26 July 2009: SEQ: Who is the public transport non performer?

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Media Release 26th July 2009

SEQ: Who is the public transport non performer?

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 called for increased funding for all public transport operators to allow them to put in place additional services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The latest quarterly Queensland Public Transport Customer Satisfaction Research Program survey confirms the need for more services, particularly on rail and bus (1).

"Dissatisfaction with affordability of public transport is a reflection of the slow roll out of the go card and the introduction of fares that equal or better paper tickets (2).  The go card offers a great opportunity for incentive fares; early, late and off peak fares, which will also assist in peak congestion management.  A high uptake of the go card will improve public transport efficiency."

"Public transport is a much more cost effective option for the community compared to high-capacity road systems. The cost of the roads is highly sensitive to the number of road users; each additional user adds to the rapidly increasing costs of the system. The cost of public transport is more or less the same regardless of patronage, so that if more people use the system, the cost per passenger actually diminishes. Public transport revenue increases with more passengers, it is clearly economic to invest more monies in public transport."

"The Queensland Auditor General's report on urban congestion has confirmed what most commuters already know before the release of the quarterly survey.  We need more rail, bus and ferry services during the day and night.  Rail can be ramped up almost immediately if funded.  This will give some immediate relief from the nightmare that is the road gridlock as bulk mass transit capacity will be gained.  Use of feeder buses to key stations will also help ease the car parking crisis, a major issue for citizens and local government.  As commuters move to public transport the car parking issues will be further exacerbated."

"The focus on roads and a bus centric public transport system over the last ten years in south-east Queensland has failed.  There must be a balanced ramp up of all modes our public transport to provide a seamless integrated transport system. Rail has a lot of potential capacity.  The Minister for Transport commented recently that urban rail in south-east Queensland is the second fastest growing rail system in terms of patronage increase in the world.  QR Passenger have done a great job with the limited resources they have had at their disposal.  With a properly resourced rail service we can move into a much more integrated and sustainable public transport world."

"All modes need an immediate increase in funding to allow the prompt introduction of additional services and for our operators to be able to respond directly to service demands. Restrictions on public transport operators are not the way to move forward!"

"Why is the Boggo Road busway only to have three routes utilising it? (3).  Why haven't we seen additional PM peak services on the QR Citytrain Ipswich and Caboolture lines when these could be implemented immediately?  Why has the go card roll out stalled?  Who is the public transport non performer?"

References:

1. http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/eb837a02f9c592d/QConnect_Total_QLD_Report_2009_Jan_Mar.pdf

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2528.0

3. http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=55

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org