Ministerial Statement: New Year cheer: Free NYE public transport ...

[ozbob]

Its a typical QLD gov screw up. Free public transport during the exact window where no one will be travelling.

Wonderful insight there ...

[ozbob]

http://www3.ttc.ca/News/2011/December/1219_new_years.jsp

Toronto

On New Year's Eve, the Toronto Transit Commission will offer free, extended service after midnight to 4 a.m. on January 1, 2012. Please don't drink and drive.

[Arnz]

With the exception of the SCRC taxpayers funding the free buses for the Sunshine Coast region this holidays, this is a 'WORLD CLARSE' new years screwup from the Government for the SE Qld region.

[ozbob]

Paris!!   

http://paris.angloinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?topic_id=8567

http://blog.hostelbookers.com/travel/new-years-eve-paris/

Metro, bus, tram and RER lines will be running all night on New Year's Eve / New Year's Day and will be free from 5pm on 31 December 2011 until 12:00 noon on 1 January 2012

How civilised!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th December 2011

Re: SEQ: Call to extend the hours of the 'free' public transport New Years Eve

Greetings,

Calls to extend the 'free travel' to avoid crush congestion, confusion and anger have remained unheeded.

As was demonstrated so sadly at the Brisbane Exhibition earlier this year the present ticketing system is not able to cope with surge crowds.  The Queensland Police Service did request transport staff to open the fare gates and allow passengers to travel home for free remember?  Why is Brisbane so out of touch with community needs??

A quick scan of what other progressive cities offer in terms of free public transport is illuminating.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7339.msg80718#msg80718
They do this as it lowers overall community costs in terms of a reduction in road trauma and congestion, and improves the well being of the community.  They don't do as a 'feel good political stunt'.

Even Darwin has free public transport from 7pm New Years Eve until 7am New Years Day.  This highlights just what a public transport backwater south-east Queensland actually is.

For safety reasons alone, the free public transport in south-east Queensland needs to be extended to at least 5am.

One commentator has posted  with respect to the 9pm to 1am free public transport window: " Its a typical QLD gov screw up. Free public transport during the exact window where no one will be travelling. "  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7339.msg80738#msg80738

Time Government and TransLink acted, or stand aside and let those who will take over.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 27 December 2011

SEQ: Call to extend the hours of the 'free' public transport New Years Eve

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 welcomed the free public transport initiative on New Years Eve, but has called for the 4 hour window to be extended.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Minister for Transport has announced that public transport will be free from 9pm to 1am on New Years Eve (1,2).  This is not long enough to encourage maximum use of public transport and in so doing help reduce congestion, risks of road crashes and improve the night out for all."

"People heading into Brisbane for the first firework show at 8.30pm will still need tickets.  People who choose to leave immediately after the midnight celebrations will not be cleared by 1am. This is going to cause dangerous crowding,  anger and confusion. As was demonstrated during the 2011 Brisbane Exhibition the ticketing system cannot cope with large numbers of passengers attempting to buy single paper tickets. There is no way the passenger loads will be cleared by 1am."

"Clearly, the sensible thing to do is follow the lead of Melbourne (3).  Melbourne has free public transport from 6pm New Years Eve until the first normal scheduled services on New Years Day. A 12 hour window  This allows an orderly movement of large number of citizens to and from the celebrations."

"We call on the Minister for Transport and TransLink to urgently re-think the free public transport plans for New Years Eve. The 4 hour window is not long enough to ensure the safe movement of the public."

References:

1.  http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=78318

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7339.0

3.  http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/news/news-promotions/free-public-transport-on-christmas-day-and-after-6pm-on-new-year-s-eve

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert_Dow Robert Dow

Important message re free PT NYE --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7339.msg80756#msg80756 @TransLinkSEQ @TheQldPremier @AnnastaciaMP @QueenslandRail @scottemersonmp
9 minutes ago

==================

Cannot say they were not alerted to the looming meltdown ...

[ozbob]

How Melbourne got all-night NYE public transport

[ozbob]

' Ekka Wrekka '

Click --> here!

[ozbob]

I just completed a live interview on 4BC with host Chris Adams, wide ranging - train etiquette, behaviour, safety,   but I was able to raise the early finish of the free PT New Years Eve.  Chris said he has had feedback from other listeners and will follow up with the authorities.  Thanks!

[p858snake]

Not going to comment on the times for the freebies, But at least it was announced and publicised approx a week before the event is happening.

[ozbob]

The Minister has just announced on 612 ABC Brisbane that free travel window NYE is now 9pm to 5.30am!

Thank you!!

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
29/12/2011

New Year's Eve free transport extended

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a significant extension to free New Year's Eve public transport - giving commuters across the entire South East Queensland rail, bus and ferry network an additional four-and-a-half hours to get home without paying a fare.

Ms Palaszczuk today announced Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast commuters would now travel for free from 9pm until 5.30am on December 31/January 1, beyond the original deadline of 1am announced earlier this week.

"Since we announced the free New Year's Eve Service between 9pm and 1am I've received a lot of feedback from commuters who intend to take advantage of it to get home from fireworks in Brisbane and on both coasts or the Brisbane Roar game at Suncorp Stadium," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I've listened to that feedback and decided to extend the period throughout the night to ensure that those celebrating well into the early hours of New Year's Day have a public transport option for their return journey home.

"In all three regions, fireworks displays start at midnight and the last thing we want is bottlenecks at bus and train and ferry points.

"So now everyone - especially those families who might be trying to hurry their kids along to make the train or bus in time - can take their time.

"This will ensure nobody misses out and everyone can travel safely and comfortably."

On December 31, more than 1000 extra bus, train and ferry services will operate across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coasts, with many services operating after midnight.

Additional trains will operate on the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Ferny Grove, Ipswich, Richlands, Shorncliffe and Sunshine Coast lines. Extra CityCat and ferry services will also operate at regular intervals throughout the afternoon and evening, with some delays during the fireworks.

"I believe public transport should be the preferred option for those travelling to the major fireworks and party venues across South East Queensland with many roads closed and traffic congestion expected," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"It also means we won't see big delays at taxi ranks.

"This is a Queensland first and if it's a success - as I'm sure it will be - I'm keen to see it continue in coming years.

"In previous years, TransLink has waived fares for short periods on some parts of the network during major events such as Riverfire to assist moving crowds quickly, so it makes sense to trial a network-wide approach this New Year's Eve.

"This is the first time it's been done across the entire 10,000 sq km network and I'm eager to see how it goes.

"Anyone travelling this weekend should plan their journey and remember that public transport before 9pm will be discounted by 15 per cent for go card users because it's travel in an off-peak period.

"Parents should also remember that children under 5 years of age travel free all the time."

More than half a million people are expected to use public transport across South East Queensland and TransLink has urged commuters to be patient and mindful of others while on public transport and at public transport venues.

Full holiday services, including additional New Year's Eve and New Year's Day services are available at www.translink.com.au

==============================================================

[ozbob]

Media release 29 December 2011

SEQ:  Public transport the way to go  for New Year's Eve celebrations

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 thanked the Minister for Transport and Translink for extending the free public transport travel window.  The free travel is now 9pm to 5.30am (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Using public transport on New Year's Eve is the smart thing to do.  TransLink has now extended the free travel window from 9pm to 5.30am.  An excellent move."

"South East Queensland is now in line with most progressive jurisdictions in the world.  New Year's Eve is a popular celebration, and it is tragic for it to be marred by road trauma, congestion and sadness."

"We thank the Minister for Transport and TransLink for extending the free travel window, so that maximum use of public transport is now achievable.  The best outcome for the whole community."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7339.msg80870#msg80870

Contact:

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

[david]

An excellent outcome! And well done to the Minister for taking on board feedback!

[ozbob]

An excellent outcome! And well done to the Minister for taking on board feedback!

Indeed 

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Rush hour: Free NYE transport offer extended

Rush hour: Free NYE transport offer extended
Daniel Hurst
December 29, 2011 - 7:57AM

The state government has extended its offer of free public transport on New Year's Eve in response to fears the original 1am deadline was too early for people to head home after celebrations.

Southeast Queenslanders were told earlier this week they could travel for free on buses, trains and ferries between 9pm and 1am on the night that they ushered in 2012, prompting claims the early cut-off was a government "stuff up".

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk yielded today to calls for a longer window of free transport to ensure people did not have to rush onto southeast Queensland trains, buses and ferries soon after midnight.

Revellers will be able to travel for free between 9pm this Saturday and 5.30am on New Year's Day.

Ms Palaszczuk said fireworks displays started at midnight and the last thing she wanted was bottlenecks at bus, train and ferry stops as people rushed onto public transport.

"Since we announced the free New Year's Eve service between 9pm and 1am. I've received a lot of feedback from commuters who intend to take advantage of it to get home from fireworks in Brisbane and on both coasts or the Brisbane Roar game at Suncorp Stadium," she said in a statement.

"I've listened to that feedback and decided to extend the period throughout the night to ensure that those celebrating well into the early hours of New Year's Day have a public transport option for their return journey home."

Commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track thanked the government for listening to the group's call for a later deadline, saying the extended free travel would help maximise use of public transport after New Year's Eve celebrations.

"Southeast Queensland is now in line with most progressive jurisdictions in the world," spokesman Robert Dow said.

"New Year's Eve is a popular celebration, and it is tragic for it to be marred by road trauma, congestion and sadness."

Earlier this week, commenters on a Rail Back on Track online discussion board expressed displeasure with the narrow free travel window.

"It's a typical QLD [government] screw up," one commenter stated on Tuesday.

"Free public transport during the exact window where no one will be travelling."

The government says more than 1000 extra bus, train and ferry services will operate across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coasts on New Year's Eve.

It says additional trains will operate on the Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Ferny Grove, Ipswich, Richlands, Shorncliffe and Sunshine Coast lines and extra CityCat and ferry services will also operate but with some delays during the fireworks.

More details about the services can be found at www.translink.com.au.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rush-hour-free-nye-transport-offer-extended-20111229-1pdd0.html

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Free New Year's Eve travel, but there's a catch

Free New Year's Eve travel, but there's a catch

    by: Koren Helbig
    From: The Courier-Mail
    December 29, 2011 7:53AM

THE State Government has bowed to pressure and extended free public transport for another four and a half hours on New Year’s Eve

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning said commuters could now travel free from 9pm until 5.30am, beyond the deadline of 1am announced earlier this week.

But the change means people heading into Brisbane for the first fireworks show at 8.30pm will still need to pay fares.

That had earlier attracted criticism from commuter group Rail Back on Track.

Spokesman Robert Dow had also argued ending the free period at 1am would create "congestion, anger and confusion" for those battling to get home after the fireworks.

He had urged the Government to follow Melbourne's lead and make public transport free from 6pm to the first normal scheduled service on New Year's Day.

Ms Palaszczuk said she ordered the change after feedback from commuters who wanted free travel home from fireworks in Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, as well as the Brisbane Roar game at Suncorp Stadium.

"In all three regions, fireworks displays start at midnight and the last thing we want is bottlenecks at bus and train and ferry points.

"So now everyone – especially those families who might be trying to hurry their kids along to make the train or bus in time – can take their time.

"This will ensure nobody misses out and everyone can travel safely and comfortably."

She said Go Card fares for those travelling before 9pm would be discounted by 15 per cent because it was an off-peak period, with children under five also travelling free as usual.

Ms Palaszczuk said while free travel had been previously been offered for short periods, New Year's Eve would be the first time the trial was extended across the entire 10,000 square km network.

An extra 1000 bus, train and ferry services will also operate to cater for the half a million people expected to use the network.

[Otto]

Great News !! 

Now lets hope commuters on the Cleveland line know they too have extended services, as Cleveland has been omitted on the press releases..   

[Mozz]

Great work there Bob - good outcome.

[somebody]

Great work there Bob - good outcome.

+1

[Mr X]

Good to see- someone's listening!. Why should someone who missed the say, 12:55am bus and then have to take a bus at 1:10am, then have to pay while others who got there 5mins earlier got it free?

[Fattious]

Attempted to catch a bus from Cultural Centre to the City after the fireworks but did not realise the operation of Cultural Centre had changed for the night.

The spiral walkway on the Western side of the Victoria Bridge that joins the bridge with the South Bank promenade pathway was fenced off, so too was the inbound Cultural centre platform. Buses for the city and western suburbs stop at Grey Street and head over the William Jolly Bridge.

Not sure why they don't have the inbound platform operating.

[Golliwog]

They did the same for Riverfire. The problem isn't the bus way but the fireworks and pedestrians using the bridge I think.

[Otto]

Both Busway lanes are needed for the outbound to keep the services flowing.. 1 lane would just choke up..

[Fattious]

Both Busway lanes are needed for the outbound to keep the services flowing.. 1 lane would just choke up..

Buses were traversing the inbound lane, for example I observed a 555 service deso heading inbound but not using the Cultural Centre platform.

[somebody]

Both Busway lanes are needed for the outbound to keep the services flowing.. 1 lane would just choke up..

I think that is an additional reason why a Cultural Centre platform 3 for West End bound would be advantageous.

[Golliwog]

How do they operate it for major events like NYE and Riverfire?

[somebody]

How do they operate it for major events like NYE and Riverfire?

Probably badly, like in the PM peak, where many nearly full buses roll up here and dwell for a certain amount of time with only a few people actually boarding.

[Golliwog]

How do they operate it for major events like NYE and Riverfire?

Probably badly, like in the PM peak, where many nearly full buses roll up here and dwell for a certain amount of time with only a few people actually boarding.

I was going for experience rather than opinion. I also don't like the 3rd platform idea.

[Fattious]

How do they operate it for major events like NYE and Riverfire?

I only had a quick look - it appeared the usual outbound platform and the outbound normal traffic lanes were used for loading passengers.

[somebody]

How do they operate it for major events like NYE and Riverfire?

I only had a quick look - it appeared the usual outbound platform and the outbound normal traffic lanes were used for loading passengers.

Hmm, which equals the third platform idea.