TransLink - reorganisation?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold

Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold

Date July 27, 2012 - 1:00AM

An announcement expected today on the new structure of Department of Transport and Main Roads has been delayed because of last-minute, top-level talks over the future of public transport organisation, TransLink.

While the government denied a decision had been made, two senior sources have told this website TransLink, currently a stand-alone public transport organisation, would be absorbed within Queensland Transport's passenger services division.

The number of general managers in the department is tipped to drop from 21 to 12, while talks this week for a 13th general manager – to manage TransLink – are being strongly canvassed.

TransLink was formed in 2003, originally as part of the department, to co-ordinate trains, buses and ferries.

Then-transport minister John Mickel separated TransLink from the state government in July 2008, so it could independently assess routes and finance.

A spokesman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson insisted the idea, which had been canvassed a month ago, remained only one model being considered.

"Another is that Passenger Services goes to TransLink. No decision has been made," he said.

The DTMR and the Department of Housing and Public Works are the first two departments being reviewed by the Newman government's Public Sector Renewal Board.

Minister Assisting the Premier on public sector reform, Glen Elmes, said the review would take three months.

He said the PSRB, which had so far met twice, would now meet monthly and make its final review after 12 months.

"The role of the board is to oversee each agency's efficiency reviews and to examine what agencies do and how efficiently and effectively they do it," he said.

"They will provide recommendations to cabinet on what can be improved or discontinued."

Read more -->  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html



Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html

[ozbob]

TransLink needs to be strengthened by incorporating the passenger services division.

TMR has been one of the biggest reasons why public transport has gone backwards in Queensland.  A bloated bureaucracy indeed.

Sorting out BCC is another priority of course, but how much moral courage does the LNP state government really have?

Actions will speak louder than words, won't they?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2012

TransLink and TMR

Greetings,

Re: Brisbanetimes Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html

TransLink needs to be strengthened by incorporating the passenger services division.

TMR has been one of the biggest reasons why public transport has gone backwards in Queensland.  A bloated bureaucracy indeed.

Sorting out BCC is another priority of course, but how much moral courage does the LNP state government really have?

Actions will speak louder than words, won't they?

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[somebody]

The QANGO model is considered by many to be the best practice.  In actual fact, TTA are not independent enough.  Bringing them into a department would be a retrograde step.

I have read comments by a number of informed observers/professionals and unless I'm mistaken they are unanimous on this point.

For those who aren't old enough to remember "Yes, Minister": QANGO = Quasi Autonomous (non) Government Organisation.  I a bit unsure about the "N" letter.

[ozbob]

Spot on Simon.  The layers of confusion, obstufication, in the TMR just thwarted real improvements.  Confounded poor infrastructure project outcomes and is not best practise.  TL is the authority, give them tools, staff and let it happen.

TransLink needs strengthening, not dubious mergers at TMR ...

[Golliwog]

I agree. Translink needs to remain independent of the government. Otherwise, there is very high probability that they will end up doing what BCC does with BT route planning on a much larger scale.

[#Metro]

Spot on Simon.  The layers of confusion, obstufication, in the TMR just thwarted real improvements.  Confounded poor infrastructure project outcomes and is not best practise.  TL is the authority, give them tools, staff and let it happen

NO MERGER!!

Merger will mean that more layers of middle-management bureaucracy will be shoved between the TL CEO and the minister, and the focus will be lost because the portfolio / department will have a bazillion other things to deal with like capital projects etc.

Sending the passenger transport division to TL is interesting - could move to a more Victorian model where the organisation is STATEWIDE as well as the SmartCard. Makes sense really.

[ozbob]

Parliament sits today ... http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/

[achiruel]

Sending the passenger transport division to TL is interesting - could move to a more Victorian model where the organisation is STATEWIDE as well as the SmartCard. Makes sense really.

Perhaps this could result in the merger of TL & Qconnect to prevent ridiculous situations like currently happen where a person taking the Maleny-Landsborough-Beerwah service to connect to a train or a Sunbus service has to pay two separate fares.

[somebody]

Parliament sits today ... http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/

Doesn't seem like anything interesting to us is on the agenda.

[Golliwog]

Simon, it was a question on notice, being answered as we speak.

The audio to go with my video stream keeps dropping out so not sure which way it's going, but I heard him say that Translink will be going statewide, but that the Translink board would be removed? Not sure if it's qconnect going to Translink or Translink going to TMR.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Two thousand jobs to go in transport department

.... Mr Emerson said TransLink would no longer operate as a statutory authority confined to the state's southeast, but would become part of the department to oversee the qconnect bus network, TravelTrain services, school bus services along with subsidides regional airlines, coach and ferry services.

''The TransLink board will be removed and the department will remain in five divisions with the number of senior executives almost halved from 37 to 21 ....''

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/two-thousand-jobs-to-go-in-transport-department-20120731-23bk7.html#ixzz229jsWHuW

[nathandavid88]

Edit: ozbob just beat me to it!

Can I draw everyone to the Brisbane Times. Translink is being reabsorbed into the Dept of Main Roads:

Mr Emerson said TransLink would no longer operate as a statutory authority confined to the state’s southeast, but would become part of the department to oversee the qconnect bus network, TravelTrain services, school bus services along with subsidides regional airlines, coach and ferry services.

‘‘The TransLink board will be removed and the department will remain in five divisions with the number of senior executives almost halved from 37 to 21.’’

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/two-thousand-jobs-to-go-in-transport-department-20120731-23bk7.html#ixzz229k99zUV

[ozbob]

Some pluses, some minuses.

In opposition the LNP frequently indicated in meetings that they wanted to revamp TL.

Well, on the way of doing that.  I think TL will move from George St into Mary St.

QConnect integration might be more effective.

Duplication between TMR, TransLink  minimised.

It ain't all bad ...

I noticed a sign in a lift at 420 George St the other day when I dropped by, it was a TL Notice to Staff with an invitation to a change management workshop.  So sort of expected this ...

[Golliwog]

Some pluses, some minuses.

In opposition the LNP frequently indicated in meetings that they want to revamp TL.

Well, on the way of doing that.  I think TL will move from George St into Mary St.

QConnect integration might be more effective.

Duplication between TMR, TransLink  minimised.

It ain't all bad ...

I agree that minimizing duplication (when it's feasible to do so) is a good thing. What I have issues with is Translink becoming part of the department where it can become just another political play toy for the government.

[nathandavid88]

The fact that it looks like it's going to be gaining effective control of public transport state wide may not be a bad thing either. It will be very interesting watching this integration take place and what it will mean of transport state wide. How well TL works as a division of Transport and Main Roads again is the big question mark in my mind.

[ozbob]

Yes, Golli real concerns.

But TL staff can at least now push from within.  As I said, it ain't all bad ...

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
31/07/2012

Transport restructure to deliver for Queenslanders

A restructure of the Department of Transport and Main Roads and TransLink will deliver more efficient infrastructure and more affordable services for all Queenslanders.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the Newman Government was making the tough decisions now to tackle the cost of living pressures on Queensland families.

"The new structure will deliver major reforms in the transport industry and savings that can help get Queensland back on track," Mr Emerson said.

"Under the restructure, all Queensland Government transport services will be integrated for the first time under the TransLink banner.

"Under Labor there were two separate government agencies doing the same task in different areas of the state which created added additional costs, passed on to passengers in the form of three consecutive 15 per cent fare increases in South East Queensland.

"We've already delivered free travel after nine journeys and we'll be halving Labor's fare hikes in south east Queensland."

Under the restructure, TransLink will no longer operate as a statutory authority confined to the state's south east. Instead it will become part of the Department and will oversee the qconnect bus network, TravelTrain services and school bus services, along with subsidised regional airline, coach and ferry services.

The TransLink board will be removed and the Department will remain in five divisions with the number of senior executives slashed by almost half from 37 to 21.

"There will be a targeted staff reduction of 18 per cent or 1,970 FTE corporate and support roles from the Department and TransLink, saving $287 million over the next four years.

"This streamlined structure will deliver improved outcomes for Queenslanders, whether it's a business tendering for work, someone travelling across the State or an individual using any of the hundreds of services offered by the Department.

"In order to get Queensland back on track I am prepared to make the tough calls unlike the previous Transport Minister and now Leader of the Opposition who handed out 818 voluntary redundancies, valued at $76 million, and at the same time added 918 new staff," he said.

[ENDS] 31 July 2012

[ozbob]

Twitter

Brisbane Times ‏@brisbanetimes

Full details on the nearly 2000 job cuts at Transport & Main Roads here http://ow.ly/cC8Gr #qldpol

[STB]

The question is how effective was TransLink before TTA?  I remember being at TransLink back when it was still in the Department of Transport and I must admit, a lot of stuff did get done.  Remember the TNP plans and restructures of all the regional areas (except Gold Coast) ala 2004 - June 2007?  Fingers crossed they get to deal with infrastructure again so the planning of services can be done effectively.

For me this is a case of wait and see, my only worry is that TL becomes politicians play thing and that we start again seeing politics overriding common sense and basic planning principals when it comes to network planning.

[somebody]

Simon, it was a question on notice, being answered as we speak.

The audio to go with my video stream keeps dropping out so not sure which way it's going, but I heard him say that Translink will be going statewide, but that the Translink board would be removed? Not sure if it's qconnect going to Translink or Translink going to TMR.

Which one?  None are due to be answered by today.

Sounds like ozbob foresaw something I didn't.

Some pluses, some minuses.

In opposition the LNP frequently indicated in meetings that they wanted to revamp TL.

Well, on the way of doing that.  I think TL will move from George St into Mary St.

QConnect integration might be more effective.

Duplication between TMR, TransLink  minimised.

It ain't all bad ...

I noticed a sign in a lift at 420 George St the other day when I dropped by, it was a TL Notice to Staff with an invitation to a change management workshop.  So sort of expected this ...

It's mostly bad.  The major area of duplication is BCC.  Getting rid of that should be a more ripe fruit to pick, but it seems that they are unwilling to move against their LNP mates.

The question is how effective was TransLink before TTA?  I remember being at TransLink back when it was still in the Department of Transport and I must admit, a lot of stuff did get done.  Remember the TNP plans and restructures of all the regional areas (except Gold Coast) ala 2004 - June 2007?  Fingers crossed they get to deal with infrastructure again so the planning of services can be done effectively.

For me this is a case of wait and see, my only worry is that TL becomes politicians play thing and that we start again seeing politics overriding common sense and basic planning principals when it comes to network planning.

That may be, but I think the major problem with TTA was Strachan.

[ozbob]

This time TL will have the job of looking after PT, not duplicated by TMR as well.

So more hopeful for TransLink Mark 3 ... lol

Agree Simon, BCC needs to be sorted as well.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th July 2012

TransLink and TMR

Greetings,

Re: Brisbanetimes Restructure could bring TransLink back to the fold  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/restructure-could-bring-translink-back-to-the-fold-20120726-22uxm.html

TransLink needs to be strengthened by incorporating the passenger services division.

TMR has been one of the biggest reasons why public transport has gone backwards in Queensland.  A bloated bureaucracy indeed.

Sorting out BCC is another priority of course, but how much moral courage does the LNP state government really have?

Actions will speak louder than words, won't they?

Best wishes,
Robert

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

OK, TL now has it all, with one exception .. effective control on BCC planning.  Lets hope that is sorted.

[HappyTrainGuy]

TMR have been having major staff cutbacks for years. Well, that's what I've always thougt when I've walked into a TMR branch with waiting queues reminessent of a major Woolies store with one checkout open.

Translink has had nearly a decade to get the PT network in order and they've done hardly anything besides intergrated ticketing. BCC routes have hardly been looked at since the 90's. Maps that are a real joke. The Northside (Strathpine and beyond) only just had its network review. Missing connections between buses and trains. Lack of proper direct routes (eg 326+327 to get to Strathpine, stupid 335 extension to Sandgate for a 1 seat trip). Stop locations that are all over the place or just plain missing. Running hours on bus services and early morning weekend gaps in the train frequency are just plain s**t. And I can keep rambling on for hours.

Hopefully they'll now be able to do something else besides plastic swipe cards.

[STB]

The question is how effective was TransLink before TTA?  I remember being at TransLink back when it was still in the Department of Transport and I must admit, a lot of stuff did get done.  Remember the TNP plans and restructures of all the regional areas (except Gold Coast) ala 2004 - June 2007?  Fingers crossed they get to deal with infrastructure again so the planning of services can be done effectively.

For me this is a case of wait and see, my only worry is that TL becomes politicians play thing and that we start again seeing politics overriding common sense and basic planning principals when it comes to network planning.

That may be, but I think the major problem with TTA was Strachan.

I think is was more of a case of a lack of funding, even before Strachan arrived on the scene the funding to the TTA had been cut quite a bit and the 'golden days' of 2004/06 had disappeared with it.  I remember internally grumblings over the lack of money been fed to the planners in particular which restricted the amount of work that they could do at least on short term planning level.

[SurfRail]

This looks OK.  Removes all State-level duplication and puts everybody in the same place.  The alternative was for everybody else to end up working at TTA, but this does not seem too far removed.

I think we will see BCC given the flick, it really is inevitable.

Cautious approval from me.

[ozbob]

This looks OK.  Removes all State-level duplication and puts everybody in the same place.  The alternative was for everybody else to end up working at TTA, but this does not seem too far removed.

I think we will see BCC given the flick, it really is inevitable.

Cautious approval from me.

Need the fine detail, but agree.  I see plenty of positives.

I think Queensland Rail Travel is gone.  (the travel agency).

[colinw]

I wonder if this will lead to Go Card on regional buses (e..g. Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville?)

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider

Translink CEO Neil Scales to be made Deputy DG as a result of TMR restructure. 1970 other people to lose their jobs.

[somebody]

Translink CEO Neil Scales to be made Deputy DG as a result of TMR restructure.

I wonder if he'll follow in Scott Spencer's (ex-NRW DG) footsteps and sue for breach of contract.  $.25m IIRC.

[Stillwater]

Maybe we will see some greater synergies -- such as bringing Hinterland Coaches (Landsborough, Montville, Maleny, Nambour) within the go-card network and maybe a regular Polleys coach connection to the Gympie North railway station.  More feeder buses to stations on the SCL (other than Nambour and Landsborough) to make them transport hubs/interchanges.  Coupled with Yandina train stabling, possibilities exist there.

[Jonno]

Whilst the concept is fine with me there are way too many other signs (e.g. T2 review to better serve motorist - translates to Gone!!!!!) that says PT is going back to 1970 importance levels (ajka an under funded social service)!!

[#Metro]

Translink has had nearly a decade to get the PT network in order and they've done hardly anything besides intergrated ticketing. BCC routes have hardly been looked at since the 90's. Maps that are a real joke. The Northside (Strathpine and beyond) only just had its network review. Missing connections between buses and trains. Lack of proper direct routes (eg 326+327 to get to Strathpine, stupid 335 extension to Sandgate for a 1 seat trip). Stop locations that are all over the place or just plain missing. Running hours on bus services and early morning weekend gaps in the train frequency are just plain s**t. And I can keep rambling on for hours.

You will have your chance to draw whatever you want - working on the KMZ file...

[Fares_Fair]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider

Translink CEO Neil Scales to be made Deputy DG as a result of TMR restructure. 1970 other people to lose their jobs.

Currently there are 5 Deputy Directors-General in the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Their current roles are as follows;

Deputy Director-General Policy Planning and Investment
Deputy Director-General Investment & Program Development
Deputy Director-General Customer Services, Safety and Regulation
Deputy Director-General Infrastructure Management and Delivery
Deputy Director-General Corporate and HR
Deputy Director-General Translink

EDIT: These roles shown above are now updated to show the new division names.

[ozbob]

New structure --> https://p.twimg.com/AzGU-znCcAIU4oJ.jpg:large

[ozbob]

Twitter

Brisbane Times ‏@brisbanetimes

Read in full the email sent by Transport & Main Roads director-general Michael Caltabiano to staff this morning http://ow.ly/cCf5W

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/live-job-cuts-in-public-service-20120731-23bom.html

... Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says he was caught off guard by this morning's announcement of job cuts at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, which could impact the Brisbane Transport arm of the council.

Cr Quirk told reporters this morning the department's minister, Scott Emerson, had not contacted him about the shake-up prior to the announcement at Parliament this morning, writes urban affairs reporter Katherine Feeney.

Although the planning and funding of public transport is organised at a state level, Brisbane City Council is involved in the planning and funding of the city's bus and ferry services and operates a fleet of more than 1200 buses.

But the Lord Mayor said he had not been privy to the discussions and was not aware of how the cuts would affect council's public transport operations.

"It doesn't necessarily mean [the cuts] will be relating to Brisbane City Council services," he said.

"I don't know what it means in terms of bus drivers.

"There's a very big department in Main Roads and Transport – I don't know what the break-up of those numbers might be."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/live-job-cuts-in-public-service-20120731-23bom.html

[#Metro]

... Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says he was caught off guard by this morning's announcement of job cuts at the Department of Transport and Main Roads, which could impact the Brisbane Transport arm of the council.

Cr Quirk told reporters this morning the department's minister, Scott Emerson, had not contacted him about the shake-up prior to the announcement at Parliament this morning, writes urban affairs reporter Katherine Feeney.

Although the planning and funding of public transport is organised at a state level, Brisbane City Council is involved in the planning and funding of the city's bus and ferry services and operates a fleet of more than 1200 buses.

But the Lord Mayor said he had not been privy to the discussions and was not aware of how the cuts would affect council's public transport operations.

"It doesn't necessarily mean [the cuts] will be relating to Brisbane City Council services," he said.

"I don't know what it means in terms of bus drivers.

"There's a very big department in Main Roads and Transport – I don't know what the break-up of those numbers might be."

Next stop - remove BT from Brisbane Transport! Duplicated planning etc and remove a whole layer of government in the process.

[colinw]

Next stop - remove BT from Brisbane Transport! Duplicated planning etc and remove a whole layer of government in the process.

+1 

No, +1,000,000!

We won't have functional public transport planning for SEQ while BCC remains a "fly in the ointment".

[Fares_Fair]

31 Jul 2012
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
from Hansard.

Department of Transport and Main Roads

Mr JUDGE: My question without notice is to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads. Can the
minister outline how forward planning and responsible budgeting is helping to fix the foundations of the
state's finances and what this means for the Department of Transport and Main Roads?

Mr EMERSON: I thank the honourable member for his question. The Newman government is
making the tough decisions now to tackle the cost-of-living pressures on Queensland families. In the
Department of Transport and Main Roads and TransLink, that will mean a restructure to deliver more
efficient infrastructure and more affordable services. It is under this new structure that the Newman
government will deliver the major reforms in the transport industry, along with the cost-of-living savings
required to get Queensland back on track.
All Queensland government passenger transport services will be integrated for the first time
under the TransLink banner. No longer will there be two separate government agencies, as there was
under Labor, doing the same task in different areas of the state. These were the types of additional costs
which Labor was passing on to passengers in the form of five consecutive 15 per cent fare increases

31 Jul 2012 Questions Without Notice 1275

which resulted in the lowest public transport affordability ever. TransLink will no longer operate as a
statutory authority confined to the state's south-east. It will become part of the department to oversee
the qconnect bus network, travel train services and school bus services, along with subsidised regional
airline, coach and ferry services. The TransLink board will be removed and the department will remain in
five divisions with the number of senior executives almost halved from 37 to 21.
When the Leader of the Opposition was transport minister, she handed out 818 voluntary
redundancies valued at $76 million and at the same time added 918 new positions. In order to clean up
her mess, there will be targeted staff reductions in corporate, support and RoadTek roles within the
department and TransLink of 18 per cent, or 1,970 full-time equivalents, saving $287 million over the
next four years. This includes a restructure of RoadTek, which is also underway, to provide more
affordable transport projects by reducing the cost of delivering infrastructure back below the national
average. This will mean a reduction of 600 full-time equivalent positions due to the work being tendered
to the private industry in mature markets such as South-East Queensland.
These decisions are not easy but the alternative is the Labor way—a state plunging towards a
projected $100 billion debt and a state where cost-of-living items, such as fares and registration,
continue to skyrocket. This structure will deliver improved outcomes for Queenslanders, whether you
are a business tendering for work, whether you are travelling across the state or whether you are using
any of the hundreds of services offered by the department.