26 Jan 2012: Queensland: Don't miss the bus, or train ...

[ozbob]

Media release 26 January 2012

Queensland:  Don't miss the bus, or train, they are still running years late ..

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 said voters of Queensland are looking forward to the presentation of sound rail, public and active transport policies for positioning Queensland for a sustainable transport future during the 2012 State election campaign.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There is a real disconnect with actuality and plans with respect to transport in Queensland. Much effort has been expended in producing plans and documents for grand visions that are unfunded and will never happen."

"As we have highlighted constantly, using what we have in a more effective manner is achievable and will endear incremental improvements in a more economical and sustainable manner (1).  Government has not been held accountable by weak oppositions, and this has just further exacerbated the transport mediocrity."

"The fact the rail network in south-east Queensland still meanders on with anti-public transport out of peak train frequencies of 30 minutes or worse is clear evidence of the failure of policy."

"Re-establishing proper bus priority on the road network will achieve a lot more than billion dollar busway extensions that are not used effectively.  Feeding high frequency core bus and rail networks with local transport, will transform the public transport network in south east Queensland."

"A fare structure in south-east Queensland that was meant to improve the fare box has had the opposite effect.  The go card itself is a good initiative, the fare structure however needs a major revision."

"Will the election campaign see policy grounded in practical reality and what is achievable, or more plans that will never be achieved?"

"We wait for realistic policy with critical interest."

References:

1. Media releases from RAIL Back On Track 2006 - 2012  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=19.0

Contact:

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