Letters to the editor - Published

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail June 29

Now is not the time to restrict public transport services.  The removal of the fuel subsidy will push even more onto our flagging public transport. 

All public transport operators need a significant boost in funding for 2009/10 financial year to put in place more services and add to the capacity. 

TransLink needs to sort out the go card, and fast.  It's funny that TransLink can sponsor soccer, but cannot see fit to maintain the CityLink bus service.

[ozbob]

Published in the Courier Mail July 9

Get rail revival rolling

What a wonderful and sound article by Merv Bartlett about rail revival. We have a lot of rail infrastructure that is under utilised in terms of passenger transport - a point well made in the article. 

Not only is there the opportunity to utilise the standard gauge corridor in from Bromelton as suggested by Bartlett, we also have the Exhibition and Tennyson loop lines. 

These lines provide options for further innovative services that can assist in congestion management by minimising traffic through the CBD rail axis.  Why is Queensland Transport and TransLink locked into failed paradigms?  Time to  move forward with the rail revival.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail July 27

Extra fare to Ekka is unfair

Exhibition patrons who travel by rail direct to the Exhibition will again have to pay an additional fare for the CBD-to-Exhibition leg.  Bus passengers will not pay this additional fare. TransLink and Government need to look at the Exhibition as a special situation.  It is potentially a huge public transport journey generator. The Exhibition railway station is in zone one.  If a patron has a ticket that covers zone one they should not have to pay for an additional fare. If this was the policy, it would actively encourage people to seamlessly take rail to the Exhibition.  As it is, many people break their journey at the CBD and transfer to the free buses.  This is idiotic.

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times 31st July 2009

More trains needed for growth

The article 'Rapid bus plan vital in growth, QT July 30' highlights the need for sustainable public transport systems for a booming population in Ipswich and surrounds.  Bus rapid transit will be certainly part of the mix, however with the considerable projected population increases there is an urgent need to increase rail capacity too.

There is a plan to eventually triplicate the main western line from Darra to Redbank by 2026.  This is too late, this needs to done now with an extension of the triplication of the railway line all the way into Ipswich.

A bus carries up to 100 passengers, a 6 car train carries 1000 passengers.  A proper integrated sustainable public transport solution is the future.  High capacity high frequency rail services with feeder bus services to the key rail heads will be needed.

The present branch line being constructed from Darra to Richlands also needs to be extended to Springfield , and the rail connection from Springfield to Ipswich through the Ripley Valley fast tracked.  This will give the public transport capacity that will be needed for the future growth.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail August 10

The TransLink Tracker report states on-time bus performance is approaching 96 per cent.  How can that be?  Any regular bus user can tell you on-time performance is nowhere near that.

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times 8th September 2009

Rail closure change welcome

Well done Minister Nolan and QR Passenger for reviewing the planned closure arrangements for QR Citytrain services between Ipswich and Rosewood.

Maintenance of the peak services will help the daily commute for many. 

There remains one problem with the afternoon peak services however, the gap between the 4.38pm Ipswich to Rosewood and then the 5.51pm Ipswich to Rosewood services is too great.  Additional services at around 5.00pm and 5.25pm would improve the service significantly. 

Figures published by QT confirm that the morning peak has around twice the passengers than the afternoon peak.  One reason for that is the lack of afternoon peak services.

[ozbob]

Published City North News 10th September 2009

Long waits to board buses prove opportunity wasted

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail September 12

Riverfire is a great and important community celebration but also puts  a very significant demand on transport services.  

Public transport is well organised for the weekend events this year.  Extra buses and trains are laid on both for Riverfire and the football.

For folks not used to the new ticket machines at railway stations, allow plenty of time to get your tickets.  Experience has shown that with the bigger crowds travelling, there may be short delays in getting tickets.  

Relax and enjoy the weekend, travel by rail or bus to and from the City or the football.  This avoids hassles with parking, traffic congestion and road closures and is a safer way to go!

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail 18 September

Transport response

Following the late scheduling of the Bronco-Dragons NRL game at Suncorp Stadium, track work between Roma Street and Corinda Stations that was to be done by Queensland Rail on Saturday has been postponed.

This change of heart is welcome.  Previous attempts to move closures that interfered with significant events have been denied.

Sporting and other events are supported by extra rail and bus services and innovative ticketing arrangements.  It is a pity this enthusiasm is not translated to the daily grind for regular commuters.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail October 6

A question of priorities

The Kurilpa Bridge is a welcome addition.

The road centric transport policy that has characterised south east Queensland for the past 50 years is failing and sustainable transport options are slowly being built.

Rather than more monuments to the automobile there needs to be a continuation of further 'green' bridge construction.

A bridge from Belbowrie to Wacol for example would assist greatly in relieving congestion on Moggill Road and one allowing access Bulimba/Hawthorne to Teneriffe/New Farm would ease traffic congestion to the CBD.

"Green" bridges in Brisbane are already an outstanding success and return costs many times over.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail October 19

The go card environment needs to radically improved.

Some things for consideration include much improved administrative support, online forms for refund of fixed fares, stepped up education and help booths for new users.

An amnesty period for new users would also be a good idea.

More go card readers at rail stations are also necessary to cope with the peak surges. There will be considerable flack from commuters if this is not done.

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times October 26

Card needs more fare options

The new TransLink fare strategy is clearly designed to encourage public transport commuters in south-east Queensland to take up the go card.  The inclusion of off peak options on the go card is a very significant improvement and is welcome.

However, the eventual loss of the periodical paper ticketing will impact severely on many commuters and in the interim paper tickets are facing a huge cost rise from January 2010.

The new go card fares are set at the 2007 single fare paper cost.  This means though that users of periodical paper tickets are facing very significant increases in their public transport costs.  A weekly paper ticket from Ipswich to Brisbane (7 zones) will cost $58.40 from January 4, presently $41.60.  If you use the go card it will cost $50 per week for peak time travel (10 trips) from next January.  The projected annual fare increases of 15 per cent per annum for the next five years will further add to these financial impacts.

What is needed is similar fare options as is the case for the Oyster card in London and the Myki card in Melbourne.  Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly ticket options should be added to the go card as further affordable ticketing options before January 2010.  This would also further encourage go card uptake.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail November 2

The transport plan that has been put forward a few days prior to the disruption on the western approaches to the city only goes part of the way.  TransLink has indicated that there will be delays on the bus of at least 50 minutes with the plan to run shuttle buses from Indooroopilly to the City.  Shuttles buses are only going to add to the congestion chaos and I would suggest that delays of only up to 50 minutes is very optimistic.

It takes 13 minutes, by rail stopping all stations to travel from Indooroopilly railway station to Roma St station.  This avoids the massive road delays and is a lot safer than the chaotic roads.  It follows then that commuters should be actively encouraged to use the rail service for their commute rather than add to the congestion crisis. To do this there must be some more capacity added to the both the morning and afternoon peak on rail.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail November 14

Go cards need overhaul

[ozbob]

Published Northside Chronicle 2nd December 2009 page 8

Fix transport pay system

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times December 15

Raise your voice on ticketing

I read with interest Darren Polley's letter concerning the go card (QT Your Say Dec 12).  I too share the concerns with regular go card equipment failures and a lack of timely user reimbursement.  

It is important to note however that QR is not responsible for this ticketing system, it is the realm of TransLink.

Many people have concerns with the go card system and particularly the high cost fare path.  Please direct your concerns to TransLink and your elected political representatives and continue to write letters to editors.  

Other states have moved forward with much better systems, support and fare structures for their systems.  Only by constantly raising our concerns will we get an equitable outcome.

QR will be caught in the crossfire come January the 4th, the day the new fare structure bites, as well bus drivers and ferry crews.  Public transport operators are only doing their job, the ticketing system is TransLink's responsibility and this is where concerns should be directed.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail December 28

When go card equipment fails it needs to be fixed promptly.  A go card reader at Oxley railway station has been non functional since the 22nd December.  As TransLink are forcing users to use the card, it is not  unreasonable to expect the equipment to be serviceable.

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times December 31

Commuters cop dodgy pricing

I noted Dan Roy's comments about the cost of rail travel from Redbank to the Brisbane Airport (Queensland Times SMS, December 30).  It might surprise readers to learn that if you break up your travel to the airport into two trips rather than one single journey it is cheaper.  

Incredible as it may seem there is a ripoff in place for a single ticket journey to Airport. If I was to travel to Brisbane Airport today from Ipswich the fare for a single go card journey Ipswich to the Airport is $21.30 go card or paper.  

Now if I use a go card and travel from Ipswich to Central the fare is by $4.16 or $5.20 paper single.  The cost of a further ticket paper or go card from Central to the Airport is $14.50. So by using a go card and touching off at Central and then touching back on as a continuation of the journey the total fare is $18.66.  

Compare that to the single journey fare of $21.30. TransLink and the Government have been aware of this rip off for a number of years.  It is disappointing to say the least that they are happy for unsuspecting commuters to be stung.

When the new high cost fares start this coming Monday (4th January) the savings will be even greater by breaking up your trip to the airport into two stages.

[ozbob]

Published The Satellite 6th January 2010

New public transport fares

On Monday the 4th January 2010 a new fare structure for all TransLink public transport services in south-east Queensland came into effect.  

Commuters will note there are price rises for paper tickets of around 40%, this includes daily, weekly and monthly tickets.

Go card fares are increasing around 20%, however this will position go card fares at what was the paper single fare costs in 2007.  

Off peak fares will be available on the go card for the first time. For the vast majority of public transport commuters moving to the go card is the most affordable option.

Unless a commuter regularly does more than 12 journeys in a seven day period from Monday to Sunday, go card is clearly more affordable under the new fare structure than to continue to use paper tickets.

All paper tickets are planned to be removed at the end of this year. Also note the Government and TransLink have flagged further annual fare price rises of 15% for the next four years.

Clearly many commuters will be surprised and possibly upset with the quantum of the fare price rises next week.  

I would urge all commuters not to vent their disappointment and anger direct to station staff, bus drivers and ferry crew, but rather to elected political representatives and TransLink.  

Public transport operators are only doing their job and it is not pleasant being caught in a commuter cross-fire.

[longboi]

That is a very sensible letter which I wish was posted in very large bold font with underlining on the TransLink website 

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail February 22

Rail fine undeserved

The fining of QR Passenger for failing to reach on-time train performance targets is perverse and illogical (C-M Feb 20).

From a scan of the other states QR Passenger is actually performing very well, considering the problems with rail infrastructure in south-east Queensland during the past 20 years.  The average on-time performance for the much hyped Melbourne system is only 85.6%, compared to QR Passenger at 91.74%, and Melbourne is given an extra minute relative to QR Passenger.

Most of the problems affecting on time performance are not within the operator's control.  For example, vehicles crashing into boom gates or bridges, passengers becoming ill, train crew illness, track and signal failures, power failures and other police incidents.

Does this fine mean that there is less funds for urgently needed services?  A failure to place more services means that delays due to overcrowding and congestion are increased.  So will this mean more fines, and so the downward spiral continues?

Can someone explain the wisdom of fining an operator that cannot control the magnitude and scale of the many factors that impact on on-time train performance?

[ozbob]

Published South West News 3rd March 2010

[ozbob]

Published South West News 10th March 2010

Rail commuters left waiting

The 77 bus route from Eight Mile Plains to Chermside via the Clem7 tunnel is an innovative route that avoids the central business district of Brisbane.

Why is it though that long standing gaps in rail timetables, for example on the Ipswich to Rosewood line, and the Sunshine Coast line have been ignored for years, but even as the paint dries on the Clem7 tunnel buses are rolled out.  Why are rail commuters treated in such an offhand manner?

It would appear the some public transport commuters are more equal than others.

[ozbob]

Published South West News 17th March 2010

Raw deal for pensioners

The recent public transport fare increases have impacted severely on seniors.

Promised a Seniors go card combination, they were caught short with the 40 per cent price increase in paper tickets.  Feedback Rail Back On Track has received has indicated many seniors have had to restrict outings.

NSW has the Pensioner Excursion Ticket, which allows unlimited daily public transport for $2.50.

Seniors in Queensland have access to a red go card.  This card could be easily capped to a  daily maximum fare of $2.50.  In so doing, pensioners would be able to get out and about again, carry out their shopping, visit the doctor and carry out volunteer work without worrying about the high cost of fares.

Pensioners tend to travel in off-peak times, so there is plenty of capacity and such a fare would encourage folks to go out.

The well being and health of the community is improved overall and this reduces health care costs.

Other concession go card holders are also suffering from the impact of non-capped fares.  The failure to offer capping for disadvantaged groups is restricting their opportunity for travel.

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail 3rd April 2010

Set limit for daily travel

The failure to put a daily fare cap on the go card is causing hardship for many public transport users.

Most working commuters make two daily trips, five times a week.  A fare cap would not adversely affect the fare box.  It would assist people making multiple daily trips doing volunteer work, searching for jobs, travelling for study and medical appointments.

A cap algorithm could be based on the highest zone journey in a 24-hour period by two plus a daily loading of, say, 10 per cent.  A cap also would encourage more public transport travel, which would lead to significant economic benefit in terms of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and a reduction in road trauma.

[ozbob]

Published South West News 21st April 2010 page 8

Capping public transport fares is a fair way to go

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail April 27

The additional rail services on the Gold Coast and Rosewood lines are welcome.  A priority to complete the trifecta would be the addition of a service From Central to Nambour to reduce the two-hour gap on weekdays between 7.27pm and 9.28pm.  Train frequency, particularly off-peak needs improvement.

[ozbob]

Published South West News 5th May 2010

Extra rail services a turning point

The announcements of additional rail services on the Gold Coast and Rosewood lines has been welcomed by rail commuters.

One of the most important factors for encouraging public transport use, and hence gaining the considerable economic benefit in terms of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and a reduction in the massive costs associated with road trauma is that services must be frequent; first and foremost.

From our perspective, the service additions this week are an important turning point. They are an example of the placement of services to address frequency and lead patronage increase and support, rather than just reactive "congestion busters".  

Well done TransLink, QR Passenger and the Minister for Transport. Lets continue to improve the gaps on all lines.

Train frequency in south-east Queensland, particularly off peak needs significant improvement.  

In time this will be possible as track amplifications and new trains and crew are placed in service.

It is important though to promptly address the major disincentives for travel that exist on all lines, to keep the momentum gained this week moving forward.

[ozbob]

Published The Satellite 26th May 2010

Public transport the way

I read with interest the article 'Congestion worsening, The Satellite May 19' highlighting the ever increasing congestion problems on the Centenary Highway. 

With the significant residential developments happening along the western corridor it is foolish to think that the problem will be solved by further motor way upgrades. It won't.

Jindalee and surrounding suburbs have less than ideal public transport options.

The failure to push through with the railway from Richlands to Springfield is going to further compound the congestion issues on the highway. There is a need for a busway along the Centenary Highway and Western Freeway.

The amplification of the railway line from Corinda to Darra will afford the opportunity for an increase in train frequency.  More feeder buses into the new Darra railway station will give access to quick express rail services.  The mounting congestion crisis will only be relieved by a combination of strategies. 

The improved provision of sustainable public transport options will give real choices and help improve the quality of life for all citizens

[ozbob]

Published South West News 9th June 2010

Time has come to plug the gaps

[ozbob]

Published South West News 18th June 2010

Springfield rail line could be more efficient

[ozbob]

Published South West News 23rd June 2010 page 8

Let's keep rail loop for Ekka

[ozbob]

Published South West News 7th July 2010

Going online with go cards is a great idea

[ozbob]

Published South West News 14th July 2010 page 8

Only more trains will ease bus-rail connection problems

[ozbob]

Published Queensland Times 24th July 2010

Train pain to be worth it as timetable changes

[ozbob]

Published South West News 28th July 2010

Rail should be a high priority

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail August 2

South east Queensland has a rail network in place.  Planned network expansions are needed but it is important to maximise the utility of existing rail infrastructure. The frequency of trains is very poor overall in south east Queensland, and the greatest impact to drive change is to simply increase service frequency.

[ozbob]

Published South West News 4th August 2010

More trains, less angst

[somebody]

Cool.  Thanks for that.

[ozbob]

Published South West News 25th August 2010 page 9

Seniors deserve fair go