20 May 2012: SEQ: Changes for the opening of the Northern Busway to Kedron

[ozbob]

Media release 20th May 2012

SEQ: Changes for the opening of the Northern Busway to Kedron

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 says the service increases for the Northern Busway opening are largely a welcome improvement (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The 330 and 340 bus routes are to be made BUZ services - high frequency, and there is to be a frequent 369 bus service.  These are very welcome improvements. Consolidating the 335 and P339 into a single service and a new rail feeder 329 are also positive moves."

"Similarly, the slight increase in the number of services on the Roma St to Royal Brisbane Hospital section of the  busway is to be applauded.  It is expected these services will be well utilised."

"Another positive is the increased notice that commuters have been given about these changes which will implemented on the 18th June."

"RAIL Back On Track members do have some concerns about certain aspects.  Taking the 340 bus out of the Cultural Centre reduces consistency and legibility of the service.  The trip from the Captain Cook Bridge to King George Square requires using Queens Wharf Rd which means that Parliament could not be served at least in that direction."

"If removing the 340 bus from the Cultural Centre is due to concerns with capacity, better solutions could be found.  For example the Toombul bus routes (300, 301, 306, 322) could be removed from the Cultural Centre.  If running to Woolloongabba via the Captain Cook Bridge these routes could also then serve Parliament, stops 107 and 108, which the 340 cannot."

"Similarly, the city bound stop locations at Chermside are not conducive to encouraging casual users on to the 330 and 340 and tends to result in people migrating to the 333 from stand A.  The 340 dog leg via Webster and Hamilton Roads is an obstacle to improving this.  It is also unclear why the 340 and 341 need to operate side by side."

"We are confused about what is meant by the 'bigger buses on defined routes' (2).  All the routes listed were earlier this year promised to be upgraded to bigger buses.  This has not been executed consistently.  Is the promise that all remaining trips with standard size buses will be upgraded to bigger buses?"

"Overall however, these are most welcome improvements and good work, and will certainly help with increasing the use of public transport.  Well done!"

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1337063833

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1336713370

Contact:

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