G20 Brisbane November 2014

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th November 2014

Re: Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Good Morning,

Time roll out free PT for the G20 don't you think?

Courier Mail -->  Brisbane resembles ghost town ahead of G20 summit

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

12th November 2014

Re: Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Greetings,

This morning on 4BC Mornings with Patrick Condren, the question was put to the Minister for Transport that perhaps free public transport for the G20 might help populate Brisbane CBD.  The Minister seemed unable to answer and simply dropped back into the usual rhetoric.

More enlightened jurisdictions would acknowledge the significance for Brisbane of the G20, and get everyone on board.

It is a great tragedy, that years of planning are coming undone as the public abandon Brisbane and its businesses.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

8th November 2014

Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Good Morning,

Concerns that Brisbane CBD will be a desert during the G20.  People are being encouraged to use ' public transport, cycle or walk '.

Normal fares for the G20 weekend, and peak fares also apply on the public transport system on the G20 public holiday on the 14th of November.

More mixed messages however, free tolls and parking?  Crazy huh?  All this is really saying is public transport users be damned, just drive!!

There will be considerable disruption to public transport services particularly buses.  At a minimum fares should be done away with for the inner zones on the system, say zones 1 and 2 (possibly 3 as well) at a minimum.

This would be easy to implement, paper tickets simply not required for those zones and go card adjustments could easily be done by the system.  It would also speed up loading of the shuttle buses etc. from and to the transport hubs.

The G20 is a oncer and great opportunity for Brisbane.  It is very sad that the Government cannot grasp the moment and continues to punish public transport users.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Interview on free fares for G20  R Dow 4BC --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148120#msg148120

=====================================



Media release 26th October 2014 re-released 8th November 2014

SEQ: Call for free public transport for all during G20

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 again called for free public transport to be made available for all during the G20 (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates will be given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland.

"There will be extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (2).  A sensible move would be simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive.

"Confusion and disruption will be better tolerated and people will be more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor.

"This would also help create a good community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects.

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (3), apart from a fare cut on 1st November 2014, they  also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday.  Hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg147825#msg147825

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

3. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Using the G20 go card gives a red light on both touch on "Pass Use, Expires Soon" and touch off "$0.00 =, $0.00 remaining". The user guide in the pack mentions to look for a green light. Oh dear TransLink. 

Oh my goodness, can this state get anything right for once?  Just once!?!? 

Overwhelmingly it seems to be a Brisbane thing, not a Queensland thing.

Makes sense hey?

Brisbane .... Bananas

[#Metro]

There has been no economic benefit from this meeting for the city. It's just a transfer from left pocket to right pocket. Any benefits have been cancelled out by people leaving, businesses doing low trade and disruptions.

[ozbob]

Well I have tried, tried hard.  I guess we are stuck with our moronic leadership ...

It would be a political masterstroke for the Govt but they cannot see past their egos and selfies ..

FAIL!

[ozbob]

News Talk 4BC 1116 interview on Breakfast re free fares for G20

Click-->  here  MP3

Thanks Ian and Loretta and 4BC!   


This interview was on the 28th October 2014!!

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 Brisbane: Warning to pet owners over sonic cannons

[SurfRail]

There has been no economic benefit from this meeting for the city. It's just a transfer from left pocket to right pocket. Any benefits have been cancelled out by people leaving, businesses doing low trade and disruptions.

Great for the Gold Coast though.  They say there'll be an extra $20m of spending here this long weekend from people fleeing Brisbane.

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 Brisbane: $100 million to protect world leaders

[ozbob]

Twitter

SEQ incidents ‏@SEQincidents

Brisbane resembles ghost town ahead of the #G20 summit: http://trib.al/bpzSpfq 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 set to turn Brisbane into ghost town

[darthcaligula666]

it already has!

a few days ago i was at central around 11am and i was the only person on platforms 1 and 2 at the valley end. it was ridiculous. platforms 5 and 6 had been closed and the caba ippy/springy were running through 1 and 2. platforms 3 and 4 had a few people on them (but not many) i could have fired a cannon across to platforms 5 and 6 and not hit a single person. it was crazy!

[James]

Really, I don't see why this is news to anybody. PT wise, you have effectively gutted the core of the busway network, a network which BCC prides itself on carrying "more passengers per year than the entire QR network". To shut it down and not expect the CBD to be adversely affected is foolish. Car-wise, people have been told of 'mass road closures'. When you put in rhetoric like this, people are going to flee the CBD.

[ozbob]

The Conversation --> Why we should question G20 claims of a global infrastructure shortfall

[ozbob]

[dancingmongoose]

Springfield to Nambour train was dead today, as were the buses. Plenty of cop cars patrolling the busway

[brissypete]

G20 police at Park Rd station checking inbound trains.  The railway corridor from the city to Park Rd is a declared area.  Im joining the exodus on my way to Airport then off to Singapore & Hong Kong where the public transport is nice and cheap.

[bcasey]

They've also been checking inbound trains at Milton Station as well for the last couple of days.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th November 2014

Re: Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Greetings,

The final insult for public transport has now been delivered.

As of 11.07am 13th November 2014 --> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/27456/details

Due to the nature of the G20 event, please plan ahead, expect additional travel time and be prepared for last minute changes.

Always check this website before you travel for the latest information and advice, and note the following:

     Updates will be provided for multiple or severe delays, changes to existing communicated travel plans and other major disruptions affecting large numbers of customers. See planned and unplanned disruptions below.
     Updates will not be provided for minor individual service delays, local detours and diversions and individual service cancellations.
     Do not rely on the journey planner as it can't be updated in real-time and won't take into account disruptions throughout G20. Check this page before you travel.

We thank you for your patience throughout G20.

People will be paying peak fares on the 14th November as well.  Weekend/public holiday public transport timetables for the SEQ network for Brisbane and outside Brisbane.  If you are waiting for an hourly or worse bus in the outer regions and it doesn't show, advice as to what is going on is appreciated, and reasonably expected.  It does seem that TransLink has just given up.

Queensland Rail will be maintaining an active social media presence.  Best advice is to use rail where ever possible and use social media for queries.

Public transport arrangements for the G20 holiday weekend can only be summarised as a lost golden opportunity.

Sadly,

Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

13th November 2014

Re: Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Good Morning,

Time roll out free PT for the G20 don't you think?

Courier Mail -->  Brisbane resembles ghost town ahead of G20 summit

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

12th November 2014

Re: Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Greetings,

This morning on 4BC Mornings with Patrick Condren, the question was put to the Minister for Transport that perhaps free public transport for the G20 might help populate Brisbane CBD.  The Minister seemed unable to answer and simply dropped back into the usual rhetoric.

More enlightened jurisdictions would acknowledge the significance for Brisbane of the G20, and get everyone on board.

It is a great tragedy, that years of planning are coming undone as the public abandon Brisbane and its businesses.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

8th November 2014

Fare commonsense for PT during G20?

Good Morning,

Concerns that Brisbane CBD will be a desert during the G20.  People are being encouraged to use ' public transport, cycle or walk '.

Normal fares for the G20 weekend, and peak fares also apply on the public transport system on the G20 public holiday on the 14th of November.

More mixed messages however, free tolls and parking?  Crazy huh?  All this is really saying is public transport users be damned, just drive!!

There will be considerable disruption to public transport services particularly buses.  At a minimum fares should be done away with for the inner zones on the system, say zones 1 and 2 (possibly 3 as well) at a minimum.

This would be easy to implement, paper tickets simply not required for those zones and go card adjustments could easily be done by the system.  It would also speed up loading of the shuttle buses etc. from and to the transport hubs.

The G20 is a oncer and great opportunity for Brisbane.  It is very sad that the Government cannot grasp the moment and continues to punish public transport users.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Interview on free fares for G20  R Dow 4BC --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148120#msg148120

=====================================



Media release 26th October 2014 re-released 8th November 2014

SEQ: Call for free public transport for all during G20

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 again called for free public transport to be made available for all during the G20 (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates will be given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland.

"There will be extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (2).  A sensible move would be simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive.

"Confusion and disruption will be better tolerated and people will be more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor.

"This would also help create a good community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects.

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (3), apart from a fare cut on 1st November 2014, they  also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday.  Hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg147825#msg147825

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

3. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Sky News --> Brisbane locals told to stay for G20

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@SkyNewsAust Have a read here Sky News > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148844#msg148844 ... #LNP treating punters with contempt, no wonder Brisbane empty .. #qldpol

[ozbob]

Twitter

7News Brisbane ‏@7NewsBrisbane

TONIGHT: Appeals for residents not to abandon Brisbane during the #G20 appear to have fallen on deaf ears.



==================

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@7NewsBrisbane No brainer, free PT > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148844#msg148844 ... treat punters with contempt, they will not respond .. #qldpol

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Security peaks with police, military and armoured vehicles turning the Brisbane CBD into a fortress

[ozbob]

Media release 14th November 2014

SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

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 the Newman Government has failed the community with its failure to energise Brisbane by making public transport travel free for Brisbane during the G20.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Around 7000 G20 delegates have been given go cards to travel free on the public transport in south-east Queensland."

"There are now extensive disruptions on the public transport network during the G20 (1).  A sensible move would have been to simply to extend free travel to all citizens from Friday the 14th to Sunday 16th November 2014 inclusive."

"Confusion and disruption would have been better tolerated and people would have been more inclined to visit the CBD as encouraged by the Lord Mayor and Government."

"This would have also helped create a better community spirit towards the G20, as well as business multiplier effects. Foregone ticket revenue would have been returned many times over by increased patronage after the G20."

"Other jurisdictions can see the value of encouraging people onto public transport.  For example in Perth (2), apart from a fare cut there on 1st November 2014, they also rolled out a day of free travel on Monday the 3rd November 2014!

"Here in SEQ, because the declared public holiday on the 14th November 2014 is not gazetted, passengers will pay full peak fares for the disrupted services on the public holiday."

"TransLink have indicated that they will not be notifying public transport users of all disruptions (3).  Hardly convenient to be waiting for your hourly bus, it being a no show and not knowing what is going on is it?"

"Fortunately Queensland Rail is maintaining an active social media presence over the G20.  Rail is the best option for travel, particularly inner Brisbane for the G20 weekend."

"The failure to deliver for G20 public transport by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and staff is a sad indictment on their competence. It is hardly the way to promote Brisbane is it?"

"A golden opportunity lost."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/24626/details

2. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Service-Updates/Service-Update-Details/new-fares-from-1-november-free-travel-day-on-3-november-2014-4564

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148844#msg148844

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Mrs and daughter touched on at Darra at 8.31am this morning ..     

[ozbob]

Just now on Fairfax radio news, Asst Police Commissioner in charge of G20 security pleading for people to come into Brisbane ..

Hey ho ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

Stephanie Smail ‏@sjsmail

So empty! #g20 @ABCNewsBrisbane

[STB]

Few complaints coming on the TransLink  Facebook page with confusion about what is happening with the public transport and the altered departure times from the various hubs, which of course for buses weren't published - one person mentioned that even the call centre staff were confused and had to get a supervisor to help out. 

Also a bit of grief happening down Logan way with school kids ending up stranded due to route 570 not operating on weekends, however it's a normal Friday down there, so school is in.  A teacher mentioned that she was having to ferry kids around from their houses to school etc due to no school buses or route 570, despite being a normal workday down there.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Few complaints coming on the TransLink  Facebook page with confusion about what is happening with the public transport and the altered departure times from the various hubs, which of course for buses weren't published - one person mentioned that even the call centre staff were confused and had to get a supervisor to help out. 

Also a bit of grief happening down Logan way with school kids ending up stranded due to route 570 not operating on weekends, however it's a normal Friday down there, so school is in.  A teacher mentioned that she was having to ferry kids around from their houses to school etc due to no school buses or route 570, despite being a normal workday down there.

It is a massive cluster f**** ... 

Emerson et al have really shown their true colours ... incompetent and couldn't really care about PT or its users ..

[STB]

Hmm, this is interesting.  Just saw on the TransLink G20 page...

*Clarks Logan services will run to a Saturday timetable, except for routes 570, 574, 582 and school services which will operate as normal Friday timetable.

So, has there been a miscommunication somewhere?  The Teacher was adamant that there were no 570s running.  Something hasn't gone quite right there.  And why is Logan City Bus Service running to a Saturday timetable while other regional services are running to an altered Monday to Friday timetable?  Does Logan City have their rosters tied in the peak hour services and the off peak services that they can't separate them or something?

[ozbob]

It is very confusing.  Around Goodna schools etc operating, 5 minutes down the track at Darra ... all shut up.

No real surprise communication errors.  TransLink simply don't have the staff in the same way to manage these complexities anymore ..

made fairly useless by Newman et al. 

[ozbob]

One can only hope that the next Government gives TransLink the authority and sufficient staff to sort out the festering mess that is public transport in SEQ.

[STB]

I honestly think that for these sorts of events, they should have a special clear timetable that applies SEQ wide.  Ekka for example, really should be a gazetted holiday for SEQ (Government could argue on a boundary for that), but at least then they could implement a proper SEQ wide timetable without this 'not a gazetted public holiday' crap that just confuses everyone, even TransLink themselves.

With G20 (and Ekka), more crosstown and local routes operating on a normal yearly timetable rather than this city centric network we have now that has to be bastardized when these sorts of events happen, really could be useful.

[red dragin]

Brisbane Airport is running live updates as the various planes approach and land, and supplying photo's for anyone interested.

https://twitter.com/BrisbaneAirport

Not surprisingly the planes aren't showing on the flight track websites.

[STB]

Just now on Fairfax radio news, Asst Police Commissioner in charge of G20 security pleading for people to come into Brisbane ..

Hey ho ...

Of course no one is going to go to the city when they are told there are snipers watching down from the rooftops, threats of using sonic cannons, and police and army standing around everywhere with threats of strip searches and arrests simply if you walk somewhere where the Government has declared it to be a restricted zone.

Oh if you want to use public transport, well that's running on confusion and you have to pay for it, even peak fares when peak services aren't operating.

I really should pack my bags and leave this state, perhaps this country, once university is over and I can afford it.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Michael Powell @GumbyAu

Quite eerie on Adelaide Street @9NewsBrisbane #G20 #Ghosttown

[ozbob]

Twitter

Shane Doherty ‏@ShaneDoherty9

Empty Brisbane sightseeing bus touring an empty city #G20