20 Jan 2011: SEQ: Focus on building the core frequent public transport network

[ozbob]

Media release 20th January 2011

SEQ: Focus on building the core frequent public transport network needed now

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 focused and targeted increase in public transport service levels on a 'core frequent network' in light of the 15% annual compounding fare increases (1,2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"In the TransLink Network Plan brochure (3) released late in 2010, the diagrams on page 8 of the TransLink Network Plan show a schematic spider web of 'ready-made' services."

"The beauty of a 'ready-made' core frequent network is that instead of the planners trying to second guess everyone's movements across 23 zones and 7 regions using Go Card data, people can instead be offered a standard core frequent network enabling additional destinations and 'anywhere to anywhere' travel off the direct radial routes through a single transfer. A core frequent network will also allow the future creation of a 'trunk and feeder' service when the time comes."

Step-wise improvements in the form of:

* more BUZ routes along strategic arterial radial routes,
* increased rail frequency on existing infrastructure,
* BUZification of the Great Circle Line,

will be necessary.

"Many cities are moving towards this concept by introducing frequent routes and also mapping and branding roads with existing frequent service to improve legibility. Both Canberra (4) and Adelaide (5) now have this, and Melbourne has rolled out its very well patronised orbital SmartBus routes, of which most routes do not ever enter the CBD. (6)"

"RAIL Back on Track welcomes the recent announcement of more route 186 services (7), but specifically asks that TransLink considers very closely the merits of focusing their efforts in a more deliberate, strategic and organised way, as indicated by, and in compliance with the 'strategic vision' within the TransLink Network Plan."

"Major improvements to the frequency, routing and scope of service on the Great Circle Line bus service, together with more radial BUZ routes and improved off peak rail frequency will be the critical key improvements."

"Focusing on the core will maximise benefits of the additional 305,000 new weekly seats over the transport network as a whole with the minimum amount of additional services, and is superior to a 'scatter-gun' approach to improvements."

"We forward to seeing TransLink deliver on its Network Plan."

References:

1. Building a Core Frequent Network discussion thread
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0

2. SEQ: Core Frequent Network 2011 - If the price goes up, service levels must go up too!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5193.0

3. TransLink Network Plan Brochure
http://www.translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/network-plan-2010.pdf

4. ACTION buses Parliamentary Zone Frequent Network
https://www.action.act.gov.au/Parliamentary_Zone_Brochure.pdf

5. Adelaide Go Zones
http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/gozones.html

6. SmartBus Orbital bus routes
http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/web23/home.nsf/headingpagesdisplay/smartbus

7. More route 186 services
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1294266541

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0