G20 Brisbane November 2014

[ozbob]

Ummm  .... it is Queensland!

[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]

Twitter

Shelley Lloyd ‏@shelleymlloyd

Quite bizarre seeing a large city shutdown. A normally busy Brisbane bus interchange. #G20 @abcnews @612brisbane

[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.

Just noticed someone on the BNE Twitter feed claiming that a taxi took them from the airport to Bowen hills via the Gateway bridge, siting road closures 

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

#G20 PT fail ... > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148893#msg148893 ... #qldpol why? Ego before community??

[ozbob]

Twitter

Shane Doherty ‏@ShaneDoherty9

Empty Brisbane sightseeing bus touring an empty city #G20

^ gold!!

[STB]

Twitter

Shane Doherty ‏@ShaneDoherty9

Empty Brisbane sightseeing bus touring an empty city #G20

^ gold!!

Now if it were a proper Government, they would stick some lifelike dummies in those seats to make it look to the world that people are getting out and about. 

[red dragin]

Now if it were a proper Government, they would stick some lifelike dummies in those seats to make it look to the world that people are getting out and about. 

They are all busy attending a summit at South Brisbane at the moment 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> G20 Brisbane: world leaders, protesters descend on city

The streets are near-empty, the protests are slowly gathering steam and the world's most powerful leaders are arriving - the G20 summit is finally in Brisbane ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-g20/g20-brisbane-world-leaders-protesters-descend-on-city-20141114-11mfm1.html

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> G20 Brisbane: Bruce Highway traffic congestion heading north as people leave Brisbane to avoid G20

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

The free car parking was full early according to Brisbane Times.

Pity about the lack of positive initiatives for public transport.  Once the the car parks are full what then?

I guess they drive around in circles, bit like the failing transport policies for SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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]

Twitter

7News Brisbane ‏@7NewsBrisbane 1m1 minute ago

Delays of up to two hours reported on both the Bruce Highway and Pacific Motorway.



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

  what a bunch of fools in Command ..

[ozbob]

Twitter

Howie Bennett @howieb69

Empty streets cleared for motorcades in Brisbane #G20 @9NewsBrisbane #9News



===========

Beyond farce hey?   

[ozbob]

Twitter

David Marler ‏@Qldaah

"@clarephunter: Brisbane's Lord Mayor @Team_Quirk says it is 'Disappointing' CBD retailers haven't stayed open for #G20 #9News" #qldpol

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

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@Qldaah @clarephunter @Team_Quirk Oh, if people had been encouraged on to public transport different story? > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148903#msg148903 ... #qldpol

[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!!

[HappyTrainGuy]

One thing that certainly does suck are BT destos. How the hell does 'Valley' or 'City' help me know where the bus is going if I don't know the route numbers. The 335 and 345 I saw had those destos displayed with no rotation of the 'via X'.

On another note how fast is the traffic in Brisbane today??? 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> G20 Brisbane: Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has swipe at businesses who allowed workers to stay at home

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> M1 southbound at standstill as Northern residents flock to Gold Coast to escape heat and G20

[BrizCommuter]

BrizCommuter and family used their G20 free travel go cards to ride the G: for the first time.

Even mid-afternoon the outbound traffic from Brisbane was observed to be terrible. Sunday afternoon and evening travel will be a nightmare as people return to Brisbane as well as the tail end of road closures for motorcades etc.

[ozbob]

News.com.au --> G20 Brisbane 2014: This is what a ghost town looks like

[techblitz]

One thing that certainly does suck are BT destos. How the hell does 'Valley' or 'City' help me know where the bus is going if I don't know the route numbers. The 335 and 345 I saw had those destos displayed with no rotation of the 'via X'.

On another note how fast is the traffic in Brisbane today??? 

Saw a 100 inbound with just 100 on it and nothing else...

[STB]

Couriermail --> G20 Brisbane: Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has swipe at businesses who allowed workers to stay at home

I have no words.

[STB]

Another complaint in from the Logan area from the TransLink Facebook page with schoolchildren being caught out by a Saturday implemented timetable, despite being a normal day for them.

I'm quite sure that many student's parents were unaware of the changes to the suburban bus routes judging by the amounts of children looking bewildered at bus stops. I cannot understand why a bus timetable would be altered on a school day when the route does not enter the city at all. I'm not sure if the schools were told of the changes and neglected to pass the information on, but it places children in a very vulnerable situation.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

A lot of folks went south hey #G20 .... it is not you delegates ... #qldpol

[James]

Saw a 100 inbound with just 100 on it and nothing else...

Identical treatment has occurred for the 130/140. The alternate desto was simply 'UQ Lakes' - nothing more. The 111s I saw were showing the usual desto, but I don't think there is any consistency. The prize for worst desto has to be the 412. Just came along with 'Toowong Station Shuttle'

Meanwhile, James is falling in love with the Gold Coast bus network

[transwatch]

Translink Call Centre don't even know about this, in that per website (http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/ferries/T/citycat) Translink Apollo Rd, Eagle Street, North Quay, and QUT City Cat Stop may be Closed or Impacted by G20 14-16 Nov, but strange thing South Bank 1 ferry terminal well be open even those it is close to G20 goings on.

[transwatch]

Twitter

David Marler ‏@Qldaah

"@clarephunter: Brisbane's Lord Mayor @Team_Quirk says it is 'Disappointing' CBD retailers haven't stayed open for #G20 #9News" #qldpol

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

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@Qldaah @clarephunter @Team_Quirk Oh, if people had been encouraged on to public transport different story? > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148903#msg148903 ... #qldpol

It is very disappointing QLD Government and Brisbane Lord Mayor and Councillors wants people to go to Brisbane CBD but they failed to look at reality, that with the public not knowing the correct information as call centre doesn't know, no timetables buses into CBD and some city cat stops might be closed for G20, it is close to impossible to get to The CBD.

[#Metro]

Well well well,, NO ECONOMIC BENEFIT whatsoever...

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-g20/brisbane-nervous-but-ready-to-take-on-the-world-20141114-11mcr3.html

Brisbane is ready for G20. It will cost $400 million and earn Brisbane $100 million.

Lets see, $400 million - $100 million = NEGATIVE $300 million.

[transwatch]

Well well well,, NO ECONOMIC BENEFIT whatsoever...

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-g20/brisbane-nervous-but-ready-to-take-on-the-world-20141114-11mcr3.html

Brisbane is ready for G20. It will cost $400 million and earn Brisbane $100 million.

Lets see, $400 million - $100 million = NEGATIVE $300 million.

And then there is lost money from business and offices being closed especially in The CBD.

So Brisbane is losing but not ready to lose money for a talk fest.

[pandmaster]

So much money was spent on the summit and yet the people left behind. Free PT would have at least been some consolation for the people of Brisbane. Yes, Translink had their work cut out for them with their network in disarray but they had plenty of fore notice to prepare properly. The information on the website is pathetic. I took the 310 to the City today and the bus driver went via Sandgate and Lutwyche Roads and then onto the busway at Windsor. He got the AirportLink (which was closed) and said that his superiors told drivers just to wait for it to reopen (who knows how long it could have been closed for). When he got to the busway he asked a traffic controller if it was okay to enter: clearly BT/Translink had not briefed the drivers very well, let alone not having any mention of the AirportLink closing on the website (the tunnel being one of the reasons the summit was awarded to Brisbane and a key part of the VIP transportation system).

I then had to wait for twenty minutes at the Valley Island stop to get "Shuttle 51" (not that it had any number on the desto) which was a "City Circle" bus. Several buses (including two truncated 60T CityGliders from Teneriffe) came to drop off and numerous empty out of service ones drove past before the City Circle bus came. I was pretty impressed by the number of people around. The media coverage had been quite gloomy but I found there to be a reasonable number of people around. I could not sight a single police officer in the Queen Street Mall, but about four of them were monitoring a busker at Reddacliff place.

I then got the Cleveland line after looking around the Convention Centre, which actually went very smoothly as opposed to the bus! Although, the display board on the platform had Buranda as the first stop... There were announcements at least for the other stations. Finally I caught the 590 from Cannon Hill, which was diverted to Toombul via Nudgee Road (South) and Gerler Road as the East-West Arterial Road was closed for motorcades.

Given the amount of time they have had to prepare, Translink could have done a lot better to disseminate more information. Although, I could not find any mention of AirportLink or E-W Arterial Road closures on the G20 website either. I suppose this is par for the course with Translink, as they do the same whenever there are bus replacements due to trackwork.

TL;DR: Translink and the G20 organisers did a poor job disseminating information, including to bus drivers. The train was the way to go.

[pandmaster]

Well well well,, NO ECONOMIC BENEFIT whatsoever...

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-g20/brisbane-nervous-but-ready-to-take-on-the-world-20141114-11mcr3.html

Brisbane is ready for G20. It will cost $400 million and earn Brisbane $100 million.

Lets see, $400 million - $100 million = NEGATIVE $300 million.

Just think of the global exposure though! Once the world knows about Brisbane we will be inundated with tourists. The only reason Brisbane does not have more tourists is because of a PR problem. Nothing to do with a lack of tourist activities, infrastructure or reason to visit.

The world according to the Lord Mayor!

[Otto]

Otto and family decided to take the train from Cleveland @ 1:55 to City The train travelled all stops to Yerongpilly, then EXP to Milton. At Milton, the train was security checked for banned items by QPS and SNO's. After being cleared, we then proceeded into the city. Pity the people coming from the Gold Coast with luggage heading for the Airport. All luggage had to be opened and checked , NO EXCEPTIONS ! ( PS, Top marks to the train guard who had Pax laughing with his antics over the PA  )
Yes, the City was eerily empty and quiet. Went to the Myer Centre to get a bite to eat. HA !!!, 90% of the eateries were closed. We managed to get a burger at Maccas ( inside ) as they decided it was not worth being open and decided to close after we were served. We then walked around the City for around 3 hours observing the goings on ( or lack off ) .. The only entertainment we could find was " Watch the Motorcade go past " and " Spot the Sniper on the rooftop " until we got bored.
Then I had a brainwave. Lets catch a bus to the Valley. Well, as a driver myself, I knew there was a shuttle service running and indeed I saw the empty shuttles running around, but do you think I could actually find a place to catch the shuttle... ? No way hosay  .. So we gave up and walked back to Central to take the train home. Train trip home was painful. 4 times we stopped for up to 7 minutes at a time. Departed Central @ 7:14 and arrived Cleveland @ 8:51. ( Trip in was 20 minutes shorter  :conf )

Happy G20 Everyone !!!!

[ozbob]

I sometimes listen to Melbourne's 3AW radio station on my internet radio.

On the news bulletin last evening they ran a story on ' Desolate Brisbane ' ... it was damning.

It went on about how the city was very deserted, many businesses closed and it was not a pretty picture.

A lot of unintended damage has been done to Brisbane's image over the G20 - it is not the con job the elite/some media think it is.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Good Morning,

I have an internet radio.  Marvellous devices these, but let's cut to the chase.  I have been monitoring interstate and overseas reports of G20 Brisbane.

It is being projected as a desolate people barren place.  Many businesses are being reported as closed.  If you think that the G20 is promoting Brisbane in a favourable light you might need to re-think that.

It is still not to late to save Brisbane.  Roll out free public transport for this weekend.  It is a no-brainer.  Much inconvenience for transport but it is only logical to energise Brisbane.  People will then return to Brisbane  and put up with the searches, delays, and confusion better.

Great shame that this golden opportunity is being squandered.  We care ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

14th November 2014

Re: SEQ: Golden opportunity wasted for G20

Greetings,

The free car parking was full early according to Brisbane Times.

Pity about the lack of positive initiatives for public transport.  Once the the car parks are full what then?

I guess they drive around in circles, bit like the failing transport policies for SEQ.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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]

Brisbanetimes --> First day of G20 hot and a little confused

... Despite the best, recent efforts of both Premier Campbell Newman and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk to attract people into the city, the CBD was the virtual ghost town punters had predicted. Businesses gamely remained open, and if not for the coffee and lunch habits of 6000 police officers, many more would have remained empty ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-g20/first-day-of-g20-hot-and-a-little-confused-20141114-11n78d.html

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

Sorry, closed! #G20 > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8742.msg148939#msg148939 ... #qldpol #auspol #nswpol #springst good lesson how NOT to do things world

[darthcaligula666]

#embarrassing

i spent most of yesterday riding trains studying (free air conditioning) and the trains were mostly empty. central and roma street had a few people and milton and bowen hills mostly were occupied by police. it has been like a ghost town most of this week, with adelaide street mostly occupied by police. karen was saying she has never felt more secure counting the tills than she did this week with all the police stationed outside her shop.

[ozbob]

It is sad that the LNP hate PT as they do ...  as can be noted this G20 weekend, they are quite happy to shaft the community and protect their precious egos ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

Phillip Coorey @PhillipCoorey

Foreign media getting really p%ssed  off at blanket refusal to allow access to #G20Brisbane , pr disaster

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

Twitter

Phillip Coorey @PhillipCoorey

The g20 has turned Brisbane into a nasty, dysfunctional hellhole, avoid at all costs

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

No surprise .. Phillip is not an anonymous twitter troll .. he is Chief Political Correspondent, Australian Financial Review ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

Tim Norton @norton_tim

Deserted Brisbane is deserted.