17 Nov 2014: Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often For Ashgrove Electorate

[ozbob]

Media release 17th November 2014

Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often For Ashgrove Electorate

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 on Ashgrove Electorate candidates Campbell Newman and Kate Jones to support a proposal for a 911 UQ CityConnector bus for Ashgrove.



Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our New Bus Network Proposal will allow residents unprecedented freedom to use public transport to travel to more places, more often, without a car. As mentioned in the Australian Parliament, the suburbs of Mitchelton, Enoggera, Ashgrove, Bardon and Toowong contain high unmet demand for travel to The University of Queensland (1)."

"Our proposed 911 UQ CityConnector begins at Brookside Shopping Centre, serves Mitchelton rail station, Enoggera Rail station, Ashgrove, Bardon, Toowong Rail station, and then travels directly to the University of Queensland via Hawken Drive. We expect the 16.5 km route to take approximately 45 minutes. Time savings will come from a faster, more direct route along Metroad 5, from higher service frequencies dramatically cutting bus stop waiting time, and adopting 'CityGlider' style stop spacing for high speed. That's good news for students and staff members rushing for that 8 am lecture or exams at UQ; St Lucia residents along Hawken Drive will no longer have to wait up to half an hour for the 411 bus; We propose the 911 bus run every 15 minutes, all day.** The service will be funded in part by amalgamating the 411 and relevant sections of the Great Circle Line to keep a lid on fares."

"University of Queensland students and staff living at The Gap and along the Ferny Grove Line will not miss out either. Key Interchange Points (KIPs) at Brookside, Ashgrove and Bardon will allow UQ passengers can catch their usual bus route and then change to the 911 UQ CityConnector bus with a minimum of fuss. Real time bus information, maps, timetables, better lighting, distinctive shelters, painted curbs and in selected locations, superior bicycle parking will feature at these locations."

"These interchange points will permit passengers to use public transport like a car to go 'from anywhere to anywhere'. Previous journeys only possible by car will now be possible using public transport; this in turn will bring in more fare revenue for TransLink."

A route map of our Bus Reform proposal and bus route 911 UQ CityConnector may be found at http://backontrack.org/images/bus/reform/route911.png

RAIL Back on Track is also running a survey, which may be found at http://tiny.cc/busreform

Bus reform promises massive benefits for Brisbane, including:

(a) increased fare revenue*

(b) lower reliance on subsidies

(c) greater liberty of movement for all

(d) a more equitable distribution of hi frequency services across the city

(e) reduced carbon emissions (patronage services only)

(f) secure bus driver jobs from the threat of redundancies caused by falling bus patronage

"In our opinion, any bus tender that does not explicitly and unconditionally support bus reform, no matter how cheap the tender is, should be rejected without further consideration."

"As a change management strategy, the proposed 911 UQ CityConnector service would be introduced over the top of existing routes as a trial service, with permanency conditional on 'trading in' old routes in the area, and local consultation. Residents are more likely to accept change if the new service is introduced first and old routes adjusted after a trial period has ended."

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

Contact:

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


References:

1. Private Members' Business, South-East Queensland: Public Transport Monday, 27 May 2013, http://www.openaustralia.org/debate/?id=2013-05-27.166.9

2. Scrap the Great Circle bus line and begin again: expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/scrap-the-great-circle-bus-line-and-begin-again-expert-20141105-11hi9n.html

3. Brisbane buses: Call for CityGlider in Centenary suburbs
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-call-for-cityglider-in-centenary-suburbs-20141105-11gxl3.html

4. Bus Reform Survey (includes links to maps) http://tiny.cc/busreform

5. Map of 911 UQ CityConnector http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11070.msg149001#msg149001
Direct image  link --> http://backontrack.org/images/bus/reform/route911.png

* TransLink retains all fare revenue and any profits generated, to cross-subsidise the network, irrespective of whether the bus operator is public or private, or the level of patronage. Bus operators are paid for their work (service x km). As operators do not keep fare revenue it is categorically incorrect to assert that a private operator will only focus on the most profitable bus routes. Operators are paid for the work they do, not how much revenue or passengers they take.

** Frequency based on route 209 UQ Lakes, which runs every 15 minutes.

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11047.msg149036#msg149036