16 Oct 2011: SEQ: 2011 TransLink Network Plan – is it a plan?

[ozbob]

Media release 16 October 2011

SEQ: 2011 TransLink Network Plan – is it a plan?

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 raised concerns about the transparency of public transport network planning in South-East Queensland.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"While we do welcome the late public release of the 2011 TransLink Network Plan (TNP) (1), we have reservations about its content and the time taken to release it. A plan for a particular year should be released in advance of that year - financial or calendar (2)."

"The TNP contains much information that belongs in an annual report, only a few pages directly relate to planning. Of those, only a few words relate to upgrades which can feasibly be delivered between now and the end of 2011-12 when the plan is supposedly expired."

"The 2011 TNP hints at network improvements in the near future, but contains no specific details of upgrades, time-frame on delivery or measures to be taken to implement the patronage goals required to support the South East Queensland Regional Plan."

"As with the 2010 TNP, we are concerned that this is little more than a glossy brochure, which tells us little about what TransLink is actually planning for the region apart from some tantalising snapshots."

"We call on TransLink to commit to transparency and forward thinking in its planning and more detail up front for all modes, ferry, bus and rail.  Previous versions of the TNP for example in 2005, contained extremely detailed proposals for route designs and upgrades, together with implementation time-frames.  Now, it is virtually impossible to determine what TransLink's vision is for our network in the short-term."

"TransLink should release more details of its plans for the network in the 2011/2012 financial year, including planned improvements, estimated delivery time-frames and how new infrastructure such as the Northern Busway will be used to deliver better services."

"Pages of self praise and 'spin' presented as a 'plan' do little for the public confidence."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/network-plan-2011.pdf

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6853.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6853.0