Public Transport - The Hidden Statistics

[Derwan]

Just posted this on my website.  Thought it would be relevant here too:

Each month we see statistics on how many buses left passengers stranded at bus stops because the buses were full. We see packed trains that couldn't possibly fit another person on. Even the ferries are leaving passengers behind.

But what about the hidden statistics? How many people drive to the city because they don't want to run the risk of getting left behind at a bus stop or be cramped on an overcrowded train? The situation is a lot worse than what is apparent.

The State Government and City Council are addressing the overcrowding issue by introducing new trains, buses and ferries. But are they only accounting for the statistics that are measurable? If they really want to address overcrowding issues - and perhaps some traffic issues at the same time - they need to go above and beyond the current patronage and make public transport attractive to everyone.

Only then can they consider options to reduce traffic in the city itself such as capping parking availability or my suggestion of a city-toll.

[ozbob]

Thanks for your comments Derwan. 

Exactly, we must get Government and Queensland Transport to shift from catch-up to proactive development.  At the Courier Mail Forum the other week the Lord Mayor and Deputy Premier both remarked that it is necessary to roll out transport infrastructure ahead of the game.

The obstinacy of Queensland Transport re the construction of stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes on the Darra to Springfield line is an exemplar of their constrained planning processes and short term thinking. (See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=246.0 for background).

RAIL Back On Track has already called for an additional  new 22 3 car suburban sets to be ordered to add to the new 44 3 car sets progressively being deployed.

The 44 3 car sets will not be enough, now is the time to ramp up rail to allow the service frequencies on all lines that will be desperately needed.

South East Queensland is paying a high price for not rolling out heavy rail extensions prior to population developments.   Is it too late?   I think not, but we need some changes at the top.  Time they got focussed off their limo's, free car park spaces and luxury offices and onto the real community  transport needs.

Better still, remove all Government cars and free parking spaces and offer public transport as for the rest of us ...

Regards
Ozbob