23 May 2009: Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to the 2009 Ekka

[ozbob]

Media Release 23 May 2009

SEQ:  Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to the 2009 Ekka!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users highlighted in 2008 and 2007 the fare cost discrimination against rail travel to the Ekka (1,2,3,4).  Travel by bus was free effectively but rail passengers were required to pay an additional fare.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Why was it that for the recent Ekkas QR Citytrain TransLink passengers who held regular tickets had to pay for an additional ticket cost; an add on fare, to travel to the Ekka, and bus passengers who held regular tickets did not? This was clearly indicated on the TransLink web site at the time."

"The apparent justification for this discrimination against rail passengers was that the Exhibition station is in a special stand alone zone. We said then that was 'spin' and nonsense and it still is.  It complicated the travel of regular ticket holders who had to fuss around and buy an additional ticket."

"Will Go card users be debited with an extra fare on bus and rail whilst other ticket holders on bus travel free?"

"Can the TransLink Transit Authority please make a timely statement as to what the public transport ticketing arrangements will be for the 2009 Ekka?"

"RAIL Back On Track calls for travel to the Ekka on bus and rail to be free from additional ticketing costs from the CBD to the Ekka bus stops and Exhibition station for anyone who has a ticket that covers zone 1!  This would encourage maximum use of public transport and help avoid road congestion and gridlock."

"Further more, the Exhibition loop line should be operated 52 weeks of the year, with an additional rail station at Normanby! (5)".

References:

1. 30 Jul 2008: SEQ: Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://railbotforum/mbs/index.php?topic=1194.msg5318#msg5318

2. 20 Jul 2008: SEQ - Make travel free for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1161.0

3. 2 Aug 2007: Stop cost discrimination against rail commuters for Ekka travel
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=179.0

4. 18 July 2007: QR Citytrains and Ekka 2007!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=165.0

5. Brisbane: Call for Inner South West Rail Loop service
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=990.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Ekka 2009 web site --> http://www.ekka.com.au/default.aspx

Nothing yet on the specific public transport arrangements .... and only 20 more sleeps before the Ekka! 

[ozbob]

Greetings,

Re-release, only 19 more sleeps to go for the EKKA!, and still no specific transport details.  We have again highlighted how rail commuters are ripped off with the Airtrain fiasco ( --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2491.0 ).  Will we see yet another year of bizarre public transport arrangements for the EKKA with rail users carrying the can once more, or will we see a pro-public transport approach that actually encourages folks to take the smart transport options and public transport fare revenue actually increase overall?

Don't hold your breath ....  we are definitely not living in the smart state any more ...

===================================

Media Release 23 May 2009 and 17 July 2009

SEQ:  Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to the 2009 Ekka!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users highlighted in 2008 and 2007 the fare cost discrimination against rail travel to the Ekka (1,2,3,4).  Travel by bus was free effectively but rail passengers were required to pay an additional fare.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Why was it that for the recent Ekkas QR Citytrain TransLink passengers who held regular tickets had to pay for an additional ticket cost; an add on fare, to travel to the Ekka, and bus passengers who held regular tickets did not? This was clearly indicated on the TransLink web site at the time."

"The apparent justification for this discrimination against rail passengers was that the Exhibition station is in a special stand alone zone. We said then that was 'spin' and nonsense and it still is.  It complicated the travel of regular ticket holders who had to fuss around and buy an additional ticket."

"Will Go card users be debited with an extra fare on bus and rail whilst other ticket holders on bus travel free?"

"Can the TransLink Transit Authority please make a timely statement as to what the public transport ticketing arrangements will be for the 2009 Ekka?"

"RAIL Back On Track calls for travel to the Ekka on bus and rail to be free from additional ticketing costs from the CBD to the Ekka bus stops and Exhibition station for anyone who has a ticket that covers zone 1!  This would encourage maximum use of public transport and help avoid road congestion and gridlock."

"Further more, the Exhibition loop line should be operated 52 weeks of the year, with an additional rail station at Normanby! (5)".

References:

1. 30 Jul 2008: SEQ: Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1194.msg5318#msg5318

2. 20 Jul 2008: SEQ - Make travel free for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1161.0

3. 2 Aug 2007: Stop cost discrimination against rail commuters for Ekka travel
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=179.0

4. 18 July 2007: QR Citytrains and Ekka 2007!
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=165.0

5. Brisbane: Call for Inner South West Rail Loop service
http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=990.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Business as usual for Ekka, says RNA chief

Business as usual for Ekka, says RNA chief

Simon O'Brien
July 17, 2009 - 5:46AM

Despite a double-whammy of swine flu and the global financial crisis threatening to curtail Ekka fun, organisers say it will be business as usual.

One day after the H1N1 virus claimed its first Queensland life, RNA chief executive Jonathan Tunny maintained the show would go ahead without extra measures to mitigate the flu's spread or educate the public.

"We've been working very closely with Queensland Health since April of this year," Mr Tunny said yesterday at the Ekka's 2009 official launch. "Their advice to us is it is business as usual, so our team are working full steam ahead.

"If you look at our grounds here it is 22 hectares, we are out in the open, and many of our exhibitions spaces are also, so what we are saying is if you (are willing to) catch the train, go to work, go shopping, go to the movies, go to the footy, then come along and spend a day at the show.

"But (we would say) practice good personal hygiene  and I think Queenslanders have got the common sense to do just that."

Mr Tunny also shrugged off suggestions Brisbanites who have been hit in the hip pocket by the global financial crisis might avoid the show when it kicks off on August 6.

A brisbanetimes.com.au survey of 2009 Ekka prices showed an average family was likely to spend about $260 for a day at the show.

However, Mr Tunny argued the Ekka was a good value form of entertainment for families, and early ticket sales and competition entries suggested the final figures at the gate would be similar to those seen last year  about 500,000.

Meanwhile, the RNA is promoting the 2009 show as the last chance to enjoy the Ekka in its current format before a 15-year overhaul of the showgrounds begins.

The makeover will eventually see the area become a 315,000 square metre mixed-use precinct, open to the public for use all year.

The RNA says it will revitalise the area and complement the CBD, Fortitude Valley Spring Hill, Bowen Hills and the Royal Brisbane Hospital surrounds, while maintaining the site's original character and historical heritage.

Mr Tunny said this year's show would also see some new-comers, including sideshow alley ride the Sky Flyer  a tower which swings passengers back and forth 35 metres above the ground while also spinning them at 60km an hour - and the Little Miracles Newborn Corner  where visitors can see lambs born and spend their first weeks.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4

TransLink slams Ekka rail shame



Interesting twist.  I still think though in this case that making rail travel part of normal zone one ticketing may actually work more favourably and get more people onto public transport overall, which will cover the additional fare from CBD to Exhibition on rail.   Still we tried ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 18 July 2009

SEQ:  TransLink and Government fail to grasp the big picture for public transport to the Ekka

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 said that TransLink and the Queensland Government have failed to properly think through public transport arrangements for the Ekka.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It was confirmed in Brisbane media yesterday that Exhibition patrons who travel by rail direct to the Exhibition by rail will again have to pay an additional fare for the CBD to Exhibition leg.  Bus passengers will not pay this additional fare (1)."

"The RNA does not want to include a public transport surcharge in its ticket prices.  TransLink and Government need to look at the Exhibition as a special situation.  It is potentially a huge public transport journey generator.  Exhibition station is in zone one.  RAIL Back On Track has consistently called for a policy that is consistent with normal TransLink ticketing (2).  If a patron has a ticket that covers zone one they should not have to pay for an additional fare.  If you stop and think this through this is smart. If this was the policy it would actively encourage people to seamlessly take rail to the Exhibition.  As it is, many people break their journey at the CBD and transfer to the free buses.  Idiotic, and typically another demonstration of what is wrong with public transport in south-east Queensland."

"Other cities such as Melbourne and Sydney do not put surcharges on for travel to their exhibitions (shows).  They are truly smart and actively encourage patrons onto public transport.  Queensland is in a transport backwater!  By encouraging patrons to take public transport fare revenue overall would increase, and costs of road congestion and damage and environmental impacts will be lessened, and the reduced injury and death on roads would more than compensate for any notional loss of surcharge fares."

"This policy of requiring an extra fare for the Exhibition leg is also very confusing to public transport users.  They rightly expect if they have a ticket covering zone one, they can travel to a station that is in zone one.  Last year, I noticed Transit TransLink Officers on the Exhibition services first day of the Exhibition ready to pounce on unsuspecting patrons who having their normal ticket that covers zone one ticket but not the additional leg, are sitting ducks for a $200 fare evasion fine.  Acceptable?  Course not, and a sad indictment on our authorities and another reason for patrons to avoid public transport.  These practices build anti-public transport and anti-government resentment in the community."

"With the redevelopment of the Exhibition area generally, regular rail services will need to be introduced on the Exhibition loop.  This will then be normal zone 1 travel.  Why are we so backward?"

"RAIL Back On Track calls on the Minister for Transport to bite the bullet and put in place a common sense public transport policy for the Exhibition.  If a patron has a ticket that covers zone one, they should be allowed to travel free of further additional fare surcharges on their journey from the CBD to Ekka leg on all public transport!"

Reference:

1.  TransLink slams Ekka rail shame Brisbane Mx 17th July 2009 page 4
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.msg12161#msg12161

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/event.php?id=43

[WTN]

How confusing is the ticketing section of that page.  It's a bit of a headache to read.  Just slotting Exhibition station into zone 1 would solve all that.  I can't agree more with Bob.

There's also the "non-gazetted" holiday catch.  While there will be weekday timetable running (good), it's a trap for unsuspecting offpeak travellers unless it's made very prominent.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th June 2010

Greetings,

We have noted the excellent public transport arrangements for rail to the  Caravan, Camping and Leisure Holiday Show (--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3947.msg28122#msg28122 ) using Exhibition loop rail services.  Importantly these services are free.  We can only assume that the organisers have contributed to the cost and applaud such initiatives.

For the past three years, we have highlighted the perception of inequity for the additional cost of rail travel from the CBD to the Exhibition.  It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma.

We hope for 2010 that the travel arrangements for the Caravan, Camping and Leisure Holiday Show can be repeated for the forthcoming Ekka!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
Rail Back On Track

===========

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2009 Media Release

Media Release 23 May 2009

SEQ:  Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to the 2009 Ekka!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users highlighted in 2008 and 2007 the fare cost discrimination against rail travel to the Ekka (1,2,3,4).  Travel by bus was free effectively but rail passengers were required to pay an additional fare.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Why was it that for the recent Ekkas QR Citytrain TransLink passengers who held regular tickets had to pay for an additional ticket cost; an add on fare, to travel to the Ekka, and bus passengers who held regular tickets did not? This was clearly indicated on the TransLink web site at the time."

"The apparent justification for this discrimination against rail passengers was that the Exhibition station is in a special stand alone zone. We said then that was 'spin' and nonsense and it still is.  It complicated the travel of regular ticket holders who had to fuss around and buy an additional ticket."

"Will Go card users be debited with an extra fare on bus and rail whilst other ticket holders on bus travel free?"

"Can the TransLink Transit Authority please make a timely statement as to what the public transport ticketing arrangements will be for the 2009 Ekka?"

"RAIL Back On Track calls for travel to the Ekka on bus and rail to be free from additional ticketing costs from the CBD to the Ekka bus stops and Exhibition station for anyone who has a ticket that covers zone 1!  This would encourage maximum use of public transport and help avoid road congestion and gridlock."

"Further more, the Exhibition loop line should be operated 52 weeks of the year, with an additional rail station at Normanby! (5)".

References:

1. 30 Jul 2008: SEQ: Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://railbotforum/mbs/index.php?topic=1194.msg5318#msg5318

2. 20 Jul 2008: SEQ - Make travel free for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1161.0

3. 2 Aug 2007: Stop cost discrimination against rail commuters for Ekka travel
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=179.0

4. 18 July 2007: QR Citytrains and Ekka 2007!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=165.0

5. Brisbane: Call for Inner South West Rail Loop service
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=990.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

EDIT: Just read the newspaper article.

Is it really that expensive to run trains there? $7 per person?
Charging full translink fares IMHO is not what should happen if it is not a TL zone.
They should charge (the RNA? pax?) enough to cover charges etc of running trains there, and that's it.

[ozbob]

There are free shuttle buses.  People swap to the buses ....   point is if they make normal ticketing more people will use public transport (seamless) less congestion, less crowding on the buses, less pollution, less road trauma.   As a community we are ahead.  The RNA hasn't contributed in the past (maybe they might see the light this year) but that doesn't stop the free buses.  The costings are bull ...  Other states eg Melbourne and Sydney have seamless rail into their shows (equivalent of the Ekka's)  Brisbane is still behind the times ...  the fare box will be increased if they use their brains (big ask I know  ).

[ozbob]

The fare farce continues ...

Public transport tickets and fares to the Ekka   --> http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

A zone one station that is not a zone one station, roll up roll up!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2010

Greetings

The fare farce continues ...

Public transport tickets and fares to the Ekka   --> http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

Sydney and Melbourne get it right.  Brisbane?  Still fail to grasp the big picture.

A zone one station that is not a zone one station, roll up roll up!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

==============

Sent to all outlets:

10th June 2010

Greetings,

We have noted the excellent public transport arrangements for rail to the  Caravan, Camping and Leisure Holiday Show (--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3947.msg28122#msg28122 ) using Exhibition loop rail services.  Importantly these services are free.  We can only assume that the organisers have contributed to the cost and applaud such initiatives.

For the past three years, we have highlighted the perception of inequity for the additional cost of rail travel from the CBD to the Exhibition.  It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma.

We hope for 2010 that the travel arrangements for the Caravan, Camping and Leisure Holiday Show can be repeated for the forthcoming Ekka!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
Rail Back On Track

===========

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2009 Media Release

Media Release 23 May 2009

SEQ:  Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to the 2009 Ekka!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users highlighted in 2008 and 2007 the fare cost discrimination against rail travel to the Ekka (1,2,3,4).  Travel by bus was free effectively but rail passengers were required to pay an additional fare.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Why was it that for the recent Ekkas QR Citytrain TransLink passengers who held regular tickets had to pay for an additional ticket cost; an add on fare, to travel to the Ekka, and bus passengers who held regular tickets did not? This was clearly indicated on the TransLink web site at the time."

"The apparent justification for this discrimination against rail passengers was that the Exhibition station is in a special stand alone zone. We said then that was 'spin' and nonsense and it still is.  It complicated the travel of regular ticket holders who had to fuss around and buy an additional ticket."

"Will Go card users be debited with an extra fare on bus and rail whilst other ticket holders on bus travel free?"

"Can the TransLink Transit Authority please make a timely statement as to what the public transport ticketing arrangements will be for the 2009 Ekka?"

"RAIL Back On Track calls for travel to the Ekka on bus and rail to be free from additional ticketing costs from the CBD to the Ekka bus stops and Exhibition station for anyone who has a ticket that covers zone 1!  This would encourage maximum use of public transport and help avoid road congestion and gridlock."

"Further more, the Exhibition loop line should be operated 52 weeks of the year, with an additional rail station at Normanby! (5)".

References:

1. 30 Jul 2008: SEQ: Make travel seamless for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://railbotforum/mbs/index.php?topic=1194.msg5318#msg5318

2. 20 Jul 2008: SEQ - Make travel free for all from Brisbane CBD to 2008 Ekka!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1161.0

3. 2 Aug 2007: Stop cost discrimination against rail commuters for Ekka travel
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=179.0

4. 18 July 2007: QR Citytrains and Ekka 2007!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=165.0

5. Brisbane: Call for Inner South West Rail Loop service
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=990.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Golliwog]

Interesting though, the ekka 2010 translink page says that if you're only catching the train to or from the exhibition station to Roma St, Central or Fortitude valley then there is no add on, but if you go anywhere else there is. But is this going to be just like the Airport extra fares, so if you touch off, wait and then touch back on at any of those stations will you cop the extra fare?

[ozbob]

You will pay an extra fare regardless.  The readers at Exhibition are no doubt hard coded as a 'special' zone.  Different circumstance to the Airtrain.

The basic issue is the RNA won't come to the party.  Rather then encouraging public transport they are happy to gouge with car parking etc. The buses are effectively free as impossible to really charge etc.  but rail is captive.  The arrangements each year are just dumb, TransLink does try to set up seamless travel but it is the RNA that is the issue.  The Exhibition is something I no longer bother with, but good luck to those who do.  Catch the train to the Valley and walk, exercise does one good.  You will feel better!   

[ozbob]

Media Release 31st July 2010

SEQ:  Walk to the Ekka rail passengers

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 again highlighted the failure of the Brisbane Exhibition to properly support public transport travel to and from the Exhibition (1).  Travel by bus incurs no extra fare for public transport commuters transferring but rail passengers are required to pay an additional fare to travel from the CBD to the Exhibition station as well as the normal fare to and from the CBD (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Shows in Melbourne and Sydney, the equivalent of the Brisbane Exhibition include public transport travel to and from the shows as part of the admission ticket.  This is sensible and actually encourages more patrons to attend the shows.  This is a lesson that the Brisbane Exhibition organisers fail to grasp.  No doubt the car parking 'gouge' has something to do with it."

"Each year, rail passengers are slugged an extra fare, bus passengers are not (1).  We suggest that this year rail passengers, if able, detrain at Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills railway stations and walk to the Exhibition.  The active transport will do you good and passengers will have the satisfaction of not having to pay the additional fare costs.  Alternatively detrain at Central or Roma St and make use of the  buses. Transfer within the hour and you can travel free with your go card and seamlessly with a valid paper ticket."

"The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association was slammed by TransLink in 2009 (3) for the failure to support proper public transport arrangements, and for the 2010 the Brisbane Exhibition is still in a state of denial. It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition railway station was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma. Attendance at the Exhibition would also be improved no doubt.  As it is, the travel arrangements are absurd and anti-public transport."


References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

3.  TransLink slams Ekka rail shame Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.msg12161#msg12161

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Golliwog]

I must admit everytime I've caught the train to the ekka, I've almost always walked too and from Bowen Hills station. It's not hard and you avoid the stupidity of the extra fare.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 4th August 2010 page 2

Travel hit for Ekka

[ozbob]

Sydney gets it right again ..

http://www.cityrail.info/travelling_with/events/110414-easter_show

Thursday 14 to Wednesday 27 April 2011

Sydney Showground

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is Australia's largest annual event, an iconic showcase of Australian culture, heritage and excellence - combining innovation, heritage, education and entertainment.

Here's why a CityRail train is the most convenient way to get to this year's Show:

    Olympic Park Station is right next door to the Sydney Showground
    We're operating additional services between Central and Olympic Park throughout the Show
    A ShowLink ticket, available from your local station, covers return public transport and show entry.

[ozbob]

Media Release 29 April 2011

SEQ:  Will the 2011 Ekka be a public transport enlightenment?

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 highlighted for a number of years the failure of the Brisbane Exhibition to properly support public transport travel to and from the Exhibition (1).  Travel by bus has in the past incurred no extra fare for public transport commuters transferring but rail passengers have been required to pay an additional fare to travel from the CBD to the Exhibition station as well as the normal fare to and from the CBD (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Shows in Melbourne and Sydney, the equivalent of the Brisbane Exhibition include public transport travel to and from the shows as part of the admission ticket.  This is sensible and actually encourages more patrons to attend the shows.  This is a lesson that the Brisbane Exhibition organisers fail to grasp.  No doubt the car parking 'gouge' has something to do with it."

"For the past years, rail passengers have been slugged an extra fare, bus passengers were not (1).  We have suggested in the past that  rail passengers, if able, detrain at Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills railway stations and walk to the Exhibition.  The active transport does them good and passengers will have the satisfaction of not having to pay the additional fare costs.  Alternatively they detrained at Central or Roma St and made use of the buses."

"The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association was slammed by TransLink in 2009 (3) for the failure to support proper public transport arrangements, and for the 2010 the Brisbane Exhibition it was still in a state of denial. It would be the benefit to all if Exhibition railway station was treated as a normal zone one station and ticketing was made seamless.  This would encourage maximum utilisation of public transport to and from the Ekka, and in so doing actually saving the community in terms of reduced congestion and less road trauma. Attendance at the Exhibition would also be improved no doubt.  As it is, the travel arrangements in the past for the Ekka have been absurd and anti-public transport. Contrast this to the public transport arrangements for the recent 2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show (4) "

"Will there be a public transport enlightenment for the 2011 Ekka? Or will south-east Queensland remain as a public transport backwater?"

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.0

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/ekka2010_fares.php#addon

3.  TransLink slams Ekka rail shame Brisbane mX 17th July 2009 page 4 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2316.msg12161#msg12161

4.  2011 Sydney Royal Easter Show http://www.eastershow.com.au/Plan/public-transport.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org