19 Sep 2011: SEQ: Send the 204 bus via Eastern Busway

[ozbob]

Media release 19 September 2011

SEQ: Send the 204 bus via Eastern Busway

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 has called for bus route 204 to use the Eastern Busway.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back on Track members have debated the pros and cons of routing the 204 bus onto the new Eastern Busway (1).  An investment of around half a billion dollars needs to be utilised to the maximum. The failure to utilise the Eastern Busway for bus route 204 results in a mediocre public transport outcome for both Stone's Corner and Old Cleveland Rd."

"At Stone's Corner heading inbound, off peak it is more attractive to ignore the busway and use the street based services for their greater frequency.  This results in the busway being under utilised, and a lower resultant effective frequency as compared to what would be at the busway, especially evenings and weekends."

"Outbound is a problem not the subject of this particular release.  Similarly at Langlands Park the effective frequency is divided between the busway station, the East Leagues stop on Main Ave, Coorparoo and the Old Cleveland Rd stop.  This results in an effective headway no better than 15 minutes off peak at no stop."

"On Old Cleveland Rd, the 204 bus is significantly slower due to the need to compete with the traffic.  This is a popular route and many would benefit from a speed increase by routing on the Eastern Busway, which in turn would make the route even more popular."

"We note that the Veolia services are using the Eastern Busway and we support that, but better use of the taxpayer investment must be made and moving the 204 bus onto the Eastern Busway will achieve that in part."

"Why was the busway built, if TransLink and Brisbane Transport don't want to use it maximally?"

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6689.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6689.0