Media Release 3 Nov 2006: TransLink Zones Rationalisation

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RAIL Back On Track Media Release 3 November 2006

Rationalisation of TransLink Zones Needed in Queensland

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has called on the Queensland State Government, Brisbane City Council, TransLink and transport planners to simplify the cumbersome and expensive zone system used as a basis for Translink Ticketing.

Robert Dow said that

?The present TransLink ticketing in South East Queensland has 22 zones!  This is unnecessarily complicated and makes for expensive travel from outer suburban areas where young families are often located.  In the State of Victoria  Melbourne for example has 3 zones, and looks like rationalising that down to two!?

?Consideration needs to be given to converting the 22 zones into 5 or 6.  A sensible outcome would be 5 zones only.  For example the new zone 1 would encompass the present zones 1 to 4.  New zone 2 encompass the present zones 5 to 8.  And so forth. By keeping the fares the same as for the present 5 zones, there will be a reduction in the cost of commuting for many.  Again a great incentive for residents to get out of their motor cars!?

?This would be a great incentive for residents in outer suburban areas to take public transport all the way to work.  Many drive part of the way as the outer zone fares are too expensive for many.  This causes considerable parking problems at intermediate bus and train stations. The benefits in terms of less traffic congestion, less environmental damage will far outweigh any loss of revenue. ?

?It is time real public transport initiatives were enacted for the benefit of the whole community.?

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