16 Nov 2011: SEQ: Public transport gain amongst the pain

[ozbob]

Media release 16 November 2011

SEQ: Public transport gain amongst the pain

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 welcomed the opening of the Northern Busway's Federation street overpass, and a new trial Doomben train in the evening.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the announcement that an extra Doomben train has been added departing Roma Street at 7:01 pm. The Doomben line will become very important in the future as Brisbane's 'next South Bank' Hamilton Northshore is developed (1,2). The line itself is already prepared for amplification, and despite the geographical route taken by the train, comparisons with the route 305 bus show that the train is up to 13 minutes faster than bus in peak hour."

"This is not surprising since buses have to battle congestion in the CBD, Fortitude Valley and all along Kingsford Smith Drive whereas Doomben trains have their own dedicated right of way separate from cars. Upgrading and extending the Doomben line into North Shore is a much more sensible and economical transport solution than high-pollution, high-toll, high traffic multi-billion dollar car tunnels and bypasses."

"RAIL Back On Track also welcomes the opening of the Federation street overpass. The Northern busway will be an important transport asset as Gympie Road continues to clog with traffic despite it's enormous number of lanes. We look forward to the completion of the Northern Busway and just wish to point out that 'BUZification' of the 330 to Bracken Ridge need not wait for the opening of the busway to proceed."

"As RAIL Back On Track has always said, services must be frequent, bottom line."

References:

1. http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/11/less-doomben-gloom-and-more-busway-zoom.html

2. North Shore Doomben Line http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4852.0

Contact:

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