3 Sep 2009: SEQ: Go west and stall!

[ozbob]

Media Release 3 September 2009

SEQ:  Go west and stall!

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 called for further improvements for Public Transport users in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Route 444 has been singled out by many as the worst bus route in Brisbane (1)."

"Media has also highlighted the sheer amount of congestion in the western region, with cars crawling at speeds around 6km/hour (2). This further highlights the need for improvements for Public Transport in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane to encourage citizens to make the change."

"All options should be considered, such as bus lanes, improved railway services and rail shuttle buses or even perhaps a Western Busway."

"North, South, Eastern parts of Brisbane have a busway, and yet residents in the Western Suburbs have to endure bulk congestion on Moggill Road, Milton Road or on Coronation Drive. Toowong really needs a seamless interchange between bus and rail services."

"Encouraging patrons to park and ride at Chelmer station would avoid the need for many to cross the river at Indooroopilly.  Better still provide station buses so that pressure on the roads is relieved (3)."

"With planning for the Northern Link Tunnel going ahead, this would be an ideal time to ensure that future provision for public bus and cycling facilities were improved in this region."

"There is a public transport stalemate at present.  Rhetoric is not being matched by action.  More rail services must be added immediately to the Ipswich line to provide capacity for change and help relieve this congestion nightmare.  Time to move forwards!"

References:

1.   http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25980625-952,00.html

2.   http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/life-in-the-slow-lane-of-brisbanes-most-agonising-kilometres-20090901-f6uy.html

3.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=532.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org