19 Jul 2008: SEQ - Public transport melt-down around the corner?

[ozbob]

Media Release 19 July 2008

SEQ:  Public transport melt-down around the corner?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called for some clear directions from TransLink Transit Authority and the Government as to what is being done to address the looming public transport meltdown in south-east Queensland?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?RAIL Back On Track has been highlighting constantly the major issues that confront the public transport system in south-east Queensland (1).?

?Public transport users are simply not getting any clear positive indications as to what is being done to address the problems of overloading on peak hour trains, buses and ferries.?

?Commuters squeeze on trains as able, they wait as full buses pass them by, and they are fined for illegal parking around stations as there is no other option.  They await with concerned bemusement the loss of the ten trip tickets and the transition to the go card.?

?Suggestions put forward by the public are rarely acknowledged and appear to be summarily dismissed by transport authorities.?

?Even the experts are now coming out publicly with their concerns (2).?

?The TransLink Transit Authority, QR, Brisbane Transport and other private transport operators need to come together with the key stakeholder, the public transport commuter and listen.  Only then can the present asset be utilised to best advantage.?

?Already there are reports of school bus operations in USA being curtailed due to the fuel price impacts (3). South-east Queensland because of its bus-centric transport systems is particularly vulnerable to oil and emission costs.?

?There must be a change in emphasis to sustainable transport ? electric rail, light and heavy.  This is where the capacity for the huge demands that will be made on public transport will be achieved.?

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?board=19.0

2.  Courier Mail 19 July 2008  page 51 ?Breaking point?

3.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1154.0

Contact:


Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org