Car parking - solutions?

[#Metro]

"The land is beside the Tennyson Rail spur which runs from Corinda to Yeerongpilly.  Council would run a shuttle bus from the park and ride to the train, Cr Prentice said."

With a tram-train, you wouldn't need a shuttle bus or need to drive to the station. The vehicle in tram mode would pull up at your door, and drive to the station. Then it would switch into train mode, jump onto the rails and take you to the city.

No carpark, transfer or shuttle bus required.

[Emmie]

No carpark, transfer or shuttle bus required.

And no speed either, if it stops at everyone else's door too.

[WTN]

/quote]

Probably quicker to walk to the train station unless it stops at tram stops X distance apart.  There's still the need to embed tram tracks into the streets.

[beauyboy]

Hi sorry this is the first time I have posted in this forum. Sorry it is on such a hotly contested subject.

Personally I think that while think Park n Rides are good they have (in my mind) proved not to be as effective as some people wish them to be. Park n Rides need to be park of the mix but they need to form less of the mix then they are at the moment. What we need is a four staged approch

1st. Pedestrian - this is needs far more focus then it currently gets. Good quailty footpaths that are tree lined leading to the station to make it pleasent to walk to the station.

2nd. Cycling -  this could replace many of the cars that are currently parked at the stations. Lets face fact while there are always the vocal minority  the majority of people parking at stations are driving far less then 5kms to get to the station (a distance easily ridden). You can fit 8 bicycles into the space of 1 car . Encourageing people to switch modes is always hard but somethings have to be key to get more people cycling to the station.
Good quaility bicycle racks that allow the frame to the rack via a d-bolt
Bike Lockers that record usage so that they are not wasted on people that apply but do not use them
good passive survalence eg bike racks being located next to pedestrian throughtfares
creating a low speed environment around the station

3rd. Shuttle buses - these are good but need to run to stations on a frequent basis and be prepaid to speed up loading

4th. Park n Rides - I believe this needs to be brought in when it is proved that the above 3 will not work.

Mm main point is that cycling needs to be focused on more then it currently is. Many times the bicycle parking that is provided is substandard, Racks that do not meet current Australian Standard, racks placed in a concealled corners away from the sight and protection of others, placed on only one side of the station and not both.

I think that is all I can think of at the moment

Donald

[Jon Bryant]

Donald.  Welcome.

Your points are very valid as is the order and approach.  It would malke good policy!!

I would add to the 1st point the development of high density transit oriented developements adjacent ot every Train Station.  This not only significantly increases the number of people living within a walking distance of the station, it also makes the surround areas far safer for walking and cycling plus allows mutliple purposes (e.g. shopping) for the trips to work, etc.

[ozbob]

Welcome and right on the money Beauyboy.   Combination is the way forward.  Active transport,  feeder bus and some park and ride will all be needed.  The car park at Oxley was expanded a further 70 car spaces as part of the station works, car parking around the streets is worse than ever.

At the Ipswich CRG this evening parking was discussed in passing.  There are already problems at Rosewood by 6.30am!

Better ways must be encouraged.

Cheers
Bob

[p858snake]

Are there statics of station usage around anywhere? it would be interesting to compare the usage and local population numbers and then also look at the stations that have no local parking, for example new market station (which I also believe has no bike lockers).

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 16th September 2009 page 5

Carpark decision hit

[Derwan]

This was mentioned at the meeting with the minister.

The idea is to get everyone who is going to drive to "a" station to get used to driving to Richlands once it's completed and expect them to continue driving to Richlands once Springfield is completed, even if Springfield is closer.

[ozbob]

Springfield itself won't have a major park and ride, but the stations at Springfield Lakes and Ellen Grove will (providing these are built from the outset).  Active transport will also be appropriate for the Springfield Lakes particularly.  Ellen Grove will be  the station for Forest Lake in effect.  Richlands will drain Inala and surrounds. There will be regular bus into Springfield (as happens for Ipswich).

When the branch line opens, Richlands car park will be full by 6.30am is my bet. 

There are some fundamental logic errors in the article though.  Why would someone drive from Goodna to Springfield to park and catch the train, when they can walk down to the railway station at Goodna? 

[Jon Bryant]

Park and rides are not the solution.  Each station should have a TOD built around it and feeder bus service provided to the station or criss-crossing the area.  Car parks are unsafe at night, ugly and not the solution.  Mixed used commercial centres, open plazas and parks are the solution as they also allow for multiple purposes to be achieved from the single trip, large population in walkable dinstance and people leave the car at home.  Our transport planning is still using 1960 theories.

[WTN]

I have to agree with the TOD idea.  A station is much more useful when it's surrounded by useful facilities instead of a barren carpark in the middle of nowhere.  One needs to take a look at some of the existing stations to find examples of this.  Toowong, Mater Hill and Garden City spring to mind.  Sure, there are large carparks around them, but they're only a fraction of the facilities available.

[somebody]

Park and rides are not the solution.  Each station should have a TOD built around it and feeder bus service provided to the station or criss-crossing the area.  Car parks are unsafe at night, ugly and not the solution.  Mixed used commercial centres, open plazas and parks are the solution as they also allow for multiple purposes to be achieved from the single trip, large population in walkable dinstance and people leave the car at home.  Our transport planning is still using 1960 theories.

Perhaps not, but why tell people who leave the house in their cars to sod off?

Feeder buses aren't particularly good either, although I think they work fairly well on the Gold Coast.

[O_128]

an underground carpark would be ok, i reckon a  park and cafes should surround stations

[#Metro]

Everyone has different needs, and they need to be served (within reason).
There are feeder buses to stations on the Gold Coast. They work well.
There are also huge carparks at these stations. They seem to cope. Eight Mile Plains is another example.

If people would like to drive to the station, let them. Not everyone can or wants to catch a bus, and not everyone can or wants to drive.

I think the reason why Translink didn't put a carpark is when it fills up, people who drive there intending to park decide to spill over into the side streets. Then residents complain because they don't like other people's cars outside their houses, you get the odd baddie who parks across your driveway, it is annoying when you go home to find commuters congesting your street.

Of course, there is a solution. Don't give them free parking! Its their choice if they don't want to catch the bus/ride/walk/taxi/get dropped off. Or restrict free parking to pre and post- rush hour to encourage the load to be spread. If it gets a bit full, up the price.

If it would be that popular, someone else might be happy to build it and run it, and it would cost Translink... nothing.

[WTN]

The problem with forcing people to pay for parking is that those who don't want to pay will park on the nearby streets.  So that needs to be controlled too.  Parking restrictions or meters would be needed and enforced (or "dobbed in").  Then actual residents would need residential parking permits.  But all of this adds to the cost of providing paid parking.  The end result, however, allows parking to be somewhat controlled (like it is in the city at the moment). 

[Jon Bryant]

Why tell people who leave the house in their cars to sod off?

and

if people would like to drive to the station, let them

Well because the more we use our cars the more polluted our air is, the less fit we are as a society, the noisier our suburbs become, the less safe our streets are, the more susceptible to peak oil our economy be comes, the more we generate CO2, the greater congestion becomes.... shall I go on.  

The key is to build a city that is focused around a fast, frequent and comprehensive transport network with major stops within 800 metres (a 10 min walk) of each and every household.  Feeder services should only be for those with mobility difficulties (elderly, injured, diasbled) but the rest of us should walk.  My preference for the integration of bus and rail is for a series of trunk bus/tram routes on all major roads/journey corridors that allow you to jump off and on different routes to get around the city.  It is amazing to see the number of people getting off at Buranda now and it increases every day.  All services need to operate on a 5 minute max frequency in peak hour.  This means swichting routes is quick and non-distruptive.

Europe is full of rail and tram stops that are surrounded by parks, plazas, shops, offices restaurants and high density residential buildings with out a car park to be seen except on the street.  These stations have fantastic patronage as the stops are safe, exciting and beautiful place to be in not a empty car park that is dark and dangerous at night.  They also allow mutliple purposes to the journey (i.e. pick up a bottle of wine and milk on the way home).  The stops are also extremely safe as there is always activity throught the day and night.  

[Emmie]

They also allow mutliple purposes to the journey (i.e. pick up a bottle of wine and milk on the way home).  The stops are also extremely safe as there is always activity throught the day and night.

I agree - it's a great concept, let's have a place where people want to stop and shop between PT journeys.

BUT can we then have a GO card that let's us do that sensibly?  I transfer at Toowong most days, and have to rush to get much shopping done before my 1 hour continuation expires.

[O_128]

They also allow mutliple purposes to the journey (i.e. pick up a bottle of wine and milk on the way home).  The stops are also extremely safe as there is always activity throught the day and night.

I agree - it's a great concept, let's have a place where people want to stop and shop between PT journeys.

BUT can we then have a GO card that let's us do that sensibly?  I transfer at Toowong most days, and have to rush to get much shopping done before my 1 hour continuation expires.

if the buranda TOD is done properly it will set a standard for others. It must however include a station upgrade something that has been overlooked with the boggo road road village. no one will use an unlit dirty station. From plans i ahve seen it looks positve residential,Shopping including a supermarket and parking will be hidden underground.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Cars spaced out by PARK(ing) Day parties

Cars spaced out by PARK(ing) Day parties
SCOTT CASEY
September 18, 2009 - 12:36PM

Getting a park in Brisbane's inner city can be a challenge at the best of times.

But that task is even harder today as a book exchange, balloon animals and even a 19th century tea party take up residence in the city's parking spaces.

PARK(ing) Day was started in San Francisco in 2005 by art and design group Rebar to highlight the impact of the car on urban space.

Since then it has moved to cities across the world such as London, New York and Los Angeles.

The inaugural Brisbane PARK(ing) Day occurred last year and has grown to include 60 spaces commandeered by QUT students, with Brisbane City Council permission.

"It is meant to start a conversation about how we use our public space," PARK(ing) organiser Amy Saunders said.

"Seventy per cent of our public space is for the automobile; that is a large amount of space and is that really what we want it for?

"It's just to get people thinking about the way we design our streets, the way we design our urban spaces, thinking about green and sustainability but also thinking about fun and frivolity and being a bit rebellious."

In the CBD there are displays on Edward, Creek, George and William streets with areas which celebrate a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, utilise recycled material to create chairs and shelter and an absurdist 19th century tea party near Parliament House.

West End will have two spots on Boundary Street taken over by students handing out balloon flowers and partaking in a book exchange.

More than 280 students will be involved in today's event which began early this morning and continues into the afternoon.

[somebody]

Why tell people who leave the house in their cars to sod off?

and

if people would like to drive to the station, let them

Well because the more we use our cars the more polluted our air is, the less fit we are as a society, the noisier our suburbs become, the less safe our streets are, the more susceptible to peak oil our economy be comes, the more we generate CO2, the greater congestion becomes.... shall I go on.  

I don't know if that's the right way of looking at it.  Taking that attitude would result in a sizeable portion of these people driving all the way to their destination.  Is that a price you are willing to pay?

[O_128]

i would love to see all city footpaths  widened and carparking taken off the roads. there is no excuse to be parking in the city and the footpaths are to narow

[Jon Bryant]

Not if there is resticted road space and limited car aprking at their destination.  It needs to happen in a coordinated manner.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Residents face parking permit clampdown

Residents face parking permit clampdown
TONY MOORE
November 3, 2009 - 9:53AM

Parking permits for residents living in Brisbane's inner-city are likely to be changed today when Brisbane City Council reviews its parking policy for the first time since 1996.

Council executives argue the existing scheme lacks adequate checks and balances and have flagged changes that would force residents in parking permit zones to better justify their need.

Residential parking permits give exemptions to inner-city residents from parking time restrictions.

Currently, residents can apply for one residential parking permit and one additional permit.

The council is facing pressure in a number of inner-city suburbs with commuters from outer suburbs driving into the inner-city before catching public transport to the CBD.

Under the proposed changes, residents of inner-city Brisbane will have to prove that they the homeowner or renter with a tenancy agreement of more than six  months. They will also have to provide a current vehicle registration certificate and  need to demonstrate that they do not have enough room to park off the street.

Storing material at a residential property will no longer be a good enough reason to secure an off-street parking permit.

LNP Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk this morning denied claims by the Labor Opposition residents would be forced to pay a $10 fee for parking permits as part of the changes.

"It is absolutely not true," Cr Quirk told ABC radio.

"There will be no fee for parking permits. There is no fee at the moment and we believe the status quo should apply."

However, he said the system would be tightened because Brisbane was "a growing city and the demand for curb space is increasing."

Labor wants to extend the parking permit scheme around suburbs with public transport hubs.

The issue will be debated this afternoon.

[somebody]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Residents face parking permit clampdown

Residents face parking permit clampdown
TONY MOORE
November 3, 2009 - 9:53AM

Parking permits for residents living in Brisbane's inner-city are likely to be changed today when Brisbane City Council reviews its parking policy for the first time since 1996.

Council executives argue the existing scheme lacks adequate checks and balances and have flagged changes that would force residents in parking permit zones to better justify their need.

Residential parking permits give exemptions to inner-city residents from parking time restrictions.

Currently, residents can apply for one residential parking permit and one additional permit.

The council is facing pressure in a number of inner-city suburbs with commuters from outer suburbs driving into the inner-city before catching public transport to the CBD.

Under the proposed changes, residents of inner-city Brisbane will have to prove that they the homeowner or renter with a tenancy agreement of more than six  months. They will also have to provide a current vehicle registration certificate and  need to demonstrate that they do not have enough room to park off the street.

Storing material at a residential property will no longer be a good enough reason to secure an off-street parking permit.

LNP Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk this morning denied claims by the Labor Opposition residents would be forced to pay a $10 fee for parking permits as part of the changes.

"It is absolutely not true," Cr Quirk told ABC radio.

"There will be no fee for parking permits. There is no fee at the moment and we believe the status quo should apply."

However, he said the system would be tightened because Brisbane was "a growing city and the demand for curb space is increasing."

Labor wants to extend the parking permit scheme around suburbs with public transport hubs.

The issue will be debated this afternoon.

Fair dinkum, is buying/renting an inner city place without parking a good enough reason to park indefinitely for free in any timed spot on the street?

In the Sydney CBD there are a few places for residents, although these are very restricted in availability: probably about 20 places in the whole CBD IIRC (Mostly on Philip St, with some on/near Barrack St).  At least that was my understanding, or I would have bought a car when I lived there but worked in the 'burbs.

[#Metro]

Why can't people park in their own garage, carpark, basement etc? How many cars do people have- three?

[p858snake]

Why can't people park in their own garage, carpark, basement etc? How many cars do people have- three?

Usually two but carports usually become storage sheds these days for stuff that doesn't fit in the apartments.

[#Metro]

I have a car park solution.
A its big, spacious and very close to the city. And best of all it is completely free.
Everyone uses it. Can you guess where it is?

... it's name is Coronation Drive. Brisbane's newest carpark.* 





* For a limited time only

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Residential areas to be hit with parking meters

Residential areas to be hit with parking meters
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

November 04, 2009 12:00am

FREE street parking in Brisbane's inner suburbs could soon become a thing of the past under a City Hall plan to triple the number of metered parking spaces.

A leaked email obtained by The Courier-Mail shows Brisbane City Council plans to roll-out an "aggressive approach to the distribution of paid parking" in the Central Traffic Area, tripling the number of metered car parks from 2900 to 9100 in three stages by October 2010.

The extra meters will rake in an extra $16 million each year for BCC coffers.

Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton labelled the move an "opportunistic grab for cash", implemented without residents' knowledge.

"By this time next year, there will be at least 6200 more parking meters throughout Brisbane suburbs," Cr Sutton said. "This is Campbell Newman's secret plan to dig even deeper into residents' pockets."

The plan comes as council imposes new rules for residential on-street parking permits, which will require residents to prove they have no space to park on their properties before they can apply for a street-parking permit.

The first stage of the meter rollout, with 1100 meters to be installed across north and south Newstead, the RNA precinct and south Bowen Hills, has already begun.

But the leaked email reveals planning has started for the second stage of the meter rollout, in which 3300 parking meters would be installed in Spring Hill, remaining areas of Newstead, parts of Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, West End, Kangaroo Point and parts of Woolloongabba starting in April or May next year.

The email, written by Brisbane City Council's Senior Transport Planner to the head of Council's Infrastructure Division, also details a third stage involving the rollout of 1800 meters in Milton, Toowong, Albion, Paddington, and "other areas outside of the existing traffic areas including regional centres . . . scheduled for October 2010".

The document says the "aggressive approach", was requested by Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk, and that "most spaces within the Central Traffic Area will be metered".

Brisbane's Central Traffic Area currently covers the CBD, as well as South Brisbane, South Bank, Petrie Terrace, Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley, Newstead and parts of Woolloongabba, Herston, Kelvin Grove, Highgate Hill, New Farm, West End, Kangaroo Point, Mayne and Bowen Hills.

Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk said money from the meters would be put towards footpaths.

RACQ spokesman Gary Fites said the peak motoring body was concerned Brisbane residents would be further hit by expensive parking.

Yesterday the council passed changes to the Residential Parking Permit scheme for Brisbane, under which residents will be forced to prove they do not have off-street parking.

[O_128]

i agree with this in sydney you can hardly park anywhere in the inner suburbs

[#Metro]

Its annoying having to pay for everything.
On the other hand, free parking would mean that the streets would probably be clogged with traffic spill over from the CBD and surrounds. Residents should have space for their cars (exceptions if they can't - i.e. hilly places) and people doing business usually have a carpark. Then there is the bus/train coverage in the Central area, which is good.

So people have a choice. Ok, it doesn't suit everyone, but I've never seen a council policy that did.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 4th November 2009 page 1

Riders pay to park



Now online Courier Mail click here!

Park 'n' Ride users face fees

Park 'n' Ride users face fees
Article from: MX

Alex Dickinson of MX

November 04, 2009 02:20pm

COMMUTERS may have to pay to park their cars at public transport hubs in the latest in a raft of extra costs facing commuters.

A leaked email between two senior Brisbane City Council bureaucrats seen by mX refers to TransLink plans to bring in paid parking to deal with overcrowded Park 'n' Ride facilities.

"(We) have had a small number of discussions with TransLink about the work they are undertaking on their network of existing and proposed P & R facilities," the email says.

"I understand they are looking at the supply and demand trends and looking at ways to manage demand (read 'introduce tariffs') at these locations."

A TransLink spokesman didn't rule out the measure when quizzed by mX but said there were no "active plans" for it.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said he had suspected charges at Park 'n' Ride facilities was on the cards.

"We've suspected it might be an option and we think if it is, that it should be integrated with the Go Card," Dow said.

"It's inevitable that charges would come in as parking spaces dry up and local residents and businesses are affected."

Dow said the measure should be coupled with suburban bus loops, similar to the inner city bus loop.

"The problem is there is currently no alternative for Park 'n' Ride users who are commuting from the outer suburbs," Dow said.

It comes after Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced last month that commuters would be hit with higher ticket prices in the lead-up to a paper ticket phase-out later next year.

From January, paper ticket prices will increase by 40 per cent, meaning a two-zone trip will rise from $2.90 to $3.90.

At the same time, Go Card fares will be increased 20 per cent, with a two-zone trip costing 38c more, from $2.32 to $2.70.

Brisbane drivers commuting to the inner city will also be slugged with extra costs after the Brisbane City Council confirmed it would triple the number of metered car parks in the Central Traffic area from 2900 to 9100 by October 2010.

The move is to prevent drivers parking for free all day in unmetered inner city suburbs, such as Newstead and Bowen Hills, and impeding on the parking of local residents and businesses.
mX is free at outlets in the CBD, Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane.

[ozbob]

Tweet from TransLink just posted ...

TransLinkSEQ
 
Just to clarify the story in today?s mX...TransLink has no plans to charge for parking at public transport park 'n' ride facilities.

[ozbob]

From the  Courier Mail blog

I was the person who provided an answer to mX this morning when asked a question about an email that was supposedly sent between two non-TransLink employees, so let me clarify ...TransLink has no plans to charge for parking at public transport park n ride facilities. Regards Andrew Berkman, TransLink.

Posted by: Andrew of TransLink 3:49pm today
Comment 40

[O_128]

Tweet from TransLink just posted ...

TransLinkSEQ
 
Just to clarify the story in today?s mX...TransLink has no plans to charge for parking at public transport park 'n' ride facilities.

jsut like there were no plans for fare increases. Or that there were plans for better go card fare systems

[STB]

Hmm, I would err on the side of either a fluff-up by the Journalist (and for mX aka The Courier Mail Junior, I use the term 'Journalist' loosely) or it was a miscommunication on TransLink's side.  The Courier Mail has historically, and even more so in recent years, been very pro-road in it's journalism, taking cheap shots at public transport on a regular basis by it's Journalists, which is quite sad really.

Although in a way I am not surprised, they do have vested interests against public transport, in particular QR, which I have been made aware and confirmed to me earlier this year.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Parking meters headed for the suburbs

Parking meters headed for the suburbs
TONY MOORE
November 4, 2009 - 2:17PM

Shoppers and residents in the suburbs of Paddington, Albion, Toowong, Carindale and inner-city Brisbane will bear the brunt of council plans to add an extra 6200 parking meters by October 2010.

Brisbane City Council's Labor Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton this morning released an email, dated October 6, outlining four stages of the council's parking meter expansion plans that will see the tripling of machines around Brisbane and the city fringe, from 2900 machines in July this year to about 9100 next year.

She said the hardest hit would be strip shopping centres, which currently have few, if any, parking meters.

"The most frightening aspect of the plan is the impact it could have on residents and suburban shopping strips like Albion and Paddington where many business owners have not been consulted about these plans and have not been told," Cr Sutton warned.

Cr Sutton said the plan could also stretch to regional centres, labelling the move a "cash grab" by the council's ruling LNP administration.

"It could include Carindale, Garden City, Chermside and Indooroopilly," she said.

The eamiled plan shows the number of parking meters will increase from 1200 to 4500 in Newstead, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane, West End, Kangaroo Point and parts of Woolloongabba by May 2010.

By October  2010, meters in Milton, Toowong, Albion, Toowong, Paddington and "other regional centres" will increase from 600 to 2400.

While the council has announced new parking meters would be introduced into Bowen Hills, Kelvin Grove and Newstead as part of stage one of the proposal, there has been no discussion of the impact of almost doubling the number parking meters throughout Brisbane over the next 12 months.

The parking meter issue was revealed at a council meeting yesterday, when questions were asked about the council's plan to tighten the current residential parking permit scheme.

The meter expansion plan has never been released by Brisbane City Council.

There are about 19,000 residential parking permits issued to residents in inner-city Brisbane, giving them exemptions from parking restrictions and fines if they live within the Central Traffic Area.

Under stricter controls, residents will now have to provide evidence that they have lived or rented at a specific address for more than six months and provide a current vehicle registration certificate.

The resident must also prove they have no provision for off-street parking. Storing materials in an area with no off-street parking will no longer be an adequate reason to apply for a permit.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has defended the lack of information about the council's intention to vastly increase the number of parking meters and push them into suburban areas.

He said the issue had been discussed at council meetings for several months.

"And now, as we go forward, in local areas we will be talking to local residents about the meters," he said.

"There is a two-hour central parking area [in the inner-city] That is where this is happening and residents will be able to apply to park on the streets as they always have done."

But Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk earlier conceded that while the roll-out of meters had been discussed in March and June, the specific locations and suburbs effected had never been outlined publicly.

"But at the time of those debates those areas weren't not absolutely clear either," Cr Quirk said.

He said the issue was about satisfying the demand for kerbside space, which is being sought by residents, buses and cyclists.

He also flagged a reduction of parking spaces in Brisbane's CBD.

Brisbane's 2,900 parking meters earned the council $7.5 million in the last financial year.

[mufreight]

There has been a rumor doing the rounds that Translink has asked of the current GO card equipment supplier, Cubic if that company could supply a system for controling access to and from rail car parking facilities that would be intergrated with the GO card for the purposes of charging for the use of those facilities.
With Translink's track record to date for duplicity and deception perhaps these rumors hold more credibility as to Translink's intentions than the present denials by Translink.
The presnt denials one would suspect have more to do with the unpalatable to the general public GO card fare increases and the elimination of the paper tickets and the politicial backlash.

[#Metro]

I don't think it would necessarily be a bad idea.
I'm sure that there are many people who just park at the rail station and go shopping or whatever.
I would only support charging for parking space at commute points if there were free alternatives (bikeway, free shuttle bus). But to my knowledge TL has no plans to charge for the privilege.

And when you consider some places in the city charge a royal $30 for parking...

[ozbob]

TransLink might deny any active plan for paid park and ride.  That doesn't necessarily preclude Government generally.

Meanwhile ...

From the Courier Mail click here!

Secret parking meter plan for outer suburbs

Secret parking meter plan for outer suburbs
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

November 05, 2009 12:00am

BRISBANE'S outer hubs such as Chermside, Mt Gravatt, Carindale and Indooroopilly could be hit by new parking meters, Council Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton says.

An email leaked between senior officers in Brisbane City Council's infrastructure and transport divisions shows regional hubs will be targeted in the third stage of the parking meter rollout, alongside Milton, parts of Woolloongabba, Toowong, Albion and Paddington.

The third stage of meter roll-outs is scheduled for as early as next April, increasing the number of parking meters from 800 to 2400.

Some of the 6200 extra parking meters have already been installed in Bowen Hills, Newstead and Kelvin Grove in stage one of the rollout, with motorists required to pay for parking up to 7pm.

Cr Sutton said outer areas of Brisbane would be dramatically impacted by extra meters.

"Brisbane's regional centres include Chermside, Garden City, Carindale and Indooroopilly ? a number of these don't have any metered parking spaces at the moment, or if they do they are only in a very limited area," she said.

"This is a secret plan that has been deliberately covered up. Any information that has been publicly released has been written in such a way that nobody could foresee what he was planning to do."

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said yesterday the parking meter rollout was "good administration" and the money would put back into infrastructure services.

"It is about taking revenue, and putting it into proper enforcement so that we don't have people going across peoples driveways, (or) parking on the footpaths," he said.

Deputy Mayor and infrastructure chairman Graham Quirk said Labor had also supported the rollout of parking meters when it was introduced in March.

But Cr Sutton said they had not been made aware of the parking meter rollout when the rules were introduced in council, and they would have opposed them.

"The information that was provided to all councillors was little more than a page and a half, that did not mention parking meters once," she said.

Peak motoring body the RACQ said there had not been proper community consultation.

"They should be more open about it, the time frames we are seeing are relatively short," spokesman Gary Fites said.

"Perhaps council has helped create this problem ? by establishing centres and transport hubs, they are encouraging people to catch the bus to the CBD, but what they don't seem to have dramatically improved is the provision of off-street parking," he said.