11 Aug 2011: SEQ: Time to get transport policies back on track!

[ozbob]

Media release 11 August 2011

SEQ: Time to get transport policies back on track!

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 discussion about potential improvements to public transport on the Sunshine Coast (1).

RAIL Back On Track's view is that all political parties and independents contesting the next state election need to address three things with priority:

1. CORE FREQUENCY & SPAN OF HOURS

2. FIX THE FARES

3. INFRASTRUCTURE

Robert Dow, Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With regards to frequency and span of hours. A 'Core Frequent Network' of high frequency, all day and night, 7-day a week bus and train services should be implemented forthwith. Much of this could be done rapidly and with no new infrastructure. In particular, RAIL Back On Track supports the introduction of the 'Train Upgrade Zone' or TUZ where trains in Brisbane would run like a metro, every 15 minutes or better from 6am to 11pm, 7-days a week. This approach has been tried on buses and now must be applied to trains."

"Fares are another area which need attention. It is only fair that if commuters who are being slugged with 15% annual compounding increases that they are given high frequent quality services in exchange. Further enhancements to the go card fare structure, such as capping and a better off peak discount are needed now!"

"infrastructure needs attention, particularly on the Sunshine Coast where there is a public transport crisis. Train services to the Sunshine Coast are at world's worst practice, with many buses running in place of trains and frequencies that are very poor by any standard. Duplication of the Sunshine Coast line must occur to address freight and passenger train congestion and rail (CAMCOS) must be extended to at least Caloundra to allow interconnection with the bus system."

"Rather than just more spin, blunder and bluster, RAIL Back On Track calls on all political parties and independents to show us your detailed transport policies!"

Reference:

1. Newman pledges to 'fix transport' http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/sunshine-coast/newman-pledges-to-fix-transport/story-fn8m0yxo-1226111811440

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