5 Jan 2012: SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Interchange the ticket ...

[ozbob]

Media release 5 January 2012

SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Interchange the ticket to ending bus nightmare

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 the second stage of rolling out a Core Frequent Network to begin.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members have long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to improve the public transport system in Brisbane is a targeted, selective boost of services on fast arterial roads to properly link the CBD with the suburbs, and the suburbs with each other, and improvements in the rail service out of peak train frequency."

"There is a strong case for the bus route 461 Forest Lake/Inala to CBD via Milton Road to be permanently terminated at Indooroopilly as it appears to be faster to catch the all stations Richlands train into the CBD. Bus routes 435,436,445 and 433 are also candidates for termination at Indooroopilly interchange."

"RAIL Back On Track understands that while people may take a little time to get used to catching connecting BUZ services, the benefit is that the money saved can be re-invested on these routes to make them frequent and cut waiting time, which dramatically cuts overall journey times. In this way, service improvements can be delivered, effectively out of pure efficiency gains requiring little or no new cash funding. It also avoids paying to transport large volumes of air into the Brisbane CBD and makes efficient use of bus seating capacities on BUZ 444, P88 and we hope, a BUZ 400 (Centenary BUZ)(1,2,3)."

"Of course community consultation should also take place, with trials if necessary. We again call on Brisbane City Council to re-open the Coronation Drive Bus lane to aid this initiative, particularly now that we are paying 15% more for the same slow trip on 'Congestion' Drive."

"The least that Brisbane City Council could do is aid the traffic flow of its own buses, carrying its own ratepayers."

"It is a myth that we have to wait for big ticket, multi-billion dollar cost projects that take decades to deliver before we can get improvements to service frequency. With a bit of change and willingness to interchange, existing routes can be shortened but run at higher frequency for the same cost."

"As RAIL Back On Track has always said, services must be frequent, bottom line!"

References:

1. Review of 460/461   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5276.0

2. Interchange the ticket to ending bus nightmare    http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/interchange-the-ticket-to-ending-bus-nightmare-20120103-1pjd9.html

3. Building a Core Frequent Network    http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0

Contact:

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