26 Oct 2014: SEQ: Call for free public transport for all during G20

[ozbob]

Media release 26th October 2014

SEQ: Call for free public transport for all during G20

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 again called for free public transport to be made available for all during the G20 (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates will be given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland.

"There will be extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (2).  A sensible move would be simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive.

"Confusion and disruption will be better tolerated and people will be more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor.

"This would also help create a good community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects.

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (3), apart from a fare cut on 1st November 2014, they have also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday.  Hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg147825#msg147825

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

3. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148030#msg148030

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

8th November 2014

Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Good Morning,

Concerns that Brisbane CBD will be a desert during the G20.  People are being encouraged to use ' public transport, cycle or walk '.

Normal fares for the G20 weekend, and peak fares also apply on the public transport system on the G20 public holiday on the 14th of November.

More mixed messages however, free tolls and parking?  Crazy huh?  All this is really saying is public transport users be damned, just drive!!

There will be considerable disruption to public transport services particularly buses.  At a minimum fares should be done away with for the inner zones on the system, say zones 1 and 2 (possibly 3 as well) at a minimum.

This would be easy to implement, paper tickets simply not required for those zones and go card adjustments could easily be done by the system.  It would also speed up loading of the shuttle buses etc. from and to the transport hubs.

The G20 is a oncer and great opportunity for Brisbane.  It is very sad that the Government cannot grasp the moment and continues to punish public transport users.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Interview on free fares for G20  R Dow 4BC --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148120#msg148120

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Media release 26th October 2014 re-released 8th November 2014

SEQ: Call for free public transport for all during G20

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 again called for free public transport to be made available for all during the G20 (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates will be given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland.

"There will be extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (2).  A sensible move would be simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive.

"Confusion and disruption will be better tolerated and people will be more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor.

"This would also help create a good community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects.

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (3), apart from a fare cut on 1st November 2014, they  also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday.  Hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg147825#msg147825

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

3. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148578#msg148578