SEQ Bus Network Review

[somebody]

Cr Johnston is a troll.  The kind who hides under bridges.  Seriously.

What a petty, pathetic, immature, infantile reaction from somebody who has made histrionics a profession.

Cr Johnston was comfortably (I think) re-elected as an independent, without the support of her former party.  I think that shows you the values of society.

Gazza, some reading material for you ---> http://www.nicolejohnston.com.au/localarea/Translink%20bus%20REVIEW.html

Despite all the framing and deliberate hysteria... Auckland, which is not LNP run, ran an identical review, at the same time, and came to identical conclusions....

NZ has a conservative central government.  Do you mean Auckland council, which is centre-left apparently.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 24th April 2013 page 12

Bus changes cut services



Proposed changes --> http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review/Route-530.png

--> http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review/Route-522.png

[ozbob]

The minor route variation actually improves access for many ... as every 30 minutes through the middle of the housing not the edge ..

[#Metro]

Would be nice to see a gazza coverage map, and call BS on it. Have to say, former transport minister ismaking a lot of white noise.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

SEQ bus review recommendations accepted

The south east Queensland bus review has been completed, following three-rounds of community consultation.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson has accepted the Brisbane City Council's recommendations and said they would be included with the implementation report for the network's 13 other operators.

"I've accepted council's recommended changes and they will now implement the changes which will ensure they can meet the long-term budgets and remove the upward pressure that contributed to on-going 15 per cent fare increases under the previous government," Mr Emerson said.

"The review will also see better services outside Brisbane, including the first three high-frequency services on the Gold Coast."

The Newman Government will provide $353.6 million to fund bus services across south east Queensland next year, in addition to fare revenue.

As previously budgeted, Brisbane City Council will receive $155 million after fares with growth in state funding of four per cent a year.

The entire review comprised of 14 bus operators, eight councils, with a population 2.5 million and more than 120 million public transport trips a year.

A dedicated online resource will be available from Monday on the TransLink website to track the implementation progress of the bus review.

"Council and TransLink will now move to implement the recommendations and keep passengers informed and updated through public information sessions and website updates," Mr Emerson said.

"As we progress through implementation we will provide regular updates with the latest news in each region, including specific information on matters such as implementation dates when this becomes available."

[ENDS] 31 May 2013

[ozbob]

LOL  no mention of ' better services ' in Brisbane's area ...

[techblitz]

So it is finaly done and so ends a chapter of indecision and bickering.

[ozbob]

4%?  I wonder if that is the next fare increase ....

[HappyTrainGuy]

I don't live in the 'Brisbane' area so where are my better services? oh wait their ran by BCC 

[ozbob]

Don't dare mess with the 524, we luv it!

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Nine Brisbane bus routes will be cut after Brisbane City Council decides State Government review

Nine Brisbane bus routes will be cut after Brisbane City Council decides State Government review

    by: Peta Fuller
    From: Quest Newspapers
    May 31, 2013 4:08PM

NINE Brisbane bus routes have been axed with Transport Minister Scott Emerson accepting Brisbane City Council's bus review, handed to the government this afternoon.

Those facing the chop were the P88, 328, P356, P374, P436, P461, 462, 465 and 466.

From Monday Translink's website will display the progress of the review as the timetable changes and route removals are implemented.

Council took over the controversial review process from the state government earlier this year and Transport Minister Scott Emerson said they would work with Translink to make the changes happen.

A new route the 234 would run from the City to Woolloongabba via Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point, which is a route change to the existing 475.

Two of the proposed 80 service changes have been spared, with a decision to leave the 215 and 225 unchanged after community feedback on the routes.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said 1560 people provided feedback.

"At the outset we proposed a total of 80 service changes and nine route removals, leaving two thirds of the travelling public unaffected and ensuring no area would be left without a service,'' Cr Quirk said.

Council said the P88 would be partly replaced by new rocket service the P163 from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street during peak hours with most of the service already duplicated.

The 328 averaged less than two people a trip, the P356 has alternatives as does the P436 and the P374 is serviced by the Maroon City Glider.

Opposition leader Cr Milton Dick's petition against the route changes saw 2500 people sign up in protest, particularly around changes to the 101, 102, 103, 460, P461 and 465.

The proposed changes are available at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Council took over the controversial review process from the state government earlier this year and Transport Minister Scott Emerson would make the final decision.

Those recommend to face the axe were the P88, 328, P356, P374, P436, P461, 462, 465 and 466.

Brisbane routes to be scrapped are:

-P88 Eight Mile Plains to Indooroopilly via City pre-paid fare express

-328 Boondall to Carseldine

-P356 McDowall to City

-P374 Paddington to City

-P436 City to Brookfield

-P461 Forest Lake to City

-462 Darra Station to Heathwood

-465 Richlands Station to Heathwood

-466 Richlands Station to Willawong
A new route the 234 would run from the City to Woolloongabba via Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point, which is a route change to the existing 475.

Two of the proposed 80 service changes have been spared, with a decision to leave the 215 and 225 unchanged after community feedback on the routes.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said 1560 people provided feedback.

"At the outset we proposed a total of 80 service changes and nine route removals, leaving two thirds of the travelling public unaffected and ensuring no area would be left without a service,'' Cr Quirk said.

Council said the P88 would be partly replaced by new rocket service the P163 from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street during peak hours with most of the service already duplicated.

The 328 averaged less than two people a trip, the P356 has alternatives as does the P436 and the P374 is serviced by the Maroon City Glider.

Opposition leader Cr Milton Dick's petition against the route changes saw 2500 people sign up in protest, particularly around changes to the 101, 102, 103, 460, P461 and 465.

The proposed changes are available at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

[Mr X]

P163?!! omg...!! isn't there already a P161 down the same way! and a 111? and a 555?! isn't the aim of the game to reduce waste, not add to it?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st May 2013

Greetings,

Fare increases to hit families

The carte blanche acceptance of the BCC bus review will hit residents of south-east Queensland hard.

Three high frequency bus services will begin on the Gold Coast. There will be no new
high frequency bus services in Brisbane as a result of the BCC review.

Why? Because without connections there can be no money to fund expansion in the Brisbane bus network.

There are no BUZ services to the Centenary Suburbs, no BUZ services to
Bulimba, no BUZ services to Yeronga and no BUZ services to the Northwestern suburbs.

The high frequency bus service for Inala that would have connected to trains and educational
opportunities has been cancelled.

Any savings made by the Brisbane City Council are likely to be wiped out next year,
such is the scale of cost increases at Brisbane Transport.

Pressure on rates to go up will also occur, and ratepayers already pay $400 through rates to fund buses carrying air.

With no progress with fares, no progress with sector two timetables, collapse of cross river rail,
worst affordability in 5 years, and collapse of the bus network review public transport is in crisis.

Public Transport in SEQ is caught in a death spiral of spin, inaction and chaos.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

SEQ bus review recommendations accepted

The south east Queensland bus review has been completed, following three-rounds of community consultation.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson has accepted the Brisbane City Council's recommendations and said they would be included with the implementation report for the network's 13 other operators.

"I've accepted council's recommended changes and they will now implement the changes which will ensure they can meet the long-term budgets and remove the upward pressure that contributed to on-going 15 per cent fare increases under the previous government," Mr Emerson said.

"The review will also see better services outside Brisbane, including the first three high-frequency services on the Gold Coast."

The Newman Government will provide $353.6 million to fund bus services across south east Queensland next year, in addition to fare revenue.

As previously budgeted, Brisbane City Council will receive $155 million after fares with growth in state funding of four per cent a year.

The entire review comprised of 14 bus operators, eight councils, with a population 2.5 million and more than 120 million public transport trips a year.

A dedicated online resource will be available from Monday on the TransLink website to track the implementation progress of the bus review.

"Council and TransLink will now move to implement the recommendations and keep passengers informed and updated through public information sessions and website updates," Mr Emerson said.

"As we progress through implementation we will provide regular updates with the latest news in each region, including specific information on matters such as implementation dates when this becomes available."

[ENDS] 31 May 2013

[#Metro]

P163?!! omg...!! isn't there already a P161 down the same way! and a 111? and a 555?! isn't the aim of the game to reduce waste, not add to it?

Nope. Aim of the game is to get your face in the newspaper, position yourself as local champion / saviour of buses, attract votes, make a lot of noise, get names and addresses e-mail contacts off the petitions to target voters next election...

It's not their money. They don't care. Mayor can go home and his pay will still be the same. It's not coming out of his bank account. It's coming out of ours!

[techblitz]

Two of the proposed 80 service changes have been spared, with a decision to leave the 215 and 225 unchanged after community feedback on the routes.

Just as i predicted on the 225!.....residents around thurston st etc were always going to object to that proposal by bt.
People power reigns once again.

[techblitz]

The changes will result in a reduction of at least 10 inbound buses during the morning and evening peak hour over the Victoria Bridge and at least 14 fewer outbound movements.

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/buses/bus-network-review/index.htm

[ozbob]

The changes will result in a reduction of at least 10 inbound buses during the morning and evening peak hour over the Victoria Bridge and at least 14 fewer outbound movements.

"Wow, bet that helps with the bus-jam  ...  "

[#Metro]

I cannot believe all the BS that comes out of media offices.

10 services, whoopie doo!

In peak hour, there is a bus every 20 seconds or so at CC.

10 services x (20 seconds / 1 service) = 200 seconds div 60 seconds is one minute = ~ 3 minutes

THAT'S IT.

Trust politicians to have THREE rounds of consultations over an entire year, spend huge volumes of money ($ millions), do the main consultation twice and then actually leave the network WORSE OFF than what we started with.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Nine Brisbane bus routes scrapped in network overhaul

Nine Brisbane bus routes scrapped in network overhaul

    by: Andrew MacDonald
    From: The Courier-Mail
    May 31, 2013 4:40PM

NINE Brisbane bus routes will be scrapped and 78 changed following consideration of public submissions on a second review of the city's network in as many months.

Brisbane City Council has this afternoon confirmed details of its audit had been submitted to the State Government, with a recommendation 148 routes remain unchanged.

Transport minister Scott Emerson has confirmed the recommendations have been accepted and will be incorporated in to an implementation report for the southeast Queensland network's 13 other operators.

Brisbane routes to be scrapped are:

P88 Eight Mile Plains to Indooroopilly via City pre-paid fare express

328 Boondall to Carseldine

P356 McDowall to City

P374 Paddington to City

P436 City to Brookfield

P461 Forest Lake to City

462 Darra Station to Heathwood

465 Richlands Station to Heathwood

466 Richlands Station to Willawong

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the scrapped routes accounted for less than two per cent of network patronage

"I understand these may require some people to change their times of travel, or the routes they are travelling on, however some of the route removals proposed involve services where buses are often empty, and in some cases the routes only operate once or twice per day," he said.

"We have ensured the retention of the key elements of the network, including our BUZ and Glider routes, and we are confident that the proposed network improvements will ensure passenger demand continues to be met."

City Hall was charged with project in March following a public backlash over an earlier State Government review which proposed slashing the number of southeast Queensland bus routes from 456 to 345.

BCC's completed review proposed cutting nine and changing 80 in its council area.

But having now considered feedback from 1560 people, Cr Quirk said some amendments had been made and routes 215 and 225 would now remain unchanged.

Other recommendations included a revision of the new route 234 from Kangaroo Point to provide access to Fortitude Valley, extra late evening services on the 470 City - Toowong service, changes to the 367 to improve route access in Upper Kedron the extending the revised P341 terminus to the Taigum Shopping Centre.

The changes will result in a reduction of at least 10 inbound buses during the morning and evening peak hour over the Victoria Bridge and at least 14 fewer outbound movements.

Inbound Captain Cook Bridge movements will be reduced by 19 during the morning peak and six during the evening.

Outbound movements will be reduced by six in the morning and 26 in the evening peak over the same bridge.

Other changes include:

- additional stop on the Maroon CityGlider along Macgregor Terrace.

- Servicing the previously un-serviced areas of Doolandella on the 101, areas of Calamvale on the 138 and Drewvale on the 153.

-Improved access for Kangaroo Point on new 234 services, which is a route change to the 475. This route change will also provide a more reliable service to Rainworth residents.

-414 St Lucia service to now travel down Carmody Road, as opposed to Sir Fred Schonell Drive.

-Later weeknight evening services for Brookfield passengers travelling from Indooroopilly on the 435.

-Re-routing the 199 service through the Ivory Street tunnel.

-335 to now go past Taigum Shops.

-Extra stop for the 384 at Red Hill

-Extra Monday to Friday evening services on the 451 from Darra Station

-Higher frequency on the on the 460 from Forest Lake and Heathwood to Mt Ommaney, Indooroopilly and the CBD.

-New stops in College Avenue, Forest Lake on the 118 to Garden City and the CBD.

-Re-routing the 310 service through the Airport Link.

-Extension of the P341 to service Fitzgibbon and Roghan Roads, which would provide direct access in to Chermside, Taigum Shopping Centre, the Royal Brisbane Hospital and the CBD.

-Improved service to College Green (Estate) on Northumbria Road on selected 325 trips.

-363 altered to go via Butterfield Street at Herston.

A full list of changes is available at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

I cannot believe all the BS that comes out of media offices.

10 services, whoopie doo!

In peak hour, there is a bus every 20 seconds or so at CC.

10 services x (20 seconds / 1 service) = 200 seconds div 60 seconds is one minute = ~ 3 minutes

THAT'S IT.

Trust politicians to have THREE rounds of consultations over an entire year, spend huge volumes of money ($ millions), do the main consultation twice and then actually leave the network WORSE OFF than what we started with.

There really is something amiss with Queensland ...   seems to be concentrated in Brisbane.

[#Metro]

Brisbane bus changes to free up clogged bridge

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-bus-changes-to-free-up-clogged-bridge-20130531-2nhal.html

Three minutes. Bah!

The Mayor does a backflip on transfers

Nine routes around Boondall, Carseldine, Richlands and Darra will be scrapped.

Cr Quirk said people may have to change bus services.

"However some of the route removals proposed involve services where buses are often empty, and in some cases the routes only operate once or twice per day," he said.

And of course Cr Dick appears to launch his next Mayoral Campaign off it

Opposition Leader Milton Dick said he was not happy with the review and said it "botched" bus services in his western suburbs area.
"In my part of the south west, Graham Quirk is cutting the P461, 462, 465 and 466. He's also severely altering the routes or timetables of the 101, 102, 103, 460 and 468," he said.

The sooner Brisbane Transport is hit with full force privatisation, the better.

[ozbob]

Media release 2nd June 2013



SEQ: What now for public transport in south-east Queensland?

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 public transport has now reached a crisis point in terms of fare costs, service frequency, network design and accessibility, and unsustainable patronage. (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The failure of the bus review process to deliver the network improvements for the Brisbane region now means that the whole of south-east Queensland is now covered with a cloak of transport mediocrity."

"CBD chronic bus congestion, road congestion generally and a lack of bus priority on key arterial roads has now made delays commonplace. Coupled with some of the worlds highest price fares it is little wonder that there has been relative patronage decreases. The BCC Bus Review does very little to reduce these trends and delays. The bus review failure is going to further drive more passengers back to the roads."

"The Brisbane City Council bus review process has just delivered more of the same failure that led Minister Emerson to call for the bus review in the first place."

"The TransLink bus review set out to grow patronage, help contain costs by a better structured frequent network, better integration with other modes, and better manage infrastructure constraints."

"The outcomes from the BCC bus review, accepted without question by Minister Emerson for political reasons rather than for reasons of network improvement, have not delivered the necessary network improvements. The current infrastructure bottlenecks on the bus network remain and will only worsen. Pressure on the worlds worst fare system remains."

"Brisbane City Council through the transport agency Brisbane Transport sees itself as a disconnected independent public transport operator that ignores the network wide impact of its primarily political positions.  It is beyond farce that the transport authority, TransLink, has been relegated to lapdog status by a Minister completely out of touch with the real public transport community need."

"Unless the issues are properly addressed - namely affordability frequency and accessibility for all of south-east Queensland, we are rapidly heading to a worsening of what can only be described as a seriously under-performing transport network."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9951.msg126151#msg126151

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Blair ‏@TalkativeBlair 5h

LOL & they say Brisbane's public transport isn't broken. Throw one spanner in the works & it looks like this. http://i.imgur.com/KNt5nxt.jpg  #qldpol

===========

[HappyTrainGuy]

The new depot has come a long way.

[Golliwog]

The best that can be said for their review is that they did at least listen to some views from the community. The 367 is still being dropped to hourly, having span dropped a little bit as well, but in the off-peak it will no longer run as a loop, but run Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove station-Great Western-Ferny Grove station-Upper Kedron.

[techblitz]

The best that can be said for their review is that they did at least listen to some views from the community. The 367 is still being dropped to hourly, having span dropped a little bit as well, but in the off-peak it will no longer run as a loop, but run Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove station-Great Western-Ferny Grove station-Upper Kedron.

hmmm...so will this mean that the ferny grove station - GW via arbor/tramway leg is now redundant? Will it only be routing via upper Kedron rd/samford?

[Golliwog]

The best that can be said for their review is that they did at least listen to some views from the community. The 367 is still being dropped to hourly, having span dropped a little bit as well, but in the off-peak it will no longer run as a loop, but run Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove station-Great Western-Ferny Grove station-Upper Kedron.

hmmm...so will this mean that the ferny grove station - GW via arbor/tramway leg is now redundant? Will it only be routing via upper Kedron rd/samford?

No, my take is the Upper Kedron Rd leg is the one being removed. The FG Station - GW via Arbor/Tramway leg should in the future be done in both directions.

[ozbob]

Mrs Ozbob made the comment the other day with respect to the bus review process - she said it was a ' ... shambolic schmozzle ... "

Fair enough ... lol

[#Metro]

Regulatory Capture is an old theory of regulation that suggests that
the regulator (TransLink) will be captured by the very industry that they regulate (Brisbane Transport).

A neat textbook example...

Who are the lobbyists? None other than the BCC councillors!!

Also shows up with the bus leaseback scheme, not sure if the privates have the same deal going or not...

[ozbob]

SEQ bus network review UPDATE

--> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013

[ozbob]

Implementation dates

Region     Implementation date
Region                Implementation date
Brisbane City         Mid to late 2013
Moreton Bay region    Early to mid 2014
Redlands region       Early to mid 2014
Logan region          Early to mid 2014
Ipswich region        Late 2013 to early 2014
Sunshine Coast        Late 2013 to early 2014
Gold Coast            Early to mid 2014

[STB]

Those dates are obviously a big fat hint to the sector two timetables implementation, that's if they are smart about it, (Qld Rail and TransLink) in terms of lining up the timetables to the rail system.

[techblitz]

The best that can be said for their review is that they did at least listen to some views from the community. The 367 is still being dropped to hourly, having span dropped a little bit as well, but in the off-peak it will no longer run as a loop, but run Upper Kedron-Ferny Grove station-Great Western-Ferny Grove station-Upper Kedron.

hmmm...so will this mean that the ferny grove station - GW via arbor/tramway leg is now redundant? Will it only be routing via upper Kedron rd/samford?

No, my take is the Upper Kedron Rd leg is the one being removed. The FG Station - GW via Arbor/Tramway leg should in the future be done in both directions.

Thanks....will be intersting to see how it eventuates:)

[SurfRail]

Gold Coast will have to be closer to early 2014 than "mid" if they don't want to muck up the light rail implementation.

[ozbob]

Media release 4th June 2013



SEQ: Well done TransLink and Regional Bus Operators on the SEQ Bus Review

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 congratulated TransLink and the Regional Bus Operators on the successful completion of the SEQ Bus Review (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Apart from Brisbane, the remainder of the bus review has reached a sensible conclusion.  Unfortunately the Brisbane Bus region will continue with a failing bus network."

"The fact that Brisbane City Council did not cooperate with TransLink for the initial bus review has meant that the Council has consigned Brisbane, and indirectly SEQ to more public transport mediocrity for years to come."

"The feedback on the initial bus review was 91% related to Brisbane Transport routes.  A sign of the intransigence of Council, an intransigence rewarded by the the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and in so doing dismissing comprehensive planning by TransLink holus-bolus. The feedback was driven by hysterical Councillors, who clearly did not actually understand the network changes proposed, hysterical unions , and hysterical media beat ups.  Basic research was not done."

"Well done all, you have consigned Brisbane to public transport mediocrity for many years.  In fact, Brisbane will now be looked upon by the world of transport planning as a great example of what not to do in terms of public transport network planning and operation."

"Will Brisbane Transport be put out to competitive tendering? We certainly hope so as this may force them to actually go back and implement a proper frequent, connected, economically sustainable bus network that is actually in the best interests of the community."

"Well done TransLink and all the regional bus operators on the outcome of the SEQ Bus Review. "

"We have little doubt that the significant body of work done in planning the proper Brisbane bus network will come in handy in time as the present Brisbane bus network continues along its path of failure and mediocrity, and eventually an improved network will be driven by ongoing failure in Brisbane. "

Reference:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson

Speed limit review - and BCC bus review handed to Translink

04 June 2013 , 8:05 AM by Spencer Howson

What do you think of the speed limits on Queensland roads? The State Government is follow NSW's lead and asking you for feedback on the speed limits of 100 roads. Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson explains.

Then, Brisbane City Council handed its bus review to Translink at the end of last week but wanted more than the 4% budget increase promised by the state. Minister Emerson explains why he said no and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk reveals what that means for next week's Brisbane City Council budget:

Click --> here!

[#Metro]

Then, Brisbane City Council handed its bus review to Translink at the end of last week but wanted more than the 4% budget increase promised by the state. Minister Emerson explains why he said no and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk reveals what that means for next week's Brisbane City Council budget:

The only reason why new buses are being purchased is to a) retire old ones or b) to put more buses on in peak hour.

One would think that many bus purchases would be avoided if buses emptied their passengers into the train system, no? That's what Toronto does. That's what Perth does. Extra train services were added to the Ipswich line in the last major review - thousands of new spaces.

Of course BCC asked for yet even more money. Even they know it's not sustainable the way it is being run and the network design is grossly inefficient and costly. By simply redrawing the bus routes, massive savings could be realised. The Councillors don't want to let go of the buses because they'd have to give up control, and that's always hard, particularly when you can't run symbolic services (i.e. Maroon CityGliders) around.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th June 2013

Bus Cost Explosion to Engulf BCC ratepayers?

Greetings,

Increasing bus costs will now hit all Brisbane residents and ratepayers and their families.

The Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk, appeared to suggest on radio this morning that rates will have to rise  or cuts elsewhere to cover BCC's increasingly unsustainable bus operation (2). The refusal to add connections and genuinely simplify the bus system means passengers will be worse off and now ratepayers too.

Ratepayers already pay $400 worth of subsidies to Brisbane Transport each year. Much of this is used to run air all around the city. Fares are some of the highest in the world. The Centenary Suburbs, Bulimba, Yeronga, The Northwest and other suburbs are disconnected from the frequent bus network so they don't even get what they're paying for.

The continued operation of the BCC bus network to benefit politicians at the expense of ratepayers and passengers is not sustainable. The maths simply does not work. Separating Brisbane Transport from BCC will reduce the size of local government by 20% and will halt the cannibalisation of BCC's core functions by the bus operations. It would free up councillor's time to focus on the core business of council - residents, rates, roads, rubbish and redevelopment rather than running corporate businesses. It would allow money for new buses to come from the market rather than ratepayers or taxpayers.

The Lord Mayor may insist that the bus network is "not broken", but BCC's budget surely will be. We call on Scott Emerson, Transport Minister to throw open bus contract regions for open competition. Transit Australia Group, Grenda's and Perth's Swan Transit should all be approached.

Lord Mayor and BCC can no longer be trusted to run Brisbane's buses. After a decade of games, it's time to separate Brisbane City Council from Brisbane Transport.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-boom-causes-council-staff-crunch-20100914-15atl.html "A plan to add 125 new buses each year has caused a blowout in bus drivers' costs which could force Brisbane City Council to cap staff."

2. BCC bus review handed to Translink http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/06/speed-limit-review-and-bcc-bus-review-handed-to-translink.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

Media release 4th June 2013



SEQ: Well done TransLink and Regional Bus Operators on the SEQ Bus Review

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 congratulated TransLink and the Regional Bus Operators on the successful completion of the SEQ Bus Review (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Apart from Brisbane, the remainder of the bus review has reached a sensible conclusion.  Unfortunately the Brisbane Bus region will continue with a failing bus network."

"The fact that Brisbane City Council did not cooperate with TransLink for the initial bus review has meant that the Council has consigned Brisbane, and indirectly SEQ to more public transport mediocrity for years to come."

"The feedback on the initial bus review was 91% related to Brisbane Transport routes.  A sign of the intransigence of Council, an intransigence rewarded by the the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and in so doing dismissing comprehensive planning by TransLink holus-bolus. The feedback was driven by hysterical Councillors, who clearly did not actually understand the network changes proposed, hysterical unions , and hysterical media beat ups.  Basic research was not done."

"Well done all, you have consigned Brisbane to public transport mediocrity for many years.  In fact, Brisbane will now be looked upon by the world of transport planning as a great example of what not to do in terms of public transport network planning and operation."

"Will Brisbane Transport be put out to competitive tendering? We certainly hope so as this may force them to actually go back and implement a proper frequent, connected, economically sustainable bus network that is actually in the best interests of the community."

"Well done TransLink and all the regional bus operators on the outcome of the SEQ Bus Review. "

"We have little doubt that the significant body of work done in planning the proper Brisbane bus network will come in handy in time as the present Brisbane bus network continues along its path of failure and mediocrity, and eventually an improved network will be driven by ongoing failure in Brisbane. "

Reference:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013

Contact:

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

[#Metro]

Trust politicians to provide worse services AND also increase the cost and call that "improvement". 
Ridiculous!