13 Sep 2010: SEQ: Good preparation makes things run smoothly

[ozbob]

Media Release 13 September 2010

SEQ:  Good preparation makes things run smoothly

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 suggests that in the lead up to paper ticketing being abolished and new year fare price increases, that good preparation makes things run smoothly.

This year's situation when fares were significantly increased but various initiatives to improve the frequency or service levels were simply too late, left many commuters dissatisfied and shaking their heads in bemusement. Major fare increases should go hand-in-hand with service improvements.

Some reasons why public transport commuters were not happy:

* Bus and train frequency improvements not arriving for up to 6 months after fare increases
* Poor timing of the go card promotion, which was launched well after fares had increased and most passengers had already purchased go cards
* The opening of RBWH busway station, yet route 66 was not extended for 7 months, leading to overcrowding and long waits at Busway bus stations.

"From the beginning of 2011, fares will increase again and paper tickets will be abolished apparently."

"We urge that frequency improvements are planned and coordinated to go hand-in-hand with the planned fare increases and abolition of paper tickets. An improved fare structure for the go card is also needed."

"New timetables for trains with increased frequency (1), redesigned existing feeder bus routes (2) to rail with significantly boosted frequency and new BUZ services such as a BUZ 110, 300, 450 or overhauled 599/598 would be simple, quick and effective things to do for the 2011 new year, however planning needs to start now."

"Doing these things together will also make it easier to communicate the changes and make it worthwhile for TransLink's 'helping hands' to spread the message."

References:

1. SEQ: The Ipswich-Caboolture lines: Could these be Brisbane's first metro-like services?
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4376.0

2. SEQ: Improving transfer opportunities, improves the integration of the TransLink network
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4363.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[MrBusDriver]

Yes, i reckon the Go Card give away was poorly timed. The give away should started when the Fare increase came in.

With only a few months until paper tickets gone, you would think that the limited life Go Card would have launched by now.

[#Metro]