22 Sep 2007: South East Queensland: TransLink has missed the train and the bus!

[ozbob]

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 22 September 2007

South East Queensland:  TransLink has missed the train and the bus!

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has agreed with the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Campbell Newman, in that there are concerns with the way TransLink is functioning. (Reference 1). The evidence is all too clear -  the chronic congestion and cancellation chaos which now characterizes the daily experience of South East Queensland public transport commuters.

Robert Dow said:

?TransLink?s only real significant contribution to public transport in South East Queensland has been integrated paper ticketing initiatives.

?The big ticket items such as the much vaunted ?TransLink Smart Card? and proper timetable integration between various modes of public transport are still only manifest in commuters? dreams.

?TransLink?s mission statement reads ?To develop, lead and manage transport in Queensland which is safe, secure, efficient, inclusive, ecologically sustainable and promotes a strong economy.?

?Ask commuters in South East Queensland if they think present public transport options are efficient and sustainable?  Feedback to RAIL Back On Track, local press and radio talkback would suggest that transport in Queensland is presently very inefficient, and with a focus on environmentally costly options rather than sustainable solutions such as rail.

?From a commuter?s perspective it seems that there are communication barriers between TransLink and public transport operators.  RAIL Back On Track calls on the new Minister for Transport Mr John Mickel to reduce the bureaucratic barriers and bring on real transport solutions that are affordable, accessible, frequent, integrated and truly inclusive.

?Change the paradigm from ?catch up? to ?pro-active? development.

?The future transport health of our community depends on decisive actions today.

Reference 1:

Lucas transport policy a dud
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/lucas-transport-policy-a-dud/2007/09/21/1189881728178.html

Contact:

Administration
admin@backontrack.org

RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org