19 Oct 2011: SEQ: Call for transparency with public transport ...

[ozbob]

Media release 19 October 2011

SEQ: Call for transparency with public transport performance and load data

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 called for the routine public release of detailed and accurate, performance and load data for public transport, as in other states of Australia (1,2,3).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Detailed load and performance data for public transport in south-east Queensland is not made publicly available as in other states.  This suggests that the authorities are more interested in maintaining a cloak of secrecy and non-transparency, and covering up failure."

"We call on TransLink to make publicly available timely and accurate performance data for all railway lines, bus and ferry routes."

"Why is necessary to resort to Right To Information requests for data that is made readily available in other states?  Is there something to hide?"

"Taxpayers and the public transport community are tired of being treated with contempt!"

References:

1. http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/pt/facts-and-figures/track-record/track-record-monthly-performance-bulletin-trains-metropolitan

2. http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/pt/facts-and-figures/track-record/track-record-monthly-performance-bulletin-trams

3. http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/NewsandMedia/TransperthPatronage/tabid/218/Default.aspx

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6878.0

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http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/pt/facts-and-figures/metropolitan-train-passenger-load-surveys

Queensland?

[ozbob]

Media release 19 October 2011 re-released 5 December 2011

SEQ: Call for transparency with public transport performance and load data

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 called for the routine public release of detailed and accurate, performance and load data for public transport, as in other states of Australia (1,2,3).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Detailed load and performance data for public transport in south-east Queensland is not made publicly available as in other states.  This suggests that the authorities are more interested in maintaining a cloak of secrecy and non-transparency, and covering up failure."

"We call on TransLink to make publicly available timely and accurate performance data for all railway lines, bus and ferry routes."

"Why is necessary to resort to Right To Information requests for data that is made readily available in other states?  Is there something to hide?"

"Taxpayers and the public transport community are tired of being treated with contempt!"

References:

1.  http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/pt/facts-and-figures/track-record/track-record-monthly-performance-bulletin-trains-metropolitan

2.  http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/pt/facts-and-figures/track-record/track-record-monthly-performance-bulletin-trams

3.  http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/NewsandMedia/TransperthPatronage/tabid/218/Default.aspx

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Queensland Rail's on-time tracker site off the rails

Queensland Rail's on-time tracker site off the rails

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    March 19, 2012 12:00AM

QUEENSLAND Rail's online report card has broken down - at the same time as the train services it is supposed to track.

As daily disruptions to southeast Queensland's rail network play havoc with commuters, QR's on-time performance updates have suddenly halted.

The website, which is normally updated daily, has been untouched since March 8.

It follows a series of service delays relating to power outages, boom-gate collisions and other network issues.

The performance results show how many trains in peak periods arrive within four minutes of schedule. Queensland Rail is expected to achieve a "benchmark" of 93.77 per cent.

Over the weekend more Gold Coast trains were held up by power problems and water issues, while 23 stations were closed for maintenance work.

Commuter advocacy group Back on Track has suggested the omission of updates may be deliberate given the election campaign.

Spokesman Robert Dow said it was "a remarkable coincidence" the figures were unavailable after a series of "shockers" for the CityTrain network.

"You do wonder what's going on," said Mr Dow. "Is the information being suppressed because they don't want adverse comment or publicity?"

He said Back On Track had contacted QR about the lack of data, but had not been provided with an explanation. The Courier-Mail was yesterday told QR was now aware of the problem and it would be rectified as soon as possible.

A spokesman denied the information blackout was in any way related to the election.

Mr Dow said commuters were already denied the "full picture" because the only on-time performance data published related to peak periods.

"Often there's disruption outside the peak times," he said. "The public has a right to know the overall performance."

QR faces a bigger threat to train services today with rail, and bus union members meeting to discuss their response to the sacking of a driver over his involvement in a platform fracas.

A Fair Work Australia hearing was held last night in an apparent attempt by QR to put orders in place preventing any industrial action by drivers.

Union secretary Owen Doogan said QR had also introduced new instructions for union delegates in the workplace, insisting they give 24-hours notice before speaking to members.

"I think they're beginning to understand they have a real problem with their workforce (in relation to their treatment of the sacked driver)," he said.

[ozbob]

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