25 Mar 2012: SEQ: Public & Active Transport Issues in SEQ for New Governments

[ozbob]

Media release 25 March 2012

SEQ: Public & Active Transport Issues in SEQ for New Governments 101

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 the election of the LNP Government is an opportunity for public and active transport renewal (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"First and foremost, we appreciate the LNP's commitments to a Core Frequency Policy for trains, in particular the Ferny Grove Line, and the consideration for integration of Go Card with CityCycle. Everything is new in transport - new transport minister, new CEO of TransLink and new Government. We hope that this is a chance for renewal.

"New Governments set the tone in the first term. We believe that quite a lot can be done on the Public and Active Transport front, quickly and cheaply. The basic core issues are Frequency, Integration and Fares.

"The first priority is frequency - services must be frequent, bottom line. Public transport's main product is freedom to move around and that will only happen if services are coming soon and are frequent. We call this minimum basic network 'The Core Frequent Network'. Rolling this out is cheap and rapid to do because it requires no new infrastructure. Public Transport 'blackout zones' in the inner east, centenary suburbs and northwestern suburbs need to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.There should also be a map at busway and rail stations and on all timetables showing this minimum basic 'Core Frequent Network' of services (2).

"The second priority is integration - Go Card and CityCycle needs to be integrated into TransLink. Buses also need to connect to trains.

"The third priority is fares - the next fare rises should be limited to 7.5% as promised, and consideration given to removing the remaining paper tickets as a matter of priority, as soon as possible.

"Congratulations to the new transport minister, new government and new CEO of TransLink.

"We would also like to extend our appreciation to Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, former Transport Minister, for her work in bringing upgrades and new services to fruition.

"It is time to get rail 'Back on Track!'

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7975.0

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

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 12th April 2012 page 5

Commuters miss out on 15mins train trail