13 Sep 2014: SEQ: It's time for a chat

[ozbob]

Media release 13th September 2014

SEQ: It's time for a chat

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 the community was properly consulted on the need for proper fare and public transport network reform in Brisbane and SEQ generally (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct and frequent. It must also be affordable and accessible.

"Simple fare cuts will not fix the systemic issues with our public transport network in SEQ.

"The carbon tax 'windfall' is being squandered on a short term populist con trick (1).  A 5% ' fare cut ' does very little indeed to address the real fare unaffordability crisis on the SEQ TransLink network.

"It does nothing to address the lack of high frequency services for large areas of Brisbane.

"It does nothing to address the chronic problem of 'missed connections' and long waits as a consequence.

"It does nothing to address the fare box leakage due to the design of the flawed fare structure.

"It does nothing to address the limited hours of operation of many services.

"Real reform is needed - fares and network. This needs to be communicated to the public.  Political courage is called for.

"The failure to address the fare unaffordability crisis and associated network issues is now impacting as worsening congestion on the roads in SEQ as people abandon public transport due to the failed high cost fare structure and poor network design.

"There is now a crisis with public transport in SEQ."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/news-and-updates/have-your-say

2. Minister Emerson confirms the obvious - fares are too expensive
    http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10947.0

3. Fare relief or increased services? We can have both!
    http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10932.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10930.msg146264#msg146264