9 Apr 2008: Airtrain is the key to easing congestion on roads to BNE Airport ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 9 April 2008

Brisbane:  Airtrain is the key to easing congestion on roads to Brisbane Airport

RAIL - Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail and public transport throughout Australia has again called on the Queensland State Government to take over the railway line to Brisbane Airport, and bring on Citytrain services that have the same fare structure and timetable hours, and service frequency as for rest of the network (References 1, 2 and 3).  The Report of the Task Force to Improve Short Term Access into and out of Brisbane Airport Precinct failed to fully appreciate the huge anti-congestion value of the presently under utilised railway line.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?The service to the Brisbane Airport uses Queensland Rail Citytrains.  The cost of the travel from the City to the Airport is at a cost that actively discourages people from using it.  It should be urgently brought into the same fare structure as for the rest of metropolitan railway network.?

?The Airport effectively lies in Zone 3.  This equates to a normal fare of $3.20 from Central compared to the present $13 Airtrain fare.  It is this cost differential that results in near empty trains except for times of crisis, and because of that a decrease in train frequency and service hours, which in turn leads to fewer passengers.  An irreversible slide.?

?Trains need to run when actually needed.  The late start and early finish of the present Airtrain services is farcical.  The keys to successful public transport are accessibility; high service frequency and extended hours of operation, and it must also be affordable for the community.?

"If the State Government took back management from Airtrain City Link Ltd, or at least subsidised the fares to normal fare structure, the trains would be well patronised and be available for not only domestic and international passengers, but also for people employed in the airport precinct. Hours of operation must be also be extended from 4.30am to midnight.?

?As was highlighted yesterday with the congestion chaos for road access to the airport, not making the maximum use of the railway line to airport is absolute folly.

?Congestion on the airport roundabout and Gateway would be eased if it was brought into the normal network, and give some space for decent long term solutions.  Those who do need to drive could do so in timely and safe manner, the majority will relax on rail!?

References:

1. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=31.0

2. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=234.0

3. http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=253.0

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org

RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

4BC followed up this media release with an interview on the Afternoons With Rod Tiley & Alex Bernard show this afternoon (April 9)

Thanks 4BC for the ongoing interest in this important issue.

4BC website is here --> http://www.mytalk.com.au/Stations/Talk/4BC/Pages/default.aspx

Cheers
Ozbob