Public Transport Queensland - An Independent Transport Authority

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1515069969184473088

[ozbob]

LinkedIn

[ozbob]

Media release

Public Transport Queensland - it's time

16th April 2022

Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder on. The latest pathetic kerfuffle concerning CAMCOS further testament. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority. The TransLink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed. Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

The lack of timely reporting, the fire-wall between the public and TransLink (communications outsourced), the silos of blunder and miscommunication are all compounding the failure. A Government that fails to be truly transparent when it comes to public transport matters.  Why is the rail network operational plan for Cross River Rail being hidden?

Unless there is radical change, the mess will never be sorted.

The key issue is the present organisation, administration and delivery of public transport in Queensland.  The current fragmented structures have delivered failure, for example - rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula line fail, botched new trains - NGRs, bus network reform fail, fare fail, greater Brisbane the nation's worst for public transport access, halfhearted DDA compliance, delayed rail improvements on the Sunshine Coast and level crossing removal stagnation. Could hardly be worse.

The structure needs reform.

There needs to be a stand alone public transport authority. A model such as the Public Transport Authority of WA is a good one with the resources and the will to properly champion public transport and turnaround the constant failures.

The present fragmented structures of Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and TransLink will not.  They will just continue to propagate failure.  The Government did task the Citytrain Response Unit to make recommendations with respect to an Integrated Public Transport Model.  They completed the review December 2017 and passed to Government for consideration ( https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/Reports ). Nothing has been heard since

In the Page 6 Citytrain Response Unit Final Report* (publicly available June 2021) was this recommendation:

" Recommendation 36a-c remains open. The
Citytrain Response Unit recommends that a further
review be undertaken, building on the work
completed by the CRU, to consider how greater
integration across the public transport cluster can
be achieved to support the successful delivery
of public transport projects and services into the
future."

And page 3

" However, further work is required to ensure Queensland's
public transport arrangements are suitable for supporting
the successful delivery and operation of forthcoming network
changes including Cross River Rail, the European Train Control
System, the Brisbane Metro and a possible Olympic bid.
Although some improvements have been realised through the
delivery of the Fixing the trains program, greater integration
between public transport agencies would better support
the long-term success of these projects and deliver superior
customer outcomes. "

*https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/-/media/CRU/Fixing-the-Trains_Final-report_December_2020.pdf

Nothing had been heard on the recommendation 36a-c.
As we have posted previously ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3763576500323176 ) we believe the way forward from here is to establish a proper public transport authority.  We suggest 'Public Transport Queensland' which will provide the proper integration and better administration and delivery than the fragmented 'silo' arrangements at present.

This is now even more pressing with the State's commitment to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Doing nothing is not an option, it is time to bite the bullet of structural reform.

We are tired of failure.

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1516066477115588609

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1516067256551489541

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1519691116341493760

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st May 2022

Re: Public Transport Queensland - it's time

Good Morning!

Have a look at this video:

An Amazingly Extensive Rail Network! | Railways of Perth Explained



"With less than 2 million people, Perth is not a large city, but its rail network will soon grow to over 200 kilometres, and presents numerous lessons for retrofitting high quality public transit and serving suburban areas. Enjoy!"

It is embarrassing the great progress Transperth and WA has made with their public transport network relative to SEQ.
Part of the secret of success is that it is all properly coordinated and delivered under the auspices of the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (https://www.pta.wa.gov.au).  Complete contrast to the silos of blunder we have in Queensland.

There is a pathway to success.  We need to follow it.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Media release

Public Transport Queensland - it's time

16th April 2022

Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder on. The latest pathetic kerfuffle concerning CAMCOS further testament. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority. The TransLink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed. Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

The lack of timely reporting, the fire-wall between the public and TransLink (communications outsourced), the silos of blunder and miscommunication are all compounding the failure. A Government that fails to be truly transparent when it comes to public transport matters.  Why is the rail network operational plan for Cross River Rail being hidden?

Unless there is radical change, the mess will never be sorted.

The key issue is the present organisation, administration and delivery of public transport in Queensland.  The current fragmented structures have delivered failure, for example - rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula line fail, botched new trains - NGRs, bus network reform fail, fare fail, greater Brisbane the nation's worst for public transport access, halfhearted DDA compliance, delayed rail improvements on the Sunshine Coast and level crossing removal stagnation. Could hardly be worse.

The structure needs reform.

There needs to be a stand alone public transport authority. A model such as the Public Transport Authority of WA is a good one with the resources and the will to properly champion public transport and turnaround the constant failures.

The present fragmented structures of Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and TransLink will not.  They will just continue to propagate failure.  The Government did task the Citytrain Response Unit to make recommendations with respect to an Integrated Public Transport Model.  They completed the review December 2017 and passed to Government for consideration ( https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/Reports ). Nothing has been heard since

In the Page 6 Citytrain Response Unit Final Report* (publicly available June 2021) was this recommendation:

" Recommendation 36a-c remains open. The
Citytrain Response Unit recommends that a further
review be undertaken, building on the work
completed by the CRU, to consider how greater
integration across the public transport cluster can
be achieved to support the successful delivery
of public transport projects and services into the
future."

And page 3

" However, further work is required to ensure Queensland's
public transport arrangements are suitable for supporting
the successful delivery and operation of forthcoming network
changes including Cross River Rail, the European Train Control
System, the Brisbane Metro and a possible Olympic bid.
Although some improvements have been realised through the
delivery of the Fixing the trains program, greater integration
between public transport agencies would better support
the long-term success of these projects and deliver superior
customer outcomes. "

*https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/-/media/CRU/Fixing-the-Trains_Final-report_December_2020.pdf

Nothing had been heard on the recommendation 36a-c.
As we have posted previously ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3763576500323176 ) we believe the way forward from here is to establish a proper public transport authority.  We suggest 'Public Transport Queensland' which will provide the proper integration and better administration and delivery than the fragmented 'silo' arrangements at present.

This is now even more pressing with the State's commitment to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Doing nothing is not an option, it is time to bite the bullet of structural reform.

We are tired of failure.

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1520509646213365760

[SteelPan]

Fears transport may falter as population powers past

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/we-haven-t-seen-this-since-the-early-2000s-fears-transport-may-falter-as-population-powers-past-20220906-p5bfs3.html

[ozbob]

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1569331781475921920

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1569332163845439493

[SteelPan]

  and what do we get today from the flat-Earther LNP mob....let's rename CRR the Elizabeth Line....really....that's their contribution to public transit debate now......give us a vision....sad times in Queensland!  Pathetic govt and Opposition! 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1574147059070177280

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland - Now is the hour!

8th October 2022

Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder on. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority. The Translink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed. Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

The lack of timely reporting, the fire-wall between the public and Translink (communications outsourced), the silos of blunder and miscommunication are all compounding the failure. A Government that fails to be truly transparent when it comes to public transport matters.  It took years of advocacy for the rail network operational plan for Cross River Rail to be made public for example.

Unless there is radical change, the mess will never be sorted.

The key issue is the present organisation, administration and delivery of public transport in Queensland.  The current fragmented structures have delivered failure, for example - rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula line fail, botched new trains - NGRs, bus network reform fail, fare fail, greater Brisbane the nation's worst for public transport access, half-hearted DDA compliance, delayed rail improvements on the Sunshine Coast and level crossing removal stagnation. Could hardly be worse.

The structure needs reform.

There needs to be a stand alone public transport authority. A good model could be based on the Public Transport Authority of WA ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) with the resources and the will to properly champion public transport and turnaround the constant failures.

The present fragmented structures of Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and Translink will not.  They will just continue to propagate failure.  The Government did task the Citytrain Response Unit to make recommendations with respect to an Integrated Public Transport Model.  They completed the review December 2017 and passed to Government for consideration ( https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/Reports ). Nothing has been heard since

In the Page 6 Citytrain Response Unit Final Report* (publicly available June 2021) was this recommendation:

" Recommendation 36a-c remains open. The
Citytrain Response Unit recommends that a further
review be undertaken, building on the work
completed by the CRU, to consider how greater
integration across the public transport cluster can
be achieved to support the successful delivery
of public transport projects and services into the
future."

And page 3

" However, further work is required to ensure Queensland's
public transport arrangements are suitable for supporting
the successful delivery and operation of forthcoming network
changes including Cross River Rail, the European Train Control
System, the Brisbane Metro and a possible Olympic bid.
Although some improvements have been realised through the
delivery of the Fixing the trains program, greater integration
between public transport agencies would better support
the long-term success of these projects and deliver superior
customer outcomes. "

*https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/-/media/CRU/Fixing-the-Trains_Final-report_December_2020.pdf

Nothing had been heard on the recommendation 36a-c.

As we have posted previously ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3763576500323176 ) we believe the way forward from here is to establish a proper public transport authority.  We suggest 'Public Transport Queensland' which will provide the proper integration and better administration and delivery than the fragmented 'silo' arrangements at present.

This is now even more pressing with the State's commitment to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Doing nothing is not an option, it is time to bite the bullet of structural reform.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Public Transport Queensland - Now is the hour! 8th October 2022 Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Friday, 7 October 2022

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1578452849742053377

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland - Now is the hour!

18th November 2022

Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder on. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority. The Translink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed. Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

The lack of timely reporting, the fire-wall between the public and Translink (communications outsourced), the silos of blunder and miscommunication are all compounding the failure. A Government that fails to be truly transparent when it comes to public transport matters.  It took years of advocacy for the rail network operational plan for Cross River Rail to be made public for example.

Unless there is radical change, the mess will never be sorted.

The key issue is the present organisation, administration and delivery of public transport in Queensland.  The current fragmented structures have delivered failure, for example - rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula line fail, botched new trains - NGRs, bus network reform fail, fare fail, greater Brisbane the nation's worst for public transport access, half-hearted DDA compliance, delayed rail improvements on the Sunshine Coast and level crossing removal stagnation. Could hardly be worse.

The structure needs reform.

There needs to be a stand alone public transport authority. A good model could be based on the Public Transport Authority of WA ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) with the resources and the will to properly champion public transport and turnaround the constant failures.

The present fragmented structures of Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and Translink will not.  They will just continue to propagate failure.  The Government did task the Citytrain Response Unit to make recommendations with respect to an Integrated Public Transport Model.  They completed the review December 2017 and passed to Government for consideration ( https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/Reports ). Nothing has been heard since

In the Page 6 Citytrain Response Unit Final Report* (publicly available June 2021) was this recommendation:

" Recommendation 36a-c remains open. The
Citytrain Response Unit recommends that a further
review be undertaken, building on the work
completed by the CRU, to consider how greater
integration across the public transport cluster can
be achieved to support the successful delivery
of public transport projects and services into the
future."

And page 3

" However, further work is required to ensure Queensland's
public transport arrangements are suitable for supporting
the successful delivery and operation of forthcoming network
changes including Cross River Rail, the European Train Control
System, the Brisbane Metro and a possible Olympic bid.
Although some improvements have been realised through the
delivery of the Fixing the trains program, greater integration
between public transport agencies would better support
the long-term success of these projects and deliver superior
customer outcomes. "

*https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/-/media/CRU/Fixing-the-Trains_Final-report_December_2020.pdf

Nothing had been heard on the recommendation 36a-c.

As we have posted previously ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3763576500323176 ) we believe the way forward from here is to establish a proper public transport authority.  We suggest 'Public Transport Queensland' which will provide the proper integration and better administration and delivery than the fragmented 'silo' arrangements at present.

This is now even more pressing with the State's commitment to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Doing nothing is not an option, it is time to bite the bullet of structural reform.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1593307868022743040

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Public Transport Queensland - Now is the hour! 18th November 2022 Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Thursday, 17 November 2022

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th November 2022

Re: Public Transport Queensland - Now is the hour!

Good Morning,

It really doesn't matter what region one looks at in SEQ.   The lack of a proper coordinated public transport authority manifests in years of neglect and fragmentation.

Ipswich bus services are now many, many years overdue for proper reform,  very significant population increases but no commensurate bus service improvements.

This opinion piece from the Redland City Bulletin is an excellent example of the reality out in the regions, this case Redlands.  We are sleepwalking into the future indeed.

We expect strong leadership and a proper public transport authority forthwith.  The lack of leadership is very concerning.

Redland City Bulletin --> OPINION: Southern Redlands must get a slice of funding pie in Olympics upgrades

Public transport in southern Redlands is sleepwalking into the future and must not be forgotten when the state government dishes out on big money transport projects for the 2032 Olympics.

A study looking at the feasibility of a Brisbane Metro linking with Capalaba is a good start, but the commitments must not stop there if the state is serious about improving the city's long-standing connectivity issues.

Public transport began falling away in this city several years ago and has been a sore point for residents ever since, particularly in southern Redlands where it is a struggle to travel just a few suburbs.

It is farcical that the Cleveland to Manly railway line remains a single track at the same time as the state government talks about the need to urgently address housing supply.

Both parties have had the opportunity to fix this glaring issue while in power - including the LNP during Newman's stint - and yet residents continue to be fed expensive studies instead of action.

Bulletin editor Craig Thomson wrote in October that an express busway must extend to Redland Bay, and as someone who grew up in Mount Cotton, I could not agree more.

The city's southern suburbs have experienced immense growth over the past few years, while the addition of some 3000 residential lots at Shoreline is predicted to add another 10,000 residents to the area.

Mount Cotton and Redland Bay desperately need a direct and efficient bus service so journeys into Brisbane do not require multiple transfers and lengthy wait times.

Redland City Council summed it up best, writing in a report published this year that it is now faster to hop in a car and drive to Brisbane than take public transport.

To exacerbate this issue, connectivity between the city's south and north remains frustratingly clunky.

Mount Cotton residents travelling from estates near the suburb's shopping hub on Valley Way, for instance, are required to take two busses and a train if they are commuting to Thorneside.

The total trip time is more than an an hour, but a car ride outside of peak takes about 30 minutes. I'll let you decide which is more appealing.

And what about semi-rural parts of Sheldon, or even Sirromet Wines at Mount Cotton - one of our major event destinations - where the nearest bus stops are several kilometres away?

That is simply not good enough for a modern-day city, particularly one with an older population where ease of travel is an absolute necessity. Not everyone has the luxury of living near the train line.

The Olympics shape as a golden chance to address the growing frustration among locals, and the state government must not let the opportunity go to waste.

Doing nothing is not an option. 

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

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland - Now is the hour!

18th November 2022

Public transport in Queensland continues to blunder on. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority. The Translink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed. Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

The lack of timely reporting, the fire-wall between the public and Translink (communications outsourced), the silos of blunder and miscommunication are all compounding the failure. A Government that fails to be truly transparent when it comes to public transport matters.  It took years of advocacy for the rail network operational plan for Cross River Rail to be made public for example.

Unless there is radical change, the mess will never be sorted.

The key issue is the present organisation, administration and delivery of public transport in Queensland.  The current fragmented structures have delivered failure, for example - rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula line fail, botched new trains - NGRs, bus network reform fail, fare fail, greater Brisbane the nation's worst for public transport access, half-hearted DDA compliance, delayed rail improvements on the Sunshine Coast and level crossing removal stagnation. Could hardly be worse.

The structure needs reform.

There needs to be a stand alone public transport authority. A good model could be based on the Public Transport Authority of WA ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) with the resources and the will to properly champion public transport and turnaround the constant failures.

The present fragmented structures of Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and Translink will not.  They will just continue to propagate failure.  The Government did task the Citytrain Response Unit to make recommendations with respect to an Integrated Public Transport Model.  They completed the review December 2017 and passed to Government for consideration ( https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/Reports ). Nothing has been heard since

In the Page 6 Citytrain Response Unit Final Report* (publicly available June 2021) was this recommendation:

" Recommendation 36a-c remains open. The
Citytrain Response Unit recommends that a further
review be undertaken, building on the work
completed by the CRU, to consider how greater
integration across the public transport cluster can
be achieved to support the successful delivery
of public transport projects and services into the
future."

And page 3

" However, further work is required to ensure Queensland's
public transport arrangements are suitable for supporting
the successful delivery and operation of forthcoming network
changes including Cross River Rail, the European Train Control
System, the Brisbane Metro and a possible Olympic bid.
Although some improvements have been realised through the
delivery of the Fixing the trains program, greater integration
between public transport agencies would better support
the long-term success of these projects and deliver superior
customer outcomes. "

*https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/-/media/CRU/Fixing-the-Trains_Final-report_December_2020.pdf

Nothing had been heard on the recommendation 36a-c.

As we have posted previously ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/3763576500323176 ) we believe the way forward from here is to establish a proper public transport authority.  We suggest 'Public Transport Queensland' which will provide the proper integration and better administration and delivery than the fragmented 'silo' arrangements at present.

This is now even more pressing with the State's commitment to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Doing nothing is not an option, it is time to bite the bullet of structural reform.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland - time for reform!

11th December 2022

Public and active transport in Queensland continues to blunder on. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority. The Translink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed. Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

The lack of timely reporting, the fire-wall between the public and Translink (communications outsourced), the silos of blunder and miscommunication are all compounding the failure. Governments, state and local, that fail to be truly transparent when it comes to public transport matters.  It took years of advocacy for the rail network operational plan for Cross River Rail to be made public for example. BCC continues to run roughshod over proper public transport planning.  Even the name ' Brisbane Metro ' is incorrect, BCC are not honest.  We have suggested it be correctly named 'Brisbane Bus Rapid Transit Metro', and we will promote, advocate and call it that name because it is correct.

Unless there is radical change, the mess will never be sorted.

The key issue is the present organisation, administration and stilted uncoordinated delivery of public transport in Queensland.  The current fragmented structures have delivered much failure, for example - rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula line fail, botched new trains - NGRs, bus network reform fail, fare fail, greater Brisbane the nation's worst for public transport access, half-hearted DDA compliance, delayed rail improvements on the Sunshine Coast and level crossing removal stagnation. Poor rail-bus integration, competing routes, plus lack of density done well around rail stations and poor focus on 15 minute walkable, cycling safe neighbourhoods. Could hardly be worse.

The structure needs reform.

There needs to be a stand alone public transport authority. A good model could be based on the Public Transport Authority of WA ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) with the resources and the will to properly champion public and active transport and turnaround the constant failures. WA is delivering quality public and active transport.  In Queensland petty squabbles by ' leaders ' on social media seems to represent progress.

The present fragmented structures of Brisbane City Council, Queensland Rail, Transport and Main Roads and Translink will not deliver.  They will just continue to propagate failure.  The Government did task the Citytrain Response Unit to make recommendations with respect to an Integrated Public Transport Model.  They completed the review December 2017 and passed to Government for consideration ( https://www.cru.qld.gov.au/Reports ). Nothing has been heard since.

The way forward from here is to establish a proper public transport authority.  We suggest 'Public Transport Queensland (PTQ)' which will provide the proper integration and better administration and delivery than the fragmented 'silo' arrangements at present.

This is now even more pressing with the State's commitment to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Doing nothing is not an option, it is time to bite the bullet of structural reform. 

Time is fleeting!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Public Transport Queensland - time for reform! 11th December 2022 Public and active transport in Queensland continues...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Saturday, 10 December 2022

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1601639931612315648

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1618256624262729730

[SteelPan]

More...and More Demand.....

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/the-seq-growth-estimates-giving-planners-a-headache-20230202-p5chj5.html

[ozbob]

More...and More Demand.....

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/the-seq-growth-estimates-giving-planners-a-headache-20230202-p5chj5.html

Yo, also posted this here > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=267200

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1622003450954530816

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Political posturing not public transport sadly

9th March 2023

Good Morning,

What a pathetic spectacle the political bickering over the NWTC while public transport in SEQ goes further down the drain.

It is clear we need a proper Public Transport Authority in Queensland to take over the administration and management of public transport in Queensland. 

The silos of political incompetence and mediocrity are pushing us back and back.  The latest pathetic kerfuffle concerning the NWTC further testament. There is little doubt that Queensland must move forward with a proper stand alone Public Transport Authority (see https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=263069 ). The Translink brand can remain as such, but a proper authority similar to the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia ( https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/ ) is needed.

Simply blundering along with the failure structures at present is only making everything worse.

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

Sent to all outlets:

Infrastructure Australia Rejects BCC NWTC Proposal

8th March 2023

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) welcomes reports that Infrastructure Australia has rejected Brisbane City Council's (BCC) proposal for a road tunnel for the North West Transport Corridor (NWTC)(1).  RAIL Back On Track members are not surprised.

Brisbane City Council's proposal was a failure of critical thinking and evaluation. For example, BCC claimed on Page 17 of its business case that packaging a North West Motorway with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on Gympie Road were complementary initiatives. And that without the delivery of a North West Motorway, " a BRT in the form proposed is not feasible due to its impact on road capacity ... " (2).

In our opinion, this key claim made by BCC is false (3).

A 'Brisbane Metro' BRT service up Gympie Road would absorb all of the motorists from the resumed car lane, and still have spare capacity to absorb public transport passengers. No North West Motorway is required. A 'Brisbane Metro' BRT service operating every 2 minutes with 150 passengers on board would carry around 4500 passengers/hour/direction at peak. In comparison, a general car lane carries around 2160 passengers/hour/lane at peak.

In our opinion, the true purpose of including an unnecessary and unwanted North West Motorway in the business case was to psychologically compensate motorists for the loss of a car lane. And to prevent motorists shifting mode to catching buses.

Council should focus on adding bus lanes to roads in Brisbane's Northwest and restart its successful BUZ programme. If the current council administration cannot do this, perhaps a new administration will.

RAIL Back On Track supports a new rail corridor to the Northside. For full details see https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=266857

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

References:

1. 'Back to the  drawing board': North-west tunnel proposal rejected
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/back-to-the-drawing-board-north-west-brisbane-tunnel-proposal-rejected-20230307-p5cq7n.html

2. North west transport network program business case
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022-08/20220809-north-west-transport-network-making-it-happen.pdf

3. Capacity Calculations - Car
3600 seconds/hour divided by 2 second car spacing = 1800 vehicles/hour/lane
If 20% of the cars have a passenger, this is then 1800 vehicles/hour/lane x 1.2
= 2160 passengers/hour/direction (pphd).

4. Capacity Calculations - Brisbane Metro Bus
60 minutes / 2 minute bus frequency x 150 passengers/bus
= 4500 passengers/hour/direction

5. Gympie Road Lane Removal Scenario
Bus 4500 pphd - Car 2160 pphd = 2340 pphd spare capacity on the bus left after all the displaced motorists fill the bus.
Conclusion - No Northwest Motorway Construction required.

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Political posturing not public transport sadly 9th March 2023 Good Morning, What a pathetic spectacle the political...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Wednesday, 8 March 2023

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1633519088302702594

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland

4th May 2023

Good Morning,

On Tuesday 29 April 2008 the then Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel put out a media statement.

Translink Transport Authority moves forward  > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/51493

This statement announced the formation of the Statutory Authority - TransLink Transport Authority (TTA) for SEQ.

Mr Mickel said  "The authority will also integrate public transport services, and deliver and manage the infrastructure on which those services operate," he said.

"It will have the freedom and power to co-ordinate services, redeploy resources such as buses based on demand, and ensure the smooth introduction of new technology across the network."

"We will now have an authority with the grunt to ensure scheduling, services and planning are synchronised to deliver the public transport our growing population needs. "

In 2012, as part of the former Newman Government control and 'cuts' agenda the TTA was absorbed into TMR.  It lost its authority, as evidenced by the subsequent failure in 2013 of the Brisbane bus network reform. It lost resources to do the job properly.

With the benefit of hindsight, it would have been a better outcome for SEQ and Queensland had the formation of the TTA in 2008 actually been for all of Queensland's public transport.  Having a fragmented public transport administration actually helped enable the flawed move to absorb the then TTA back into TMR as a division, with the now perverse outcomes we see.

If it was good enough and for the right reasons in 2008 to form a statutory authority,  it is now even more critical that we move on with a public transport authority to properly administer public transport for all of Queensland, and for the 2032 Olympics.  The present fragmented administration of public transport is a failure, clearly.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. 27 July 2012 Brisbanetimes --> Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html

2. Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 29th July 2016 page 11
Time now to bring in transport changes http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg177269#msg177269

3. Public Transport Queensland - it's time 16th April 2022
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=257516

[ozbob]

Public Transport Queensland 4th May 2023 Good Morning, On Tuesday 29 April 2008 the then Minister for Transport,...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Wednesday, 3 May 2023

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Re: Public Transport Queensland

6th May 2023

Greetings,

As reported in the Couriermail today ( Opinion: How can we cope in the future if we can't cope now? https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-how-can-we-cope-in-the-future-if-we-cant-cope-now/news-story/e612d175ad78c61a20781d05fb189d89 ) population pressures are leading to problems particularly in health, housing and transport.

In less than three short years, Queensland's population will tip over 5.5 million, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and while stopping short of suggesting a population cap, the southeast corner of the state is more snug than ever.

Queensland in the past 50 years has almost tripled in population size, based on the estimate provided by the 1971 Census where 1.7 million people lived in Australia's northernmost state.

With so many new arrivals, Brisbane (or Queen's Landing) at 2.6 million people is home to almost half of the state's 5.3 million residents, while the Gold Coast at 730,000, according to ABS data, is only 200,000 behind Brisbane's population in 1971.

With respect to public transport, what worked once with Brisbane itself surrounded by ' market gardens ' is no longer the situation.  Urban sprawl is now continuous. The present  fragmented nature of public transport administration and approach has again been highlighted with the failure of Brisbane bus network reform, which flows on to the other bus regions as poor service.

If the Government of the day doesn't move to introduce a proper public transport authority, with the resources and the ability to improve public transport for all regions then there is little chance for congestion relief and a ' car free Olympic games '.   Cross River Rail is not the panacea some make it out to be.  What will be is a properly coordinated public transport network that is not constrained by arbitrary council boundaries.

The ball is in your court Premier and Minister. 

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland

4th May 2023

Good Morning,

On Tuesday 29 April 2008 the then Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel put out a media statement.

Translink Transport Authority moves forward  > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/51493

This statement announced the formation of the Statutory Authority - TransLink Transport Authority (TTA) for SEQ.

Mr Mickel said  "The authority will also integrate public transport services, and deliver and manage the infrastructure on which those services operate," he said.

"It will have the freedom and power to co-ordinate services, redeploy resources such as buses based on demand, and ensure the smooth introduction of new technology across the network."

"We will now have an authority with the grunt to ensure scheduling, services and planning are synchronised to deliver the public transport our growing population needs. "

In 2012, as part of the former Newman Government control and 'cuts' agenda the TTA was absorbed into TMR.  It lost its authority, as evidenced by the subsequent failure in 2013 of the Brisbane bus network reform. It lost resources to do the job properly.

With the benefit of hindsight, it would have been a better outcome for SEQ and Queensland had the formation of the TTA in 2008 actually been for all of Queensland's public transport.  Having a fragmented public transport administration actually helped enable the flawed move to absorb the then TTA back into TMR as a division, with the now perverse outcomes we see.

If it was good enough and for the right reasons in 2008 to form a statutory authority,  it is now even more critical that we move on with a public transport authority to properly administer public transport for all of Queensland, and for the 2032 Olympics.  The present fragmented administration of public transport is a failure, clearly.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. 27 July 2012 Brisbanetimes --> Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html

2. Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 29th July 2016 page 11
Time now to bring in transport changes http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg177269#msg177269

3. Public Transport Queensland - it's time 16th April 2022
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=257516

[ozbob]

Re: Public Transport Queensland

19th June 2023

Good Morning,

Time. is. fleeting.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

Public Transport Queensland

4th May 2023

Good Morning,

On Tuesday 29 April 2008 the then Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel put out a media statement.

Translink Transport Authority moves forward  > https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/51493

This statement announced the formation of the Statutory Authority - TransLink Transport Authority (TTA) for SEQ.

Mr Mickel said  "The authority will also integrate public transport services, and deliver and manage the infrastructure on which those services operate," he said.

"It will have the freedom and power to co-ordinate services, redeploy resources such as buses based on demand, and ensure the smooth introduction of new technology across the network."

"We will now have an authority with the grunt to ensure scheduling, services and planning are synchronised to deliver the public transport our growing population needs. "

In 2012, as part of the former Newman Government control and 'cuts' agenda the TTA was absorbed into TMR.  It lost its authority, as evidenced by the subsequent failure in 2013 of the Brisbane bus network reform. It lost resources to do the job properly.

With the benefit of hindsight, it would have been a better outcome for SEQ and Queensland had the formation of the TTA in 2008 actually been for all of Queensland's public transport.  Having a fragmented public transport administration actually helped enable the flawed move to absorb the then TTA back into TMR as a division, with the now perverse outcomes we see.

If it was good enough and for the right reasons in 2008 to form a statutory authority,  it is now even more critical that we move on with a public transport authority to properly administer public transport for all of Queensland, and for the 2032 Olympics.  The present fragmented administration of public transport is a failure, clearly.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. 27 July 2012 Brisbanetimes --> Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html

2. Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 29th July 2016 page 11
Time now to bring in transport changes http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg177269#msg177269

3. Public Transport Queensland - it's time 16th April 2022
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?msg=257516

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Comment on Sunday Mail article " South East Queensland's grim gridlock future "

2nd July 2023

Greetings,

Interesting article in the Sunday Mail today "Worst congested roads mapped: South East Queensland's grim gridlock future https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/worst-congested-roads-mapped-south-east-queenslands-grim-gridlock-future/news-story/c1e15aadf8b2502d61855029ac912054

The article reports the latest traffic data from the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) which identifies 260 problematic congestion hot spots in SEQ.

Obviously the RACQ wants more roads but also public transport, quote: " This is not rocket science. It's the radial roads which are all congested, and we really need to be focused on public transport because public transport gives you the density of moving people. ... "

Exactly, unless we sort out our public transport for SEQ, and Queensland generally, the future is grim.

A key pre-requisite is a proper public transport authority for Queensland (see Public Transport Queensland https://railbotforum.org/yourls/5q [FB]).
Unless we get a proper public transport authority and sort out public transport, progress is going to be slow, fragmented and unsatisfactory. 

The " car free games " are approaching faster than the old Darra flyer!

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

[#Metro]

While looking for bus patronage statistics, this unusual result came up in Google. Turns out it is a report about the disbanding of the Metropolitan Transit Agency (MTA), a predecessor organisation to TransLink Mach I.

Review of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Final Report. (1984)
PA Management Consultants
https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/_/media/aboutus/rti/disclog/2023/rti-3474-release.pdf

[#Metro]

The MTA of the 1980s had a co-ordination role.




The problems the MTA faced 40+ years ago seems similar to the issues today. For example, introducing new bus routes...

[HappyTrainGuy]

Reverting legislation back to enable translink to supersede bccs transport act would help. Also making Translink a stand alone body with teeth would be even better rather than a sub division of tmr that has its own agenda with political interference of not making the government look bad around voting time and sharing of roles with other divisions.

Brisbane needs a violent shakeup of its pt and at network. And someone has to start it for the better.

[#Metro]

The MTA and BCC did not get along together.


Indooroopilly was identified as a bus-rail interchange back in the Wilbur Smith Study (Brisbane Transportation Plan). It is not indicated whether this was the 1965 or 1970 study. Whatever the case, it indicates a potential bus-train interchange at Indooroopilly has been discussed for more than 50 years.

Although the MTA had the power to refuse funding BCC routes not conforming to its plans, it never exercised its option.

[#Metro]

I will just note here that the MTA, although established as an 'independent' body, was required to comply with the minister's policy directions. This was the same as in TransLink Mk I.

In the public sector, genuinely 'independent' bodies are rare. The word 'separate', 'dedicated', or 'specialist' body is a better description. Generally, if the agency will depend on public money to do its job, then public oversight and control will accompany that. That means a line in the Act that allows for ministerial direction or override.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Translink did have some gusto building due to a general lack of political interference and funding but under Newman that changed once it was no longer a statutory body and merged into a division of tmr with no real ambition other than to keep the status quo.