18 Dec 2022: Thanks to all involved with public and active transport ...

[ozbob]

Queensland:  Thanks to all involved with public and active transport for their efforts in 2022!

18th December 2022

RAIL Back On Track members thank all bus drivers, train and tram crew, ferry crew, and the many and important support crew and staff for all our public transport operators throughout Queensland for their efforts and commitment in 2022.

Staff at Translink and Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Councils, have been constructively engaging the community and steering changes. We thank them for their ongoing commitment to public and active transport, and look forward to further improvements in 2023.

We don't always see eye to eye with Councils, Government and its agencies, or the Opposition parties on public transport issues.
However we thank our elected political representatives, and the public service for their ongoing efforts and service to our community.

We would also like to acknowledge Translink staff and all operators, and Government, and the difficulties faced this year as they attempted to maintain service levels throughout this year. Bus operators particularly have had a very tough year in 2022, thank you for pushing on.  We acknowledge the fact that high level actions are being taken by Government and agencies to help resolve the bus driver shortages. Let's hope the bus service cancellations and reduced service timetables can be minimised from here.

Translink has continued to roll out the Smart Ticketing project during the year ( https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing ).  This is a true 'game changer' this project, and the scale and complexity is very considerable Queensland wide. Well done on the steady and successful ongoing implementation throughout the state Translink. We have followed closely the roll out not only in SEQ, but on urban bus networks throughout Queensland, as new branding, and new fare zones are put in place in preparation for smart ticketing implementation ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=94.0 ). In time we expect improved fare options will be available.

We appreciate the opportunities to put our point of view and constructive dialogue, and the support received from the media. Thank you.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a better year in 2023!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Photograph:  Ferny Grove Station R Dow 2022
Smart ticketing fare gates - Connecting thread artwork
( https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing/connecting-thread )