16 Oct 2014: SEQ: Real time tracking, buses, trains, trams and ferries welcomed!

[ozbob]

Media release 16th October 2014

SEQ: Real time tracking, buses, trains, trams and ferries welcomed!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has welcomed today's announcement of real time tracking roll out (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Much of south-east Queensland has poor service frequency.  It is very useful to be able to check real time where the bus, train, tram or ferry actually is and when it will arrive."

"For example, standing at my local bus stop at Curnow St Goodna, waiting for the 524 bus can be bit of mystery.  A one hour out of peak frequency (30 min peak) means if the bus does not show, it is difficult to know what to do.  Is the bus late, has it been cancelled?  With real time tracking at least there is a chance of making a rational decision."

"Real time bus tracking will be of great benefit to all, but particularly in areas of low service frequency (2)."

"Thanks to TransLink, Cubic and the Queensland Government for advancing this initiative."

References:

1. http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/569-real-time-to-roll-out-in-south-east-queensland.html

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10885.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10885.msg147574#msg147574

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th October 2014

Re: SEQ: Real time tracking, buses, trains, trams and ferries welcomed!

Greetings,

Rolling out real time tracking is without doubt a very positive move.

However there are some questions that need to be asked, and hopefully some answers forthcoming.

Are the next stop displays, a feature of the trial system e.g. on Logan Buses,  going to be part of the new system?  These are very useful, it seems the displays may not.



Next stop display on board a 552 bus.  Photograph R Dow 30th September 2014

The next generation ticketing project is due in 2016.  Does the roll out of the 3000 odd new Cubic consoles mean that Cubic has the next generation ticketing project?  Not necessarily a bad thing as Cubic has introduced open payment and other smart options on systems elsewhere.  But it does seem as usual the full story is not being told.

Once upon a time, media used to seek balance and move past Ministerial Statements.  I guess there is not enough writer staff left to do that.  The 'spin army of staffers' just grows meanwhile.

Spin is the common denominator of mediocrity in public policy.

The fare system for SEQ is diabolical, high cost and anti-public transport.  We can only hope that as we move to the next generation ticketing system, proper public consultation as to ticketing options is undertaken and an equitable, balanced fare system that drives patronage around the clock, that also improves the fare box is implemented.

Have a nice weekend!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 16th October 2014

SEQ: Real time tracking, buses, trains, trams and ferries welcomed!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has welcomed today's announcement of real time tracking roll out (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Much of south-east Queensland has poor service frequency.  It is very useful to be able to check real time where the bus, train, tram or ferry actually is and when it will arrive."

"For example, standing at my local bus stop at Curnow St Goodna, waiting for the 524 bus can be bit of mystery.  A one hour out of peak frequency (30 min peak) means if the bus does not show, it is difficult to know what to do.  Is the bus late, has it been cancelled?  With real time tracking at least there is a chance of making a rational decision."

"Real time bus tracking will be of great benefit to all, but particularly in areas of low service frequency (2)."

"Thanks to TransLink, Cubic and the Queensland Government for advancing this initiative."

References:

1. http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/569-real-time-to-roll-out-in-south-east-queensland.html

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10885.0

Contact:

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