10 Jan 2012: SEQ: Trips and frequency?

[ozbob]

Media release 10th January 2012

SEQ: Trips and 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 said Queensland Rail's current campaign alerting rail commuters to the dangers of running for a train perhaps would not be necessary if services across the network were scheduled at 20 minute or 15 minute frequency (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"People run for the train, often across a crowded platform, because, in most cases, they will have to wait another 30 minutes or longer for the next service on their line.  The delay is unacceptable and represents a hidden cost burden to Queensland Rail's customers every bit as onerous as the recent 15 per cent fare hike."

"Excessive time spent waiting at a bus stop or a train platform translates directly into personal costs that often exceed the printed ticket price.   The inconvenience applies particularly to rail.  In many cases, by the time a person waits for a train in South-East Queensland, a car would have arrived at their destination already."

"This could also be one explanation for a reduction in passenger journeys on public transport during the past year.  RAIL Back On Track believes the inconvenience of catching and paying for trains through yearly 15 per cent fare hikes has reached a tipping point in the eyes of the travelling public."

"RAIL Back On Track supports safe practices in the operation of Queensland Rail train services, including the obligation imposed on passengers."

"However, Queensland Rail must acknowledge that train infrequency, particularly to outer suburbs, is a contributory factor to people running for trains when the next service is a disappointing 'world class' 29 minutes away.  In some instances it can be one hour or more between trains."

"As a first step, RAIL Back On Track calls for consideration of 15-minute all day frequency on the Ferny Grove Line to match the train frequency between Darra and Northgate.  On the buses, more efficient bus services are required for the Centenary suburbs and some north-side destinations (i.e. routes 359)."

"Decent, frequent 'core' bus routes (BUZ 400/BUZ 230/BUZ 359) would attract greater patronage.  The result would be additional fare revenue and an arrest of patronage decline."

"Cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and even Perth have solved the problem by having 15-minute frequency between trains on most line.  There is no need for passengers to run for the train when they know the next one will be along in a short while."

"What people want is more options to travel in any direction, at any time, at will on public transport. They want frequent, direct services running on fast arterial roads, frequent all-day trains and connections so that they have full freedom of movement to travel in any direction, at any time."

"This is the hallmark of liveable 'world class' cities."

"It is a myth that we have to wait for big ticket, multi-billion dollar projects that take decades to deliver before we can get improvements to core bus and train frequency. There are many parts of the bus and rail network that can have more services now with little or no new infrastructure."

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

Reference:

1.  http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qr-steps-in-as-travellers-trip/story-e6freoof-1226239401891  and discussion thread http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7431.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7431.0