10 Dec 2023: Qld - Thanks to all involved with public and active transport ...

[ozbob]

Queensland:  Thanks to all involved with public and active transport for their efforts in 2023!

10th December 2023

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 2023. We also would like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers throughout Queensland involved with heritage bus, trams and rail. It is wonderful that our proud transport heritage is preserved and often operating for all to experience.  How wonderful!

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 2024.

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 and bus drivers particularly have had another tough year in 2023, 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 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 regional 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 productive public and active transport year in 2024!

Best wishes,
Robert

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



Southern Downs Steam Railway
Diesel locomotive DH45 at Stanthorpe
Photograph: J. Ayre April 2023

DH45 - Built: 1966 (Walkers Maryborough) Type: Diesel hydraulic locomotive Weight: 37t Length: 11.1m Gauge: 1,067mm gauge (3ft 6in)
Withdrawn 1994.

https://downsexplorer.org.au/dh45-diesel-hydraulic-locomotive/

"This 40 ton diesel locomotive was built in 1966 by Walkers Ltd., Maryborough and spent its working life for Queensland Railways as a versatile all needs locomotive. The DH class was quite a successful locomotive in shunting yards. The loco was leased to the Southern Downs Steam Railway but thanks to the generosity of a Southern Downs Regional Council grant, it is now fully owned by us (SDSR). It is currently used for hauling SDSR's tourist train when required for fire bans, steam locomotive unavailability, and even for the occasional scheduled service. It is used regularly for shunting within the Warwick Yard. It would be one of only a couple of this class still operating on Queensland Rail main lines."

[ozbob]

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