5 Sep 2011: SEQ: Public Transport use targets required

[ozbob]

Media release 5 September 2011

SEQ: Public Transport use targets required

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 calls for detailed targets of public transport use to be established and publicised.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 has a target of 14% of all trips are on public transport (1), this is only a draft and a relatively timid goal compared to Melbourne 2030's 20% of motorised trips (2) and Sydney's goal of 80% of CBD work trips, with other goals to other destinations (3).  Perth also has a confirmed goal (4).  As far as we know the Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 has never been accepted as government policy, and the glaringly obvious opportunity to implement Urbanlink to Strathpine - or beyond, on 6 June 2011 was not taken."

"The 1997 'Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland' also had targets, but more importantly recognised that car dependence wasn't sustainable.  South East Queensland appears to have come out of an enlightenment back into the dark of late."

"Establishing targets, particularly explicitly broken down targets as under the Sydney model, would likely have prevented poor outcomes such as the counter-peak hour 30 minute train frequency facing Ipswich workers and the 15 minute peak frequency facing Milton workers and those heading to UQ via Toowong where those people aren't coming from the west.  It would also be expected to increase the responsiveness to problems such as full buses while also having a more proactive planning approach to growing the patronage."

"Unless Government and the Transport agencies lift their game south-east Queensland is heading for a chronic state of gridlock and transport failure."

References:

1. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/C/Connecting-SEQ-2031.aspx

2. http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/42778/m2030_insummary.pdf page 10

3. http://www.metroplansydney.nsw.gov.au/portals/0/pdf/METRO2036_C_TRANSPORT.pdf page 2

4. http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/ABOUT_P_PT_Plan2031Summary.pdf

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

[ozbob]

For the record, our response to the Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 mode share targets was that the targets in the document were way to low, public transport and active transport mode share target  should be > 50% of all trips (> 30% public, > 20% active).  Present mode share for Brisbane CBD is around 45% for public and active transport.  Brisbane CBD should aim for > 80%.

[Jonno]

In addition by setting such low public transport targets the level of service provided or accessibility of services is so poor that it can not attract anything more than the low targets.  Further the remaining trips must therefore be catered by road expansion which just increases car usage and results in our traffic problems of today.

It is these artificially low targets that have created the problems of today.  Even in high density developments the assumption is public transport usage will remainow so people are forced onto the roads.

So by setting such low public transport % targets it is assured that our transports woes will only worsen to the point of economic collapse. Not to mention the social, environmental and health damage.

[somebody]

Better to have a target too low than none at all.

[ozbob]

Mediocrity is climbing molehills without sweating

Far better to sweat and climb mountains ...

[somebody]

Mediocrity is climbing molehills without sweating

Far better to sweat and climb mountains ...

Current public transport planning is to sit on the beach.