20 Jul 2013: SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

[ozbob]

Media release 20th July 2013



SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

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 said the stalemate with the bus review and fare failures is now a major crisis and impacting on all citizens.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Data on the TransLink website confirms that patronage has stalled, fare affordability is at crisis point (1)."

"Despite service improvements with bus and rail, patronage has not increased commensurate with these increases. It has gone backwards."

"The so called Brisbane Bus Review and the mediocre outcomes and changes commence on Monday 22nd July (2)."

"There is something seriously amiss with a Government that allows our public transport system to disintegrate. Already this year traffic congestion has worsened considerably, partly because many people have been forced off public transport."

"Further fare increases as projected in this year's state budget are just compounding the meltdown."

"A more enlightened approach would see the fare box slide reversed, patronage climb and the benefits of reduced congestion, reduced costs on the health care sector as road trauma lessened and a fitter community overall ensues, and better environmental outcomes."

"What is a 'no-brainer' in most jurisdictions is ignored in Queensland.  Brisbane will suffer severe economic impacts of the present and worsening transport failures."

"No amount of spin is going to change the reality of failure that is being promoted and maintained by the Newman Government."

References:

1. Public transport performance data http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

2. Brisbane Region http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013/brisbane

3. 27 Jun 2013: SEQ: Some changes to fares from January 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10049.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10048.msg129213#msg129213

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th July 2013

Re: SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

Greetings,

More damning evidence of the failing fare system in south-east Queensland this morning.

Sunday Mail --> Newman Government the thumbs down

... About 46 per cent of people thought public transport was too expensive.
Of those surveyed who used public transport, most were dissatisfied with the frequency of services as well as the affordability ...

Don't you think it is time the Minister for Transport acted?  Fixing the fares will drive patronage increases, will reduce the public subsidy, will improve the fare box and generate broader macro-economic benefits.

Segways are not going to sort it are they?

Best wishes,

Robert

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

Media release 20th July 2013



SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

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 said the stalemate with the bus review and fare failures is now a major crisis and impacting on all citizens.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Data on the TransLink website confirms that patronage has stalled, fare affordability is at crisis point (1)."

"Despite service improvements with bus and rail, patronage has not increased commensurate with these increases. It has gone backwards."

"The so called Brisbane Bus Review and the mediocre outcomes and changes commence on Monday 22nd July (2)."

"There is something seriously amiss with a Government that allows our public transport system to disintegrate. Already this year traffic congestion has worsened considerably, partly because many people have been forced off public transport."

"Further fare increases as projected in this year's state budget are just compounding the meltdown."

"A more enlightened approach would see the fare box slide reversed, patronage climb and the benefits of reduced congestion, reduced costs on the health care sector as road trauma lessened and a fitter community overall ensues, and better environmental outcomes."

"What is a 'no-brainer' in most jurisdictions is ignored in Queensland.  Brisbane will suffer severe economic impacts of the present and worsening transport failures."

"No amount of spin is going to change the reality of failure that is being promoted and maintained by the Newman Government."

References:

1. Public transport performance data http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

2. Brisbane Region http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013/brisbane

3. 27 Jun 2013: SEQ: Some changes to fares from January 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10049.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st July 2013

Re: SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

Greetings,

Segways not withstanding, public transport affordability continues at crisis levels.

More damning evidence.

Public transport patronage trends in Australasian cities

--> http://chartingtransport.com/2010/11/13/public-transport-patronage-trends/

Fare review fail, bus review fail.  Segways charging at folks on footpaths.  World class hey?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

28th July 2013

Re: SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

Greetings,

More damning evidence of the failing fare system in south-east Queensland this morning.

Sunday Mail --> Newman Government the thumbs down

... About 46 per cent of people thought public transport was too expensive.
Of those surveyed who used public transport, most were dissatisfied with the frequency of services as well as the affordability ...

Don't you think it is time the Minister for Transport acted?  Fixing the fares will drive patronage increases, will reduce the public subsidy, will improve the fare box and generate broader macro-economic benefits.

Segways are not going to sort it are they?

Best wishes,

Robert

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

Media release 20th July 2013



SEQ: Is it too late to save public transport?

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 said the stalemate with the bus review and fare failures is now a major crisis and impacting on all citizens.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Data on the TransLink website confirms that patronage has stalled, fare affordability is at crisis point (1)."

"Despite service improvements with bus and rail, patronage has not increased commensurate with these increases. It has gone backwards."

"The so called Brisbane Bus Review and the mediocre outcomes and changes commence on Monday 22nd July (2)."

"There is something seriously amiss with a Government that allows our public transport system to disintegrate. Already this year traffic congestion has worsened considerably, partly because many people have been forced off public transport."

"Further fare increases as projected in this year's state budget are just compounding the meltdown."

"A more enlightened approach would see the fare box slide reversed, patronage climb and the benefits of reduced congestion, reduced costs on the health care sector as road trauma lessened and a fitter community overall ensues, and better environmental outcomes."

"What is a 'no-brainer' in most jurisdictions is ignored in Queensland.  Brisbane will suffer severe economic impacts of the present and worsening transport failures."

"No amount of spin is going to change the reality of failure that is being promoted and maintained by the Newman Government."

References:

1. Public transport performance data http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/public-transport-performance-data

2. Brisbane Region http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013/brisbane

3. 27 Jun 2013: SEQ: Some changes to fares from January 2014 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10049.0

Contact:

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