21 Mar 2011: SEQ: Rail can be frequent too

[ozbob]

Media release 21 March 2011

SEQ: Rail can be frequent too

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 believes that South East Queensland will not have a 'world class' public transport system until off-peak rail frequency, bus connections with bus-rail interchanges and feeder services are improved.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"SEQ has a very extensive rail system, in fact we have five times the number of train stations than busway stations. Five times! And over half of those stations are located within the Brisbane City Council area. Compared to the South East busway, our rail system is a great piece of totally underutilised public transport infrastructure. We like to call it 'the busway on steel wheels' because that's how it should be operated, with frequent 15 minute services in both directions with genuinely connecting buses exiting the train station like in Perth. 15 minute frequency to many stations can be done on current infrastructure using existing trains, there is no need to wait for extensions or Cross River Rail to do this.

"We refer to a comment by the CEO of TransLink made a few weeks ago: (1) 'There are aspects of our network, such as the busways and river services, that are already world class, and it won't be too long before the Go Card ticketing system is also rated alongside the best in the world.'"

"While we support TransLink's endeavours to make public transport 'world class', the glaring omission in that statement is the lack of a world-class rail system. Why do the busways get mentioned and the rail system does not, despite having five times the number of train stations, and with over half those train stations being inside the Brisbane City Council area?"

"Nobody wants to mention the word 'RAIL' because the frequency of service offered on it is so bad. We want to see this turned around, just like Perth has managed to do. We should be able to say that our rail system is world-class with world class frequency of service."

"It is becoming increasingly clear that the Brisbane Transport model is breaking down.  Constrained by council boundaries, petty disputes between the BCC and the State Government are stalling proper public transport development.  The duplication and competition of services provided both by bus and rail constrains growth and contributes to the poor fare box return. Integration of the public transport network in south-east Queensland is a myth."

Reference:

1. Fares are Fair, TransLink boss insists
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/fares-are-fair-translink-boss-insists-20110302-1beqg.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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