4 Oct 2010: SEQ: Bus system requires a major shake up

[ozbob]

Media release 4 October 2010

SEQ: Bus system requires a major shake up

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 called for a major shake up of Brisbane's current radial bus system.  This is in addition to feeder and cross town routes, as well as ongoing 'BUZification' of routes which should not have slowed in pace, and particularly the 100 and then the 555.  These priorities are taken from a recent poll (1) and one a few months ago (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A RAIL Back On Track member has gone into fine details about the numerous problems with the network (3), including a number of anachronisms.  Even this ignores routes outside the BCC area and largely ignores the Toombul routes.  Another has suggested a much improved pair of routings for RiverHills and Jindalee (4), although a BUZ 450 extending to Darra station on a revised route is another alternative to this."

"There also remains frustration among RAIL Back On Track members at the reluctance to combine the 66 and 109 routes (5).  The current northern terminus of the 109 is a major concern to some members.  It is noted that any shake up may have the odd person who loses out and the majority will need to deal with change.  RAIL Back On Track calls on the people of Brisbane to accept positive change."

"Members have concerns about the coordination between routes and the city stop locations. For instance, there are currently buses to Woolloongabba from the city leaving from Ann St, Adelaide St, Queen St Bus Station and the 66 from King George Square Bus Station.  This results in an annoying passenger experience.  Other examples are to Toowong (4 sets of stop locations), Sandgate Rd, Stanley Bridge, parts of Waterworks Rd in The Gap, Paddington, Old Cleveland Rd, most of Logan Rd, the northern part of Beaudesert Rd and even parts of the busway which have no excuse.  The fact is that this problem affects the majority of Brisbane except parts which only see a single bus route, and is getting worse with the 444 separated from the other via Indooroopilly express routes 2 years ago, and the recent changes which separated the P119 from the 120 and the P179 from the 180."

"It has also been observed that there are a number of instances of services existing for apparently self serving reasons without regard for their effect on the overall network.  The most glaring of this is the CityGlider which is limited stops forcing some people to use up space on services which extend far further such as the 300.  This also prevents the inner part of the 199 becoming limited stops especially on the West End side.  Following on from this, RAIL Back On Track is also confused by certain Kelvin Grove Rd routes being excluded from King George Square such as the 390, even though there is a completely unused stop in it.  It seems that this has occurred because the 390 is not a high profile route."

"The success of BUZ is spectacular, and this program should be expanded as rapidly as possible.  It is also excellent value for money, especially when compared to road tunnels."

References

1.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4439.msg35392#msg35392

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3907.msg35391#msg35391

3.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4061.0

4.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4448.msg34397#msg34397

5.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3756.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org