Ray Smith - FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR SENIORS

[ozbob]

FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR SENIORS

I believe investing in public transport is the best way to improve accessibility in our suburbs and help reduce traffic congestion.

In their last two budgets, the current Council Administration has cut funding for public transport by a whopping $38 million... and I want to see some of that funding restored.

That's why I've made the commitment to provide free public transport for seniors, if elected as Lord Mayor.

Under my $5.7 million costed policy, all seniors will travel for free on Council buses, CityCats and ferries, seven days a week, during off-peak travel times.

I want to make it easier for our city's seniors to move around our suburbs and access the services they need.

This plan, along with my $150 million Connecting Neighbourhoods footpaths policy, will deliver real improvements to accessibility for Brisbane seniors.

I'm also working to ease cost of living pressures on Brisbane residents.

This policy will also help reduce overcrowding on buses for those during peak travel times by spreading demand for services more evenly.

This is just the first part of my plan to restore funding for public transport services and get the priorities right for our city.

Better community services, with less waste and debt – that's what I stand for!

RAY SMITH
Lord Mayoral Candidate

Web site --> http://raysmith.com.au/  (has some issues at the moment - site being updated)

[somebody]

What?  Does he have the power to do that?

[#Metro]

Please do something about Maroon CityGlider!

[Stillwater]

Another reason for state government takeover of council buses.  In transport matters BCC should not operate independently of the wider SE.  All transport must be coordinated by a single entity.  And, in that regard, Campbell Newman needs to make a statement to clarify his position on state ownership of council buses (as Lord Mayor, he offered the buses to the state).  He also needs to paint a picture for us about Translink, its functions and its relationship to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

[SurfRail]

And if they want to catch a train?

Whoops...

[ozbob]

On the flyer there is this additional information.

How will the free public transport for seniors policy work?
• All seniors who reside in Brisbane, Defence Force veterans and aged pensioners are eligible for free public transport
• Seniors will travel free during all off-peak travel times:
• 9am to 3.30pm and after 7pm on weekdays
• All day on weekends and on public holidays
• Seniors will be encouraged to register their Go Card with Translink. When a registered Go Card is used on a bus or ferry during off-peak travel times, no charge will be registered
• For those without Go Cards, paper tickets will be provided for free

I am not sure if this would work under our integrated system ...

[beauyboy]

Personally I would of perfered to of seen another BUZ route installed over this for the money.
A BUZ route has cost recovery and encourages people to use public transport. This sought of policy only encourages the additude that PT is a welfare issue and that the only people that use it is the poor and old.

PT needs to be marketed to the masses not demograffic groups.

Donald

[Stillwater]

It's marketed to voters.  The older folk have a walking stick in one hand and a ballot paper in the other.

[beauyboy]

Exactly exactly.

Donald

[Gazza]

PT needs to be marketed to the masses not demograffic(sic) groups.

Ray Smith - Free public transport forSeñor's.....

[achiruel]

Personally I would of perfered to of seen another BUZ route installed over this for the money.

+1

Also I'm wondering how they will limit it to BCC residents.  Will Seniors be required to show some kind of proof of address, in addition to their Senior's Card?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Personally I would of perfered to of seen another BUZ route installed over this for the money.

+1

Also I'm wondering how they will limit it to BCC residents.  Will Seniors be required to show some kind of proof of address, in addition to their Senior's Card?

It would be on their senior/concession card.

[Otto]

I would prefer to see a Bulimba BUZ.. Free travel to seniors will do nothing to improve services..