15 Oct 2012: SEQ: Fix up transport to keep Brisbane and SEQ internationally comp

[ozbob]

Media release 15th October 2012

SEQ: Fix up transport to keep Brisbane and SEQ internationally competitive

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has highlighted Auckland, NZ's review of their transport network. A high frequency connection-based bus network is likely to be rolled out in four years.



Image: Alan Davies blog. Auckland direct network (left) versus connection-based network (right).
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/files/2012/10/Auckland-2016-FSN-Small1.jpg


Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Auckland New Zealand shares many features with Brisbane. Both cities are in the middle of major public transport reviews. Both cities have very large councils, the product of large-scale amalgamation. In both cities, the local council has some form of control over the funding and organisation of public transport. The urban form is much the same - large, dispersed and sprawling, both cities have busways and both cities are home to some of the lowest frequency train services in the developed world."

"Auckland is also a direct competitor for jobs, tourism and businesses against Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and is working hard to increase its livability and transport systems to lure workers and businesses with a cosmopolitan, livable city lifestyle and decent, well run public services."

"Like Brisbane, the Auckland Council is conducting a major review of the entire bus network, hiring top-level consultants to overhaul the bus system. We think TransLink could take note of the radical changes proposed for Auckland's bus system and trains. Here at RAIL Back on Track we often emphasise the need to move from the 'every bus must go direct to the city' and look at a more connections-based network. If there are any politicians in doubt about the merits of a connection based network, just take a look at the image of direct service network versus one based on connections, which runs at no additional cost."

"Most rail lines in Auckland are also proposed to have a major frequency upgrade in 2016, the year our Merivale Bridge will run out of train capacity because the previous administration responsible didn't plan. Auckland will have trains every 10 minutes OFF PEAK all day, with only one line having 30 minute frequency."

"Simply put, the transport review is a great opportunity to defend Brisbane and South East Queensland's international competitiveness for lifestyle and jobs. Failure to introduce Train Upgrade Zones (TUZ) and radically overhaul the bus system will leave Brisbane with the title that Auckland currently holds - the city with the worst train system in the developed world.

"As RAIL Back on Track has always said, services must be frequent, bottom line! We look forward to the results of the bus review."

Contact:

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

References:

1. Paul Mees titles Auckland's Train system 'the worst urban rail system of any city of any developed
country in the world'.

2. Auckland Rail Timetable Draft Regional Public Transport Plan showing 10 minute trains
(Melbourne already has introduced 10 minute trains as well, and there is a committment from METRO
to roll this out to almost all lines as funding and infrastructure permits)
http://transportblog.co.nz/2012/10/04/october-rail-timetable-changes/

3. SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Policy on core frequency & operating hours required
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5784.msg52747#msg52747

4. SEQ: Improving transfer opportunities, improves the integration of the TransLink Network
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4363.msg33219#msg33219

5. Draft Auckland Regional Transport Plan
http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/improving-transport/plans-proposals/IntegratedTravel/Pages/regional-public-transport-plan-2012.aspx

6. What can Auckland tell us about doing public transport better?
http://blogs.crikey.com.au/theurbanist/2012/10/14/what-can-auckland-tell-us-about-doing-public-transport-better/

"Australian cities could learn a lot from the 'anywhere at anytime' public transport network proposed by Auckland Transport for implementation within just four years"
- Alan Davies

7. Auckland: how network redesign can transform a city's possibilities
http://www.humantransit.org/2012/10/auckland-how-network-redesign-can-transform-a-citys-possibilities.html

[ozbob]

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