25 June 2009: SEQ: Public transport commuters welcome ...

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Media Release 25 June 2009

SEQ:  Public transport commuters welcome promised public transport improvements

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the Premier's and Minister for Transport's indication that public transport services will be improved.  Why wait six months though for yet another bureaucratic effort from Queensland Transport as they attempt to map out a congestion management plan? What guarantee is there that they will actually put together a coherent plan?  Past performances indicate they have failed the Queensland community. What is needed is action today.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The recent audit of urban transport is proof positive of why we need to do something today (1). Increases in funding for all modes of public transport must be made available immediately.  Restrictions on services lifted and let the operators get on with the job. A scan of train frequencies around the world in similar cities to Brisbane reveals we are indeed a transport backwater (2). South-east Queensland has a pathetic train frequency.  This causes problems with connecting bus services and acts as a major disincentive for commuters to leave their cars."

"Rail has the capacity to make a real impact on easing the congestion.  Rather than restricting rail services we should move rapidly to a 15 minute off peak frequency on all lines.  Peak times 7 minutes or better.  This will in turn help move people off the roads and onto sustainable public transport.  More feeder buses running to key rail and bus stations is essential.  High frequency rail services will overcome the present problems of bus/rail and rail/bus integration."

"Neglecting rail and focussing on roads and a bus-centric transport system has failed, clearly.  The answer is of course is to do what the rest of the world does.  Use the respective transport modes properly.  The overall savings and benefits in terms of reduced congestion costs, less environmental impacts and costs, and  less cost impacts on health are overwhelming."

"What are we waiting for?"

References:

1. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/docs/find.aspx?id=5309T463

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2410.msg11746#msg11746

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org