1 Apr 2008: Quick response on Ferny Grove railway line by QR welcomed ...

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Media Release 1 April 2008

SEQ:  Quick response on Ferny Grove railway line by QR welcomed. More trains still needed!

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 welcomed the introduction of a new morning peak service on the Ferny Grove line with effect 2nd April 2008.  More trains are needed urgently.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?QR is to be applauded for their quick response to a time table issue on the Ferny Grove as a consequence of the new timetables introduced on the 31st March 2008. The new service will depart Ferny Grove at 7:26am which will fill the gap which existed between 7:16am and 7:36am.  Other minor changes to some other services will also improve outcomes for passengers.?

?RAIL Back On Track has consistently highlighted congestion problems on our suburban/urban rail network for almost two years (1).  We take the view that QR does an excellent job within the constraints of resources at their disposal ? trains, track and crew.?

?We see the failure to keep pace with the enormous numbers of passengers to be transported as a consequence of funding shortfalls to QR passenger trains by the Queensland Government.?

?The outpouring of congestion grief on the Courier Mail web blog this afternoon is further evidence of the urgent need to properly resource our rail network (2).?

?We call on the Queensland Government to immediately fund the further acquisition of another 50 three car trains and crew, additional to the 44 three car trains progressively being introduced. These trains will be needed to ease the congestion being experienced on all lines of the network, and with the looming fuel and environmental costs necessary for an affordable sustainable transport solution for our community.?

?Enough of reactive responses, time for proactive transport solutions.?

Reference:

1.  Congestion ?crushing? commuters http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=603.0

2.  http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23465921-3102,00.html

Contact:

Robert  Dow

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