20 Mar 2012: SEQ: LNP must commit to keeping Bus and Transit Lanes

[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]