Opposition Statement: Shonky rail service under fire

[ozbob]

http://www.fionasimpson.com.au/Pages/Article.aspx?ID=731

Shonky rail service under fire

Monday, 28 June 2010

SUNSHINE Coast rail commuters to Brisbane are facing the worst overcrowding on the City Train network  despite up to 40 %  hikes in fares under the Labor Government.

Shadow Minister for Transport Fiona Simpson said the Labor Government's mismanagement of public transport meant commuters were being ripped off.

"The Government needs to urgently improve services on the line. About 80% of morning peak hour services are overcrowded with many commuters forced to stand for about 20 minutes," Ms Simpson said.

"Also, the timetable for the North Coast line is a disgrace with a lack of frequency meaning that commuters are given very few options.

"There are many Sunshine Coast residents commuting to jobs in Brisbane and we already have a rail line but not a rail service which is up to scratch.

"It appears clear that it's the Government which is choosing which lines get extra services and the level of frequency so it's time they explained why they've treated the two areas of Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay – a combined region 650,000 people – like second class citizens."

[#Metro]

Its the entire rail system that needs a frequency boost.
I don't mind fares going up, but when they do, the frequency should go up too.

How much did the fares go up? 20-40%?
Well then, I want my frequency to go up by 20-40% too.

[mufreight]

With the current Government and Minister how does the song go "he's got high hopes"

[Fridge]

Tell us something we don't know, like what will the opposition plan to do about it??

[mufreight]

A logical response by the opposition would be that on gaining power additional services for the North Coast line and a start on construction of a first section of the Kippa Ring line from Petrie as far as Murrumba Downs or Griffin which would provide an extension of the present Petrie services and relieve the parking problems at Petrie.

[somebody]

I'm not sure when an opposition has announced any plans this far out from an election except when John Hewson was Federal Opposition Leader in the early 90s.  And we know happenned to him.

[mufreight]

Early announcements by the Opposition would only apply a little heat to the present Government who on their track record to date would then promise to do something to counter the Opposition proposals then if re-elected do nothing.