Article: Paris jaunt cheaper than Charleville train trip

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Paris jaunt cheaper than Charleville train trip

Paris jaunt cheaper than Charleville train trip
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

July 04, 2009 12:00am

IT IS cheaper to fly Queensland's rail commuters to Paris than to cart them from Brisbane to Charleville on the state's Traveltrain network.

The Courier-Mail can reveal that taxpayers are forking out $1135 to subsidise every passenger on the Traveltrain Westlander route, $250 more than the cost of a plane ticket to France.

See the cost comparisons

Currently, the State Government pays more than $2.5 million each week to subsidise the eight Traveltrain routes throughout Queensland, casting more doubt on their future.

The subsidy for each passenger on the 777km route has increased 18 per cent on the previous year, now double the cost of a flight to Los Angeles and the same price as a ticket to London. However, the most heavily subsidised Traveltrain service was the Inlander route, between Mount Isa and Townsville, where government assistance reached $1433 for each of the 7200 passengers last year.

The figures, released by Queensland Transport, show while the size of some subsidies, including the Sunlander and the Bundaberg Tilt Train, have fallen over the past two years thanks to increased patronage, both the Inlander and Westlander routes have blown out by another $150 a person.

The skyrocketing subsidy comes two years after promises by the State Government to review the level of subsidy or scrap it altogether if patronage did not increase.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said that while the level of subsidy provided to Traveltrain was constantly being reviewed, the Government was committed to maintaining services.

"In tough economic times of course the Government needs to closely examine these services including the amount of subsidy provided," she said.

Ms Nolan acknowledged the "use it or lose it" ultimatum made by the Beattie government in 2006, but refused to comment on plans for the services.

"The Government made it clear in the past that the community needs to come on board rail service in order for them to be financially sustainable," she said. "This is a matter that the Government has constantly had under review."

Overall, the State Government subsidy on the eight Traveltrain routes reached an estimated $132 million last financial year, up $7 million on the previous year despite 7000 additional passengers using the network.

Opposition spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said questions should be asked about the cost of train services across the state.

"It is legitimate to ask questions about the cost inputs of Queensland Rail's services throughout the state and how to get better value," she said.

"However, in assessing the value of community service obligations, which are a public subsidy, it must be remembered that all public transport is subsidised throughout Queensland."

Commuter advocacy group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said that while the services were vital to rural communities, they needed to be more cost-effective.

"The long distance rail network is an important communication link for rural communities," he said.

"But in the case of the Westlander and the Inlander I think it is time to review whether to continue with the same type of services or whether it be more cost effective to put on other units, such as diesel-mechanical units." Mr Dow said diesel-mechanical units were a cheaper option to the current trains.

[ozbob]

I also mentioned the economic benefits of the tourists with respect to the local economies, the fact that public transport is subsidised, all modes, air, road and rail.  Rural communities need support as do the urban communities.  Vline is a good example of how we can move forwards.  A problem with a lot of the long distance carriages is age, and non DDA compliant.  New DMUs, as was done in Victoria could well be the answer.

==========================================

From http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=113.0

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 29 May 2007

Queensland Long Distance Passenger Trains

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has called on Traveltrain and the Queensland Government to maintain present long distance passenger train services.

Robert Dow said

?The long distance passenger trains in Queensland are unique.  Providing a quality tourist travel experience on the Queensland narrow gauge they are also important transport communication links for many remote towns throughout Queensland. The Sunlander, the Spirit of the Outback, the Westlander, the Inlander and the Tilt train services all value add to the economy of Queensland, directly and indirectly.?

?From the 18th June one weekly Sunlander from Brisbane to Cairns is to be cut from the timetable, but will be effectively replaced by a new Tilt train service. RAIL Back On Track encourages a long term view and suggests that investing in some new and upgraded passenger carriages for the remaining long distance passenger services will bring long term benefits to the state, and send a signal of support to the rural communities of Queensland.?

Contact:

Administration
admin@backontrack.org  
RAIL Back On Track

====================

Ministerial Statement.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
14/06/2007

LIBERAL RAIL COMMENTS REVEAL ANTI-REGION AGENDA

Calls by Liberals today for the State Government to consider shutting down Traveltrain services revealed they don't understand and don't care about regional Queenslanders, Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas said.

Opposition public transport spokesman, Tim Nicholls, told Brisbane radio this morning that the State Government should consider shutting passenger rail services in regional Queensland.

"This reveals just how Brisbane-centric the Liberals are," Mr Lucas said.

"Opposition Leader Jeff Seeney needs to state categorically whether this is Coalition policy, and if not, he should pull the Liberals into line."

Mr Lucas said Traveltrain services had carried 327,000 passengers between July 2006 and March 2007.

Total forecast patronage for 2006-07 is 432,000 passengers.

"That's half a million people that Mr Nicholls wants to leave stranded at the station."

"Yes, these vital regional Queensland services are subsidised by the State Government. But I remind Mr Nicholls this isn't his money or mine.

"This money comes from taxpayers in rural and regional Queensland and they have every right to have a say on the services they're receiving and not have it dictated to them by Liberals who never get out of Brisbane.

"Clearly the Coalition's public transport spokesman either doesn't know that South East Queensland public transport fares are also subsidised by the State Government or he doesn't care.

"Mr Nicholls thinks it's fine for passengers using Citytrain in his electorate to travel from Hendra or Clayfield on a subsidised fare. But he criticises the State Government for subsidising fares to places like Barcaldine, Blackwater, Home Hill and Ayr.

"Traveltrain provides a vital service for residents of regional towns not serviced by air; or where air travel between regional cities is not discounted. These services are vital to a decentralized state like Queensland.

"If it's good enough for Clayfield, Mr Nicholls, it's good enough for Cloncurry."

Mr Lucas said forecast Traveltrain patronage for 2007-08 was 433,500 people, slightly up on expected numbers for this financial year.

"Around half of the passengers are pensioners travelling on a subsidized fare," Mr Lucas said.

"Many of them would never be able to afford the airfare - even if services were on offer. Does Mr Nicholls think they should walk?

"Clearly Mr Nicholls doesn't understand how Traveltrain works.

"The Spirit of the Outback, which departs Brisbane twice a week to travel to Winton stops at 26 towns along the way, including Duaringa, Bluff, Blackwater and Barcaldine to name a few.

"The Coalition needs to come clean on whether it supports services to towns like these.

"If Mr Nicholls believes subsidies should be stopped he should tell us his plan to get people around Queensland."

==============================================================

Following the publication of a story in today's Courier Mail Taxpayers' subsidise Traveltrain --> http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21900711-952,00.html I was invited on to ABC Radio 612 for a short interview this morning on the breakfast show to represent RAIL Back On Track.

It is important to put this story into context.  Road and Air infrastructure costs are rarely factored in to their apparent costs of travel.  Rail is an important community service.  The Queensland Government has said that they will continue to support long distance rail travel, as they recognise the overall benefits to the community at large, and particularly to the economy from tourist rail travel and the flow on effects as well.  Long distance rail travel has always been subsidised from other revenues, as is health, education and transport generally.

Thanks to ABC Radio 612 Brisbane Host Spencer Howson for inviting different points of view on this topical issue.

Regards
Ozbob
Admin


==============================================================

This follow up letter was published in the Courier Mail 18th June 2007


The article ?End of the line feared (C-M June 15)" highlights subsidies to Queensland long distance trains.  Support of the rural community by the Queensland Government in maintaining these services is to be applauded.  It should also be noted that public transport in South East Queensland is also heavily subsidised.  So is health, electricity, water, education and other transport modes.  Rarely is the true cost of road and air infrastructure, and their environmental  penalties costed  into those transport modes. If it was, it too would show such distortions of cost and subsidies.

Governments are there to support their communities. Governments of late have lacked the long term vision of our pioneers who laid down our basic rail network.  For example, the short term myopia demonstrated when the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads railways were closed during the 1960s and right of way lost, is now hitting home in exorbitant infrastructure costs to re-establish those lines.

In twenty or thirty years it is highly likely that the only viable transport mode will be rail.  Air and road will be subject to extreme fuel and environmental costs.  The federal government has also recently indicated that the inland railway from Melbourne to Brisbane is now very likely.  Rather than pontificating about possible cutbacks, governments need to be thinking of long term needs and expanding and continuing support for rail networks.  Rail is the sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solution for Queensland and the nation.

[ozbob]

Media Release 27 December 2008

Queensland:  Long distance rail travel is the future!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called on Traveltrain and the Queensland Government to maintain present long distance passenger train services and consider further expansion of services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Subsidies to Queensland Traveltrain long distance trains are both sensible and are of benefit to the whole community.  Support for the rural community particularly by the Queensland Government in maintaining these services is to be applauded.  It should also be noted that public transport in south-east Queensland is also heavily subsidised.  So is health, electricity, water, education and other transport modes.  Rarely is the true cost of road and air infrastructure, and their environmental penalties costed into those transport modes. If they were they too would show distortions of cost and subsidies. Queensland is more than just the south-east!"

"Governments are there to support their communities. Governments lost the transport plot in the 1950s and until recently have lacked the long term vision of our pioneers who laid down our basic rail network.  For example, the short term myopia demonstrated when the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads railways were closed during the 1960s and right of way lost, is now hitting home in exorbitant infrastructure costs to re-establish those lines."

"In twenty or thirty years it is highly likely that the only sustainable bulk transport mode will be electric rail.  Air and road will be subject to extreme fuel and environmental costs. Rather than pontificating about possible cutbacks, governments need to be thinking of long term needs and expanding and continuing support for rail networks.  Rail is the sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solution for Queensland and the nation."

"The long distance passenger trains in Queensland are unique.  Providing a quality tourist travel experience they are also important transport communication links for many remote towns throughout Queensland. The Sunlander, the Spirit of the Outback, the Westlander, the Inlander and the Tilt train services all value add to the economy of Queensland, directly and indirectly.  This was further reinforced with Queensland Rail's Traveltrain Holidays taking out the Major Tourist Attraction award at the 2008 Outback Queensland Tourism Awards (1)."

Reference:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1510.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media Release 4 July 2009

Queensland:  Long distance rail travel is part of the sustainable transport future!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called on Traveltrain and the Queensland Government to maintain present long distance passenger train services and consider further innovative expansion of services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Subsidies to Queensland Traveltrain long distance trains are both sensible and are of benefit to the whole community.  Support for the rural community particularly by the Queensland Government in maintaining these services is to be applauded.  It should also be noted that public transport in south-east Queensland is also heavily subsidised.  So is health, electricity, water, education and other transport modes.  Rarely is the true cost of road and air infrastructure, and their environmental penalties costed into those transport modes. If they were they too would show distortions of cost and subsidies. Queensland is more than just the south-east!"

"Governments are there to support their communities. Governments lost the transport plot in the 1950s and until recently have lacked the long term vision of our pioneers who laid down our basic rail network.  For example, the short term myopia demonstrated when the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads railways were closed during the 1960s and right of way lost, is now hitting home in exorbitant infrastructure costs to re-establish those lines."

"In twenty or thirty years it is highly likely that the only sustainable bulk transport mode will be electric rail.  Air and road will be subject to extreme fuel and environmental costs. Rather than pontificating about possible cutbacks, governments need to be thinking of long term needs and expanding and continuing support for rail networks.  Rail is the sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solution for Queensland and the nation."

"The long distance passenger trains in Queensland are unique.  Providing a quality tourist travel experience they are also important transport communication links for many remote towns throughout Queensland. The Sunlander, the Spirit of the Outback, the Westlander, the Inlander and the Tilt train services all value add to the economy of Queensland, directly and indirectly.  This was further reinforced with Queensland Rail's Traveltrain Holidays taking out the Major Tourist Attraction award at the 2008 Outback Queensland Tourism Awards (1)."

"That being said, modern rail cars could be a sensible option for reducing costs and improving the frequency and patronage on the inland services in particular.  Victoria has done just that and their country rail network is booming!"

"The aging Traveltrain carriage fleet should be upgraded with new diesel mechanical units similar to the VLocity units in Victoria (2).  These units could also be used on regular runs throughout Queensland.  Regular commuter services could be introduced from places such as Gatton, Helidon, and eventually Toowoomba and similarly from Gympie North and Maryborough.  Apart from the long haul Travel Train services more local rail services for all the major provincial cities in Queensland could also be achieved."

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1510.0
2.  http://www.vline.com.au/about/ourfleet/vlocity.html

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Dean Quick]

I see the courier garbage is at it again. I guess in these times when most people are turning to the internet for the news, the daily rubbish has to further sensationalise its " news articles " to stay in the race and maintain their declining sales. Roads,ports,airports,buses,schools,hospitals and many other essential community services are subsidised, so why the big deal about the rail. Has the courier garbage gone out and spoken to any of the people/businesses who rely on these trains? I sincerely doubt it.   

[mufreight]

Once again Minister Nolan is sprouting off the Government line as a preliminary to axing traveltrain passenger services despite the obligation to provide passenger services to country regions despite her previous assurances that passenger services would be maintained.
The cost figures for the Westlander for instance do not take into the freight hauled on that service, usually five louver vans and it has been sighted with up to nine so that freight alone would justify the operation of the Westlander.
It is understood that the intention is to remove that freight and put it on road to justify withdrawal of the Westlander as part of closing down the western line west of Miles/Roma and only keeping the line east of that point for coal traffic.

[skippy]

A couple of years ago I noticed the Sunlander had two locomotives, and a dozen or so carriages. One idea suggested was to change to a single loco and half the number of carriages. If this means the train does not look as impressive, and carriages are half full instead of a quarter full then so be it. Costs should be reduced dropping one loco, fuel usage reduced and less multiple stopping at stations with shorter platforms.