Roads - articles and discussion

[O_128]

It always AMAZES me how much money is CONTINUALLY poured into the LOWEST CAPACITY MODE
when there are capacity issues! Hello logic anyone?!

I thought engineering was about EFFICIENCY!

Good point Im sure in the last 10 years more than 100 billion has been spent on roads from Brisbane to Melbourne and I see no benefits in any cities.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Weekend shopping causes seven-day-a-week traffic congestion in and around Brisbane

Weekend shopping causes seven-day-a-week traffic congestion in and around Brisbane

    by Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    August 06, 2011 12:00AM

SEVEN-day shopping is being blamed for a big increase in weekend road congestion as the difference between weekday traffic and weekends is almost indiscernible.

A two-year study by digital traffic information network Intelematics found that, between 10am and 1pm on Saturdays, traffic volumes are identical or sometimes even worse than weekday congestion.

There is little improvement on Sundays, with traffic still reduced to a crawl on some major roads around noon and again in the early evening.

Dr Matthew Burke, from Griffith University's Urban Research Program, said store trading hours were one of the biggest factors in the weekend road crush.

"Firstly, our economy has changed, store trading hours have been liberalised and there is more activity happening on weekends than ever before," Dr Burke said.

"Secondly, Australian suburbs are not as self-contained as they once were and we're travelling further to the big shopping malls or into the city for shopping."

Queensland Consumers' Association president Cherie Dalley said there was no doubt weekend traffic had increased dramatically since Sunday trade was introduced to the suburbs in 2002.

"There just isn't any downtime on the roads any more," Ms Dalley said.

"I think (shopping) has become an entertainment rather than a necessity. You used to go and buy what you needed. Now it's a past-time and I think that's a bit sad."

Intelematics' research found some of the worst roads for Saturday traffic were the Centenary Highway, Milton Rd, Coronation Drive, Ann St (Fortitude Valley) and Kingsford Smith Drive, with car speeds dropping as low as 34km/h between 11.15am and 12.30pm.

The M1 to the Gold Coast was generally lighter on weekends than weekdays, until 6.45pm when the reverse was true.

Intelematics traffic manager Brian Smith said the data showed that Brisbane was rapidly becoming a seven-day-a-week city.

"That's pretty much the norm around Australia. Saturday generally looks about exactly the same as Monday to Friday, it just gets going a bit later," Mr Smith said.

"Sundays are a bit less busy but really the only downtime on the roads is in the early hours of the morning, between 3am and 4am."

Dr Burke said day and night-time destinations such as South Bank and Fortitude Valley had also contributed to around-the-clock traffic snarls.

"There are also the attractions on the coast that draw thousands and thousands up and down the highways," he said.

"Most activities outside the home now require us to travel by car, and often to travel long distances."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th August 2011

Road congestion 24/7 and the Go card fare structure

Greetings,

The Couriermail has today highlighted a growing problem in south-east Queensland - road congestion 24/7!  (See below).

Better public transport services, frequency and a fare structure to encourage use would greatly assist.  South-east Queensland is joining the ranks of the road-centric failures.  No jurisdiction has built themselves out of road congestion with more roads.
In fact many places are replacing freeways and the like with proper mass transit systems.

Rather than a 'bean counter approach' to the provision of public transport services and a continuation of a failing fare structure.  Turn it around!  Increase out of peak frequency of rail and bus and bring in improvements to the fare structure as detailed below.

IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!

Enough of the transport mediocrity!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org



From the Couriermail click here!

Weekend shopping causes seven-day-a-week traffic congestion in and around Brisbane

Weekend shopping causes seven-day-a-week traffic congestion in and around Brisbane

    by Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    August 06, 2011 12:00AM

SEVEN-day shopping is being blamed for a big increase in weekend road congestion as the difference between weekday traffic and weekends is almost indiscernible.

A two-year study by digital traffic information network Intelematics found that, between 10am and 1pm on Saturdays, traffic volumes are identical or sometimes even worse than weekday congestion.

There is little improvement on Sundays, with traffic still reduced to a crawl on some major roads around noon and again in the early evening.

Dr Matthew Burke, from Griffith University's Urban Research Program, said store trading hours were one of the biggest factors in the weekend road crush.

"Firstly, our economy has changed, store trading hours have been liberalised and there is more activity happening on weekends than ever before," Dr Burke said.

"Secondly, Australian suburbs are not as self-contained as they once were and we're travelling further to the big shopping malls or into the city for shopping."

Queensland Consumers' Association president Cherie Dalley said there was no doubt weekend traffic had increased dramatically since Sunday trade was introduced to the suburbs in 2002.

"There just isn't any downtime on the roads any more," Ms Dalley said.

"I think (shopping) has become an entertainment rather than a necessity. You used to go and buy what you needed. Now it's a past-time and I think that's a bit sad."

Intelematics' research found some of the worst roads for Saturday traffic were the Centenary Highway, Milton Rd, Coronation Drive, Ann St (Fortitude Valley) and Kingsford Smith Drive, with car speeds dropping as low as 34km/h between 11.15am and 12.30pm.

The M1 to the Gold Coast was generally lighter on weekends than weekdays, until 6.45pm when the reverse was true.

Intelematics traffic manager Brian Smith said the data showed that Brisbane was rapidly becoming a seven-day-a-week city.

"That's pretty much the norm around Australia. Saturday generally looks about exactly the same as Monday to Friday, it just gets going a bit later," Mr Smith said.

"Sundays are a bit less busy but really the only downtime on the roads is in the early hours of the morning, between 3am and 4am."

Dr Burke said day and night-time destinations such as South Bank and Fortitude Valley had also contributed to around-the-clock traffic snarls.

"There are also the attractions on the coast that draw thousands and thousands up and down the highways," he said.

"Most activities outside the home now require us to travel by car, and often to travel long distances."

On 5/08/2011 3:39 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

Some interesting reading -- http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/08/10-days-later.html

Yes it is time to  fix it up.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


On 4/08/2011 3:39 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

More go card issues brought to light by Brisbanetimes this morning. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/go-card-glitch-answers-blocked-20110803-1ibe1.html

Fair dinkum, all we want is a decent fare structure (there are easy ways to achieve even within the constraints of the limitations of the go card system), and attention to the fact that for every 29 times the go card is used there is an error (fixed fare).

Many commuters are in a state of anxiety when it comes to go card use because of constant failures (be it user fault or system). if they use paper single tickets they are punished further.

Enough of the rhetoric, a better fare structure can be implemented over night.  Roll out better equipment.  Why is it the pilot reader trial  at Oxley seems to have stalled? (see -- http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4314.0 )

Public transport users are becoming fed up with spin and promise but no go action.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


On 30/07/2011 2:38 AM, RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
Greetings,

A report on Channel 7 News has highlighted some of problems with the go card system during roll-out ( http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/national/watch/26044814/885636/ ) .  As we have pointed out a system that still results in a fixed fare every 29 times it is used suggests some lingering issues  - be it system failures, equipment failures, user errors or fare evasion.  ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6346.0 ).

RAIL Back On Track has always supported the go card but we have constantly challenged the various fare structures adopted during the past years. We still hope that further fare enhancements for the go card are now not too far away.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

==========================

25th July 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

Greetings,

There is widespread community concern with a failure to move forward with fare structure enhancements on the go card.  RAIL Back On Track Members have debated possible enhancements and generally agree a return to 'paper periodical ticketing' is not desirable.

However within the existing fare structure we believe  a number of improvements can be quickly made and with minimal system costs of programming, pending wider reviews and implementation.

One option would be to reduce the 10 journey  weekly cap for the Frequent user discount to 8 journeys. There is also strong support for increasing the off peak discount from the present 15% (to go 20% next January) to at least 30% or even higher say 50%.

These changes would help mitigate the considerable community concerns and we believe would actually increase the fare box overall as more people would avail themselves of the opportunity to travel out of peak which is where patronage growth can significantly occur.

There is concern with the relative high cost of one and two zone fares as well.  Improvements here would also drive patronage increases.

The present fare structure is not improving the fare box as a relative percentage.  Time now for improvements to drive change and increase the fare box.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

========================================

Discussion threads at RAIL Back On Track:

POLL: What kind of frequent user discount would you prefer? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6084.0

Off peak fare structure http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6262.0

Frequent user discount on Go card http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6401.0

New fare strategy - articles and discussion http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2877.0

=======================================

Media release 27 February 2011

SEQ: Go card fare structure is failing - urgent review needed

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 calls for an urgent review of the go card fare structure, and ticketing policy on the TransLink network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The community of Queensland is reeling from the impact of weather events and run-away cost of living increases across food, utilities, rates, rents, health insurance, looming fuel price increases, and public transport fare increases."

"There is much unrest amongst the public transport commuter community with respect to the poor fare structure for the go card and the recent fare increases of 15% for go card fares, and the at least 30% fare increases for paper single tickets.  The loss of daily and periodical ticket options is causing a lot of public transport commuter angst."

"Long haul rail commuters have been particularly hard hit with the recent fare increases and the proposed 15% per annum increases for the next four years at least (1). This amounts to huge fare increases for these people with the loss of periodical ticketing.  Accordingly some of these commuters are organising a day of protest on the 17th March, in the form of a boycott of rail services due to the massive fare increases (2).  This is made worse by the lack of real improvements to services in terms of frequency and quality on most lines."

"There needs to be an urgent review of the present fare structure for public transport in south-east Queensland.  Pending that review the two journey daily fare cap presently enjoyed by Seniors and some pensioners needs to be immediately extended to all go card users. This could be implemented overnight.  Consideration then be given to the rapid introduction of daily cap and a periodical options for the go card, pending the outcome of the review. Off peak fares need to be extended from 7pm to 2am, to a 7pm - 7am window, as well as the present off peak daily window of 9am to 3.30pm (3). This would assist with peak congestion management."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/planned-fares

2.   Proposed 1 Day Boycott of Rail Services (all Brisbane area lines) - 17 March   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5472.0

3.   http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/peak-and-off-peak-fares

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail click here!

Traffic survey finds Brisbane commuters have longest travel times in nation

Traffic survey finds Brisbane commuters have longest travel times in nation

    Anthony Gough
    From: The Sunday Mail (Qld)
    August 07, 2011 12:00AM

THE trip to work is the new Australian crawl, with Brisbane drivers facing Australia's slowest commutes.

The results of a 24-month national traffic survey released last week show arterial routes around Australia face major congestion in rush hour, with Brisbane experiencing the greatest delays in peak times.

Brisbane's worst run was from the southwest, in which commuters from Darra average an agonising 27km/h into the city during peak hour.

Peak hour traffic from Nudgee and Samford creeps toward the CBD at 30km/h, while those travelling from Eight Mile Plains enjoy a slightly speedier 36km/h commute, still under the speed limit of a school zone.

Gold Coast residents who travel into Brisbane average 47km/h - on a motorway with speed limits that vary between 100km/h and 110km/h.

The study - released by Intelematics, part of Victorian motoring body RACV - found the worst time for Gold Coast residents to leave for the big smoke was 7.30am, when a trip into the CBD would average 100 minutes, in comparison to 80 minutes at 6am and under 75 minutes for those leaving at 4.30am.

It found some commutes double during peak times - the trip from Eight Mile Plains to the CBD doubles from 14 minutes off-peak to 28 minutes in rush hour.

The results did not surprise 28-year-old graphic designer Rebecca Marshall who commutes from the northside daily.

While Ms Marshall started work later most days to avoid congested Sandgate Rd, she still got stuck on the way home and on mornings when she did arrive early.

"On the odd occasion I've got to be here by 9am, I'm always shocked at how long it takes," she said.

RACQ traffic and safety department executive manager John Wikman said the results exposed the heavy traffic on Brisbane's roads.

"We need to do something about it," Mr Wikman said.

Intelematics chief executive Adam Game said the daily commute could increase stress, and motorists who were informed about their city's traffic patterns could plan their journey to improve their driving experience.

[ozbob]

Media release 7 August 2011

SEQ: We are not 'world class' sadly ...

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the position of Brisbane as having the worst commute times in the nation is no surprise (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The transport authorities in south-east Queensland refer to the public transport here as 'world class'.  A public transport system that has a ticketing system that results in a fixed fare every twenty-nine times it is used, a public transport system that has the worst general off peak train frequency for any comparable system in Australia or globally, a public transport system that punishes commuters with extraordinary fare increases far above the CPI, a public transport system that constantly leaves passengers behind on the 'world class' busways let alone regularly on the congested roads is definitely not 'world class'."

"Is it any surprise then that the roads in Brisbane are the worst in the nation?  No it is not.  There is much evidence that former public transport users are being forced back into cars because of the 'world class' public transport."

"RAIL Back On Track has detailed the essential actions that are needed to bring our public transport up to a 'world class' standard (2). It is time the community concerns were listened too and acted upon."

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/traffic-survey-finds-brisbane-commuters-have-longest-travel-times-in-nation/story-e6freoof-1226109998342

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=19.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Oh dear, toll road failure is national, what a NON surprise --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6506.0

[somebody]

"Is it any surprise then that the roads in Brisbane are the worst in the nation? 

Don't know about that one.  Sydney is quite a bit worse.  I think Melbourne may be a bit worse.

[ozbob]

"Is it any surprise then that the roads in Brisbane are the worst in the nation? 

Don't know about that one.  Sydney is quite a bit worse.  I think Melbourne may be a bit worse.

They are all hopeless but in the context of the key reference, the evidence is there

... The results of a 24-month national traffic survey released last week show arterial routes around Australia face major congestion in rush hour, with Brisbane experiencing the greatest delays in peak times ...

[Golliwog]

... The results of a 24-month national traffic survey released last week show arterial routes around Australia face major congestion in rush hour, with Brisbane experiencing the greatest delays in peak times ...

That is potentially a very cunningly worded sentence. Greatest delay in peak times means the greatest difference between 'normal' (I would assume, offpeak) conditions and peak. Could just mean everywhere else in Australia just has sh%t traffic 24/7.

[ozbob]

Wether relative or absolute, matters little, it is a mess. And not helped by the present 'world class' public transport system ...

I noted yesterday afternoon (Saturday) there was a traffic jam on the Ipswich car park prior to and the east bound exit to Blunder Road (no crash or anything just congestion). What hope in  peaks? LOL  All the upgrade of Ipswich car park is doing is delivering more vehicles quicker to the congestion choke points, thereby further worsening the overall congestion.  And we still languish with mediocre train frequency west of Darra ...

[Stillwater]

The Queensland Government knew, at the outset, that the level of service on the widened Ipswich Motorway will be the same as the level of service on the old, four-lane motorway.  All the development growth out Ipswich/Ripley/Rosewood way will add extra cars to fill the extra lane.

[Stillwater]

See: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/4be2120b-8d4f-4e35-a748-61776054a022/businesscasereport.pdf

Sections 3.1 and 3.2 make for sobering reading.  Note that level of service for the current Ipswich Motorway is Level E, and drifts into Level F at peaks (Level F = carpark).

The above documents looked at an entirely new motorway to Ipswich that would have been built largely using federal government funding.  It will be required eventually, because of the constraints of a six-lane motorway on the current alignment.  Unfortunately, for the people of Ipswich, it will be a toll road.

Faced with paying a toll or catching the train, many will favour the train.  The result will be a 'Bombay Express' peak train service to and from Ipswich -- yet amother legacy of the so-called 'world class' public transport service in SEQ.

[somebody]

... The results of a 24-month national traffic survey released last week show arterial routes around Australia face major congestion in rush hour, with Brisbane experiencing the greatest delays in peak times ...

That is potentially a very cunningly worded sentence. Greatest delay in peak times means the greatest difference between 'normal' (I would assume, offpeak) conditions and peak. Could just mean everywhere else in Australia just has sh%t traffic 24/7.

Hmm, interesting.  I would say you may be on to something.  Sydney has **** traffic much of the time.  I often think those whinging about Brisbane's traffic being drama queens.

Fast Forward ten years though, it will be interesting to see if Brisbane's current trajectory of worsening congestion and poor PT is going to continue.  I see no sign of improvement, and much of things getting worse.

[ozbob]

See: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/4be2120b-8d4f-4e35-a748-61776054a022/businesscasereport.pdf

Sections 3.1 and 3.2 make for sobering reading.  Note that level of service for the current Ipswich Motorway is Level E, and drifts into Level F at peaks (Level F = carpark).

The above documents looked at an entirely new motorway to Ipswich that would have been built largely using federal government funding.  It will be required eventually, because of the constraints of a six-lane motorway on the current alignment.  Unfortunately, for the people of Ipswich, it will be a toll road.

Faced with paying a toll or catching the train, many will favour the train.  The result will be a 'Bombay Express' peak train service to and from Ipswich -- yet amother legacy of the so-called 'world class' public transport service in SEQ.

It is a very sobering experience to stand on the pedestrian footbridge that passes over the Ipswich car park at Goodna.  The footbridge itself is a very large structure, needs to be to cross the huge road expanse. Almost dwarfed is the dual railway line.  That railway line itself is carrying the most tonnage on the network, but it looks diminutive compared to the roads.  The roads are not coping now, and never will.  The railway still has plenty of latent capacity.  Particularly when the further track amplification is done. Fortunately there is room left for the track amplification next to the monolith that is the road. 

The other sad impact is that the service roads and so forth that provide some escape from the Ipswich car park itself are starting to suffer the effects as well.

Unless we change the paradigm and really build up a fast frequent public transport system, we are heading for a real mess ..

[dwb]

RACQ traffic and safety department executive manager John Wikman said the results exposed the heavy traffic on Brisbane's roads.

"We need to do something about it," Mr Wikman said.

Govt is doing lots. They're just doing lots of the wrong thing!

[dwb]

See: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/4be2120b-8d4f-4e35-a748-61776054a022/businesscasereport.pdf

Sections 3.1 and 3.2 make for sobering reading.  Note that level of service for the current Ipswich Motorway is Level E, and drifts into Level F at peaks (Level F = carpark).

The above documents looked at an entirely new motorway to Ipswich that would have been built largely using federal government funding.  It will be required eventually, because of the constraints of a six-lane motorway on the current alignment.  Unfortunately, for the people of Ipswich, it will be a toll road.

Faced with paying a toll or catching the train, many will favour the train.  The result will be a 'Bombay Express' peak train service to and from Ipswich -- yet amother legacy of the so-called 'world class' public transport service in SEQ.

Talk about melodramatic.

And why shouldn't new road capacity be charged for?

[dwb]

I often think those whinging about Brisbane's traffic being drama queens.

Fast Forward ten years though, it will be interesting to see if Brisbane's current trajectory of worsening congestion and poor PT is going to continue.  I see no sign of improvement, and much of things getting worse.

+1

[ozbob]

Basket case ...

From the Couriermail click here!

Spate of pile-ups cause peak-hour grief for Brisbane motorists

Spate of pile-ups cause peak-hour grief for Brisbane motorists

    Brooke Baskin
    From: The Courier-Mail
    August 09, 2011 4:19PM

BRISBANE motorists are being warned to strap themselves in for a long drive home with a spate of accidents causing grief across the city for the afternoon rush.

A three-car pile-up on Peel St and Merivale St in South Brisbane has blocked the roadway and is causing major delays.

Emergency Services are at the scene but there are no reports of serious injuries.

A pile-up is also causing problems on Fig Tree Pocket Rd and Kenmore Rd at Fig Tree Pocket.

Meanwhile, traffic is starting to clear after a crash inbound on Coronation Drive in the right-turn lanes on the way to the Go Between Bridge.

Delays are also being experienced after a two-crash in the west-bound lanes of the East-West Arterial Rd at Nundah.

Motorists should avoid the area, where possible.

There are also reports of a multi-car prang on the Caloundra off-ramp on the Bruce Highway, heading north.

Emergency crews are at the scene and delays are expected.

[petey3801]

A view that is no longer possible, thanks to CanBuildRoad Newman's Go-Between bridge..
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=371482

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th August 2011

Road carnage continues ...

Greetings,

I have highlighted before the need to include injuries as well as fatalities when reporting the carnage on the roads.

The costs associated with managing life long injuries is escalating.  It is a great driver for changing the paradigm for investment into more safer, sustainable transport modes.

If the public actually were aware of the often hidden cost of road trauma this would perhaps help to better support the road safety campaigns and lead to positive behaviour change.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

=====================

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=3

Summary: The road trauma cost is a drain on our economy. It is not sustainable. It is now clear that as a nation we must move to safe sustainable transport systems for people and bulk freight. Road trauma is breaking the nation

There are few Australians that have not felt the grief, the loss, the hopelessness, of the ongoing tragedy of the consequences of road trauma. Every day the media chronicles the sad litany.  A recent study commissioned by the Australasian Railway Association on the cost of road crashes has revealed the cost in blunt economic terms (1).  Previous estimates have been conservative underestimates; this latest rigorous systematic study has revealed the costs of road fatalities and trauma to be in the order of at least thirty five billion dollars annually.  This figure is going to increase rapidly as the road injury management costs continue to climb.  There is a much wider social cost to be added but for now let us just consider the economic impact of the road trauma.

This road trauma cost is a drain on our economy.  It is not sustainable.  It is now clear that as a nation we must move to safe sustainable transport systems for people and bulk freight.  Investment in safe public transport through infrastructure and operating subsidies actually saves money.  This is a lesson transport planners and governments everywhere must heed.  The massive expenditure on roads is leading to unmanageable cost impacts.  Investment in safe transport systems is actually saving money.  Next time you are held up at a railway crossing as a packed peak hour commuter train passes, give out three cheers.  Those passengers are saving you and Australia ultimately a lot of pain.

Rail is approximately 40 times safer than travel by car.  Travel by bus is about 10 times safer than travel by car.  It is clear that we need to start maximizing use of our rail networks, and support those networks with bus transport to feed rail stations where possible.  A major project such as the Cross River Rail Tunnel for Brisbane is actually going to return huge savings.  The tunnel is equivalent to a 30 lane road highway in terms of passenger capacity.  Why haven't we started the actual digging?

The rail network in south east Queensland is underutilised.  It is time to increase train frequency on all the major lines.  Ideally no less frequent than 15 minutes in off peak periods during the day, peak times more frequent as loadings demand.  Weekends, holidays and after 9pm at night no less frequent than 20 minutes.  Properly support the increased rail frequency with a coordinated feeder bus network.  Make travel by public transport attractive.  The present rail timetable in South East Queensland has one of the worst train frequencies in Australia and for comparable size cities worldwide.  A high frequency rail service makes bus rail connections much more functional and encourages people to get out of their cars and onto safe transport.

The social isolation of cars is something we seldom consider.  In the 1950s, family trips to visit relatives in the country or city were usually by rail, an adventure and sharing an experience with others.  There was a feeling of community and belonging and the opportunity to meet new folk.  Many encounters on public transport have endured as long lasting friendships.   The social isolation of cars is not conducive for a healthy community.  The increasing demand for anti-depressant medications for example is a sign of an increasingly unhappy nation.  Little wonder when one considers the terrifying impact of the road toll.  Regular travel by public transport is a community experience.  There is social contact and a feeling of belonging.  Most journeys by public transport involve an element of active transport, walking or perhaps a bicycle ride to and from the bus or rail stations at departure and end points of the public transport ride.  This active transport leads to healthy outcomes.  There is a reduction in obesity and diabetes, both conditions that are costly for our communities and health care.

We need roads, but we must start to correct the imbalance in funding that is road centric.  There are signs that those in government are starting to hear this message.  Recent commitments for the long overdue Petrie to Kippa-Ring railway in Queensland and the railway from Parramatta to Epping in New South Wales are very welcome. But much more needs to be done.  In south-east Queensland here are some immediate rail priorities:  extend the Gold Coast railway to Coolangatta, duplicate the Sunshine Coast line from Beerburrum to Landsborough and eventually to Nambour, full duplication of the Cleveland line beyond Manly, Coomera to Helensvale duplication, Lawnton to Petrie triplication, Kuraby to Kingston triplication, Darra to Redbank triplication, and electrification from Rosewood to Gatton.  These improvements are needed to provide the backbone of a safe sustainable public transport network for a sustainable future.

To augment the heavy rail network, bus rapid transit and light rail has its role. The Gold Coast light rail is going to herald a change in our thinking.  Modern light rail is a superb people mover.  The loss of the tram system in Brisbane in 1969 can only be described as a disaster.  If the tram system had been kept operational it would have evolved as has the tram network in Melbourne which is now the greatest tram system in the world.  However, in the years to come there will be opportunities to return modern light rail to Brisbane, and it is the Gold Coast light rail that will alert citizens to what is possible.  Continued support for active transport options is also very cost effective.  Expansions of the bicycle path network are sensible, but also improve the amenity for pedestrians, the walkers.

The most important factor in driving public transport uptake is frequency.  The train frequency can be increased very quickly.  The other projects will take a little longer.  Now is the time to start to shake off the economic straight jacket of road trauma.  We must, the costs of road trauma are breaking our nation.

Reference:

1.  Australasian Railway Association Inc  The cost of road crashes: A review of key issues Dr Richard Tooth  http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Publications/TheCostofRoadCrashesReport.pdf


Mr Robert Dow is the administrator and founder of RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org  a web based community group that advocates for sustainable transport solutions.

Robert is by profession a Medical Scientist, and is a Life member and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Survey finds that most motorists consider workplace a relief compared to stressful commute

[dwb]

Couriermail --> Survey finds that most motorists consider workplace a relief compared to stressful commute

I commented that people should try the bus, they might be surprised to find out it is less stressful.

Replace bus with train/walk/ride/relocate/work from home/change careers/do yoga, you get the jiffy. Life is stressful, deal with it.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Class action hits Airport Link builder

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> $400m class action against Leightons 'won't affect Airport Link', says Andrew Fraser

[ozbob]

From the North West News 7th September 2011 page 7

Homes fight hits the roads

[ozbob]

Sad indictment on failing transport policies ...

==================

Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
16/09/2011

'Take care of your precious cargo' - police urge motorists to stay safe this school holiday period

With the September school holiday rapidly approaching police are urging drivers to take extra care on Queensland roads.

Police Minister Neil Roberts and Deputy Police Commissioner Ross Barnett today launched Operation Spring Break, the September school holiday road safety campaign, which commences this Saturday and runs until Monday October 17.

Mr Roberts said the Spring school holiday period was traditionally a busy time on the state's roads with many families taking the opportunity to travel.

"Statistics reveal that since 2005, 83 people have died on Queensland roads during the September/October school holidays," Mr Roberts said.

"During this period last year 14 people lost their lives on Queensland roads, representing over 5 per cent of the entire 2010 road toll."

"Queensland families will be travelling thousands of kilometres during the school holiday period and we urge everyone to make sure they take extra care on the roads during this time."

Mr. Roberts said weekends were statistically the worst days for fatalities during the September school holidays and asked motorists to carefully plan their trips.

"Everyone wants to start their holidays as soon as possible and return home as late as possible; which leads to an increased volume of vehicles on the roads on the weekends."

"Each road fatality is a tragedy and I urge all drivers to be patient and pay extra attention when driving to ensure a safe holiday for all road users."

Deputy Commissioner Barnett said police would focus on recognised road safety programs including speed detection, failing to wear seat belts, impaired driving, including drink and drug driving and driving while tired.

"The Queensland Police Service urges motorists to take extra care, ensuring that they do everything they can to ensure that their passengers and other road users stay safe on our roads," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Barn ett said historical road crash data indicated that there was a high potential for fatal and injury road crashes on Queensland roads during school holiday periods.

"Historically, statistics show that fatalities on our roads for this holiday period are higher than non holiday periods, with an average of 281 people hospitalised for treatment to injuries sustained in traffic crashes during this holiday period each year."

"The message is simple; please remember to drive safely. Plan your trip and take your time, take regular breaks. It is better to get to your destination safe and late, than not at all."

Deputy Commissioner Barnett also said that police would be out in force over the school holiday period employing a suite of road safety strategies including marked police patrols, organised traffic operations, deployment of fixed, mobile and covert speed cameras, and employing the new Automatic Number Plate Recognition system.

[Fares_Fair]

Sad indictment on failing transport policies ...
==================

Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services
The Honourable Neil Roberts
16/09/2011

'Take care of your precious cargo' - police urge motorists to stay safe this school holiday period

With the September school holiday rapidly approaching police are urging drivers to take extra care on Queensland roads.

Police Minister Neil Roberts and Deputy Police Commissioner Ross Barnett today launched Operation Spring Break, the September school holiday road safety campaign, which commences this Saturday and runs until Monday October 17.

Mr Roberts said the Spring school holiday period was traditionally a busy time on the state's roads with many families taking the opportunity to travel.

"Statistics reveal that since 2005, 83 people have died on Queensland roads during the September/October school holidays," Mr Roberts said.

"During this period last year 14 people lost their lives on Queensland roads, representing over 5 per cent of the entire 2010 road toll."

"Queensland families will be travelling thousands of kilometres during the school holiday period and we urge everyone to make sure they take extra care on the roads during this time."

Mr. Roberts said weekends were statistically the worst days for fatalities during the September school holidays and asked motorists to carefully plan their trips.

"Everyone wants to start their holidays as soon as possible and return home as late as possible; which leads to an increased volume of vehicles on the roads on the weekends."

"Each road fatality is a tragedy and I urge all drivers to be patient and pay extra attention when driving to ensure a safe holiday for all road users."

Deputy Commissioner Barnett said police would focus on recognised road safety programs including speed detection, failing to wear seat belts, impaired driving, including drink and drug driving and driving while tired.

"The Queensland Police Service urges motorists to take extra care, ensuring that they do everything they can to ensure that their passengers and other road users stay safe on our roads," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Barn ett said historical road crash data indicated that there was a high potential for fatal and injury road crashes on Queensland roads during school holiday periods.

"Historically, statistics show that fatalities on our roads for this holiday period are higher than non holiday periods, with an average of 281 people hospitalised for treatment to injuries sustained in traffic crashes during this holiday period each year."

"The message is simple; please remember to drive safely. Plan your trip and take your time, take regular breaks. It is better to get to your destination safe and late, than not at all."

Deputy Commissioner Barnett also said that police would be out in force over the school holiday period employing a suite of road safety strategies including marked police patrols, organised traffic operations, deployment of fixed, mobile and covert speed cameras, and employing the new Automatic Number Plate Recognition system.

Failed transport policies ...
How hard is it to save lives ?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[SteelPan]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/gympie-road-tunnel-option-20101101-17adb.html

Interesting things to happen in chermside--- don't know about this one though.

"One option is that Brisbane City Council will petition the Queensland Government to change the Hamilton Road and Gympie Road intersection, for example by tunnelling under Hamilton Road for Gympie Road traffic to pass through," a study report says.

Why not tunnel under that intersection and put Light Rail in it instead of cars, cars cars?

I think we've had this discussion before on these boards. 

I believe it is a big mistake for BOT to be anything but supportive of TransApex and similar proposals regardless of their political colours and I again make the point with the Clem7, it was born under Soorley and built under Newman.  I'm all for major growth in SE Qld's rail network - both in rail corridor expansion and greater service frequency - BUT, much of the car/industry traffic that strategic corridors around Brisbane and the wider SE Cnr use, is a totally different market from that which MAY be enticed to switch to enhanced public transit [PT].

PT can never be the blanket answer to every motorists needs and it has no use to commercial transport.  Indeed, an honest and effective growth profile for SE Qld PT, must start with the honest realisation, that there is a reason why over the last say 50yrs the world has seen an explosion in mass private vehicle use - it's the most convenient and effective transit system for the individual!  Unless PT offers real alternatives, the battle with the private car, is already lost!

[Jonno]

The traffic that you correctly identify is not suited to public transport and/or rail only accounts for 15-20% of traffic yet we are building roads assuming it is 80-90%.  This is the fundamental failing of our current transport planning.  If we build roads for 15%!of traffic then there are no Clem7, no-park & rides, etc.!

[SteelPan]

The traffic that you correctly identify is not suited to public transport and/or rail only accounts for 15-20% of traffic yet we are building roads assuming it is 80-90%.  This is the fundamental failing of our current transport planning.  If we build roads for 15%!of traffic then there are no Clem7, no-park & rides, etc.!

Because, the 15-20% you claim, uses the 80-90% of the roads for value adding purposes.  This seemingly small percentage, is what gives all our roads real value.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Tolls the price to pay for roads

Tolls the price to pay for roads
Bridie Jabour
September 19, 2011 - 2:31PM

Road tolls are the price people are going to have to pay if they want the transport network to sustain a growing population, according to a report released by the National Transport Commission.

The NTC also found Queenslanders were among the worst in Australia at forgoing their car for public transport.

The paper, titled Smart Transport for a Growing Population, looked at the reforms needed in the transport sector in the next couple of decades as well as surveying people on their transport use.

The paper says road pricing – tolls, congestion charges and taxes – were an "important" part of needed reforms support the transport network.

It looked at the growing population of Australia, the areas the growth was concentrated and the impact the population is going to have on how we move with special mention of Queensland.

"The additional one million people in southeast Queensland will generate five million more trips in the region each day," says the report.

"In southeast Queensland, it has been forecasted that car travel will account for 66 per cent of trips in 2031, only a small reduction of the 83 per cent of trips in 2006."

The report said the challenges facing car dependent cities like Brisbane were traffic congestion; emissions from carbon and other pollutants; vulnerability to fuel prices and risk of social isolation for those without access to a car.

It recognised the unpopularity of raising road tolls as part of transport reforms touting their success overseas and saying people got the service they paid for.

"Most participants did not have a willingness to personally pay more for improvements," it says.

"Many indicated that they had not really thought about how transport infrastructure was funded and simply hoped that this was a matter of governments reallocating funding from elsewhere ...

"Overseas experience shows that the benefits of a well targeted road pricing scheme aligned with good investment decisions and complementary regulatory policies can address a range of transport challenges.

"Benefits include improving transport reliability, reductions in peak congestion levels, more reliable travel times, improved responsiveness to changes in travel demand, and increases in public transport use, all producing flow-on environmental benefits."

The paper has been published on the NTC website and is in a consultation process.

The commission is using the paper to "engage with interested stakeholders about the opportunities to improve the transport system".

Submissions will be accepted until October 14 and the feedback will be used to help shape a position paper the NTC will use to set the direction of its strategic plan and future work program.

A broader aim of this discussion paper is to inform the national reform agenda and about how governments, business and the community can improve Australia's transport system.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tolls-the-price-to-pay-for-roads-20110919-1khf5.html

NTC website --> http://www.ntc.gov.au/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsId=356

[ozbob]

... The NTC also found Queenslanders were among the worst in Australia at forgoing their car for public transport. ...

You don't say!  Really ....

[Stillwater]

Scratches head, wonders why? 

Now here is a statistic: "The additional one million people in southeast Queensland will generate five million more trips in the region each day,".  The Queensland Government will need a fleet of heavy lift aircraft to saturate bomb us with bitumen.

Ahh, just keep an eye on 2026.  That's when we turn things around with a flurry of PT projects over five years. Calm folks, everything will be right by 2031. 

[Mr X]

Somehow in 2030 we will be faced with chronic congestion
But by January 1, 2031 (overnight!) the big fairy in the sky will make all these extra people disappear, a 'world class' public transport system will appear before our eyes and there will be no traffic.

God I wish I could live in lala land too!

[Stillwater]

Anna and Andrew and Anna all believe in the tooth fairy and the easter bunny because all the big-ticket infrastructure items on their Christmas wish list they hope will be paid for by the federal government.  It is like a nine-year-old dreaming of a Lamborghini for their birthday and being upset at getting a model instead.  We should all chip in for a model of CRR so the entire Cabinet can play choo-choos.  Seriously, how often does a report like this come out?  About every 3-4 months.  The alarm bells are rung consistently and loud.  In George Street, they just turn up the music and go on dancing.

[O_128]

I feel that brisbane has worse congestion than london and paris, the fact that all there is are shiny maps of lines, If the gov was serious they would have feasibility studies and business cases done and updated yearly so the second funding becomes available it can be built.

[ozbob]

... In George Street, they just turn up the music and go on dancing.

Indeed ...

[SurfRail]

The traffic that you correctly identify is not suited to public transport and/or rail only accounts for 15-20% of traffic yet we are building roads assuming it is 80-90%.  This is the fundamental failing of our current transport planning.  If we build roads for 15%!of traffic then there are no Clem7, no-park & rides, etc.!

Because, the 15-20% you claim, uses the 80-90% of the roads for value adding purposes.  This seemingly small percentage, is what gives all our roads real value.

Garbage.  Better public transport would ameliorate the "need" for that extra road capacity to begin with. 

[Stillwater]

Read the report:

http://www.ntc.gov.au/filemedia/general/SmartTransportSept11.pdf

[SurfRail]

Read the report:

http://www.ntc.gov.au/filemedia/general/SmartTransportSept11.pdf

Do you think they are sending a big enough message by putting a picture of Adelaide Street in pride of place on the front?