18 May 2012: SEQ: Core Frequent Network - Mitchelton station to the Airport DFO

[ozbob]

Media release 18 May 2012

SEQ: Core Frequent Network - Mitchelton station to the Airport DFO 369 bus welcomed!



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 introduction of the cross-town 369 bus service.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"We have long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to improve the bus 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."

"As part of the upgrades, a new cross-town service will be introduced, the 369 along Stafford Road. This service will not go to the CBD, but will instead travel from Mitchelton Rail to DFO Brisbane Airport serving Brookside, Everton Park, Stafford City, Eagle Junction Rail and other Stafford Road destinations along the way. It is a big win for the Northwest and something we have been campaigning for. Cross-town services are essential in forming a network where passengers can travel from anywhere to anywhere, at any time with minimal waiting, without going to the CBD, just like a car."

The 369 has all the necessary ingredients for success:

* A railway station at each end (Mitchelton and Eagle Junction Rail)

* A major shopping centre at each end, with two medium-sized shopping centres in the middle (Everton Park and Stafford City)

* Intersects existing high frequency BUZs at Appleby Rd (345) and Kedron Bridge (333), permitting north-south travel by a single connection.

* Connects with the Airtrain at Eagle Junction

* Has several schools right on the route, including Kedron State High and Everton Park State High

* Serves the Emergency Services headquarters

* And most importantly of all, it travels in a straight, direct, line so passengers don't have to wonder where the bus goes, and don't have to look at maps - the service becomes an intuitive part of the road itself. A similar approach has been taken with the BUZ 100 Inala BUZ - which can be thought of as part of Ipswich Road.

"We believe further extension of this line should be considered - an extension to Great Western Super Centre (Shopping Centre) and The Gap Shopping Centre would allow local residents access to Brookside Shopping Centre and the Ferny Grove rail line."

"We congratulate TransLink, Brisbane Transport and the Government on this improvement. Well done."

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

References:

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

2. Northern Busway services after Windsor-Kedron opening http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8177.msg97732#msg97732

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

4. SEQ: Rebalanced transport required for Airport Link Car Rapid Transit http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5533.msg49533#msg49533

Contact:

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