15 Jan 2013: SEQ: TransLink Network Reviews need to be regular

[ozbob]

Media release 15th January 2013

SEQ: TransLink Network Reviews need to be regular

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 welcomed the improvements to the public transport network over the past year.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Over the past year there have been many incremental changes and improvements to the public transport network. Although these aren't big and expensive things like new train lines or busways, they're really important as they can be done rapidly and relatively cheaply."

"We welcome the recent announcement that extra peak services on the Gold Coast line will be running by the end of January, the integration of CityCycle with GoCard, the general bus network review which was prompt and is being well handled by TransLink given the size and complexity of the task, and the announcement in the Premier's six month action plan to 'Announce new fare structure for public transport in South East Queensland.' (1)."

"We believe that the fare review should be opened up to public consultation in the same way that TransLink performed the bus network review."

"We strongly recommend that the requirement to perform a network review, fare review and service review periodically (say every 7-8 years) and open for public consultation on all TransLink services be enshrined in legislation."

"This will mean that a situation where some services on the network haven't been reviewed for 23 years or perhaps longer, such as certain bus routes which appear to operate as if they were 1960's tram services, can never happen again."

"Performing the fare and service reviews (i.e. bus, train and ferry services) all together, rather than sequentially and separately, will save time and will be an easier task to promote to the public. From this feedback and process, the long term TransLink Network Plan can be drawn up."

"There are still many incremental improvements that can have large improvements on the overall network such as removing all paper ticketing, such as what Melbourne has already done (2), and double door bus boarding to save time and operating costs."

"Once again, we look forward to future improvements, and keep up the good work."

References:

1. http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/plans-and-progress/plans/assets/6-month-action-plan-jan-jun-13.pdf

2. http://www.myki.com.au/Latest-News/myki-now-the-only-way-to-go-on-Melbourne-s-public-transport

Contact:

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