14 Sep 2014: SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

[ozbob]

Media release 14th September

SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

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 there is growing concern with the lack of detailed public information on operational aspects of the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our members have attended consultation sessions for the BaT. They have expressed concerns with the lack of detailed operational information on how this tunnel will work, particularly the bus aspects."

"From the outset there has been concerns from transport planners that the concept is flawed (1)."

"These concerns are not being addressed.  What future proofing is there for the bus component? Clearly single unit buses will not be able to meet the eventual passenger demands. This is a once in a generation opportunity and to paralyse future transport options for Brisbane and south-east Queensland on political whimsy is seriously flawed."

"Brisbane bus issues can be fixed by implementing proper network review, and establishing proper bus priority on the surface network. Why waste billions of dollars?"

"If the BaT goes ahead as it is seem to be planned for, the end point will be a conga line of buses in the bus component similar to the Victoria Bridge bus conga lines.  Really, is this getting anywhere for the longer term?"

"Eventually electric bi-artic buses, or even a rubber tyred metro system will need to operate in the bus component of the tunnel to handle the pax loads. This means there be multiple transfers for bus passengers, the bus network will be forced to operate as a trunk and feeder model. Meanwhile, rail passengers will have seamless rides into the new underground stations."

"A serious question is:  Why is there no combined bus and train tunnel anywhere in the world?"

"The answer is obvious.  No other jurisdiction has been as stupid as Queensland appears to be."

"Questions on the planned operational aspects need comprehensive and detailed explanations before wasting billions of dollars!"

References:

1. Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7


Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9972.msg146294#msg146294

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th October 2014

Re: SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

Greetings,

More than a few concerns:

https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/photos/a.653209831359874.1073741825.160527347294794/927458797268308/?type=1

Interesting table  - It's not JUST a tunnel under the river!

Comparing the BaT tunnel to the original Cross River Rail plan shows some pretty significant differences - and that's BEFORE we consider the inefficiency of running buses through the same tunnel.

Are we just wasting funds by not considering future public transport needs?



Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 14th September

SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

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 there is growing concern with the lack of detailed public information on operational aspects of the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our members have attended consultation sessions for the BaT. They have expressed concerns with the lack of detailed operational information on how this tunnel will work, particularly the bus aspects."

"From the outset there has been concerns from transport planners that the concept is flawed (1)."

"These concerns are not being addressed.  What future proofing is there for the bus component? Clearly single unit buses will not be able to meet the eventual passenger demands. This is a once in a generation opportunity and to paralyse future transport options for Brisbane and south-east Queensland on political whimsy is seriously flawed."

"Brisbane bus issues can be fixed by implementing proper network review, and establishing proper bus priority on the surface network. Why waste billions of dollars?"

"If the BaT goes ahead as it is seem to be planned for, the end point will be a conga line of buses in the bus component similar to the Victoria Bridge bus conga lines.  Really, is this getting anywhere for the longer term?"

"Eventually electric bi-artic buses, or even a rubber tyred metro system will need to operate in the bus component of the tunnel to handle the pax loads. This means there be multiple transfers for bus passengers, the bus network will be forced to operate as a trunk and feeder model. Meanwhile, rail passengers will have seamless rides into the new underground stations."

"A serious question is:  Why is there no combined bus and train tunnel anywhere in the world?"

"The answer is obvious.  No other jurisdiction has been as stupid as Queensland appears to be."

"Questions on the planned operational aspects need comprehensive and detailed explanations before wasting billions of dollars!"

References:

1. Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7


Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th November 2014

All quiet on the BaT front ....

Good Morning,

All quiet on the BaT front ....

Frankly, billions of $ are planned on being wasted on the bus component and the less than optimal rail component for this tunnel.  Hopefully it might be scrapped.

We have clearly demonstrated with our Brisbane bus network proposal that better results can be achieved for a lot lot less in cost.  Just takes the courage to implement proper bus network reform.

Proceeding with a flawed rail solution is also just wasting money. Hold off and get it right is the proper and smart thing to do.

The BaT project will no doubt be a casualty of the looming financial crisis within the Newman Government Queensland, as money is redirected to new coal projects (which is rather pointless eg.  World Bank to ditch coal for clean energy http://grist.org/climate-energy/world-bank-to-ditch-coal-for-clean-energy/ ).

Just pray there are no significant adverse weather events for the next 20 years or so hey?

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

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


On 23/11/2014 3:59 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:

Greetings,

Excellent turn up and response to our bus reform proposals for Brisbane.  The community wants better, affordable, connected public transport.

The Newman Government seems to be not hearing the call.  They failed with the 2013 bus review process for Brisbane, and have also failed to address proper fare reform for SEQ.  A simple fare cut is not reform - it is lazy politics with a measure of contempt for the community.

RBoT Survey Flyer --http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/RBOTSurveyPromo.pdf

Centenary Glider Flyer  --http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/CentenaryGliderFlyer.pdf

Centenary Glider Flyer concept map --http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/hf400.pdf

The bus component of the BaT tunnel is not needed.  Proper network reform as we have shown will deliver a better outcome for bus, saving many billions of dollars.

We are very concerned that government would put politics before sound transport planning processes, and not put Brisbane forward on a proper sustainable transport future.

14 Sep 2014: SEQ: Will the BaT fly? --http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10955.0

Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release 14th September

SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

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 there is growing concern with the lack of detailed public information on operational aspects of the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our members have attended consultation sessions for the BaT. They have expressed concerns with the lack of detailed operational information on how this tunnel will work, particularly the bus aspects."

"From the outset there has been concerns from transport planners that the concept is flawed (1)."

"These concerns are not being addressed.  What future proofing is there for the bus component? Clearly single unit buses will not be able to meet the eventual passenger demands. This is a once in a generation opportunity and to paralyse future transport options for Brisbane and south-east Queensland on political whimsy is seriously flawed."

"Brisbane bus issues can be fixed by implementing proper network review, and establishing proper bus priority on the surface network. Why waste billions of dollars?"

"If the BaT goes ahead as it is seem to be planned for, the end point will be a conga line of buses in the bus component similar to the Victoria Bridge bus conga lines.  Really, is this getting anywhere for the longer term?"

"Eventually electric bi-artic buses, or even a rubber tyred metro system will need to operate in the bus component of the tunnel to handle the pax loads. This means there be multiple transfers for bus passengers, the bus network will be forced to operate as a trunk and feeder model. Meanwhile, rail passengers will have seamless rides into the new underground stations."

"A serious question is:  Why is there no combined bus and train tunnel anywhere in the world?"

"The answer is obvious.  No other jurisdiction has been as stupid as Queensland appears to be."

"Questions on the planned operational aspects need comprehensive and detailed explanations before wasting billions of dollars!"

References:

1. Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7


Contact:

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

Further more:

Interesting table  - It's not JUST a tunnel under the river!

Comparing the BaT tunnel to the original Cross River Rail plan shows some pretty significant differences - and that's BEFORE we consider the inefficiency of running buses through the same tunnel.

Are we just wasting funds by not considering future public transport needs?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th November 2014

BaT - more changes

Greetings,

More changes for the proposed BaT tunnel.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9972.msg149767#msg149767

Still does not alter the basic issue with the BaT.  It is not a proper long term transport solution - it is another half baked project that Queensland seems to specialise in.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

26th November 2014

All quiet on the BaT front ....

Good Morning,

All quiet on the BaT front ....

Frankly, billions of $ are planned on being wasted on the bus component and the less than optimal rail component for this tunnel.  Hopefully it might be scrapped.

We have clearly demonstrated with our Brisbane bus network proposal that better results can be achieved for a lot lot less in cost.  Just takes the courage to implement proper bus network reform.

Proceeding with a flawed rail solution is also just wasting money. Hold off and get it right is the proper and smart thing to do.

The BaT project will no doubt be a casualty of the looming financial crisis within the Newman Government Queensland, as money is redirected to new coal projects (which is rather pointless eg.  World Bank to ditch coal for clean energy http://grist.org/climate-energy/world-bank-to-ditch-coal-for-clean-energy/ ).

Just pray there are no significant adverse weather events for the next 20 years or so hey?

Have a great day!

Best wishes
Robert

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


On 23/11/2014 3:59 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:

Greetings,

Excellent turn up and response to our bus reform proposals for Brisbane.  The community wants better, affordable, connected public transport.

The Newman Government seems to be not hearing the call.  They failed with the 2013 bus review process for Brisbane, and have also failed to address proper fare reform for SEQ.  A simple fare cut is not reform - it is lazy politics with a measure of contempt for the community.

RBoT Survey Flyer --http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/RBOTSurveyPromo.pdf

Centenary Glider Flyer  --http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/CentenaryGliderFlyer.pdf

Centenary Glider Flyer concept map --http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/hf400.pdf

The bus component of the BaT tunnel is not needed.  Proper network reform as we have shown will deliver a better outcome for bus, saving many billions of dollars.

We are very concerned that government would put politics before sound transport planning processes, and not put Brisbane forward on a proper sustainable transport future.

14 Sep 2014: SEQ: Will the BaT fly? --http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10955.0

Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release 14th September

SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

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 there is growing concern with the lack of detailed public information on operational aspects of the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our members have attended consultation sessions for the BaT. They have expressed concerns with the lack of detailed operational information on how this tunnel will work, particularly the bus aspects."

"From the outset there has been concerns from transport planners that the concept is flawed (1)."

"These concerns are not being addressed.  What future proofing is there for the bus component? Clearly single unit buses will not be able to meet the eventual passenger demands. This is a once in a generation opportunity and to paralyse future transport options for Brisbane and south-east Queensland on political whimsy is seriously flawed."

"Brisbane bus issues can be fixed by implementing proper network review, and establishing proper bus priority on the surface network. Why waste billions of dollars?"

"If the BaT goes ahead as it is seem to be planned for, the end point will be a conga line of buses in the bus component similar to the Victoria Bridge bus conga lines.  Really, is this getting anywhere for the longer term?"

"Eventually electric bi-artic buses, or even a rubber tyred metro system will need to operate in the bus component of the tunnel to handle the pax loads. This means there be multiple transfers for bus passengers, the bus network will be forced to operate as a trunk and feeder model. Meanwhile, rail passengers will have seamless rides into the new underground stations."

"A serious question is:  Why is there no combined bus and train tunnel anywhere in the world?"

"The answer is obvious.  No other jurisdiction has been as stupid as Queensland appears to be."

"Questions on the planned operational aspects need comprehensive and detailed explanations before wasting billions of dollars!"

References:

1. Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7


Contact:

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

Further more:

Interesting table  - It's not JUST a tunnel under the river!

Comparing the BaT tunnel to the original Cross River Rail plan shows some pretty significant differences - and that's BEFORE we consider the inefficiency of running buses through the same tunnel.

Are we just wasting funds by not considering future public transport needs?

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9972.msg149791#msg149791

[ozbob]

Feedback received.

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

Good afternoon,

As stakeholders interested in public transport I have sent you a copy of my submission in response to the Revised Reference Design for the Queensland Governments proposed Underground Bus and Train (BaT) project.

I have also included a copy of my original submission to the EIS. I am an experienced professional in transport systems and have spent most of the last 10 years working in rail and public transport planning. The attached submission, together with my original submission, highlight a number of flaws in the BaT project that raise serious questions about the effectiveness and justification for the project.

I am a firm believer that if you want to deliver a quality project then you need to start with two fundamental questions

1.       What transport outcomes and services do we need in the future?

2.       What infrastructure is required to deliver those services?

When you ask these two questions you will end up with a project that that delivers the right outcomes for the people of SEQ.

These important principles have been completely ignored in the EIS and continue to be ignored in the Revised Reference Design.

The project shows considerable obvious flaws that need to be scrutinised and questioned to ensure that Queensland doesn't end up with another white elephant infrastructure project.

I hope that you will take the time to consider the issues I have raised and examine the EIS documentation for yourself.

Please also feel free to forward this email and attachment to any other people who have an interest in this project and also in ensuring that the State Government doesn't waste billions of dollars of taxpayer money on its pet white elephant.

Kind Regards,
Phillip Stewart

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

Submissions:

Latest  --> here! PDF 0.7 MB

First --> here! PDF 1.1 MB

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9972.msg150559#msg150559

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th May 2015

SEQ: Will the BaT fly? No, thank goodness ...

Greetings

With respect to Brisbanetimes --> Cross River Rail tunnel no place for buses: Jackie Trad
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-tunnel-no-place-for-buses-jackie-trad-20150508-ggwxd2.html

Good to see transport planning commonsense is coming out on top.  It was a seriously flawed project the BaT tunnel as we detailed many times.

Proper bus network reform for Brisbane will save billions of dollars.  This can no longer be denied.  See here for our bus network proposal --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11099.0

The rail network will be expanded in the years to come with extensions to Ripley, Flagstone as well as utilising Trouts Road Corridor.  BaT would have stymied these longer term plans and rendered Brisbane and SEQ a failed transport state.

SEQ has dodged a bullet. See the thread here for an interesting discourse on the failure that was BaT --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10955.0

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 14th September re-released 8th May 2015

SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

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 there is growing concern with the lack of detailed public information on operational aspects of the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our members have attended consultation sessions for the BaT. They have expressed concerns with the lack of detailed operational information on how this tunnel will work, particularly the bus aspects."

"From the outset there has been concerns from transport planners that the concept is flawed (1)."

"These concerns are not being addressed.  What future proofing is there for the bus component? Clearly single unit buses will not be able to meet the eventual passenger demands. This is a once in a generation opportunity and to paralyse future transport options for Brisbane and south-east Queensland on political whimsy is seriously flawed."

"Brisbane bus issues can be fixed by implementing proper network review, and establishing proper bus priority on the surface network. Why waste billions of dollars?"

"If the BaT goes ahead as it is seem to be planned for, the end point will be a conga line of buses in the bus component similar to the Victoria Bridge bus conga lines.  Really, is this getting anywhere for the longer term?"

"Eventually electric bi-artic buses, or even a rubber tyred metro system will need to operate in the bus component of the tunnel to handle the pax loads. This means there be multiple transfers for bus passengers, the bus network will be forced to operate as a trunk and feeder model. Meanwhile, rail passengers will have seamless rides into the new underground stations."

"A serious question is:  Why is there no combined bus and train tunnel anywhere in the world?"

"The answer is obvious.  No other jurisdiction has been as stupid as Queensland appears to be."

"Questions on the planned operational aspects need comprehensive and detailed explanations before wasting billions of dollars!"

References:

1. Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7


Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg155878#msg155878

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th May 2015

SEQ: Will the BaT fly? No, thank goodness ...

Good Morning,

We have previously exposed the Legacy Way bus bull (see > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7798.msg156299#msg156299 )

Now the Couriermail has highlighted the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel charade.

Couriermail --> Senior LNP figures say BaT Tunnel was former premier Campbell Newman's impossible dream

All is not well with public transport planning or management is it in Queensland?  We have constantly raised the concerns, finally there is some acknowledgement of the failure.

It is time to sort the mess.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

9th May 2015

Re: SEQ: Will the BaT fly? No, thank goodness ...

Good Morning,

Ok where to from here?

1. A bus tunnel is not needed.  Victoria Bridge can be converted to bus / pedestrians / bicycles only.  Fix up the mess that is the South East Busway portal, and sort out the Cultural Centre Bus Station.

2. Reduce the number of empty / near empty buses running into and out of the CBD and causing bus jam at peaks through implementation of bus network reform.  Buses can then be redeployed to provide a better public transport service in the suburbs. This was attempted by TransLink in 2013 but a distinct lack of cooperation by BCC and weak state political leadership consigned that sensible move to yesterday's political scrap heap.

3. As far as busway extensions go - dream time.  Augmentation of existing surface roads with bus priority is all that is needed.

4. An abridged CRR will be done eventually, but probably not until there is an ' enlightenment ' in Federal politics with respect to sorting out real transport funding priorities in the big smokes ..

Other jurisdictions can manage proper public transport reform.  Queensland it seems, struggles with the basics.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

8th May 2015

SEQ: Will the BaT fly? No, thank goodness ...

Greetings

With respect to Brisbanetimes --> Cross River Rail tunnel no place for buses: Jackie Trad
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-tunnel-no-place-for-buses-jackie-trad-20150508-ggwxd2.html

Good to see transport planning commonsense is coming out on top.  It was a seriously flawed project the BaT tunnel as we detailed many times.

Proper bus network reform for Brisbane will save billions of dollars.  This can no longer be denied.  See here for our bus network proposal --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11099.0

The rail network will be expanded in the years to come with extensions to Ripley, Flagstone as well as utilising Trouts Road Corridor.  BaT would have stymied these longer term plans and rendered Brisbane and SEQ a failed transport state.

SEQ has dodged a bullet. See the thread here for an interesting discourse on the failure that was BaT --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10955.0

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 14th September re-released 8th May 2015

SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

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 there is growing concern with the lack of detailed public information on operational aspects of the Bus and Train (BaT) tunnel.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our members have attended consultation sessions for the BaT. They have expressed concerns with the lack of detailed operational information on how this tunnel will work, particularly the bus aspects."

"From the outset there has been concerns from transport planners that the concept is flawed (1)."

"These concerns are not being addressed.  What future proofing is there for the bus component? Clearly single unit buses will not be able to meet the eventual passenger demands. This is a once in a generation opportunity and to paralyse future transport options for Brisbane and south-east Queensland on political whimsy is seriously flawed."

"Brisbane bus issues can be fixed by implementing proper network review, and establishing proper bus priority on the surface network. Why waste billions of dollars?"

"If the BaT goes ahead as it is seem to be planned for, the end point will be a conga line of buses in the bus component similar to the Victoria Bridge bus conga lines.  Really, is this getting anywhere for the longer term?"

"Eventually electric bi-artic buses, or even a rubber tyred metro system will need to operate in the bus component of the tunnel to handle the pax loads. This means there be multiple transfers for bus passengers, the bus network will be forced to operate as a trunk and feeder model. Meanwhile, rail passengers will have seamless rides into the new underground stations."

"A serious question is:  Why is there no combined bus and train tunnel anywhere in the world?"

"The answer is obvious.  No other jurisdiction has been as stupid as Queensland appears to be."

"Questions on the planned operational aspects need comprehensive and detailed explanations before wasting billions of dollars!"

References:

1. Bus and rail tunnel all show and no substance: transport expert
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-and-rail-tunnel-all-show-and-no-substance-transport-expert-20131118-2xrab.html#ixzz3DDY3F0p7


Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg156843#msg156843

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th November 2015

The BaT is dead!

Good Morning,

SEQ Mayors in Canberra this week lobbying ...

No doubt Lord Mayor Quirk will be attempting to bat on for the BaT (bus and train tunnel).

We challenged the basis of the BaT in 2014, suggesting it was a very flawed project.  Bus network reform for Brisbane will save billions of dollars.  Tunnels and concrete is not always needed - how is that for a novel point of view?

See Media release --> 14 Sep 2014: SEQ: Will the BaT fly?

If there are any lingering doubts about the BaT, reflect on this Couriermail piece.

Couriermail --> Senior LNP figures say BaT Tunnel was former premier Campbell Newman's impossible dream




What needs to happen is the bus network for Brisbane needs to be reformed.  We have outlined an approach to achieving this:
Brisbane - bus network proposal 

It is a bus network solution, not the the solution.  A proper reform process with community engagement will result in the optimum network for all.

Cross River Rail is the project that stacks up and delivers the goods for SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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