15 Sep 2007: Brisbane - Public transport must be a key priority

[ozbob]

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 15 September 2007

Brisbane:  Public transport must be a key priority

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has called on the Premier of Queensland to match words with action.

Robert Dow said:

?Premier Anna Bligh has said ?Public transport has to be a really key priority?.  RAIL Back On Track agrees with the Premier but would like to paraphrase as ?Public transport MUST be a key priority?

?Lack of proactive public transport development particularly rail is now hitting hard in terms of congestion on public transport, and further impacting as congestion on the roads.

?The Citytrain network has only recently started to be expanded to start to match demographic changes.  Presently 44 new 3 car Citytrain units are being introduced.  This will increase capacity in general terms by about 30%, but this is not enough.  A further twenty two 3 car units should be ordered now to allow service frequencies to match demands down the track.

?The proposed Darra to Springfield line should be fast tracked, as well as the triplication of the line from Corinda to Darra and then on Redbank.  This would allow increased express services reducing pressure on Ipswich highway.

?The railway line from Petri to Kippa-Ring should be started as soon as possible.

?The Brisbane City Council is struggling to maintain adequate bus and river transport services.  Recent initiatives are welcome but in the longer term there are limits to the number of buses that can be introduced due to traffic and bus congestion, particularly in the CBD.  The inner northern busway will offer some improvements but in the longer term it will be necessary to continue and accelerate the heavy rail ramp up with CBD underground extensions.

?Brisbane is paying a huge cost for not laying railway lines in growth areas, and it is now time to step up implementation of new lines and services.  Looming energy crises make this essential.

?A related issue is lack of parking at rail and bus stations.  The only sensible sustainable solution will be to have local loop buses and mini-buses to ferry citizens to and from home to key train and bus stations. Otherwise, the suburbs are just going to be massive car parks.

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