Article: No risk to SEQ's trains despite tense talks

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

No risk to SEQ's trains despite tense talks

No risk to SEQ's trains despite tense talks
Tony Moore
June 26, 2009 - 5:30AM

There is no risk of train delays despite tense negotiations for the next service agreement, says the manager of South-East Queensland's buses, trains and ferries.

The existing contract between Queensland Rail and TransLink expires on June 30, but TransLink has insisted rail commuters in the region will not be affected.

"There will be no impact to customer services as funding for services will continue while negotiations are on-going," a spokesman said.

Translink is the semi-government authority which manages 18 contracts to supply buses, trains and ferries in South-East Queensland.

As part of the service agreement, Queensland Rail must ensure at least 92.4 per cent of passenger rail services reach their destination on time.

It was fined $6.7 million for not meeting this mark in 2007-08.

Queensland Rail was also below the performance standard in the March 2009 quarter.

Delays last month were expected to make it difficult to meet requirements in the 2008-09 financial year.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday afternoon confirmed a commercial agreement had not yet been signed.

"Queensland Rail and Translink are currently in negotiations for the next service contract," Ms Nolan said.

"There will, of course be some argy-bargy in that negotiation process."

She said her role as Minister was to make sure services were continually improved and that rail commuters got best value from the money invested into Queensland Rail.

"That is what this process is about. My role is not to do the day-to-day negotiation."

TransLink declined to comment on the negotiation process.

[ozbob]

Media Release 26 June 2009

SEQ:  Service agreements, railways and spin

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 expressed alarm at media reports this morning that the service agreement for ongoing Citytrain services between TransLink and QR Passenger is still not in place for the next financial year (1).  This is despite assurances by Government, Premier, Minister for Transport and the  Treasurer of further improvements in Citytrain services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"When the Premier was announcing the sale of Queensland taxpayers assets, there were firm commitments for improved services in passenger rail services."

"Why is it that the service agreement between TransLink and QR Passenger is still not in place?  Are there attempts to cut funding for QR Passenger services?  This would be a disaster, particularly now in the context of the documentation of the flawed urban congestion management that has been inflicted on south-east Queensland by Queensland Transport, TransLink and the Government."

"Fining QR Passenger for late running trains is lunacy!  Network control is not under QR Passenger control.  How often we are stuck in trains behind coal and other freight trains. How often do errant motorists drive into boom gates?  Why hasn't the maintenance of the track, power and signal systems been kept up to speed? The Government is happy to siphon off the revenue from coal and freight and but reluctant to actually resource QR Passenger and the suburban network properly.  If you want to fine QR Passenger how about fining TransLink for the abysmal roll out of the go card?"

"Fare evasion is rampant on the TransLink network, all modes.  Only this morning I observed FIVE TransLink Transit Officers chatting and half heartedly checking tickets at the one paper ticket exit at Roma St station.  Why aren't these Officers out on the buses, ferries and trains actually doing real efforts to counter fare evasion? (2)

"Citizens are concerned.  What on earth is going on?"

Reference:

1.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/no-risk-to-seqs-trains-despite-tense-talks-20090625-cy61.html

2.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2377.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Still no updates on this article above.  Does an agreement have to be in place by the COB today, tomorrow being a new financial year?

[ozbob]

Well, trains running today!  I hope there is some public statement today, new financial year!