30 June 2010: SEQ: Public transport promises of seats, almost there!

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 June 2010

SEQ:  Public transport promises of seats, almost there!

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 welcomed the announcement of the bus package (1).  This will met the commitments made last October for 201,000 weekly public transport seats on bus.  Rail and ferry look like missing the promised deadlines however.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The incremental improvements in bus services and routes announced by the Minister for Transport and TransLink are very welcome (1).  We are particularly delighted to note that the Go Between bridge is to be utilised for some western bus routes (2).  The western regions of Brisbane are public transport priority poor and the time savings made by these route variations will be welcomed by bus passengers. The creation of more bus lanes to give bus priority is needed across the network however."

"We understand the difficulties of major rail timetable changes whilst the major track amplification project between Corinda and Darra West is proceeding.  Signalling upgrades also need completion. We are looking forward to the completion of the branch line to Richlands. I recently had the opportunity to visit the almost completed Richlands railway station and this is looking tremendous (3).  The completion of these projects in the west will drive a rail revolution."

"We believe though that certain steps need to be taken now to improve rail frequency and capacity.  All three car train services in peak and during the day on the main network should be upgraded to six car.  Additionally some extra services need placement on the Caboolture line to cope with present peak congestion. The 2 hour week night gap on the Sunshine Coast line needs fixing.  It is very difficult for Sunshine Coast line commuters north of Caboolture who are not able to make the 7.27pm service; they are forced to wait two hours for the next service at 9.28pm. All services north of Caboolture should be with the toilet equipped Interurban Multiple Unit trains without exception."

"The real long term gains in bulk capacity for mass transit will be delivered by rail. It is important of course to continue to improve the bus and ferry network to provide options for all our community.  The bus package goes a long way to delivering those options. Thank you!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4023.msg29024#msg29024

2. 28 June 2010: SEQ: Opportunities for improved bus commutes from Western regions http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4012.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=639.msg28661#msg28661

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4023.0