Ipswich transport concepts and G0-Card questions

[Tramwayjohn]

Here is the basis of a letter I will send to the "Queensland Times" newspaper. I know that a couple of the concepts that are outlined have been raised in the past, but repeating them may help.

Bob, I am most pleased with the work being done regarding the Go-Card, which I will NOT buy! However, it wouldn't surprise me if we were FORCED to obtain these cards by ceasing the paper tickets! Believe me, if that happens, all that one needs to do, is obtain the Go-Card for the cheapest possible price, and carry it to places such as Gympie on a Sunday, STAY on the station, and return to Brisbane, for the cost of a ONE ZONE Go-Card! In other words swipe on in zone seven and off again in zone seven, ride whatever lines you want, including to Gympie, but being sure NOT to leave the station. Yes, that is legal, as you are carrying a valid Go-Card, that you"could" swipe and pay the high fare to Gympie, but which you simply don't swipe.

Am I correct? Or, can you explain why I am wrong, please?

John Coyle

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Tristan,

I have some ideas that I trust you will provide to authorities such as TRANSLINK.  I have suggested  in the past a couple of concepts that I frankly consider worthwhile, but which I doubt will be introduced. However, as I have done public transport lobby work for over thirty years, I live in   hope!

Extend the Corinda trains to Darra. Operate all ipswich trains as stopping all stations to Darra and then only at Indooroopilly, Toowong, Roma Street, all to Bowen Hills, then express to Norhgate, then all stations to Cabbolture. The Darra train would follow the Ipswich train, and serve all stations to Shorncliff, as the Corinda trains do at present.

It is better to operate three car trains every 15 minutes rather than six car trains every 30 minutes. Guards would be retrained as drivers, and the three car trains would become "Driver Only".

When trains are replaced by buses, a bus service should operate along Ipswich Road and stop at any required TRANSLINK bus stop. It is a waste of time to run a bus  to the railway stations, as most passengers do NOT want to go to railway stations, they would prefer a more direct bus route.  An additional bus route would serve East Ipswich and Booval railway stations, as those locations are too far from Ipswich Road.

There should be Brisbane-Ipswich bus routes introduced, saving passengers changing buses, as is required, at present. Brisbane City Council and Westbus could provide buses and drivers to serve the suggested services. A Brisbane to Ipswich bus via Ipswich road would be of benefit. Have you ever tried to travel by bus from the PA Hospital to Bundamba, for example, Tristan? Believe me, I have missed a connecting bus by a few seconds and had to wait about one hour for the next bus!

I have other transport concepts but the above will do for a start.

John Coyle

[ozbob]

Just a quick response for now John.

Yes, if you touch on say Robina, travel to the CBD don't leave the station, back to Robina touch off, and providing within 5 hours only a one zone fare. That is they way the system works.  But most people wouldn't do that though 

All great points re services on the Ipswich line.

Regards
Ozbob