Article: Anger as Queensland Rail pulls the plug on water fountains

[ozbob]

From newsbytes click here!

Anger as Queensland Rail pulls the plug on water fountains

Anger as Queensland Rail pulls the plug on water fountains
By Melissa Archer — Wednesday, May 9, 2012 

Commuters in need of water are being forced to go thirsty following the removal of water fountains across the Queensland Rail network.

Bubblers that were standard at stations are being quietly dismantled with no consultation with rail users.

Thirsty travellers and an advocacy group have blasted the secret policy.

Catherine Stokes (pictured left), a commuter on the Cleveland line, said it was "a shame" QR were removing water fountains from platforms.

"You can't always afford to buy a bottle of water from the vending machines, and sometimes you just need a quick drink to rehydrate before getting on your train," Ms Stokes said.

Other users of the bubblers said they were surprised and angry that the water had been cut off. Many people – including some QR staff – were observed drinking from existing bubblers, or refilling their personal drink bottles.

A Queensland Rail spokesperson said bubblers were a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and also a public health hazard if misused.

"For these reasons, Queensland Rail will not be repairing or replacing any water fountains which are damaged or vandalised," the spokesperson said.

However it is not only vandalised bubblers that have been removed. Water fountains have disappeared from stations undergoing renovation.

QR said thirsty commuters could ask station staff for a free bottle of water – but as QR hasn't advertised this service, very few people know about it.

Mr Dow ... removal of bubblers "a serious concern"

And public transport advocacy group Rail Back on Track says stations are insufficiently staffed for it to be successful.

"A lot of the stations are completely unstaffed, and the stations which do have staff are usually only for a short period of time in peak hours, so how do people get water outside of those hours?" Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said.

"People often have to wait long periods of time in hot conditions and having access to free drinking water is extremely important," he said.

A retired medical science academic, Mr Dow said having free water available was vital in south-east Queensland, which had some of the worst train frequency times in the world.

"It's a pretty serious health and safety issue when people can't get water when they need it, and there is potential concern for people finding themselves in distress."

Mr Dow said Rail Back on Track was also concerned about the lack of public toilets at train stations.

"With a growing elderly population this is a serous concern, and it's actually discouraging people from using public transport because if they find themselves in distress they will have nowhere to go," he said.

"People do need the confidence that basic amenities will be available and also that if they need

One of the free water bottles handed out by QR staff to people who ask - but how many people know?
a drink of water they can get one – it's not a big ask.

"This is a classic example where QR have completely disregarded their customers' safety. What if someone diabetic needed these amenities at a station which had none?"

Mr Dow called on the government to reverse the QR policy and reinstate water fountains across the network.

"The Minister for Transport actually needs to intervene here and get water fountains operational again, particularly on new stations like Darra," he said.

[mufreight]

Another move to deter passengers, in this sub tropical climate there is a need for people to be able to access drinking water at any time, more so when faced with wait for the train of up to 30 minutes adding to their travel times.
That bottled water will be avaliable from station offices these are frequently unstaffed, what then.
The argument that the bubblers might be vandalised simply does not hold water. if the older style bubblers are vandalised then there are more modern styles designed to be vandal proof that are avaliable and could readily replace the existing dissapering bubblers.
Time for this new Transport Minister to show some inteligence but then with his principal transport adviser being an ex Translink hack that is possibly a bit too much to hope for. 

[#Metro]

Bottled water is environmental vandalism!

http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/dont-buy-bottled-water-activists-urge/2007/07/28/1185339322381.html
http://www.allaboutwater.org/environment.html
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2007/08/18/1186857841959.html

Quite frankly, the removal of fountains is a silly idea, and the reasons given not much better either!
Vandalism? Get a different design!

[Gazza]

Agreed. Those newer drinking fountains that look like an upside down L shape are vandal proof.

[ozbob]

At my local bus stop, for the 524 bus, the bus stop is just a pole in the ground, 40 metres away is a drinking fountain in a nearby park.  It is completely vandal proof and I often partake of a sip of water or two whilst waiting for the bus. 

This is a great story by a student journalist, to pick up the fact that the water fountains are being progressively removed etc. and put together a balanced report.

What is particularly disappointing is that apparently no communication has been made to the travelling public at all by Queensland Rail.  Has not been mentioned at CRGs either as far as I know.

[Fares_Fair]

No mention at North Coast Line CRG.

[#Metro]

A Queensland Rail spokesperson said bubblers were a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and also a public health hazard if misused.

Really? Just from a WATER BUBBLER!?

[Fares_Fair]

They're extremely social and a clear and present liquid.
People have been known to congregate around them in offices everywhere.

Hold on, trains are subject to vandalism, un-social behaviour and a public health hazard if misused.
We need to quietly remove the trains!

The spin on this story is going down the gurgler.

[Derwan]

They have bubblers in parks and along walkways all over Brisbane - and yet we can't have them at train stations that boast enhanced CCTV security?

Their arguments for removal don't make sense.

Their offer of free bottled water is irresponsible (environmental vandalism) and ineffective (unmanned stations).

Way to turn people off public transport!

[#Metro]

Hold on, trains are subject to vandalism, un-social behaviour and a public health hazard if misused.
We need to quietly remove the trains!

The spin on this story is going down the gurgler.

More people die from lightning strikes I think...

DANGER!! DANGER!! WATER BUBBLERS!!

[Stillwater]

Waterboarding?

[STB]

'Zero Harm', also known as 'Zero Charm' strikes again I see .  Does this mean that schools should also follow suit and remove bubblers from schools as well?  Oh dear QR, I'm a big supporter of QR but this is really downright silly  .

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th May 2012

Anger as Queensland Rail pulls the plug on water fountains

Greetings,

A very interesting and intriguing yarn,

Anger as Queensland Rail pulls the plug on water fountains  --> http://newsbytes.com.au/2012/05/anger-as-queensland-rail-pulls-the-plug-on-water-fountains/#.T6xdslK8V5p

There has been no public flagging of this bewildering move.

Follow the discussion here -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8309.0

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

http://johnsonmatel.com/2008octdec_files/October/Portland_Oct17/bubbler.jpg

Portland, free public transport City Centre and water bubblers!

An enlightened place ...


http://johnsonmatel.com/2008octdec_files/October/Portland_Oct17/bubbler.jpg

[ozbob]

An evil water bubbler ... 

[ozbob]

Another evil water bubbler, with a bowl for the doggies!

[ozbob]

--> http://www.enware.com.au/estore/category.aspx?id=2721&FolderID=24

I am sure water bubblers that are suitable for our railway and key bus stations can be found ...

--> http://www.enware.com.au/ArticleDocuments/28/ENW108_Spring-Action.pdf.aspx

[Stillwater]

So, the rail authority in the hotest state of the driest habitable continent on earth wants to withdraw water bubblers.  Is QR trying to save on water charges due to the SEQ water grid?  Is there some medical research that shows people have been suffering from 'bubbler fever'?

Do the doggie germs travel up the pipes to the bubbler for humans perhaps?  Just need a design that prevents someone slobbering their whole mouth over the bubbler.  Or will QR need to employ more plumbers to fix the bubblers when they break down?

[ozbob]

I have this hypothesis Stillwater (how appropriate your name is relative to this hypothesis .. anyway ... ).

Because of the lack of toilets on trains and stations (usually closed) they figure that if folks can't take on board H₂O  they will enjoy the 'customer experience ' of not sitting there with legs crossed and in some discomfort ..

[ozbob]

Newsflash,  from the Daily Gossip 13th May 2012 page 13

Intrepid customer dehydrates

[#Metro]

Water bubblers - FOUNTAIN OF CRIME!!

[ozbob]

http://culliganwater.com.au/community/oh-bubbler-where-art-thou/

With summer underway, the near extinction of public water bubblers is turning Australian cities into a Sahara for parched pedestrians. It's also creating environmental damage due to unnecessary bottled water purchases.

Once an abundant and environmentally responsible community service, public drinking bubblers appear to have been all but abandoned in many Australian cities. This is one of the key findings of a new national poll of 1,000 Australians commissioned by the Bottled Water Alliance ...

More --> Oh Bubbler, "Where art thou?"

[ozbob]

Go Tap --> here!

[SurfRail]

I think we need a National Hydration Management Strategy to go hand in hand with the National Continence Management Strategy which came up with http://www.toiletmap.gov.au.

http://www.bubblermap.gov.au, perhaps?

[Fares_Fair]

I have this hypothesis Stillwater (how appropriate your name is relative to this hypothesis .. anyway ... ).

Because of the lack of toilets on trains and stations (usually closed) they figure that if folks can't take on board H₂O  they will enjoy the 'customer experience ' of not sitting there with legs crossed and in some discomfort ..

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail 13th May 2012 page 7

Bubblers refreshed

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th May 2012

Happy Outcome Re: Anger as Queensland Rail pulls the plug on water fountains

Greetings,

A happy outcome to the water bubblers saga.  Thanks to the Minister for Transport for acting.

Details -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8309.msg97500#msg97500

The lack of water fountains/bubblers is actually starting to be an issue of some significance nationally.

One member has commented ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8309.msg97469#msg97469 ):

I think we need a National Hydration Management Strategy to go hand in hand with the National Continence Management Strategy which came up with http://www.toiletmap.gov.au.

http://www.bubblermap.gov.au, perhaps?

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

http://scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/emerson-scraps-labor-ban-on-train-station-water-bubblers.html

Emerson scraps Labor ban on train station water bubblers

Sunday, 13 May 2012 05:51

Water bubblers will remain on Queensland train stations under the Newman government.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said he was ending Labor's policy of removing and not replacing damaged water bubblers at train stations.

"I was made aware of the policy, which was introduced under former Transport Minister and current opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, on Friday and scrapped it on Saturday," Mr Emerson said.

"I have also directed that water bubblers be re-installed at stations where Labor's policy saw them removed.

"The LNP is a passenger-focused government and that means making public transport as affordable, reliable and frequent as possible.

"It also means giving passengers access to proper facilities and a drink of water while waiting for a train.

"By removing bubblers Ms Palaszczuk was simply giving in to vandals who spent their time damaging station property.

"I'm not interested in pandering to fools and will be tackling vandalism and graffiti at our stations head on.

"I recently joined Premier Campbell Newman and Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to announce that Queensland Rail would join the BCC and Police initiative Taskforce Against Graffiti.

"The previous Labor Government refused to include Queensland Rail in this partnership, however the close working relationship between all agencies will be the key to tackling these issues.

"We knew that as Transport Minister Ms Palaszczuk's failures included record low affordability, the lowest reliably in three years and four million fewer trips on public transport.

"We can now add banning water bubblers at train stations to her record of failure."

[ozbob]

The wait for a train can be a long one on some of the hot and dusty platforms of our rail network.  Having water available is largely a no-brainer as most have recognised.

The bigger issue is the absurd waste (economic and environmental) generated by 'bottles of  spring water', often just tap water put into plastic bottles ... LOL  Peak oil will make plastics even more  expensive ...

[colinw]

Now ... on to the case of the missing Sunshine Coast line duplication!

[#Metro]

Watch as fountains of crime spring forth...

[Fares_Fair]

Now ... on to the case of the missing Sunshine Coast line duplication!

A good win for RBoT and a very sensible move by Scott Emerson, Minister for Transport and Main Roads. 

[p858snake]

"I have also directed that water bubblers be re-installed at stations where Labor's policy saw them removed.

Now what about adding them to stations that have never had them (or onto every platform).

[p858snake]

I wonder if Ferny Grove will be getting them back on the platforms (unless they planned on putting them near the station house).

[ozbob]

From NewsBytes click here!

Win for Newsbytes as bubblers return to city rail stations

Win for Newsbytes as bubblers return to city rail stations
By Melissa Archer — Wednesday, January 9, 2013 

Hot and thirsty train commuters are welcoming the arrival of water bubblers on Brisbane station platforms this week – but it could take up to four months before they can take a drink.

Newsbytes reported last year on the quiet withdrawal of bubblers across the Queensland Rail network.

Our story resulted in reversal of the policy by new Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson. Mr Emerson said the previous Labor administration had given in to vandals who had damaged many water fountains.

A spokesperson for the minister said work began this week to reinstall 22 drinking bubblers, with installation expected to be completed in 15 weeks.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow says despite the wait, it's a positive outcome for rail commuters.

"We're grateful the water bubblers will be back on station platforms and commuters will be able to get a drink of water if they need one," Mr Dow said.

"As we've seen from the recent hot weather here in Queensland and interstate, hydration is just so important to the health and safety of commuters and this is a great result for passengers.

"It's good to see the Transport Minister stepped in to address the situation of water bubblers being removed from platforms after it came to his attention."

It's a more gloomy outlook for Sydney rail users battling a heatwave this week, who have been told to "carry water" by NSW Transport and to not board the city's trains (which are not air-conditioned) if they feel unwell.

In Brisbane, water bubblers will be installed at the following stations:

City network – south:

Booval
Chelmer
Goodna
Redbank
Wacol
Park Road
Coorparoo
Lota
Murarrie
Wynnum Central
Wynnum North
Wellington Point
Helensvale
Holmview

City network – north:

Keperra
Morayfield
Petrie
Strathpine
Wilston
Zillmere
Taringa

[ozbob]

And there will be water ... Hallelujah!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

11th January 2013

It ain't half hot Mum, you got water?

Greetings,

A good news story and outcome.

Thank you to the Minister for Transport Mr Emerson, TransLink and Queensland Rail for this outcome, viz., water bubblers being put back on railway stations.

Best wishes
Robert

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

From NewsBytes click here!

Win for Newsbytes as bubblers return to city rail stations

Win for Newsbytes as bubblers return to city rail stations
By Melissa Archer — Wednesday, January 9, 2013 

Hot and thirsty train commuters are welcoming the arrival of water bubblers on Brisbane station platforms this week – but it could take up to four months before they can take a drink.

Newsbytes reported last year on the quiet withdrawal of bubblers across the Queensland Rail network.

Our story resulted in reversal of the policy by new Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson. Mr Emerson said the previous Labor administration had given in to vandals who had damaged many water fountains.

A spokesperson for the minister said work began this week to reinstall 22 drinking bubblers, with installation expected to be completed in 15 weeks.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow says despite the wait, it's a positive outcome for rail commuters.

"We're grateful the water bubblers will be back on station platforms and commuters will be able to get a drink of water if they need one," Mr Dow said.

"As we've seen from the recent hot weather here in Queensland and interstate, hydration is just so important to the health and safety of commuters and this is a great result for passengers.

"It's good to see the Transport Minister stepped in to address the situation of water bubblers being removed from platforms after it came to his attention."

It's a more gloomy outlook for Sydney rail users battling a heatwave this week, who have been told to "carry water" by NSW Transport and to not board the city's trains (which are not air-conditioned) if they feel unwell.

In Brisbane, water bubblers will be installed at the following stations:

City network – south:

Booval
Chelmer
Goodna
Redbank
Wacol
Park Road
Coorparoo
Lota
Murarrie
Wynnum Central
Wynnum North
Wellington Point
Helensvale
Holmview

City network – north:

Keperra
Morayfield
Petrie
Strathpine
Wilston
Zillmere
Taringa

[mufreight]

Darra and Oxley both had water bubblers prior to their upgrades but no longer, are they to be replaced.

[ozbob]

Darra and Oxley both had water bubblers prior to their upgrades but no longer, are they to be replaced.

Hope so, Darra and Oxley are both hot and dry places at times.

[SurfRail]

There's no safe level of DHMO.

It's especially deadly in its solid form...