3 Jul 2012: SEQ: No more parking in the CBD is needed

[ozbob]

Media release 3 July 2012

SEQ: No more parking in the CBD is needed

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 calls for freezing of the parking spaces in the CBD, an improved public transport fare structure and more frequent services around the clock.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Nothing will create increased traffic congestion faster than increased parking.  RACQ's recent call for increased CBD parking is misguided in our opinion (1)."

"What is needed is more affordable and more frequent public transport.  One of the major reasons cited against using public transport by potential users in Brisbane is the fare costs.  Even in the December Quarter last year TransLink's figures for satisfaction with rail affordability was dropping towards 50% (2).  Bus and ferry were only slightly better, and there has been a 15% fare hike since that time, but figures haven't been released for the period post fare increases yet."

"While 9 then free on the Go Card is a help to some people, mostly 9 to 5 commuters, it does nothing to help infrequent travellers.  A reduction in the base fare or 'flag-fall' as RAIL Back On Track has recently called for would help affordability for everyone, and drive patronage increases (3).

"Frequent and affordable public transport is needed to reduce car use per capita as is happening in the rest of the enlightened world (4)."

References:

1. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/oligopoly-squeezes-drivers-out-of-cbd-20120702-21czn.html

2. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-quarterly-report-oct-to-dec.pdf

3. 1 Jul 2012: SEQ: Reduce or eliminate the fare 'flag-fall' http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8673.0

4. http://transportblog.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/congestion-in-auckland.pdf  page 12

Contact:

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