17 Dec 2007: SEQ - Public transport report card 2007

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Media Release 17 December 2007

SEQ:  Public transport report card 2007

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport has compiled a public transport score card assessing the public transport performance in SEQ for 2007.

Robert Dow said:

?QR Citytrain has had a difficult year due to crew and equipment shortfalls.  Not with standing the numerous cancellations endured by passengers the overall performance has been good.  Trains run 365 days a year from early morning to late evening and even past midnight.  The new suburban trains are very welcome, but more are needed additional to the 44 already ordered as well as more crew.  Improved service frequency during wider peak times should be the immediate aim for 2008. Overall a solid score of 8/10.?

?Constant improvements to many bus routes facilitated by the introduction of more buses into service has helped improve bus transport.  Unfortunately, road traffic congestion impacts on buses, and there are still too many passengers left stranded at bus stops as full buses pass by.  Better integration with other transport modes should be an aim for 2008, with the continued introduction of feeder bus routes to key rail and bus stations.  The Inner Northern Busway when completed will also help to ease bus congestion in the CBD. Again a solid score 8/10.?

?River transport, the ferries and CityCats are the public transport ?quiet achievers? of SEQ.  The major problem is the lack of catamarans and crew, and there is the potential for better integration and more services.  More CityCats are online for 2008 and other improvements are in train such as more terminals.  Much more can be done with river transport in the future. A well deserved score of 8.5/10.?

?The pending roll out of the Go Card, the Translink public transport smartcard electronic ticketing system offers potential gains in public transport efficiencies. The unfortunate aspect of the Go Card as it stands at the moment, is the very restrictive fare option for roll out.  There is an urgent need for equitable fares that match present integrated paper ticketing costs for all commuters.  Go Card is not yet in general use, therefore no score as the Go Card will have to take a ?deferred examination? when it is in truly general use across the system by all the public transport public.?

?Public transport will increasingly become the option of choice for commuter travel in SEQ. This will be driven in part by congestion, direct costs such as fuel price rises,  but also as a consequence of indirect costs related to a post Kyoto low emission environment.  All efforts must now be directed to massive improvements in our public transport to provide for sustainable efficient transport services for the community.?

?Thanks to all our public transport staff for their constant efforts to transport citizens in safe and timely manner in 2007.? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track