Post removed

[ozbob]

This was a tongue in cheek crack at highlighting the constant issues ...  

[STB]

I'm sorry Robert, but I find this insulting and not constructive to getting a better system, as you have been trying to do in the past, to even think of sending this to the tabloids is beyond me, and it proves just how insipid the tabolids in Brisbane are.  I find this sickening and pointless attention seeking.

Sorry if you don't agree with me, but this is how I feel about this.

By placing this article out, you won't do any favours in having a good working relationship with the people who matter most with getting better services out there.  This has been posted on other transport forums and has been nothing but laughed at, and not in the good way either.

[ozbob]

It was a light hearted attempt at diffusing the genuine concerns with the chronic failures and again highlighting the need to do something.

I have had feedback that many have seen it in the light that it was intended.

I take on board your comments though and will remove it.

The fact is constant requests for logical improvements and outcomes are getting nowhere.  Worth a try.

Personally, I am tired of the serious disruptions that many commuters are facing.  The cost impacts for some of them is getting serious as feedback indicates.  Many people are suffering loss of wages, additional costs associated with things like childcare, taxi fares and missed appointments.  One of our members lost his job because of constant problems travelling on the Citytrain network.   Our system never used to be like this, constant failure.  Many folks have indicated their intention to revert to other transport options.  The 'form guide' certainly got some attention where it matters, it is a sign of the serious disruptions that are occurring.

So I thought I would try something a bit different.  Most people I have communicated with have found it quite funny and understand the intent.

No one has to agree with everything nor should they though.  It was not pointless  but I agree it was attention seeking.  You bet, an attempt to highlight just how serious it has become.  There are real concerns from those who know that these issues may well hid wider systemic problems.

So that was my rationale.  Some may see it as flawed, so be it.  Results is what matters.

Cheers
Bob

[Mozz]

I thought it was a great piece of work. We need to use a range of techniques to get the message out there. For better or worse, plainly highlighting the serious issues around public transport only goes so far in terms of media takeup and thus promotion of information. If you analyse the media, marketing and communications strategies of many organisations, you will similarly find that a range of tactics and techniques can and are used.

I have also noted that there are a range of people out there who unfortunately are quite a bit grumpy about the success of RBOT and specifically Bob has had with the media in highlighting public transport issues. This is unfortunate as I see this success as a positive to be encouraged rather than stymied, but hey each to their own.

[STB]

I realise what Robert was trying to do, but with getting people that matter most on your side, particularly with the Transport Industry, there is a right way and a wrong way of doing it, and as was clearly my response to my earlier post, I felt quite strongly and still do that this is the wrong way of doing it.  My negative response was not to do with the success of Back On Track but the potential damage it could do with any working relationship with the politicians, QR Management etc.

It cheapens the effect I feel, sure it might market well and trigger some emotional response from the media and those who read it.  But it overall creates a negative effect with those who are actively trying to assist Robert and take on his concerns.

I want this group to be taken seriously, as I do have a passion to see improvements, I just tend to be more realistic about it, for reasons I will not disclose. And I do not want this group be seen as some clownish group who is not being constructive with it's responses to what is happening out in the network, as soon as this happens, and I would know, the group will become ignored and seen as nothing more than an annoying noisecracker, so to speak.

EDIT: I thank Robert also for listening and deciding to remove the post.

[ozbob]

STB, thanks for your comments and sage advice.  Mozz ditto.

The feedback I have had from those who you may think might have not seen the funny side has been to the contrary.  Although I am sure there are some not so happy.  But that is the point, highlight the issues.  

Ultimately it is the political process that will drive the improvements.  

We all want the same thing in the end, a frequent, accessible, affordable public transport system for all!

Cheers ..

[O_128]

O I thought it was a great idea something very current affair style which always grabs attention. Seeing as some people disagree how about a tally of faults and dealys on each line posted at the end of each week?

[Derwan]

How about replace it with a serious tally of how many faults each line is experiencing - and the time period affected?

[ozbob]

Problem is getting hold and collating the information.  I suspect it is available internally in TL and QR but not the sort of thing they would pass on as a summary.  No harm in asking though?

[Emmie]

I think it was fine - especially in Melbourne Cup week.  Funny rather than upsetting, and sure to get a run in the media - and the ever-lengthening list of "Letters to the Editor (unpublished)" suggests this isn't easy.

[Derwan]

I liked the form guide too. Good use of current events (i.e. Melbourne Cup) to highlight issues.

It might've been a bit cheesy - but certainly not "insulting" or "pointless".

It's got to the point now where we wonder, "Which line(s) will be affected today?" - with multiple failures each day.  It's a farce - and might as well be treated that way!   Good form!   

[ozbob]

No worries, thanks.

Failures continue --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg16291