14 Dec 2008: SEQ: All we want for Christmas are frequent services, and ?

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 December 2008:

SEQ:  All we want for Christmas are frequent services, and  ?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has highlighted a rail public transport commuters' wish list.  We will see these wishes come to fruition in time?

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In our Christmas stocking we would like to see new timetables. A fifteen minute off peak frequency on all lines of the Citytrain network 5am to 8pm. During peak 7.5 minutes or better depending on loadings, outside 5am to 8pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and Public holiday generally a 20 minute service frequency.  Such a timetable overcomes a lot of present problems with bus/rail and rail/bus timetable integration."

"Two-tier timetables on the long haul lines, an extension of what is already in place on the Gold Coast line.  Trains to and from Ipswich and Rosewood, express between Darra and the CBD, limited stops only.  Similarly trains to and from Caboolture, express between Northgate and the CBD.  All services past Caboolture express from Caboolture to CBD, limited stops only, and all these services provided by Interurban Multiple Unit trains, that is, trains with toilets.  Increased inner city sweeper services between Shorncliffe and Darra."

"The introduction of more feeder buses to transport commuters to and from near places of residence to key bus and rail stations would be nice.  Parking at an around stations is out of control in SEQ."

"And we would like incentive ticketing on the Go card to be introduced to help ease peak congestion.  Monday to Friday, if a user touches on to commence a journey before 6.30am, after 9am, before 3.30pm and after 7pm, a further off peak discount.  This is only an extension of the off peak ticketing that is available on paper tickets.  Daily, weekly and monthly fare capping be added to the Go card fare structure as a further incentive for uptake.  If these things were done the uptake rate of the Go card would go exponential.  Fare revenue as a whole would increase, there would be better utilisation of the public transport assets, and more encouragement for the public to use public transport. Makes public transport first choice, not last choice!"

"Rail commuters have been very patient, will we get a Christmas surprise?"

"Season's greetings to all!"

Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org