31 Dec 2011: SEQ: RAIL Back on Track welcomes 140,000 more public transport ...

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Media release 31 December 2011

SEQ: RAIL Back on Track welcomes 140,000 more public transport seats

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 welcomes the news that there will be increased capacity on the public transport network for 2012 (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"We have long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to improve the public transport system in Brisbane is a targeted, selective boost of services on fast arterial roads to properly link the CBD with the suburbs, and the suburbs with each other, and improvements in the rail service out of peak train frequency (2). We therefore welcome the news that TransLink's highest capacity buses will be dedicated to these busy corridors. If our recent calls for 100 % electronic ticketing are considered, faster boarding times will be possible."

"We welcome the introduction of the 'Richlands Rail Rocket bus' which had almost unanimous support from the Greater Springfield Community. What this means is that people can start catching the services now rather than wait for rail construction to complete (3)."

"We welcome the planned introduction of a cross-suburban bus route from Mitchelton, Kedron to No 1 Airport Drive. These cross-suburban feeder services will become more important for feeding high frequency trunk services over time and negating the need to travel unnecessarily into the CBD. We do ask that such a service terminate at Mitchelton Rail station bus interchange so that passengers on the Ferny Grove Line may make connections and that consideration be given to extending the service into Great Western Super Centre and into the adjacent housing estate. Currently this area is served by the 362 bus, which is very indirect and with the rock-bottom hourly low-frequency makes this service highly unattractive (4,5)."

"This will allow the bus to feed passengers to rail at Mitchelton, BUZ 345 (Aspley) and Gympie Road services - BUZ 333."

"RAIL Back On Track also believes that there is very strong support for the introduction of BUZ - high frequency services, to Bulimba and the Centenary Suburbs, particularly in light of the situation at Bulimba where practically the suburb is essentially parked out with cars."

"Once again, thank you for the upgrades!"

References:

1. Ministerial Statement: 140,000 more public transport seats  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7364.0

2. Building a Core Frequent Network  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0

Richlands to Springfield bus - Ride the Rocket!  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6416.0 and  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.0

4. 362 Bus  http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/route-362

5. Weaving a total network: cross-town and orbital routes  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5018.0

Contact:

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