18 Aug 2010: SEQ: Additional initiatives required ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 18th August 2010

SEQ: Additional initiatives required to make rail and bus stations safer

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 additional initiatives to make our trains, buses and train and bus stations safer.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Whilst the level of assaults on public transport is lower than across the general community, the current safety initiatives do not directly address the safety of the train and bus station surroundings particularly those with large car parking areas. Isolated park and ride stations are also a potential security risk.  RAIL Back On Track members sympathies go out to the victims of recent attacks, but unfortunately a CCTV camera is cold comfort to an assault victim and the Railway Squad cannot be on every train and at every station. Nonetheless we welcome the commitment to more Queensland Police Service members for the rail squad (1)."

"Additional initiatives are required to ensure our train stations are surrounded by active and vibrant plazas, restaurants, greens, shops, apartments and local businesses.  Our stations should be the centre piece of the local community not just a 7am to 6pm car park.  Translink, Queensland Rail and local Councils should jointly call for expression of interests for the redevelopment of all railway stations and associated car parking stations including the upgrading of the station itself.  Real Estate analysts have recently highlighted the additional value proximity to public transport brings and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects such as Buranda, Milton, Fitzgibbon and Varsity Lakes clearly demonstrate there is a great level of interest in such developments. Station buses to and from local suburbs to the stations are needed to relieve parking pressures throughout south-east Queensland (2).

"The current Park 'n' Ride projects http://www.translink.com.au/planningprojects.php should also be reviewed with a goal of converting them in potential TOD sites, and incorporating a secure parking area for after-hours use."

"RAIL Back On Track recently called for an increase in train frequency on all lines as the most important factor to encourage public transport use is that services must be frequent, bottom line (3).  Increased patronage particularly outside the peak periods increases safety both onboard trains and at train stations."

References:

1. Bligh Government committed to rail safety http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=71102

2. Car parking, solutions? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=532.0

3. SEQ:  It's 'frequency' stupid ... http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4169.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4264.0