election outcomes in NSW and Victoria were heavily impacted by public transport concerns.  The Queensland election will be no different."

"One bright spot in this election campaign already has been the policy committment by the LNP to increase train frequency to 4 trains per hour between the peaks on the Ferny Grove line.  More needs to be done though."

"All political parties and candidates need to commit by definitive policy with time-lines on improving our public transport networks."

Some key issues:

Cross River Rail - support or not?

Sunshine Coast Line - failure to upgrade.

Lack of proper bus priority on the road network.

Need to improve frequency of bus and rail services outside the inner suburban core regions.

The failure to use existing infrastructure assets maximally.

The public perception that fares are too dear.

Constant service disruptions and delays.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 19 February 2012

SEQ: Bus and Train Connections: Get the Basics Right!

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 has called for bus and train connections to be made functional and timely.

Major infrastructure projects are often seen as an integral part of increasing public transport usage, but infrastructure alone won't help if the basics, at the passenger level, of good service frequency and inter-coordination remain ignored, particularly in the case of feeder buses.

RAIL Back On Track Brisbane West Region spokesperson Gavin Seipelt said:

"Park and ride lots at capacity and spill-over into local streets is a daily occurrence.
At Oxley and Darra, park and ride facilities were recently expanded, but this added capacity has been quickly swallowed up, and we don't have an infinite supply of adjoining land and money to keep adding more bays."

"Station feeders buses that meet trains as they arrive and funnel passengers into the rail network are a real long term fix to the problem. Buses have the person capacity to get large numbers to and from the station, and passengers can catch the bus from close to home and go the whole way on public transport, rather than having to initially fire up the car.

"At Oxley for instance, the 467 (Peak only) & 468 fulfill this feeder role for the neighbourhoods West of the station, which sit beyond walking distance."

"But when you look closer at the bus timetable, things start to fall apart and it becomes clear why people are driving to the station instead.
The trains to and from Oxley Station run every 15 minutes, but these bus routes only connect hourly off peak and on weekends.
Similarly, in peak, trains run every 6 minutes, but buses only connect half hourly"

"Not only is an hourly bus service highly inconvenient to begin with, it also limits the number of train services passengers can access to only 1 in 4.
For example if a passenger who has finished their business in the CBD catches the wrong train home, it can potentially mean a 45 minute wait at Oxley for the next feeder bus from station to home.
The other option is to twiddle their thumbs in the CBD, letting trains go by, waiting for the specific outbound train that connects with the bus."

"On the Ipswich line beyond Darra, a double whammy of low train frequency and low bus frequency adds the problem of many wasted hours per year because of missed connections caused by late running services.
The issues are not limited to the West. Across SEQ this mismatch between bus and train frequency is the norm, and frustrates individuals efforts to use public transport."

RAIL Back On Track calls on all political parties to make sure feeder bus services meet every train throughout the day and on weekends.

"Until we start drilling down to these sort of 'nitty-gritty' issues of usability, at the level of passengers, the network will never truly get fixed."

Contacts:

Gavin Seipelt
RAIL Back On Track Brisbane West Region spokesperson

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 12th February 2012

SEQ: Ferny Grove line - turn up and go trains

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 has welcomed the LNP policy announcement of increased train frequency - 15 minutes on the Ferny Grove line weekdays between the peaks (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct and frequent. The Ferny Grove line is ideally placed to have an increased train frequency (2).  This will drive patronage increases and cuts down on waiting time with bus/rail connections particularly."

"The Ferny Grove line is now in the final stages of being duplicated and will be able to support the increased train frequency.  This is a sound policy and will be welcomed by the community. The fare box will be improved, with broader economic benefits in terms of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and a reduction in road trauma costs for the health sector."

"RAIL Back On Track has long called for improvements in out of peak train frequency on all lines. In time further incremental improvements will need to be made on the rest of the network (3)."

References:

1. Bid to end timetables Sunday Mail 12th February 2012 page 15

2. 10 Jan 2012 SEQ: Trips and frequency? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7440.0

3. 24 Jan 2012: SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Get Rail Back On Track! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7530.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 15 January 2012

SEQ: Public transport is firmly on the election agenda

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 has said the release of the GHD report ' Public Transport in SEQ Options to deliver value and innovation in future South East Queensland public transport infrastructure ' coincides neatly with the build up for the Queensland State and Local Government elections (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the GHD Report (2). This report examines the cost of public transport projects, not the benefits though, and suggests a number of  approaches.  The corner stone is the conversion of the Ferny Grove - Cleveland lines to a light metro system - the Cleveland Solution.  The cost estimate of this project is estimated to be $2.5 billion, less than the cost of the Cross River Rail Project at $8 billion."

"The cost estimate of the Cleveland Solution we believe is an underestimate, and no mention is made of the necessary level crossing grade separations that would be needed if a true 3 minute frequency was to be achieved."

"Unfortunately the whole premise of the Cleveland Solution is false.  Merivale bridge capacity constraints will not be improved sufficiently by taking out Cleveland services to allow for the growth in the other lines such as Gold Coast, Beenleigh and future improvements such as Flagstone (3), and network wide improvements to the Sunshine Coast line, Moreton Bay Rail Link, and CAMCOS."

"Most services on the Merivale bridge are Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines, together with specials and freights.  And both of these lines will have future significant demands on them, far more so than Cleveland."

"The document does raise issues that we too have highlighted for years such as wasteful busway construction including tunneling when simple bus priority on roads would achieve much the same,  and the need to fix the Cultural Centre Bus station bus-jam."

"The real Cross River Rail project, together with the Trouts Road Corridor will actually give the essential capacity needed for all lines and ease the bus capacity crisis.  Cross River Rail is a realistic and appropriate response to positioning Brisbane and South East Queensland for a sustainable transport future."

"The Cleveland solution is only a short term fix at best, and will lead to further massive catch up infrastructure expenditure if Cross River Rail is further delayed."

"The section in the report that details what commuters want though is spot on (4).  What commuters want is frequency, integration, affordability and reliability!"

References:

1. http://www.councilofmayorsseq.qld.gov.au/docs/Publications/COMSEQ-Public-Transport-in-SEQ_LOW-RES.pdf

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7475.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7475.msg83366#msg83366

4. http://www.councilofmayorsseq.qld.gov.au/docs/Publications/COMSEQ-Public-Transport-in-SEQ_LOW-RES.pdf page 8

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 22 January 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail bipartisan support is the way forward

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 calls for the Cross River Rail project to be implemented as soon as possible and all parties to commit to this project of national significance.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Cross River Rail has had years of detailed work up. Compare this  to the so called  'Cleveland Solution' thought bubble(1, 2), so rushed and mediocre that the published route forgot about Kurilpa bridge! The Cleveland solution is actually a non-solution, which will cost nearly as much as Cross River Rail and only give about a quarter of the capacity benefits that Cross River Rail will deliver for the entire rail network in south-east Queensland."

"It would be a disgrace and a tragedy for Queensland, and indirectly for Australia, if petty politics by Mayors, clearly out of touch with reality jeopardise the important project which is Cross River Rail.  If you recall they were once soundly behind it, until Mr Newman left their fold."

"Cross River Rail is an all inclusive cost, properly costed, evaluated and tested. Contrast to the very sloppy and hastily drawn up Cleveland non-solution thought bubble which at first critical examination fails dismally (2)."

"Competition for Infrastructure Australia funding will now be more intense considering  Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth have major rail projects in train.  Any further delays with moving ahead with Cross River Rail could mean missing the train at Albert Street Station and gridlock for the next 50 years.  It is important that all political parties support Cross River Rail.  Not proceeding with Cross River Rail will cripple the economy of south-east Queensland as gridlock and transport failure impacts."

References:

1.   http://www.councilofmayorsseq.qld.gov.au/docs/Publications/COMSEQ-Public-Transport-in-SEQ_LOW-RES.pdf

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7475.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20 February 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail bipartisan support is the way forward

Greetings,

Excellent viewpoint piece by Chris Hale in today's Couriermail 20th Feb 2012 pages 22 and 23.

"Melbourne shows how Brisbane can embrace the Cross River Project"

It is essential that we move forward with Cross River Rail.  It is essential for the future of south-east Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

==========================

Media release 22 January 2012 released 20 February 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail bipartisan support is the way forward

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 calls for the Cross River Rail project to be implemented as soon as possible and all parties to commit to this project of national significance.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Cross River Rail has had years of detailed work up. Compare this  to the so called  'Cleveland Solution' thought bubble(1, 2), so rushed and mediocre that the published route forgot about Kurilpa bridge! The Cleveland solution is actually a non-solution, which will cost nearly as much as Cross River Rail and only give about a quarter of the capacity benefits that Cross River Rail will deliver for the entire rail network in south-east Queensland."

"It would be a disgrace and a tragedy for Queensland, and indirectly for Australia, if petty politics by Mayors, clearly out of touch with reality jeopardise the important project which is Cross River Rail.  If you recall they were once soundly behind it, until Mr Newman left their fold."

"Cross River Rail is an all inclusive cost, properly costed, evaluated and tested. Contrast to the very sloppy and hastily drawn up Cleveland non-solution thought bubble which at first critical examination fails dismally (2)."

"Competition for Infrastructure Australia funding will now be more intense considering  Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth have major rail projects in train.  Any further delays with moving ahead with Cross River Rail could mean missing the train at Albert Street Station and gridlock for the next 50 years.  It is important that all political parties support Cross River Rail.  Not proceeding with Cross River Rail will cripple the economy of south-east Queensland as gridlock and transport failure impacts."

References:

1.   http://www.councilofmayorsseq.qld.gov.au/docs/Publications/COMSEQ-Public-Transport-in-SEQ_LOW-RES.pdf

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7475.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

==================

From the Couriermail 20th February 2012 pages 22 and 23

Melbourne shows how Brisbane can embrace the Cross River project

[Jonas Jade]

Melbourne also can set an example with how the Liberals have still submitted funding applications to IA for Melbourne Metro 1 (the CRR equivalent), despite it being initally a "Labor" idea, and it is part of their top projects on that same list.

[ozbob]

Media release 2 March 2012

SEQ: Public transport fare price sensitivity

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 has said the strong response to the free travel day on the 29th February 2012 has highlighted community concerns with public transport fare prices (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport is subsidised, but so are other transport modes, particularly car transport and at a higher level than public transport.  A balance between optimum public transport use and fare cost must be found.  Broad discussion in the community and media this week has again suggested that the present fare prices are too high. We must find the right balance to drive maximum public transport use around the clock to ensure the broader economic benefits of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and lowered road trauma costs are achieved.  The 2011 RAIL Back On Track Public transport Passenger Survey also confirmed this price sensitivity (2). "

"Discussion on making public transport fare free permanently has also been a hot topic, but it is not realistically achievable.  The system would not cope and funding of services would become more problematic (3)."

"There is not a single big city public system with overall free fares, because nowhere has the financial resources to cope with the loss of fare revenue, and the resulting overload in usage that free public transport would bring about."

"Many have raised the high flag-fall component of the present fare price table.  Simply removing a fixed quantum, say $1.50 from all adult go card fares, other fares proportionally and increasing the off peak discount to 40% would correctly reposition the relative zone fare costs.  There is plenty of capacity on the public transport out of peak and improvements as outlined, together with service frequency increases would transform the network and in fact improve the fare box."

"As was evidenced this week, if the price is right, public transport patronage will soar.  A win for us all."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7766.0

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7144.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7776.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

1 March 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail is ready to proceed

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 has welcomed confirmation that Cross River Rail has now reached the 'ready to proceed' status as assessed by Infrastructure Australia (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track congratulates the Cross River Rail project development team on the confirmation that the project is now at the ready to proceed threshold."

"As we have long argued, Cross River Rail is a critical project for Queensland and Australia.  It will transform the rail network and provide the opportunity for capacity and frequency improvements on all lines, and improve redundancy on the rail network."

"As we saw with last Tuesday's total transport meltdown, when the train system can't cope, people flood buses which then fill, and that spills over to the road network bringing more congestion. The problem is that the present geometry of the network where all lines come together and are funnelled through a single core -  Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley and Bowen Hills - makes the network fault intolerant and vulnerable to cascading failures. Cross River Rail is the ultimate fix for this, as it will allow trains to bypass the critical four core stations."

"Cross River Rail is a state-building project. It will unlock the entire network and allow the region to have frequent services like Perth, WA already has, and to grow and new developments for affordable housing in places like Yarrabilba to have public transport."

"RAIL Back On Track members are wary of 'too good to be true' schemes such as the 'Cleveland Solution', which dissapointingly engaged in what we have come to call 'cost-only analysis', which unlike reputable and proper cost-benefit analysis, is based purely on comparing costs and ignoring any comparative appraisal of the benefits. Not only do we believe the Cleveland Solution to be undercosted, but even if it were cheaper, it would also have lower benefits too."

"Bipartisan support for Cross River Rail is now needed (2). Cross River Rail will deliver a positive economic and transport future for Queensland.  Even the RACQ the peak motoring body in Queensland acknowledges the importance of Cross River Rail (3)."

References:

1.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/bigticket-rail-project-ready-to-proceed-20120229-1u3c0.html

2.  Cross River Rail bipartisan support is the way forward  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7523.0

3.  http://www.racq.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/86150/RACQ_Motoring_Matters_V5.pdf  page 6

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 28 February 2012

SEQ: Brisbane minus public transport equals chaos!

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 welcomes the Government's announcement of system-wide free public transport tomorrow (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Today's general system meltdown has come about from simple geometry - Brisbane's rail and  most of the bus network are 'everything to the centre' convergent networks. In other words, unlike rail systems in overseas places like Toronto, London and Paris where rail lines are decentralised, Brisbane runs all services and infrastructure through a single 'core'. This makes the entire system prone to total, spreading and cascading failure. It is a 'house of cards', one 'card' falls and the entire system folds in an escalating chain reaction of failure including the road network."

"Ultimately, it doesn't matter what the fault was. It could have been some other fault on a different day, so long as a fault occurs within the core area, and the same thing - total network failure that spreads to shut down the rail, then shut down the busway system and then the road system will happen again."

RAIL Back On Track believes that today's incident should be looked at in a wider context, which is this:

Brisbane - Public Transport = Chaos

"This is why Cross River Rail is so important (2). The single fault alone today has cost around $1 million dollars in funds plus probably many millions of dollars more in lost time and work across the city and on the roads. Around 2016 slots for trains on the Merivale Bridge will be exhausted, which means that the road system and busway system, which are already under their own pressures will have to cope with increased load."

"Does the LNP support Cross River Rail or not? Yes or No? If it doesn't then what is the alternative plan?"

References:

1.  http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1330394577

2.  Cross River Rail Project  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

3rd March 2012

SEQ:  Public transport key election issue in south-east Queensland

Greetings,

Little doubt that public transport is a key issue election issue.

As events unfold it is clear what the key public transport issues are.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

===========================

Media release 18th February 2012 re-released 3rd March 2012

SEQ:  Public transport key election issue in south-east Queensland

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 has suggested that public and active transport will be a key issue in the 2012 State Election.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Congestion in and around Brisbane is worsening by the day.  Futile attempts to manage congestion by building more roads is actually exacerbating the problem.  This escalating congestion is compounded by a failure to organise the public transport system around a core frequent network, both bus and rail, with good feeder options.  It is the frequency of services that makes public transport an attractive option, most of our public transport network has very poor service frequency, particularly outside the peak times."

"State election outcomes in NSW and Victoria were heavily impacted by public transport concerns.  The Queensland election will be no different."

"One bright spot in this election campaign already has been the policy committment by the LNP to increase train frequency to 4 trains per hour between the peaks on the Ferny Grove line.  More needs to be done though."

"All political parties and candidates need to commit by definitive policy with time-lines on improving our public transport networks."

Some key issues:

Cross River Rail - support or not?

Sunshine Coast Line - failure to upgrade.

Lack of proper bus priority on the road network.

Need to improve frequency of bus and rail services outside the inner suburban core regions.

The failure to use existing infrastructure assets maximally.

The public perception that fares are too dear.

Constant service disruptions and delays.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 4 March 2012

SEQ: Legacy way's 2000 daily express buses - we don't believe it Campbell!

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 has highlighted the promise that 'bus users will be able to benefit with up to 2000 express buses able to use Northern Link each day' (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track at the time doubted claims whether 2000 'express' buses per day was truly genuine (see calculations below) and wondered if it was just 'transit-wash', which is using fringe benefits of public transport to curry up favour for a road project whose actual purpose is to provide more road space and resources for car travel (2)."

Calculations

2000 express buses
18 hours per day 2000 buses / 18 hours of service = 111 buses per hour on average
60 minutes in one hour = 3600 seconds in one hour
3600 seconds in one hour / 111 buses per hour
is a bus every 32 seconds
(or assuming all the trips are return trips, a bus a minute).

"One of the most audacious publicly obvious failings in Western Suburbs transport planning was boasting about making a $300 million dollar 'saving' on Legacy Way but then, in the same release, claiming that $50 million dollars could not be found for a bus interconnection to the busway to allow council's own buses to use the Legacy Way (Northern Link Tunnel!"

"The idea of public transport being able to use Legacy way appears to have been set up to fail and nothing but 'transit-wash'.

"Brisbane City Council is continuing its bizarre record of removing bus lanes from Brisbane's most unreliable road - Coronation Drive, so that its own bus services carrying its own ratepayers are all slowed down and bus operating costs for its own fleet are increased."

"Add to that multi million dollar high-visibility Maroon CityGliders that may symbolise improvement to public transport but on further analysis actually reveals that they add zero new mobility and duplicate existing high frequency services."

"RAIL Back On Track again calls for the total abandonment of 'balanced transport' policies and a shift to 'rebalanced transport' based around walking, cycling, buses, ferries and rail."

References

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4459.msg35456#msg35456

2. Greenwashing, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwashing

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 4 March 2012

SEQ: Campbell Newman and the LNP fail to deliver an integrated transport plan for SEQ

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, wants clarity and commitment from both major political parties in tackling south east Queensland's transport woes.  In his election campaign launch today, Campbell Newman missed an opportunity to reveal his party's public transport plan, indeed, if there is one.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Mr Newman's plans for public transport – the little he has revealed – seems out of kilter with his party's campaign slogan, which, ironically, is to put Queensland 'back on track'."

"At the LNP campaign launch today Mr Newman continued his assertion that he is big on planning for infrastructure, but is he ever going to get around to delivering other than a few items in key electorates?  He continued his road-centric approach to transport by announcing $1 billion for the Bruce Highway, but no new money for public transport."

"Providing transport infrastructure based on need and worthy outcomes, in the eyes of the LNP, seems to have been replaced by chasing votes.  This perception is reinforced by not having an overarching public transport plan on the table."

"When will we see one from the LNP?"

"We wouldn't mind so much if Mr Newman had a visionary transport plan instead of an isolated series of ad-hoc ideas, some good in themselves, but which seem disconnected from any wider transport agenda."

"While Mr Newman is big on car tunnels – the Clem 7 and TransApex road plans being stand-out projects he supports – he is less enthusiastic about the $7 billion Cross River Rail (CRR) project that will put trains in tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and significantly improve the capacity the rail system across south east Queensland.  The existing rail network will be at capacity in 2016.  LNP announcements to date merely push back the crisis by a further two years at best."

"This is not an indication of good planning, but of indecision about what to do."

"It also seems that Mr Newman can't offer an integrated transport plan for SEQ.  He merely proffers a series of slogans, of which the following are examples:

·        The LNP believes delivering infrastructure to drive economic growth and deliver services should be a primary policy objective of our State Government.

·        The LNP is committed to getting Queensland back on track in economic performance, social development and infrastructure investment and will have a real plan for our state's future.

·        We will share the proceeds of the mining boom to build roads and provide critical local infrastructure.

"Talk's cheap.  Where is the evidence of these words being converted into a costed series of infrastructure initiatives for SEQ?"

"Ironically, the LNP's announced public transport initiatives are aimed more at dislodging Labor voters than at keeping LNP supporters.  For instance, Rail Back On Track sees the duplication of the Sunshine Coast Line as the most important public transport project after Cross River Rail.

"The LNP is silent on the Sunshine Coast line though it is an integral part in a string of LNP electorates on the Sunshine Coast.  All last year, local LNP members there were busy organising petitions and staging protests in favour of an immediate start on dual tracks north of Beerburrum to Nambour."

"Rail Back On Track applauds the LNP plan for a trial of 15-minute train services off-peak on the Ferny Grove Line, but notes the line passes through the Labor-held seats of Ashgrove, Stafford and Ferny Grove.  Plans to build road overpasses of the railway line at Brackenridge and Geebung are directed at winning the Labor electorates of Aspley, Nudgee and Sandgate."

"Could it be that Mr Newman sees CRR in simplistic terms as a lavish gift to the Premier's own electorate of South Brisbane?  Mr Newman strongly supported Cross River Rail, that is until he resigned as Lord Mayor of Brisbane."

"Rail Back On Track wants the politics taken out of the debate when it comes to the provision of public transport infrastructure in Queensland.  Currently, the LNP policy harks back to the days of tricky politics during the Bjelke-Petersen reign of conservative government.  It is not a good look for the LNP."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 10 March 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail Gold Plated? Saying so is short sighted!

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 has refuted the LNPs claims that the $6.4 Billion cost for Cross River Rail is gold plated.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport planning in Australia has had a long history of cutting corners in crucial areas.

"Inevitably problems then develop that are disruptive to fix, and often cost more than the original project!

"For instance, the cost of duplicating the Gold Coast rail line from its original single track has cost more than when it was originally constructed, and the job still isn't done at Coomera!

"The same can be said for the proposed $2 billion cost of fixing the CBD busway bottleneck that was 'designed in' at the start, the Busway was built for $425 million in 2001.

"It's a double whammy for Queenslanders, because money is stretched spending on new infrastructure to keep up with growth, but also having to go back and fix up problems on existing infrastructure caused by bad design and penny pinching in the past.

"Cross River Rail represents one of the few examples where the design has thought of everything.

"The junctions are well designed, stations accommodate longer trains and are well located, track capacity looks not just at the immediate crunch from Gold and Sunshine Coast trains, but to long term expansions to cities like Flagstone, not yet built.

"6.4 billion dollars may seem like a lot of money, but it is exceptionally good value for an 18km rail project that solves several problems at once, has all future provisions from day one, and will be operating for the next 100 years plus.

"It seems incredibly biased that the $4.8 Billion spent on  6.5km of motorway tunnel plus 3km of Busway for Airport Link receives no complaint but an 18km rail project costing 25% more than this is accused of being wasteful and unaffordable by the LNP.

"The core of the network is the most crucial part, Cross River Rail is south east Queensland's most crucial infrastructure project. The last thing we need is 'cheaping out' on a non-solution that compounds the looming transport failure in south-east Queensland.  It is time the LNP got behind Cross River Rail and demonstrated that they actually understand what is required for the future (1)."

Reference:

1.  22 Jan 2012: SEQ: Cross River Rail bipartisan support is the way forward http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7523.0

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 11 March 2012

SEQ: Anna Bligh and the ALP - Public transport matters

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, wants clarity and commitment from both major political parties in tackling south east Queensland's transport woes.  In her election campaign launch today, Anna Bligh missed an opportunity to reinforce her party's public transport plans.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The ALP is committed to Cross River Rail.  All thinking Queenslanders realise this project is essential."

"A policy commitment to freeze all motor vehicle registrations though is only going to further exacerbate road congestion issues in south-east Queensland, and further disadvantage public transport with the projected fare increases of 15% for at least 2013 and 2014, on top of the the previous three years increases of 50% in total."

"What was needed was a similar commitment as for the LNP to review public transport fares."

"A commitment to extend concession public transport fares to all Health Care Card holders was also needed. Queensland is the only state not to do this."

"A strong economy is grounded in a sustainable transport system.  Congestion, gridlock and poor public transport outcomes are going to worsen the quality of  life for all Queenslanders."

"Queenslanders expect more!"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th March 2012

Public transport key election issue in south-east Queensland

Greetings,

There is still time for some real policy initiatives for public transport.

These are the key issues that need to be addressed by all parties (below).

South-east Queensland is heading towards a catastrophic transport failure unless we start to get serious about public transport.

State elections in Victoria and NSW were impacted significantly by public transport issues.  Queensland will be no different.

Election 2012 related media releases --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7706.0

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


==============================



Media release 18th February 2012 re-released 3rd March 2012, re-released 12 March 2012

SEQ:  Public transport key election issue in south-east Queensland

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 has suggested that public and active transport will be a key issue in the 2012 State Election.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Congestion in and around Brisbane is worsening by the day.  Futile attempts to manage congestion by building more roads is actually exacerbating the problem.  This escalating congestion is compounded by a failure to organise the public transport system around a core frequent network, both bus and rail, with good feeder options.  It is the frequency of services that makes public transport an attractive option, most of our public transport network has very poor service frequency, particularly outside the peak times."

"State election outcomes in NSW and Victoria were heavily impacted by public transport concerns.  The Queensland election will be no different."

"One bright spot in this election campaign already has been the policy committment by the LNP to increase train frequency to 4 trains per hour between the peaks on the Ferny Grove line.  More needs to be done though."

"All political parties and candidates need to commit by definitive policy with time-lines on improving our public transport networks."

Some key issues:

Cross River Rail - support or not?

Sunshine Coast Line - failure to upgrade.

Lack of proper bus priority on the road network.

Need to improve frequency of bus and rail services outside the inner suburban core regions.

The failure to use existing infrastructure assets maximally.

The public perception that fares are too dear.

Constant service disruptions and delays.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 14 March 2012

SEQ: LNP and Labor Fares Policy for short distance travellers

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 wants a lower flag fall on fares, for cheaper short distance fares in particular.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the LNP's policy announcement on fares (1).  However, under the LNP's fares plan one zone journeys in 2014 will cost approximately $3.50 in peak and $2.80 off peak.  While better than Labor's plan for $4.05 peak and $3.24 off peak (2) this still means short distance commuters are paying too much, and in many cases more than driving."

"RAIL Back On Track calls for both sides of politics to reduce the so called flag fall by a $1.50 or so in peak, reducing all adult fares by this amount to promote public transport use. Concession fares be reduced by a similar proportional amount."

"This flag fall improvement is more important in our opinion than the promised 'reintroducing discounted weekly fares on go cards(1)'.

"We also note that in the recent fare announcement from the LNP they have promised to deliver a reliable frequent and safe network.  There are considerable areas of infrequency on the network.  The rail network is to be upgraded weekday daytimes only, under an LNP government on the Ferny Grove line, a policy commitment now apparently matched by the ALP (3). This should be extended to weekends and evenings to receive the full benefit and then to the rest of the rail network."

"On the buses, there is poor frequency to Bulimba routes 230/231.  Centenary routes 45x, 460 need a revamp as do Everton Park routes 350/359."

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the LNP's promise to provide a frequent network, but would like more information on what services are to be upgraded to be frequent.

"Lowering fares, especially for short distance passengers will promote extra public transport trips and therefore improve externalities such as congestion and help reduce road trauma costs."

References:

1.   http://lnp.org.au/policies/lower-the-cost-of-living-by-cutting-waste/fairer-fares-for-commuters

2.   http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/current-fares

3.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3083.msg90662#msg90662

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 16 March 2012

SEQ: Queensland unemployed miss the bus, train and ferry!

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 has called for the next Government to support concessions for all Health Care Card holders on Public Transport.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public Transport's main product is freedom, the mobility to move around and go where you want. Unfortunately for people who cannot afford to pay the tolls of roads and road tunnels in Brisbane, and cannot afford to burn petrol sitting in congestion, or the high cost of cars, life will just continue to get harder as they are left behind while the major parties leave them stranded."

"Why are the the LNP and ALP offering discounts to commuters who obviously have jobs to go to and pay them wages, but then turn up their nose and claim that it is too expensive to offer concessions for those who don't have jobs but are making an effort to get off welfare and search for one? Or perhaps they have just forgotten?"

"Queensland is the only state in Australia not to offer public transport fare concessions to the unemployed. RAIL Back On track supports QCOSS in their aim to secure concession fares for those who need it most (1)."

"To qualify for a health care card, you must be on Centrelink or not on Centrelink and earning a *maximum* $24 960 or $480 per week (2). We challenge any politician in Queensland to scrape by on $480 a week or less and get around on public transport to search for a job and go to job interviews and and pay full adult fare. It is $4.24 to travel three zones."

"If people who need it most can't get around, the only other options for them are to walk everywhere or get a bicycle, and these have their own restrictions on freedom of movement."

"Would you be able to scrape by on less than $480 a week? We didn't think so either! The sooner people have the freedom to move around so they can find jobs, the sooner they are off welfare, the better society and taxpayers are, and the better off the individuals are too."

"To claim that it is 'too expensive' is short sighted, and neglects the wider cost savings and benefits to society and taxpayers that occur when people get jobs, earn an income, pay taxes and and are off welfare."

"How is that going to happen if they can't even afford to travel to the job interview?"

References:

1. Call for unemployed to get transport discounts  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/call-for-unemployed-to-get-transport-discounts-20120312-1uuas.html

2. Low Income Health Care Card - income test (Centrelink)  http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_iat.htm

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 17 March 2012

SEQ: Mixed signals on Cross River Rail project – time for LNP to reveal its planning

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, says it's time for the LNP to reveal its transport strategic plan, including its solution for overcoming Brisbane's looming cross-river rail congestion crisis.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track, said:

"A week out from an election that pollsters predict will result in a change of government to the Liberal National Party (LNP), the people of South-East Queensland are none the wiser about a critical element affecting the liveability of their region and the urban structure of the city once governed by LNP leader, Campbell Newman, as Lord Mayor.

"The ALP supports the $6.3 billion Cross River Rail (CRR) project involving a rail tunnel beneath the Brisbane River and new city railway stations designed to almost double rail capacity on the crucial section between Roma Street and Bowen Hills.  We are told this track will be at capacity in four years time when no more new train services will be able to use the Merivale Street Bridge.  After five years planning, including the examination and rejection of all viable alternatives, the CRR project is 'construction ready'.

Mr Newman initially backed the CRR project in July 2010.  Since then, the political imperative has taken over.  Forced not to be seen supporting what they now regard as a 'Labor' initiative and in order to distinguish themselves politically, the LNP and Mr Newman  refer to  ill-defined alternatives.

"The trouble is we just don't know what their plans are.  Increasingly, it seems Mr Newman doesn't know either.  The delays in outlining fully the LNP transport planning for Brisbane and SEQ, unfortunately, portrays its leader as being indecisive and lacking a leadership vision in the eyes of voters.  This is something entirely of Mr Newman's making.

"He assures the public there is a plan, referring to its existence constantly throughout the campaign, but it is long overdue for release.  The tactical, political manoeuvring that requires the LNP transport policy to be revealed as a surprise in the dying days of the campaign is, unfortunately, back-firing.

"So what has Mr Newman said about CRR?   He would build it 'better and cheaper' but would appear not to know how, or won't reveal how.  A decision would be delayed by installing additional platform capacity at South Brisbane and South Bank stations, augmented by improved signalling.  That would buy two years until the capacity crisis re-emerges and does nothing to improve network redundancy either.  CRR also provides an alternate CBD rail axis, the need for which has been well highlighted during the past two major CBD network disruptions.

Public statements to date indicate that the LNP doesn't know what to do and, consequently, it proposes to establish an expert committee after the state election to provide advice on the best 'value for money' options to deal with passenger needs.  Is this not the process followed so far, leading to the emergence of the CRR proposal?

Mr Newman is sending conflicting signals by saying his 'expert panel' would examine the existing cross-river rail proposal, as well as 'alternatives'.

"Mr Newman's 'Can Do' approach has become 'Can't Do' on the crucial issue of better cross-river rail capacity.  It's time the LNP took voters into its confidence on CRR and transport planning more generally.  Otherwise, Mr Newman risks becoming the 'emperor with no clothes' – seemingly draping himself in a grand transport policy cloak that simply isn't there."

"While the LNP should be commended for partly addressing the public transport fares side of the equation, it is yet to show the sense of its public transport infrastructure planning.  We have the yin, but not the yang."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 20 March 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail: Release Cross River Rail plans today!

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 has called on all media outlets to scrutinise the LNP's gaping silence on Cross River Rail.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With few days left to go, there is still zero certainty about exactly what will happen to Queensland's largest public work's project - Cross River Rail - under an LNP Government. RAIL Back On Track calls for the full and detailed release of the LNP's solution to the Rail Capacity Crisis.

"In 2016 the number of slots on the Merivale Bridge available for trains to cross into the Brisbane CBD from the Gold Coast, Cleveland and Beenleigh lines will be exhausted. New developments in Logan and Yarrabilba also depend on Cross River Rail. Rail capacity on the core between Roma St and Bowen Hills will be in rail gridlock, further restricting trains from the north of Brisbane.

"Does the LNP support Cross River Rail or not? If they don't they should release their alternative plans for public scrutiny to the media. 'It's coming tomorrow' is no longer acceptable days out from the state election. What is there to hide from voters?

"Melbourne and Sydney have their own rail tunnel capacity projects in the pipeline - delay, indecision and flip-flapping to avoid solid committment to this state-building project that will benefit the entire South-East Queensland region and make the rail system more reliable risks losing the project and funds to competing proposals from the Southern states.

"Cross River Rail is a truly transformational project that will unblock the congestion within the core of the train network. It will pave the way for frequent, reliable train services across the entire region. Perth, Western Australia has undertaken a similar project, which included two bored tunnels underneath the Perth CBD.

"If Perth can do it, why can't we? The LNP must release its Cross River Rail plans, today."

References:

1. Perth to Mandurah Railway overview http://youtu.be/Gvx0Tk5oEow

2. Channel Nine Feature on the Mandurah Railway - 1

3. Channel Nine Feature on the Mandurah Railway - 2 http://youtu.be/d9yQKIrE5Yg

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 19 March 2012

SEQ: State Government contributes to CityCycle failure?

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 has slammed the failure to integrate CityCycle and GoCard under one ticketing system.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The 'holy grail' of the CityCycle scheme is to be able to grab a helmet freely and to swipe your GoCard and use it. It was exposed in the media today what we have always suspected - GoCard can be integrated with CityCycle, virtually, at the press of a button (1)."

"The reason why integration with GoCard is absolutely crucial to the success of the scheme, along with easy helmet availability, is similar to the reason why bus, ferry and train tickets were abolished and integrated in 2004 - removing the need for a separate ticket reduces hassle and makes transferring from one mode to another easy."

"Ownership issues aside, the reality is, by refusing to integrate the Go Card when it is technically possible, the State Government must now also be accountable for its own part in the failure of the CityCycle scheme by knowingly withholding integration with the rest of the TransLink system. By way of analogy, it is a bit like forcing Brisbane City Council buses to have a different ticket to the rest of the TransLink network and then blaming the BCC for the poor results from non-integration."

"Brisbane City Council has done their part, it is now time for the State Government to co-operate."

"We call on the next government to put Queensland at the forefront of sustainable transport policy in Australia and integrate GoCard with CityCycle (2)."

References:

1. Bid to link CityCycle with Go Card quashed http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/bid-to-link-citycycle-with-go-card-quashed-20120318-1vdgt.html

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6156.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org


Photograph 24 July 2011 R Dow

[ozbob]

Media release 20 March 2012

SEQ: LNP must commit to keeping Bus and Transit Lanes

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 calls for Campbell Newman and the LNP to commit to keeping the Waterworks Rd T2 lane and the Northern Busway plans.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Campbell Newman has been quoted (1) as suggesting removing the Waterworks Rd Transit Lane.

"If true, this plan must not proceed.  This lane has been studied by QUT (2) a number of years ago as carrying more than two thirds of the persons along the corridor in the AM, moving faster than the general purpose lane.  While the less intense PM is less clear, RAIL Back On Track members consider that this should remain to speed up buses and other high occupancy vehicles.

"The QUT study also gives figures that the Lutwyche Rd T3 Transit Lane carries 60% more people per lane than the general purpose traffic lanes.  These lanes are successful and easily justify remaining.  While this study was a few years ago, one can only imagine that the effectiveness of the Transit Lane could only increase so long as the rule is complied with.  Indeed, the enforcement trial last year was studied and deemed successful (3).

"It should also be noted that the Northern Busway plans include bus lanes along parts of Lutwyche Rd and Roblane St (4).  The recent alleged comments by Campbell Newman are a cause for disquiet.  These plans must be proceeded with under an LNP government.  Otherwise, Campbell Newman's reputation as being car centric rather than for public transport will be further enhanced.

"Prioritising the least efficient form of transport in peak hour is ridiculous and should not occur no matter who wins government. It only leads to more and more congestion as can now be noted on Coronation Drive following removal of the bus lanes."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7906.0

2. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/2731/1/2731.pdf

3. http://www.atrf11.unisa.edu.au/Assets/Papers/ATRF11_0150_final.pdf

4. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/what-we-do/infrastructure-projects/northern-busway/100217-alignment.jpg

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 21 March 2012

SEQ: LNP policy on Cross River Rail delayed

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 notes that the LNP has today reversed their plan to detail their policy for Cross River Rail or alternate prior to the election.

Robert Dow, Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"This week we asked the LNP to reveal their plans for Cross River Rail, or whatever alternatives to it they had (1). LNP Leader Campbell Newman had indicated a number of times that these plans would be detailed prior to the election. This is now not to be (2)."

"Cross River Rail is a 'ready to proceed' project as assessed by Infrastructure Australia and the Queensland Government has requested funding."

"RAIL Back On Track accepts that in view of this significant achievement by the Cross River Rail project team to get the project to this stage, it is now reasonable for the LNP to delay releasing their plans until they can assess the options in more depth even if it is a broken promise."

"RAIL Back On Track is confident that should the LNP achieve Government, and once they have full briefings and background on Cross River Rail and other options, that they too will support Cross River Rail."

References:

1. SEQ: Mixed signals on Cross River Rail project – time for LNP to reveal its planning http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7895.0

2. LNP U-turns on Trains http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/lnps-uturn-on-crossriver-rail-20120321-1vj94.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 22 March 2012

SEQ: Airport Link Traffic Projections - call for Transport Rethink

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 says the revelations that Brisconnection's own projections show Airport Link will increase traffic volumes and congestion is the 'last straw'.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is recognised around the world that freeways, tunnels and bypasses have never reduced congestion but in fact they actually make it worse (1). Every major road construction project claims to be the solution to our traffic problems yet our roads are getting more and more congested (2)."

"It is time to acknowledge that we have spent the last 50 years claiming to be solving congestion and air pollution but actually making them worse. Channel 10's News report on Tuesday confirmed that congestion is continuing to get worse in Brisbane.  Reducing congestion by building more roads is an urban myth! Never again can the media, political parties or lobbyists claim that the latest road project will reduce traffic and congestion!"

"Close to 1600 people are killed each year on our roads, 1000's more injured and maimed and all too often written  off as part of modern life. In 2012 road toll is already looking likely to be even worse than 2011.  The cost of road trauma is costing our nation nation something in order of $40 Billion a year. (3,4) That is $40 Billion that cannot be spent on schools, hospitals, police and other essential services.  Building more roads means more people drive and unfortunately this means more road trauma."

"Finally our economy has been significantly exposed to the reality of rising fuel prices with every cent increase in the price of fuel directly impacting the cost of living."

"RAIL Back On Track calls on all political parties to accept the 'road-based transport experiment' of the last 50 years has failed and to sign up to the following 10 simple transport principles:

1. Planning principles/controls/investments to plan for more than 50% of all trips being by public/active transport and freight rail.

2. City and town design principles that prioritise walking, cycling and public transport over driving.

3. Halting any further investment in urban freeways, bypasses and tunnels and redirecting funds to address major rail and public/active transport bottlenecks and increasing service frequencies.

4. Design guidelines to convert existing road capacity into public transport right of way such as bus lanes and cycling and pedestrian space.

5. Core Frequent Network and Maps in all our major cities and towns.

6. Off-site car parking in commercial centres reduced close to zero.

7. Public transport fares to encourage people to think Public Transport as their first/fastest option not last.

8. Developing safe and active urban centres around our major transit stops.

9. Increased Long- distance passenger rail services between major cities and towns.

10. Providing frequent  off-peak services major centres."

References:

1. Goodbye-ways: The downfall of urban freeways - http://grist.org/cities/goodbye-ways-the-downfall-of-urban-freeways

2. Southeast Queensland motorists stuck at 40km/h in peak hour on clogged major roads - http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4767

3.Road trauma is breaking the nation -  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=3

4. http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Publications/TheCostofRoadCrashesReport.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media release 22 March 2012

SEQ: Rail lines not passing through the Ashgrove electorate also need a frequency increase

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 says the Caboolture line also needs a frequency increase.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In the 2010 passenger survey (1), the Caboolture line was reported to have 6780 station entries between 9am and 3pm weekdays.  Given that approximately 5664 seats are provided heading towards the city ignoring Nambour services, it would be expected that full seated load is exceeded on several services.

"Anecdotal evidence of late is that full seated load is exceeded on weekend services also.  A service increase to Petrie or Caboolture can be provided relatively easily by extending the current Bowen Hills-Richlands trains.  Impacts on other services can be easily managed.

"The Caboolture line cannot wait until a two year trial of increased services on the Ferny Grove line is completed.  The frequency upgrade is needed now."

Reference:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/what-we-do/customer-research/100501-public-transport-survey.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23rd March 2012

Public and active transport - election 2012

Greetings,

On the 18th February 2012 moving into the State Election campaign we highlighted these as the main public transport issues:

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7705.0

Cross River Rail - support or not?

Sunshine Coast Line - failure to upgrade.

Lack of proper bus priority on the road network.

Need to improve frequency of bus and rail services outside the inner suburban core regions.

The failure to use existing infrastructure assets maximally.

The public perception that fares are too dear.

Constant service disruptions and delays.

An assessment of public transport policy and non policy has been published on the Brisbanetimes web site and can be found here -->
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/policy-brief-public-transport-20120320-1vh49.html

Overall it has been a lack lustre campaign by all sides with respect to public and active transport in our opinion.  The ALP failed to properly highlight their public transport successes, and there have been a number.

The LNP have not really considered the big picture in depth,  but the reality of the situation will no doubt hit them like an express train next week.

The quickest way to kill off a government is to allow the effects of a failing public transport system mount.  The road congestion issues in south-east Queensland are getting worse and worse.  Clearly, more effort and investment is needed for public and active transport.

We would like to suggest that the incoming Government consider commissioning a Minister for Public and Active Transport -  public and active transport is not only an important issue in south-east Queensland but state wide.  Government needs a public and active transport champion.

Our media releases relating to the 2012 State Election can be found here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7706.0

Thanks for the support that you do give in our attempts to improve public and active transport.  It is appreciated.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org