4 Mar 2012: SEQ: Is the 393 bus route the most under-performing in Brisbane?

[ozbob]

Media release 4 March 2012

SEQ: Is the 393 bus route the most under-performing in Brisbane?

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 a review of the 393 bus route (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members have highlighted the fact that the 393 bus is a wasted resource.

"There are several problems with the 393:

1. Runs on a 15-20 minute frequency, while the ferry it meets runs on a 12-13 minute frequency.  This bus should meet every ferry.
2. Has a poor stop arrangement westbound at Bowen Hills Railway Station.
3. Fails to use Skyring Tce a few years after it was built.  It is a waste of time to use Commercial Rd.
4. Has been truncated to Normanby, denying it passengers to/from Roma St only 1km or so away."

"These problems result in the 393 bus carrying poor loads at best, when it could be one of the greatest people movers in Brisbane.  While there are routes which carry less people, these are generally routes which exist to provide coverage.  The 393 cannot be evaluated in that way."

"The solutions are:

1. Meet every ferry.
2. Establish a stop on Folkestone St approaching Abbotsford Rd.
3. Use Skyring Tce.
4. Run into Roma St.  This cannot be done in the same way as it was before King George Square Bus Station opened, but using the King George Square turnaround is now possible, and it is still possible to reach Herschel St if necessary for lay over."

"Solving these issues would see the 393 bus being one of the busiest bus routes in Brisbane, and also provide an improved connection to northern train lines."

"RAIL Back On Track members have been suggesting the extension of the 393 to Roma St for over two years, however it seems that there is some reluctance to do so (2)."

"Bus congestion remains a problem on the Inner Northern Busway, the 393 bus will help manage this (3)."

"Are all sides of politics able to commit to cutting through this reluctance and implement this obvious no brainer?"

References:

1.   http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/network-information/timetables/110606-393.pdf

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2709.msg13939#msg13939

3.   http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/inner-northern-busway-still-cant-cope.html

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

This was posted by a QUT student (not me!) on a QUT Facebook page which I just had to share.  Says it all really.