Goodna: FlexiLink Roam zone C modified 523

[ozbob]

The 523 bus used to run from Goodna to Springfield.  The patronage on the last legs was poor which contributed to its axing.  Also there is now the possibility of a Springfield to Richlands Rocket ..

Some locals and I went out and mapped out a modified route for the 523.  Will have a detailed e-map  in due course. Essentially from Redbank Plains along Jones Road with a deviation into a new estate - Columbia Drive, Bell Bird Drive, and then into Brennan for the Oak Tree retirement village and then follow the old 523 into Goodna.  This would make for a most functional route, services the rail head and the shopping precinct, and provides a bus option in what is a bit of transport black spot.

This seems to be the major issue in Goodna at the moment, the axing of the 523.

A general map is accessible here --> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/flexilink/ipswich

[ozbob]

Sketch of the proposed route, with a possible extra deviation into an estate.

Basic route



Additional routing (Harris St)

[Stillwater]

   Good suggestion, ozbob.

[SurfRail]

Definitely the former 523 needs to have some sort of service reinstated.

However, I am somewhat surprised that the 501 cancellation hasn't received more attention. 

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times 5th May 2011

Routed opinion

I welcome the implementation of the 514 bus route and a modified 503 bus route in Ipswich from the 3 May 2011, along with many other citizens who successfully campaigned for this.

The FlexiLink trial in Ipswich was not successful in some roam zones, namely Zones A and B.  The Minister for Transport and TransLink therefore acted to restore bus services which is welcomed. Thank you.

The FlexiLink trial is ongoing for another 3 months in Roam Zones C and D.  Roam Zone C which includes Goodna needs more bus support. People in Roam Zone C have the same issues as was experienced by people in zones A and B.  I encourage citizens impacted by the withdrawal of the 523 bus route particularly and with concerns about FlexiLink to give feedback to TransLink.

Local bus transport is becoming more critical as road congestion and fuel price rises start to seriously impact.  Changes to bus routes need to go through a proper community consultation process.  This helps avoid the unhelpful angst and grief which developed in Ipswich. As the population ages equitable mobility is increasingly important, not everyone can continue to drive a car.

FlexiLink services could be implemented jointly with bus in some low density areas as an off peak option to peak bus services. One does not necessarily exclude the other.

[ozbob]

From the South West News / Springfield News

Bus route comeback

[ozbob]

A community representative and myself have a meeting with TransLink this morning on this matter.

Ever hopeful!

[ozbob]

Put forward the plan for a modified 523.  Will be considered in the context of the review for FlexiLink Roam zone C which is to start shortly.

Thanks for the opportunity TransLink.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/flexilink/flexilink-september-update

Review of FlexiLink

On 3 May 2011, TransLink reintroduced bus services in areas of the Ipswich region formerly referred to as FlexiLink Roam Zones A and B, which had been serviced by a trial of the FlexiLink service since December 10, 2010.

At this time two other roam zones (i.e. roam zones C & D) were offered a revised and improved FlexiLink service offering.

A commitment was given to the community that after three months of this revised service that a review would be conducted as to customer satisfaction with the new service offering.

More --> TransLink


===========================

Letter to the editor: Submitted to the Queensland Times 12th September 2011

TransLink have announced a service review for the FlexiLink services in Roam Zones C (Goodna) and D (Karalee). Many Goodna residents have already suggested that they would very much like a modified route 523 bus to be brought back.  This route would provide a regular, legible bus service through the bus-less Roam Zone C between Goodna railway station and Redbank plains.  Problems with FlexiLink for the residents who have lost their bus service in Goodna have been the same as for the Ipswich residents who lost their bus services; missed appointments, lost connections, excessive travel times and the loss of the integrated TransLink fare structure which has had cost impacts.

TransLink have indicated on their web site that a written satisfaction survey will be distributed shortly.  It is important that public transport users in Roam Zones C and D give feedback to TransLink as part of the service review to get the best outcome for all.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 13th September 2011 page 6

FlexiLink taxi service put under a spotlight

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/flexilink/flexilink-december-update  accessed 7 Dec 2011

Review of FlexiLink

On 3 May 2011, TransLink revised and improved the FlexiLink service offering for roam zones C and D.

A commitment was made that the service would be reviewed, and this process is now underway. The first part of the process involves offering the users of the FlexiLink service the opportunity to provide feedback about the service they are receiving.

Service review stage 1
User satisfaction survey

TransLink has distributed a user satisfaction survey to individuals who have used the FlexiLink service in roam zones C & D since May. These surveys need to be completed and returned to TransLink by 16 December 2011.

The survey is also available for those who prefer to fill it out online.

An analysis of the responses to this satisfaction survey will identify issues and levels of satisfaction with the service in each of the roam zones.

A report will be produced from these responses to outline recommendations for Stage 2.

Service review stage 2
Implementation of Recommendations

An implementation plan will be developed to respond to the approved recommendations, which will flow out of the survey process.

These recommendations may include such actions as:

    revision of service elements in either or both roam zones
    delivery of further consultation in either roam zone.

The FlexiLink service will continue to provide services in roam zones C & D throughout the review.

As always TransLink values your comments and feedback.

Some of the above text are links (such as to the online form) when viewed online.

[ozbob]

I have inquired direct to TransLink re this.  What happened to the consultation reports etc.

What is going to be done? 

[Set in train]

I have inquired direct to TransLink re this.  What happened to the consultation reports etc.

What is going to be done?

Can an RTI be submitted to attain the information?

[ozbob]

TransLink have ignored correspondence on this matter till now.

TransLink is now just an extension of the LNP government.  As many did suggest,  the move to TMR will just mean that they will be just another government agency unable to act independently of the political agenda. 

[ozbob]

TransLink have just indicated that they are happy to have a chat re roam zone C.

Thank you!