22 Mar 2013: SEQ: Queensland Rail needs to stand alone

[ozbob]

Media release 22nd March 2013



SEQ: Queensland Rail needs to stand alone

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 Queensland Rail to be given back full control on rail planning, operations and timetabling for SEQ.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Since the Minister for Transport has kicked TransLink into touch, and has allowed Brisbane City Council to continue down the failing bus path, it is only proper that Queensland Rail be allowed to operate once again as a stand alone operator.  If it is good enough for BCC it is certainly good enough for Queensland Rail."

"Brisbane City Council has always seen rail as a competitor and not part of an integrated public transport network. Brisbane City Council planners don't understand what public transport is really about as evidenced by the massive bus failure, duplication and waste that the bus network has now arrived at (1).  If Brisbane City Council actually cared they would put bus lanes back on Coronation Drive for a start, but no, they are happy to let the bus system collapse daily."

"Rail passengers had the convenient Tennyson rail services removed a couple of years ago.  This caused and still causes problems for passengers who need to connect from the western to the southern line. Re-establishing rail services through Tennyson would be a good start point.  Sector 2 timetable improvements also need to implemented urgently, no point in waiting for supporting feeder buses, there won't be any."

Contact:

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

Reference:

1.  http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review