27 Feb 2008: Proposed Transit Authority raises concerns

[ozbob]

Media Release 27 February 2008

Queensland:  Proposed Transit Authority raises concerns for public transport commuters

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 expressed some concerns with the proposed new transit authority for Queensland.

Robert Dow said:

?The Premier of Queensland said in a statement on the 9th October that a model for public consultation would be released and a new authority up and running by July next year. (1)?

?Where is the public consultation??

?Rail commuters found out as Citytrain logo?s have started to disappear off the suburban trains.  What sort of public consultation process is this? (2)?

?Let us hope that the new transit authority is actually commuter focused in a meaningful way.?

?There is much disappointment with the present Translink in terms of communication.  Simply sending out form letters in response to communication from public transport users, with just varying salutations is not responding to feedback or questions in an empathetic or proper manner in our opinion.?

"Let us hope that staff with public transport backgrounds and qualifications are part of the new transit authority.?

?Let us hope that the community consultation that has been promised re this process is actually conducted and treated in a considered manner.  Not just simply dismissed, as has been the case with community outrage with the inequitable fare structure on the Go Card.?

?There are opportunities for improved public transport integration we agree.  There must be however a true spirit of cooperation between Government, the new transit authority, the operators and perhaps importantly the public transport commuters for these opportunities to be realised,? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

References:

1.  http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=54366

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=549.0

Contact:

Robert  Dow

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

[ozbob]

See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=613.0
for discussion on this statement below:

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
11/03/2008

Have your say on new transit authority

Minister for Transport John Mickel told Parliament this morning Queenslanders will be invited to have their say about the new Southeast Queensland transit authority which will be operational from 1 July, 2008.

"The new Translink Transit Authority has been approved by the State Government as a one-stop shop for public transport services, customer service and feedback.

"It will have greater control over service delivery, with the power and flexibility to improve services, convenience and reliability," the Minister said.

People can have a say about the Translink Transit Authority online at http://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/consultqld/

"We're asking people their expectations of the transit authority and providing a forum for them to suggest improvements or to say what is working well for them," Mr Mickel said.

There is also an email address for people who want to ask specific questions about the TransLink Transit Authority - TTA@transport.qld.gov.au

The authority features a single point of contact for customer service and information and integrated scheduling and ticketing.

It will also integrate public transport services, and deliver and manage the infrastructure on which those services operate.

"It will have the freedom and power to co-ordinate services, redeploy resources such as buses based on demand, and ensure the smooth introduction of new technology across the network," Mr Mickel said.

The new authority will become the one point of contact for the 17 different train, bus and ferry operators in the region.

Commuters will be able to ring the 13 12 30 information number 24 hours a day, seven days a week, always with the option of speaking to a person.

March 11, 2008

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