11 Mar 2012: SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Integrated Network Mapping is required

[ozbob]

Media release 11 March 2012

SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Integrated Network Mapping is required



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 next government to support the introduction of a Core Frequent Network map for Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public Transport's main product is mobility - the ability to move around and go where you want when you want at will. Integrated ticketing (one ticket for all modes) and integrated fares (one price for all modes) works because people just want to get around and in a general sense they don't really care whether the vehicle that carries them has steel wheels, rubber tyres or even propellers."

"What we need is one integrated map, which shows where the frequency is, regardless of mode.

"If the network is integrated why publish maps where lines have no regard for frequency, no regard for span of hours and instead draw maps based on whether the vehicle has steel wheels, rubber tyres or propellers and whether or not the vehicle stops at a stop with a big shelter (station) or not (bus stops pole - invisible) despite the fact what people really want to know and care about is 'where can I go on this network quickly?'

"To illustrate, Tennyson station appears on all regional network maps despite the fact that there actually, are no rail services that go there! It is simply on there because it has a big shelter. It's a similar story for the Doomben line as well."

"What is needed, in addition to integrated ticketing and integrated fares is an integrated core frequent network map which includes any service, irrespective of whether it is a bus, ferry or train that runs at 15-minute or better frequency all day and weekends."

"We believe is is absolutely essential, particularly for tourists and those who want to know at a glance where they can go, quickly. Displaying integrated network maps at all rail, busway and printing it on pocket train timetables will also reduce the need for passengers to call up the TransLink call centre."

Reference:

1. Example of a Core Frequent Integrated Network Map  http://transitmapsetc.blogspot.com.au/

Contact:

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

[#Metro]

So last night I was on the bus in the CBD (196) and someone came up to the driver with a query. Where does bus X leave in Adelaide street? The driver didn't know either so actually had to use their radio to phone up translink and what seemed like an eternity the bus, will all pax on board, sat there. I was already late for something so was not happy that this 1 passenger held everyone else up.

I can imagine similar situations happening to find buses going to destinations XYZ. As part of basic training, I think all operators, regardless of mode, should know or have reference to the CFN map.

[somebody]

I don't think getting the driver to radio Translink is a reasonable ask.  Give him the number!