14 Nov 2014: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

[ozbob]

Media release 14th November 2014

SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

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 the Newman Government has failed the community with its failure to energise Brisbane by making public transport travel free for Brisbane during the G20.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates have been given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland."

"There are now extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (1).  A sensible move would have been to simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive."

"Confusion and disruption would have been better tolerated and people would have been more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor and Government."

"This would have also helped create a better community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects. Foregone ticket revenue would have been returned many times over by increased patronage after the G20."

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (2), apart from a fare cut there on 1st November 2014, they also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday."

"TransLink have indicated that they will not be notifying public transport users of all disruptions (3).  Hardly convenient to be waiting for your hourly bus, it being a no show and not knowing what is going on is it?"

"Fortunately Queensland Rail is maintaining an active social media presence over the G20.  Rail is the best option for travel, particularly inner Brisbane for the G20 weekend."

"The failure to deliver for G20 public transport by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and staff is a sad indictment on their competence. It is hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

"A golden opportunity lost."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

2. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148844#msg148844

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

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