14 Feb 2010: SEQ: Essential actions for public transport ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 February 2010

SEQ:  Essential actions for public transport in south-east Queensland

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 compiled a short list of immediate actions that need implementation to quell public anger and concerns with public transport in south-east Queensland (1).  The public transport community, particularly Seniors, are reeling from massive fare price increases,  Failure and a near enough mentality is no longer good enough (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The following matters need immediate attention:

1.  The introduction of a Seniors Excursion Fare on the red go card, suggest $2.50 all day unlimited travel in all zones.

2.  Fare structure for go card must be improved to include capping and periodical ticketing options for other users.

3.  Rail service frequency must be increased to address the gaps on all lines, particularly Rosewood and Sunshine Coast.  More services both directions during peaks on Caboolture, Ipswich, Ferny Grove and Gold Coast. As units become available more services on Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines, with a progressive increase of services on the Doomben line.

4.  Improvement in go card administrative support.  The present system of users have to ring to seek fare adjustments is clumsy, wastes time and must cost money.  Provide alternatives such as web based and post forms.

5.  A concerted campaign to target all Seniors and issue them with a red go card.  Provide more community eduction on how to use the go card.

6.  Address the constant service disruptions occurring on all modes. Some form of compensation scheme needs introduction if the chronic disruption is not addressed (3).

7.  Sort out bus rail integration. Extend the hours of operation of local buses.

The public transport community has a justified expectation of improvement.  Action is needed this week."

References:

1.   http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26719236-952,00.html

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=432.msg21415#msg21415

3.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3014.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail Editorial click here!

Anna, it's over for us

Anna, it's over for us
Article from: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

February 14, 2010 12:00am

Queensland voters have had enough: They have had enough of failure, disappointment, duplicity, the Labor Party and Anna Bligh.

Today's Sunday Mail/Galaxy Poll paints a picture of a government struggling for survival.

On today's figures, Labor would lose up to 20 seats at an election, including those of some high-flyers and those on whom the party might be banking its future.

It would give the Liberal National Party a commanding majority in the House and shatter an ALP that can barely remember the sour taste of defeat.

If there was ever a honeymoon for Premier Bligh, it is well and truly over and the marriage is on the rocks. More than 60 per cent of voters blame her for Labor's woes - and presumably Queensland's troubles - while there is residual anger directed at her predecessor, Peter Beattie.

Her satisfaction rating has slumped to just 28 per cent, even lower than a dismal reading in November. It is historically disastrous for a Queensland premier.

LNP leader John-Paul Langbroek is now the preferred premier in the minds of Queenslanders but, perversely, his satisfaction rating has slipped slightly since November.

It suggests an interesting leadership vacuum that will be noted by nervous members on both sides of the House.

The reasons for Labor's calamitous slump are well-known and it must now rely on a dramatic turnaround in the state's financial fortunes if it is to get up off the canvas.

It is good news for the LNP but it needs to remain focused and to convince voters it has positive policies - something it has struggled to do up to this point - and is not merely a conduit for their anger.

Both sides of politics have a lot of work to do in the two years or so between now and the election.