7 Nov 2010: SEQ: FlexiLink and NightLink innovations commended

[ozbob]

Media release 7 November 2010

SEQ: FlexiLink and NightLink innovations commended

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 wishes to commend TransLink's recent improvements and innovations to the public transport network (1, 2, 3).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The introduction of FlexiLink and NightLink services will place South East Queensland on the path to a better public transport system. Alcohol and fatigue are two substantial risk factors in car collisions that are highlighted over and over; these new NightLink services will therefore be very valuable in getting people home and safely. NightLink started out as a trial service, and now many years later and coupled with the innovative flat-fare taxi scheme, it has now demonstrated its worth and popularity. TransLink should be commended on these initiatives."

"Another innovation to be commended is the introduction of FlexiLink services to the Gold Coast and Ipswich. FlexiLink services will allow people in the areas serviced to access employment, social, medical and educational opportunities and be part of the community without the high ongoing costs of car ownership."

"It is important that these services be given every chance to succeed and be properly integrated. RAIL Back on Track therefore suggests that a 'FlexiLink' tab be added to the TransLink website in addition to the current 'Bus', 'Train','Ferry', 'Tickets & Fares' and 'About us' tabs that are already present on the main page."

"All FlexiLink services should be search-able and integrated into the TransLink journey planner if possible and without having to select 'all services' in the journey planner. Legibility and awareness is absolutely critical for attracting riders. Not everyone will have prior awareness of the existence of such services in the first place, and it would be unreasonable to expect people to search for such services if they don't know they exist."

"A map showing all FlexiLink services in the areas in each region together with consistent branding and stop signage of such services across the region is also humbly suggested.  Booking FlexiLink through TransLink's 13 12 30 call centre number should be offered to lower the 'hassle barrier' and keep with TransLink's legislative mandate to be the one stop front for Public Transport. This would give a single number for FlexiLink services, SEQ-wide and make the FlexiLink service's phone number easy to remember."

"In due course, TransLink could perhaps also consider online booking through the TransLink website for FlexiLink services."

References:

1. FlexiLink http://www.translink.com.au/flexilink.php

2. NightLink http://www.translink.com.au/mediarelease.php?id=229

3. Gold Coast's first 'dial-up' bus service trial begins Monday
http://www.translink.com.au/mediarelease.php?id=231

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Stillwater]

The FlexiLink logo used on the Sunshine Coast is not bad and could be adopted elsewhere.
http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=flexilink

One of the failings of the system is that the FlexiLink times are not included in the terminating bus stop timetable information, I suspect because these services are 'on trail' for this financial year.  Maybe when they become permanent, there will be some improvement.

FlexiLink doesn't have bus stops as such, but the route should be indicated by fingerboards at intersections.

I used one service on the first day it operated.  The 'taxi bus' turned up on time, but the driver said he knew almost nothing about how FlexiLink worked!  I explained the system to him, and even directed him around the route using a downloaded map, then reminded him at the end that he needed to charge me $2.  FlexiLink is efficient, reliable, safe and clean.

One 'hidden benefit' of FlexiLink is that it requires cabs to be sent out into the hinterland for set service runs.  This means that taxis are available after those runs for normal cab work.  Response times for cabs are better as a result, whereas previously, cabs may have had to been dispatched from the coast - at some delay.