5 Nov 2007: Airtrain key to easing congestion on roads to Brisbane Airport

[ozbob]

Media Release 5 November 2007

Brisbane:  Airtrain key to easing congestion on roads to Brisbane Airport

RAIL - Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail and public transport throughout Australia has again called on the Queensland State Government to take over the railway line to Brisbane Airport, and bring on Citytrain services that have the same fare structure and timetable hours, and service frequency as for rest of the network (Reference 1, 2 and 3).  This would then encourage massive increases in passenger numbers and go a long way to relieving the chronic road traffic congestion associated with Brisbane Airport and the general airport precinct.

Robert Dow said:

"The service to the Brisbane Airport uses Queensland Rail Citytrains.  The cost of the travel from the City to the Airport is at a cost that actively discourages people from using it.  It should be urgently brought into the same fare structure as for the rest of metropolitan railway network.

"The Airport effectively lies in Zone 3.  This equates to a normal fare of $3.20 from Central compared to the present $13 Airtrain fare.  It is this cost differential that results in near empty trains, and because of that a decrease in train frequency and service hours, which in turn leads to fewer passengers.  An irreversible slide.

"Trains need to run when actually needed.  The late start and early finish of the present Airtrain services is farcical.  The keys to successful public transport are accessibility; high service frequency and extended hours of operation, and it must also be affordable for the community.

"If the State Government took back management from Airtrain City Link Ltd, or at least subsidised the fares to normal fare structure, the trains would be well patronised and be available for not only domestic and international passengers, but also for people employed in the airport precinct. Hours of operation must be also be extended.

"Congestion on the airport roundabout and Gateway would be eased, and give some space for decent long term solutions.  Those who do need to drive could do so in timely and safe manner, the majority will relax on rail!? said Robert Dow Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

References:

1. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=31.0

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=234.0

3. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=253.0

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org