Article and discussion: No-buses trial could end soon (Ipswich)

[ozbob]

Media Release 2 April 2011

SEQ:  Good news! 'Bertie bus' is back at Ipswich!

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 re-establishment of bus services in Ipswich for roam zones A and B (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The withdrawal of bus routes in Ipswich and the introduction of Flexi-Link in lieu caused many issues for local residents.

"We congratulate TransLink and the Minister for Transport for re-assessing the bus requirements and bringing back the services the local citizens actually want and need.  A great outcome.

"RAIL Back On Track believes that if proper community consultation is undertaken prior to changes/withdrawal to bus routes much of the 'grief' evident in Ipswich recently for example would have been avoided.  Queensland Rail has an extensive Community Reference Group program for most suburban lines and  again we suggest that TransLink should consider the implementation of Bus Community Reference Groups for all the major bus regions."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5514.msg51688#msg51688

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

What's this mean for the local politics?  Will it soothe the anger, or are seats still likely to change hands?

[mufreight]

What's this mean for the local politics?  Will it soothe the anger, or are seats still likely to change hands?

Might give Jo Anne Miller in Bundamba a chance but most think it is a case of too little too late for Nolan and Wendt, they are both carrying too much baggage from other issues which have had bad local impacts and their responses (read lack of responses) to those issues and the contempt that they have exhibited towards their constituents relative to their concerns.
Their only hopes are that the LNP will self destruct but in that case there are some credible independents who would still be out in front.

[Stillwater]

The 'local politics' angle is an interesting point.  We are less than a year away from the next state election, and maybe only months.  The major parties will be conducting continuous private polling that will disclose where each is weakest.  There's no telling what politicians might do to shore up support - across demographics and in individual seats.

[justanotheruser]

From the Queensland Times click here!
Save Our Buses campaigner Dr Patricia Petersen welcomed the change but said the group would continue to campaign for other areas that lost bus services.

Ipswich MP Rachel Nolan – who introduced the trial when she was transport minister – said it was clear the service wasn't working.

"I'm pleased that Minister Palaszczuk has listened to feedback and restored the service," Ms Nolan said.

Ipswich West Wayne Wendt also welcomed the move and said FlexiLink had proven a success in Karalee.

So if they are campainging for a return to how things were before does that mean they want to get rid of the services to karalee depite people liking it.  Are they also campaigning for a return to unreliable bus services or are Save Our Buses actually wanting to improve that as well?  


The starting date for new services is awful. Considering past efforts it does not allow enough time for new timetables to be made and distributed. I would hope they won't cause problems for many residents by not having timetables available far enough in advance like when these changes came in. It sent my workplace into crisis mode as we tried to cope with clients who suddenly didn't know when their bus would be coming (panicing because it wasn't there at the normal time) and going a different way. If we had been given enough notice then we could have prepared clients in advance. Well once again people with disabilities get screwed over.  

[justanotheruser]

Perhaps a public transport medal should be struck.  First recipients - Ray Radunz and co.

only if the buses are used and run on time otherwise they have just replaced one bad situation with another bad situation.  

[Stillwater]

Flexilink works for the people of Karalee because they had nothing before.  Flexilink should not be condemned -- it is a very good way to start growing a regular bus run.  If enough people use the taxi-bus, it will be replaced with a regular bus.

[#Metro]

precisely stillwater, precisely.

A good move. While there might be some gripes about things here and there, the main thing is that this is a big WIN for PT commuters and RAIL BoT.

TransLink is also put out consultation for the Richlands-Rocket Rail bus. That's just amazing!
Chances are now much improved that we will actually see one...

[#Metro]

I wonder why Zone D does not include a train station? Can they get down to the train station from there?

[mufreight]

This appeared on the Queensland Times website shortly after the news of the return of the buses to the two most vocal zones was posted

Better late than never but this debarcle should never have happened.
The problem, an out of control Translink and an incompetent and intransigent Transport Minister who in her arrogance simply was not prepared to listen, even to her own constituents.
The new Minister Ms Palaszczuk has listened and acted which is to her credit but the damage done to Labor in the Ipswich area by this sadly flawed and poorly implemented disaster for public transport in the Ipswich region is incalculable

Will be an interesting situation politicaly with three rusted on Labor seats now less than marginal, perhaps just prior to the election we will be again promised the 15minute rail frequency that Ipswich residents were promised mid last year or who knows in their desperation it might actualy be provided.
Politicial promises dont hold much credibility in this area.

[justanotheruser]

Flexilink works for the people of Karalee because they had nothing before.  Flexilink should not be condemned -- it is a very good way to start growing a regular bus run.  If enough people use the taxi-bus, it will be replaced with a regular bus.

I agree its just that they have been saying get rid of flexilink not get rid of part of it in all the material I've seen so it just raised the question.

[justanotheruser]

1 April 2011

Changes to Flexilink services

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced major changes to the trial FlexiLink service following significant commuter feedback.



"Existing route 503 will also be extended to incorporate stops at Bundamba and the Pring Street medical centre.

I hope someone tells westside about this. So far they have only been told about reintroducing the two bus services but nothing about changes to the 503 run.

[justanotheruser]

Vida Leane, 76, used to be able to catch a bus near her Bundamba home, but now has to walk more than 20 minutes to catch the closest bus.

Having looked at where this person is they are either very close to a bus stop or close to a train station. So ok maybe the bus doesn't stop right outside her door but in over 15 months of travelling along her street the bus never once picked anybody up. A few of the bus drivers are expressing the same thoughts especially with regard to Pring st/St Andrews private hospital.  If people really wanted the buses they would have used them. I kept using the 510 despite the poor reliability. So it can be done if people were genuine. It just seems here to more likely be a case I want to complain about not being offered something people don't use.

Isn't the problem a shortage of buses at Ipswich's bus company?

Never heard that before.  They were able to run the other services in previous times, albeit not that well.  One would think if that were the case, the 463 in particular could be run by BT instead of Westside.

I don't think the problem is a lack of buses but rather a lack of drivers.  The last two days according to two bus drivers they have been short 14-15 drivers.  Good luck when the new services come back in. That will slightly increase the demand for the drivers that aren't there! Anyone need a job?

[Golliwog]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/flexilink/flexilink-december-update

Review of FlexiLink

On 3 May 2011, TransLink revised and improved the FlexiLink service offering for roam zones C and D.

A commitment was made that the service would be reviewed, and this process is now underway. The first part of the process involves offering the users of the FlexiLink service the opportunity to provide feedback about the service they are receiving.

Service review stage 1
User satisfaction survey

TransLink has distributed a user satisfaction survey to individuals who have used the FlexiLink service in roam zones C & D since May. These surveys need to be completed and returned to TransLink by 16 December 2011.

The survey is also available for those who prefer to fill it out online.

An analysis of the responses to this satisfaction survey will identify issues and levels of satisfaction with the service in each of the roam zones.

A report will be produced from these responses to outline recommendations for Stage 2.

Service review stage 2
Implementation of Recommendations

An implementation plan will be developed to respond to the approved recommendations, which will flow out of the survey process.

These recommendations may include such actions as:

    revision of service elements in either or both roam zones
    delivery of further consultation in either roam zone.

The FlexiLink service will continue to provide services in roam zones C & D throughout the review.

As always TransLink values your comments and feedback.

Some of the above text are links (such as to the online form) when viewed online.