2013 Fares

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Caboolture reveals its top 5 priorities for 2013

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 14th January 2013

Rejig due on fares - State plan includes jobs boost

Rejig due on fares - State plan includes jobs boost
By: Felicity Caldwell   

PUBLIC transport fares are set for a shake-up, with a new price structure due to be released in the next six months.
Premier Campbell Newman today released his Government's action plan for the next six months that included announcing a "new fare structure'' for southeast Queensland's public transport network.

A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the Government would review fares for public transport "beyond 2014'' as part of the budget process this year.

"We have delivered on our election commitment to halve Labor's 15 per cent fare hikes for 2013 and 2014,'' she said. "Together with reliability and frequency, affordability is a key priority for the Newman Government and any changes will depend on the state's finances.''
The six-month plan also outlines 148 priority actions to boost jobs and the state's economy.

Other priorities in the plan include $18.4 million in funding for 130 new ambulances to be delivered across Queensland, 60 extra paramedics and a statewide amnesty campaign for illegal and unregistered firearms.

The Government also plans to release its youth strategy and to respond to a review of the Drink Safe precincts.

[ozbob]

^

This is an absurd response from Government.  Fare affordability is driving people away in droves, families, unemployed, even workers struggling to use public transport and they continue along the failed TransLink five year fare path.

The present fare structure is causing massive fare box leakage and is wasting a lot of money that could be directed into improved fares and services.

They are incompetent.

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

From the North West News 16th January 2013 page 5

Commuters vow to shun trains

Commuters vow to shun trains
ALLIRA PREECE
CRIPPLING COST: FARE HIKES ARE FORCING SOME TO DECIDE IF THEY WILL CONTINUE USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From page 1 NORTHWEST commuters say they will boycott public transport if fares continue to rise.

While the LNP has halved TransLink's scheduled 15 per cent fare hikes, residents' battle with affordability continues.

Ferny Grove resident Leanne Duckworth said it cost her and her husband about $100 a week to travel to the city by train each weekday.

But it is estimated the couple will pay about $330 extra this year because of the 7.5 per cent fare hike.

Meanwhile, Samford commuter Dawn Parmee said if fare hikes continued she would consider driving to the CBD.

Samford's Naomi Mumford has already made that decision.

She said catching the train from Ferny Grove to her southside workplace would financially cripple her.

Residents calls are joined by more than 1000 commuters who have signed a petition to lower transport costs.

Running since November, the petition, organised by commuter group Rail Back on Track, recognised the need for the State Government to conduct an urgent fare review.

Spokesman Robert Dow said the LNP'S decision to half the Bligh Government's 15 per cent hike would not alleviate the financial strain on commuters.

A spokeswoman for the Minister for Transport and Main Roads said fares would increase another 7.5 per cent in 2014. But she said fares would be reviewed beyond that date.

Visit railbackontrack.org

Fare review petition --> http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fare-review-for-translink-south-east-queensland-now.html

Article now online: --> http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/north/public-transport-woes/story-fn8m0rl4-1226556054049

[ozbob]

Media release 18th January 2013

SEQ: Review of fare system needed urgently



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 a review of the fare system for south-east Queensland (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Annual Report 2011/12 (1) confirmed that public transport fare unaffordability is the major public transport issue facing the State Government.  Excessive fare increases have stalled patronage levels, and is proving costly in terms of congestion and road trauma costs, and environmental impacts."

"There was some optimism that the recent Premier's Action Plan which indicated a new fare structure in 6 months for south east Queensland might be a turning point.  This optimism was short lived however when it was confirmed the intent is to continue to stumble along the already failed fare path past 2014.  South east Queensland has absurdly expensive fares, amongst the dearest in the world for a largely failing network."

"In February 2012, it was pointed out in Transit Australia that fare increases well over the CPI will have a drastic impact (2). This has occurred with stalled patronage levels.  There has been a fall in paid trips on the network, further exacerbating the fare box leakage.  This is costly and is direct opposite of the LNPs economic rhetoric."

"The public feedback is overwhelming.  There is gross dissatisfaction with the failing fare system.  System issues with the go card are just further worsening public concerns (3, 4)."

"The present fares for the go card have an excessive base fare cost with considerable fare box leakage due to easily manipulated fares."

"Queensland is the only state that does not extend concession fares to all health care card holders (5)."

"Queensland does not have family/group tickets as in many other states (6)."

"Seniors in states and territories other than Queensland have simple public transport entitlements (7)."

"An online petition calling for an urgent fare review is filling rapidly with hundreds of signatures, and has now over a 1000 responses (8)."

"It is time the Government and TransLink acted.  It is essential that in order to optimise the bus and rail reviews, the major failing of the public transport in south-east Queensland - the fares, be sorted."

"It is time to put in place fares that are socially and economically responsible, that will drive patronage increases and improve the fare box."

"TransLink and Governments - both the ALP and LNP, have failed. South east Queensland public transport affordability is now in a 'death spiral' (9). Mediocrity and myopia is now the hallmark of transport policy in Queensland."

Contact:

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

References:

1.  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2011-12-annual-report.pdf page 71

2.  Transit Australia, February 2012 Brisbane's Great Big Fare Increase page 36

3.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9155.0

4.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=432.0

5.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9124.0

6.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9123.0

7.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9122.msg109944#msg109944

8.  http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/fare-review-for-translink-south-east-queensland-now.html

9  http://backontrack.org/images/tl/farespiral.jpg

[ozbob]

From Transit Australia February 2012 page 36

Brisbane's Great Big Fare increase

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Our raw deal - commuters pay more for a shorter distance

Our raw deal - commuters pay more for a shorter distance
Megan Mackander 18th Jan 2013 5:46 AM

A COMPARISON of train fares across Australia's east coast has revealed Sunshine Coast commuters have been given a raw deal.

In fact, peak hour commuters from Nambour to Brisbane are paying on average double for a round trip.

Every day thousands of Australian workers make the commute to their nearest capital city.

A return trip from Nambour to Brisbane or Katoomba to Sydney both take on average two hours each way.

It costs more than $40 for a return trip to Brisbane if you buy a ticket at the station window. Sydney passenger counterparts pay less than half that price, forking out only $16.80.

Meanwhile the city of Newcastle is 161km from Sydney and choice spot for residents to settle away from the hustle and bustle of the central business district.

A full fare train return ticket costs $18.80. Again, the Sunshine Coast lucks out, paying $43.80 return for a 103km journey to Brisbane.

Cheaper fares sit on the wish list of Sunshine Coast commuters, who are fed up with infrequent services, unreliable services, lack of toilets on trains and poorly connected schedules.

A Translink spokesman said zonal fares are generally used throughout major metropolitan areas in Australia, based on the number of kilometres travelled.

"Using your go card will save you money as it remains at least 30% cheaper compared to the cost of a single paper ticket," the spokesman said.

"Customers can also save 20% by travelling with go card during off-peak times, which are from 9am to 3.30pm and after 7pm weekdays, all day weekends and state-wide Queensland gazetted public holidays."

A spokesman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the LNP would be delivering the fare policy it promised at the election.

While rail falls under State Government responsibility, division five councillor Jenny McKay said the Coast could not give up on their public transport push.

"I am a great supporter for public transport, but it is just too expensive, especially for families or even just one person travelling to and from Brisbane," Cr McKay said.

>> COMPARE THE FARES

Sunshine Coast to Brisbane return paper ticket $43.80 return with go card $30.16 (103km)

Brisbane to Nerang return paper ticket $31.80, go card $21.92 (71km)

Central Sydney to Newcastle return $18.80 (161km)

Central Sydney to Katoomba return $16.80 (109km)

Melbourne Federation Square to Geelong return $15.60 (75km)

Ballarat to Melbourne Federation Square return $35.60 (116km)

[ozbob]

Over you go ... and don't you worry about that!

[Stillwater]

The government's hand should be forced by publicising the 'disposable go-card option' long distance passengers have -- buy a go-card for the minimal amount (far lower than the fare about to be incurred), tag on, tag off, then throw away.  It is the sleeping beast that will subvert the current system.  The government's position of leaving things be until after 2014 is irresponsible. 

Or are we seeing Mr Emerson playing cynical politics again .... having a new fare structure ready to roll out in 2015, when there just happens to be an election due.  'Vote LNP 'cos we are going to give you a better fare structure.  Labor's plan was to slug you with 15% fare increases year-on-year.  Only an LNP government has a plan to get PT back on track.'

Oh pleeeeeeease.

[petey3801]

A spokesman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the LNP would be delivering the fare policy it promised at the election.

Does anyone remember what exactly this fare policy is? As far as I can remember, it is what we currently have, ie: 7.5% increases and 9 then free...

[somebody]

A spokesman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the LNP would be delivering the fare policy it promised at the election.

Does anyone remember what exactly this fare policy is? As far as I can remember, it is what we currently have, ie: 7.5% increases and 9 then free...

Correct.  + a 7.5% fare rise in 2014.

[ozbob]

I spent some time on the 460 and 462 buses today, as well as rail.  Didn't see one paper ticket flogged on the buses ... good.  A lot not touching off at the rail though.

I reckon fare evasion is out of control now.  And with around 3000 go cards being sold daily they are obviously in serious trouble.  The system is breaking down .. and it will need intervention to stop the evasion and rorting.

[Golliwog]

Been around a bit on some buses of late and would agree that paper tickets are not common. Haven't used the train in a bit though, but I would say that moving to a closed system is needed. Manned fare gates would go a long way to cutting it. Though do it properly and not like at Ferny Grove where they are frequently unmanned and the gate next to them left open for the fare evaders.

[ozbob]

A spokesman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the LNP would be delivering the fare policy it promised at the election.

Does anyone remember what exactly this fare policy is? As far as I can remember, it is what we currently have, ie: 7.5% increases and 9 then free...

Correct.  + a 7.5% fare rise in 2014.

The LNP have never done a proper fare review.  They are as lazy as they are inept.  A political campaign strategy meeting to trump the ailing ALP version of the TransLink five year fare fail (strategy) is an insult to all of Queensland, and the claim that was a fare review just shows how far off the rails they are.  If 15% fare increases can be changed to 7.5%  7.5% increases can be changed too.

[ozbob]

Been around a bit on some buses of late and would agree that paper tickets are not common. Haven't used the train in a bit though, but I would say that moving to a closed system is needed. Manned fare gates would go a long way to cutting it. Though do it properly and not like at Ferny Grove where they are frequently unmanned and the gate next to them left open for the fare evaders.

Wide fare gate wide open at Richlands (staff sort of in attendance) ...  I really wonder what is the point ...

Good news though, at Richlands there is a shop finally about to open.  Looks like it will be selling snack foods, cool drinks and the like.  About time ...

[Stillwater]

Same happens at Nambour - fare gates for the honest ones and an open gate beside the go-card gates.  It is hard to know what to do.  Nambour is a stopping place for the Sunlander, SOTO and Tilt Trains.  Passengers for these services don't require go-cards.  There is no separate waiting room for them.  They pass through the open gate (beside the point where their luggage is booked) and flow onto the platform, where there is seating, toilets and water bubbler (was not removed).  The open gate can be used by normal passenger train customers without go-cards.  The various TravelTrain services come through a various times of the day, which means that the open gate is in the open position virtually for all of the day, as Nambour-Brisbane passenger trains go back and forth.  Maybe a camera can be set up and the serial offenders identified.

[SurfRail]

My view remains that if gates can't be manned there is no point having them.

[somebody]

My view remains that if gates can't be manned there is no point having them.

Agree.  I would go further and say that it needs to be manned by people with the legal power to demand particulars of violators - perhaps even as far as the SNOs' powers.

[Golliwog]

My view remains that if gates can't be manned there is no point having them.

I'm hoping that when the FG upgrade is 'officially' completed and everything handed over to QR (despite being finished for a number of months, the new bike cage is still closed) that they'll change staffing. The gates are usually staffed during peak, but off peak it's often a lone staff member in the ticket office, which can watch the gates but can't enforce anything.

[ozbob]

The fare gates are touted as part of the plan to reduce fare evasion ...     Yeah, sure ...

Case Study:  Brisbane go card System  --> http://cts.cubic.com/en-us/customers/australasia/casestudybrisbane.aspx

Ticket and fare integration --> http://translink.com.au/about-translink/what-we-do/ticket-and-fare-integration

[Golliwog]

Fare gates help, but MUST be manned to be effective. Perhaps they could look at rostering SNO's to man gates at times when QR staff can't? Wouldn't be hard to have the SNO's patrol a train to Ferny Grove checking tickets along the way, then spend some time on the gates at Ferny Grove. If you wanted to keep the teams moving then you could adopt something similar to how that guards swap trains at Ferny and send a few teams out along the FG line periodically to swap who mans the gates and keep someone checking the trains as well.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/car-vs-train-in-se-queensland.html
Car vs Train costs in SE Queensland

[nathandavid88]

With regards to the open fare gates, are they all at least manned during the peak periods? If they can at least manage that, then I can see the value in having them, even if they can't have them manned all the time. But if the gates are unmanned even during peak, it does make it a moot point to even have them on stations other than the inner city.

[SurfRail]

I certainly don't think they should have bothered at Nambour anyway.  The other stations with them are probably right.  (Varsity Lakes does not need them but it is probably easier to install gates at new stations anyway.)

Can anybody confirm if they are being installed at Narangba?  I knew the upgrade was at least meant to allow a "fitted for but not with" design, unless they have mucked it up like Eagle Junction...

[HappyTrainGuy]

Might be a bit difficult depending on how they go about it with the side platforms/people using it as a crossing point instead of walking around via the level crossing. They could get around that by seperating the platforms from the bridge entrances. If I get some time in the next few days I'll have a look around to confirm.

[somebody]

Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2013: 42,159,483
Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2012: 43.97 million

Reduction of 4.12%, and I bet a reduction in fare revenue per passenger, in spite of 31 Dec 2012 substituting for 29 Feb 2012.  Fares policy is failing rather badly.

[ozbob]

Thanks.   

[ozbob]

Yes, failure ...

--> http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-mar-snapshot.pdf

[#Metro]

Wow, affordability really is scraping the bottom of the barrel! It's 40 something percent!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th April 2013

Re: SEQ: What is going on?

Greetings,

Patronage falling, there is a fare crisis in SEQ.  Increasing fares 7.5% is not going to fix it.  What is happening with the fare review?



http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-mar-snapshot.pdf

Queensland Rail doesn't set the fares.  They are performing very well according to this survey at Canstar Blue --> http://www.canstarblue.com.au/travel/city-trains/

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 29th April 2013



SEQ: What is going on?

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 despite the Governments rhetoric of focus on improvements to  frequency, affordability and reliability there is little public evidence that real progress with these noble aims has occurred.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct, accessible and frequent. It must also be affordable."

"Over the past year the bus system has become even more unreliable (1). 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."

"Rail peak on time performance has improved (2), the focus on catching up with the infrastructure maintenance deficit is also the correct thing to do.  Sector 2 timetable improvements long promised are nowhere to be seen though."

"The increase in inter-peak train service frequency on the Ferny Grove line is being hampered by a lack of proper feeder bus support, as is the rail network generally.  Parking issues are going to further compound to unmanageable levels. The BCC Bus Review again fails to address the need to have a proper integrated connected network."

"Fares are amongst the worlds most expensive in south east Queensland (3), for what is a poorly constructed and under-performing public transport network.  TransLink are to be congratulated for attempting to start to move south-east Queensland forward with a frequent, connected, affordable, integrated public transport network.  BCC do not properly understand that real change is needed. The so called BCC Bus Review is essentially minor changes that do not constitute a major review.  It is a con to suggest it is a major review, it is just more of the same failure."

"What is the progress of the Early Capacity Works of the Brisbane Inner Rail Solution (4)?  What is the progress of core Cross River Rail? Crunch time looms."

"What is happening with the fares? (3)  Is the fare review going to be compromised now by the bus review failures?"

"What is the progress with enabling automatic train protection and improved signalling on the suburban rail network? (5)"

"Lots of questions with not much public information.  Has there really been any progress?"

References:

1. Bus Delays http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2695.msg124540#msg124540

2. On Time Performance data - rail  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=73.0

3. Fare Review for TransLink South-East Queensland now! - Petition http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9120.0

4. Brisbane Inner Rail Solution http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/C/Cross-River-Rail/Brisbane-Inner-Rail-Solution.aspx

5. 9 Apr 2013: SEQ: Suburban rail network needs Automatic Train Protection too! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9832.0

Contact:

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

[#Metro]

Just confirms the spiral, oh and fares are going to go up another 7.5 % at the end of the year.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 30th April 2013 page 2

Commuters off track

[HappyTrainGuy]

Information
Ability to understand on board and at-station information, timetables, maps and journey planning information

Obviously that section doesn't include anyone that has ever looked at a 338 bus timetable or the majority of Brisbane bus timetables.

[somebody]

Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2013: 42,159,483
Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2012: 43.97 million

Reduction of 4.12%, and I bet a reduction in fare revenue per passenger, in spite of 31 Dec 2012 substituting for 29 Feb 2012.  Fares policy is failing rather badly.

11.7 weeks to 31 Mar 2011: 39.3 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.6)*
12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2010: 43.2 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.68)
12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2009: 44.0 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 44.5)


* Note: Tracker estimates flood impact of 6 million, taking 12.85 week patronage to 45.3 million

Basically, this has been the worst March Quarter since 2007, except for the flood impacted one.  EDIT: And the even the flood impacted quarter probably had more patronage, it just wasn't measured.

[BrizCommuter]

Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2013: 42,159,483
Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2012: 43.97 million

Reduction of 4.12%, and I bet a reduction in fare revenue per passenger, in spite of 31 Dec 2012 substituting for 29 Feb 2012.  Fares policy is failing rather badly.

11.7 weeks to 31 Mar 2011: 39.3 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.6)*
12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2010: 43.2 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.68)
12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2009: 44.0 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 44.5)


* Note: Tracker estimates flood impact of 6 million, taking 12.85 week patronage to 45.3 million

Basically, this has been the worst March Quarter since 2007, except for the flood impacted one.  EDIT: And the even the flood impacted quarter probably had more patronage, it just wasn't measured.

The loss in patronage is very noticeable. The 07:06 ex-FG now usually has spare seats at Enoggera, as opposed to 30-40 pax standing at this time of year a few years ago.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st May 2013

The great fare fail ...

Greetings,

One of our members has crunched the numbers.  Worst quarter this year for public transport patronage for over 5 years!

Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2013: 42,159,483
Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2012: 43.97 million
Patronage for the 11.7 weeks to 31 Mar 2011: 39.3 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.6)*
Patronage for the 12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2010: 43.2 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.68)
Patronage for the 12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2009: 44.0 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 44.5)

* Note: Tracker estimates flood impact of 6 million, taking 12.85 week patronage to 45.3 million

Basically, this has been the worst March Quarter for over 5 years, except for the flood impacted one.  Even  then the flood impacted quarter probably had more patronage, it just wasn't measured.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

30th April 2013

Re: SEQ: What is going on?

Greetings,

Patronage falling, there is a fare crisis in SEQ.  Increasing fares 7.5% is not going to fix it.  What is happening with the fare review?



http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-mar-snapshot.pdf

Queensland Rail doesn't set the fares.  They are performing very well according to this survey at Canstar Blue --> http://www.canstarblue.com.au/travel/city-trains/

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 29th April 2013



SEQ: What is going on?

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 despite the Governments rhetoric of focus on improvements to  frequency, affordability and reliability there is little public evidence that real progress with these noble aims has occurred.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct, accessible and frequent. It must also be affordable."

"Over the past year the bus system has become even more unreliable (1). 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."

"Rail peak on time performance has improved (2), the focus on catching up with the infrastructure maintenance deficit is also the correct thing to do.  Sector 2 timetable improvements long promised are nowhere to be seen though."

"The increase in inter-peak train service frequency on the Ferny Grove line is being hampered by a lack of proper feeder bus support, as is the rail network generally.  Parking issues are going to further compound to unmanageable levels. The BCC Bus Review again fails to address the need to have a proper integrated connected network."

"Fares are amongst the worlds most expensive in south east Queensland (3), for what is a poorly constructed and under-performing public transport network.  TransLink are to be congratulated for attempting to start to move south-east Queensland forward with a frequent, connected, affordable, integrated public transport network.  BCC do not properly understand that real change is needed. The so called BCC Bus Review is essentially minor changes that do not constitute a major review.  It is a con to suggest it is a major review, it is just more of the same failure."

"What is the progress of the Early Capacity Works of the Brisbane Inner Rail Solution (4)?  What is the progress of core Cross River Rail? Crunch time looms."

"What is happening with the fares? (3)  Is the fare review going to be compromised now by the bus review failures?"

"What is the progress with enabling automatic train protection and improved signalling on the suburban rail network? (5)"

"Lots of questions with not much public information.  Has there really been any progress?"

References:

1. Bus Delays http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2695.msg124540#msg124540

2. On Time Performance data - rail  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=73.0

3. Fare Review for TransLink South-East Queensland now! - Petition http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9120.0

4. Brisbane Inner Rail Solution http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/C/Cross-River-Rail/Brisbane-Inner-Rail-Solution.aspx

5. 9 Apr 2013: SEQ: Suburban rail network needs Automatic Train Protection too! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9832.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd May 2013

Some Questions for the Minister for Transport and Main Roads

Greetings,

Some questions:

1.  Please confirm that Brisbane Transport's Bus Contract will be fully contestable as outlined in the Independent Commission of Audit.

2.  Why should the rest of SEQ suffer poor public transport service because BCC wants to run air buses everywhere?

3.  What progress has been made (if any) with enabling Automatic Train Protection for the suburban rail network?

4.  In view of the recent shocking data concerning patronage and fare affordability, has there been any progress with the fare review?  This is now becoming a highly critical issue.

5.  What has happened to the sector 2 timetables for rail?

6.  Why was TransLink and the Project Director for the TransLink Bus Review apparently gagged and not able to prosecute the case for change and improvement?

7.  What is the future of Q-Connect?

8.  What progress has been made in addressing Early Capacity Works and core Cross River Rail?  Again becoming a critical issue.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th May 2013

Public transport failure in SEQ continues ...

Greetings,

Fare affordability is at rock bottom  ( http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9292.msg125413#msg125413 ).  Clearly the 5 year fare strategy has been a major failure, patronage has not kept pace with service improvements.  Many people simply can no longer afford to use public transport in south-east Queensland.  This is having serious consequences for the wider community, road congestion and mayhem is worsening to an alarming degree.  The road toll, in terms of deaths and injuries is rapidly worsening as well ( https://www.webcrash.transport.qld.gov.au/webcrash2/external/daupage/weekly/roadsense.pdf ).  Community health and well being is being further impacted by a loss of social mobility for many.

A 'behind the doors' fare review is being undertaken.  The basic problem with the fares in south-east Queensland is the base fare price and the free travel after nine journeys.  This was a poorly thought out move by the LNP Government, it just continues the mediocre free after 10 journeys introduced by the former ALP Government.  This free after nine continues to force up the base fares and leads to rorting.  Fare evasion is out of control as many see the journey cap rorting as fair game which sets up a culture of evasion, and many because of the high fare costs see frank evasion as their only option.  What sad outcomes.

Most of the community is excluded from the free after nine journey cap, they continue to pay very high upfront fares which means public transport is the last option for many.

The base fare price needs reduction.  Perth's public transport authority, Transperth has a much more balanced fare system ( http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/SmartRider/SmartRiderFaresandRules.aspx ) for their go card equivalent - SmartRider.  This is the way we should be heading, this is a fare system that encourages all the community onto public transport.

Public transport in south-east Queensland is a major mess at present.  A bus review process compromised by political weakness.  The BCC Bus review is a charade.  A fare system driving people off public transport.
Promised timetable improvements for rail years late.

It is time that the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and the Assistant Minister for Public Transport acted to decisively sort out the mess.

Political rhetoric no longer (if it ever did) resonates.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Media release 13 May 2013

SEQ: Transport Cost of Living Affordability Bombshell



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 says we are in an affordability crisis.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public Transport in SEQ is caught in a 'death spiral' of increasing fares, which causes falling overall patronage, which causes political band aid solutions and vacillation, which further causes even more problems."

"We have just had the worst quarter this year for public transport patronage for over 5 years!"

"The inefficient network design and refusal to make proper changes to the bus network have caused a cost explosion at Brisbane Transport. This pushes up fares across all modes because TransLink must charge uniform prices across all modes of travel. Trains are worst affected because not only are buses competing with trains for passengers, but the low frequency of trains means cost increases have an even greater impact on passengers to leave the system."

"Even Brisbane's Lord Mayor says the situation now is 'not sustainable'."

"Embarrassingly, Perth trains now carry more passengers than Queensland Rail does. Their trains are cheaper and twice as frequent as those in South East Queensland. Ironically, they run identical trains to those used by QR. TransPerth's cost recovery is also better."

"The BCC Bus Review refuses to address any of the major systemic issues with the BT bus network. Indeed, their latest review proposes international worst practice such as non-clockface, impossible-to-remember 50 minute timetables on some routes. Any savings identified by the Lord Mayor are likely to be wiped out in the following year by cost increases; such is the scale of cost increases."

"What is not sustainable shall not be sustained. We are now in an affordability crisis and subsidy blowout."

References:

1. Brisbane Transport Bus cost explosion 'not sustainable' says Lord Mayor Quirk http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9754.msg125996#msg125996

2. TransLink Customer Satisfaction Monthly Snapshot
http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/open-data/2013-mar-snapshot.pdf

3. Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2013: 42,159,483
Patronage for the 13 weeks to 31 Mar 2012: 43.97 million
Patronage for the 11.7 weeks to 31 Mar 2011: 39.3 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.6)*
Patronage for the 12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2010: 43.2 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 43.68)
Patronage for the 12.85 weeks to 31 Mar 2009: 44.0 million (Adjusted upwards to 13 weeks = 44.5)

* Note: Tracker estimates flood impact of 6 million, taking 12.85 week patronage to 45.3
million

4. http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/buses/bus-network-review
/route-198/index.htm

Contact:

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