11 Sep 2015: SEQ: Time to overhaul the Brisbane bus network

[ozbob]

Media release 11th  September 2015

SEQ: Time to overhaul the Brisbane bus network

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 said it is time to reform the Brisbane Bus network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"TransLink attempted to reform the Brisbane bus network in 2013.  Non-cooperation by BCC, in preventing Brisbane Transport to meet with TransLink during network planning and preparation was very concerning.  Recent comments by the Deputy Mayor on Twitter has confirmed that Council is not interested in reform but is happy to see patronage plummet and continuing network failure (1)."

"The fundamental problem with the Brisbane bus network is best explained by consideration of this graphic for buses running on Coronation Drive (2).

http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/BR_wasteogram_zps01c22678.png


"A direct service model, where in essence every bus from the suburbs is directed to run into the CBD, results in massive overlap, waste, inefficiency, bus-jam, poor connections and consequently poor frequency where it is needed.

"There needs to be consolidation of bus routes so that manageable high frequency trunk corridors are supported by frequent feeder buses in the suburbs. Rail needs proper support with frequent feeder bus.  Park and ride is a costly, finite resource.

"By doing this, more people will have more buses more often.  Connections will be made. Cross suburban runs can be achieved.

"The drop off in bus patronage is not due to fare unaffordability alone. It is also a consequence of a poor network design and poor service , particularly in the suburbs.

"If BCC do not wish to participate in reform, then the correct thing to do is remove control of Brisbane Transport from Brisbane City Council and get on with it.

"Brisbane is no longer surrounded by market gardens, it is constant suburbia at Council boundaries.  SEQ needs a proper integrated network, optimising all modes, bus, rail and ferry.

"The public transport network for SEQ is not the place for petty selfish politics.  We need a much improved outcome for our community, free from political bias.

"Our members have worked for over a year, at no public cost on a new network proposal (3).  It would go a long way to sorting out the problems with our public transport network. It is not ' the ' solution, but ' a ' solution.  It would be a great start point for reform.

"Can BCC please put politics aside, and sit down with TransLink and get the best outcome for Brisbane and SEQ?  Or will selfish politics continue to dominate the failure?"

References:

1. http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/20150910AS_zpshuz3dc3u.jpg

2. http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/BR_wasteogram_zps01c22678.png

3. Brisbane Bus Reform: RAIL Back on Track Launches New Bus Network Proposal
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11047.msg148434#msg148434

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11047.msg161164#msg161164

[ozbob]

Media release 11th  September 2015 re-released 14th October 2015

SEQ: Time to overhaul the Brisbane bus network

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 said it is time to reform the Brisbane Bus network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"TransLink attempted to reform the Brisbane bus network in 2013.  Non-cooperation by BCC, in preventing Brisbane Transport to meet with TransLink during network planning and preparation was very concerning.  Recent comments by the Deputy Mayor on Twitter has confirmed that Council is not interested in reform but is happy to see patronage plummet and continuing network failure (1)."

"The fundamental problem with the Brisbane bus network is best explained by consideration of this graphic for buses running on Coronation Drive (2).

http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/BR_wasteogram_zps01c22678.png


"A direct service model, where in essence every bus from the suburbs is directed to run into the CBD, results in massive overlap, waste, inefficiency, bus-jam, poor connections and consequently poor frequency where it is needed.

"There needs to be consolidation of bus routes so that manageable high frequency trunk corridors are supported by frequent feeder buses in the suburbs. Rail needs proper support with frequent feeder bus.  Park and ride is a costly, finite resource.

"By doing this, more people will have more buses more often.  Connections will be made. Cross suburban runs can be achieved.

"Data from the Gold Coast shows that patronage is booming on buses as a result of bus network reform.

"The drop off in bus patronage in Brisbane is not due to fare unaffordability alone. It is also a consequence of a poor network design and poor service , particularly in the suburbs.

"If BCC do not wish to participate in reform, then the correct thing to do is remove control of Brisbane Transport from Brisbane City Council and get on with it.

"Brisbane is no longer surrounded by market gardens, it is constant suburbia at Council boundaries.  SEQ needs a proper integrated network, optimising all modes, bus, rail and ferry.

"The public transport network for SEQ is not the place for petty selfish politics.  We need a much improved outcome for our community, free from political bias.

"Our members have worked for over a year, at no public cost on a new network proposal (3).  It would go a long way to sorting out the problems with our public transport network. It is not ' the ' solution, but ' a ' solution.  It would be a great start point for reform.

"Can BCC please put politics aside, and sit down with TransLink and get the best outcome for Brisbane and SEQ?  Or will selfish politics continue to dominate the failure?"

References:

1. http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/20150910AS_zpshuz3dc3u.jpg

2. http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/BR_wasteogram_zps01c22678.png

3. Brisbane Bus Reform: RAIL Back on Track Launches New Bus Network Proposal
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11047.msg148434#msg148434

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2m

BCC the real issue with the bus problem in Bris

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11649.msg162620#msg162620 ...

@BriggsJamie @TurnbullMalcolm @jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP @Rod4Bris

================

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 54s

. @BriggsJamie @TurnbullMalcolm @jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP @Rod4Bris

BaT is nonsense > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg162559#msg162559 ... #qldpol #auspol

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 40s

. @Team_Quirk Time to put the community first?

> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11649.msg162620#msg162620 ...

#qldpol

@Rod4Bris @jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP