18 Dec 2011: SEQ: Passengers slam train frequency

[ozbob]

Media release 18 December 2011

SEQ: Passengers slam train frequency

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 conducted a survey of how public transport passengers rate our public transport in south-east Queensland (1).  Anyone who travels on public transport in south-east Queensland was invited to participate.  Survey data and feedback confirmed that poor train service frequency particularly out of peak was a major concern for many, and is acting as a major disincentive for many to use public transport services.

Robert Dow, Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Off-peak train frequency on the Queensland Rail train network is the elephant in the room. Increasing service frequency and span of hours so that there are turn up and go services around the clock, are proven strategies for increasing patronage. For example, almost all bus routes which have been upgraded to a BUZ -high service frequency, have shown 100% increases (a doubling) in patronage. We aren't sure what else has such spectacular results."

"But don't take our word for it - this is what TransLink 'customers' have said about train frequency in our survey."

Some comments from the survey (2):

'Rail offpeak frequency continues to be a major disappointment for inner city areas especially with the success of the BUZ projects.'

'Train Frequency is TERRIBLE!!!'

'Service frequency and hours of operation are the key. Half hourly trains do not attract off-peak patronage.'

'The main focus needs to be on increasing frequency, especially for rail, e.g. this could mean running more 3 car sets at 15 minute intervals rather than 6 car sets at 30 minute intervals.'

'Increase rail frequency on all main train lines to 15 minutes similar to the BUZ bus routes. Reintroduce periodical fares as Go Card fares are so expensive. Improve Sunday morning rail services to half hourly as they are currently hourly until about 9.30 am on most lines.'

'The railway trains are not frequent when it is not peak in the morning and afternoon.'

'The busway is great, but the trains suck. Too slow, don't run often enough.'

'Rail frequency is appalling, offpeak services are truly third-world.'

'Rail frequency needs to be a minimum 15 minutes off peak and the ongoing 15% fare increases are unsustainable and coupled with the lack of consistent frequency of services an increasing deterrent to rail public transport usage as an alternative to private car usage.'

Robert Dow concluded:

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes debates about infrastructure-level improvements, but there needs to be service-level improvements (more frequent trains) as well. There are many parts of the train network which could have more frequent services without waiting for new infrastructure, for example, the Ipswich Richlands and Caboolture lines."

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

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7144.0

2.  RAIL Back On Track 2011 Public Transport Passenger Survey Comments http://backontrack.org/docs/survey_2011/RBoTsurveyfinalcomments.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

The 2011 RAIL Back On Track - Public Transport Passenger Survey Results  --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7144.0