Brisbane BCC Bus Network Review

[ozbob]

Melbourne's PT is very good actually. One of the reasons Melbourne always rates high on livability indexes and so forth.  The Greens supported carbon tax on rail but not trucks.  They lost any credibility with me at that point.

Urban sprawl needs to be managed though.  Smart Bus is going gang-busters.  Regional rail is going well, with RRL well advanced.

Metro is doing a good job and improving the rail network, with excellent plans for growth as well.

Trams carry more pax than the whole of PT in SEQ ... 

[Gazza]

The Greens supported carbon tax on rail but not trucks.  They lost any credibility with me at that point.

I think it was a case of having to make do with a bare minimum carbon tax, and press for changes later, rather than have no carbon tax at all.

[Golliwog]

i liken the 367 to something like the 466,462,683...each time ive used this service in between 11am and 2pm there has never been anymore than 3 passengers on board...and max half bus fulls at peak....
so.....683,462 and 466 ran hourly....367 1/2 hourly....They should have probably left the peak periods alone on this service but the offpeak they had thier reasons.The 367 is a classic case of rail feeding NOT working in certain situations of lower population density.I also liken upper kedron to some areas of the north lakes region.....people simply prefer to use thier vehicles and drive because of quicker/hassle free commute times as opposed to using public transport.In upper kedrons case its the relatively quick run into the city either via waterworks roads or samford roads.Now if these 2 roads were at a ridiculous crawl with ridiculous intersections (eg:gympie rd)... then public transport from upper kedron via rail might seem a bit more attractive to commuters...unfortunately it just isnt the case for this region.Yes this new hourly frequency will affect me but not that much.I will just need plan my trips a bit more indepth.

I understand that the 367 is poorly used in the off peak currently. I've tried to use it and it gives myself and others in my area a great run from Ferny Grove station home in the off-peak, but trying to use it in the off peak in the reverse direction and you waste a lot of time. This is one of the routes that actually needed to be reviewed in terms of how it operates, not how often, or what span. One way loops are almost always destined to fail.

[techblitz]

Agreed...the route of the 367 could definitely be lookd at.
The 367 serves za good purpose in that it services 3 or so schools plus 2 shopping centers but still lacks the numbers
And with the great availability of school buses out there (fg high school)....we find that students are not using the 367.

They prefer to just walk to ferny grove station if they need to head to the city.
Whereas take something like the inbound 3pm 124 which sees the bus full to the brim with students and packed right to the front of the bus.Happens to a few select other bus routes as well...helping to keep these quieter routes more viable.

Id be interested to know how many self employed people live out upper kedron way...there seems to be quite a few tradesman residing in and around this area.......who we well know completely shun public transport for obvious reasons.
Just like griffin,murrumba downs etc..... demographics are working against public transport in these low density suburbs.
Even lower fares may not be enough to entice them onto PT.If there are a lot of small business/managers in these suburbs who are very time constrained then they will stick to thier vehicles.

[newbris]

I would appreciate any opinions on the changes to the trunk Waterworks Rd buses. I am particularly interested in the inner portion, Ashgrove through Red Hill to the CBD. The combination of the 379, 380,381 currently provides an often buz standard with some gaps late at night and weekends. Bunching does cause issues but it is effectively TUAG at the moment for much of the time.

The translink review:
- rated the 379 as High value for money and Very High average patronage.
- rated the 380 as High value for money and Very High average patronage.
- rated the 381 as High value for money and Moderate average patronage.

According to translink the dense inner city portion of the route, Ashgrove to CBD, was going to be covered by 2 buz like frequencies, frequent route #6 and #7.

The BCC review has now decided the total opposite and rather than upping the current frequency has actually significantly downgraded it. The 379, 380 and 381 are mooted to now all be hourly for much of the day and night (eg after 9am inbound) and "all" weekend.

Before I submit my feedback I would appreciate any comments on whether this downgrade is a sensible frequency windback that I should accept. Given the Very High average patronage rating, being a major trunk type route in an integrated network and travelling through a very dense part of Brisbane (hence the Very High average patronage) it doesn't make sense to me but my transport planning knowledge has it limits and I want to be fair in my feedback. Appreciate any comments ?

[Gazza]

Ideally, you'd co-ordinate those 3 services like the GoZones in adelaide, so they have an even 15 min spacing along that segment.
At the very least, choose one of them to be half hourly, with the other two hourly, such that it's 2bph + 1bph + 1bph.

[newbris]

Ideally, you'd co-ordinate those 3 services like the GoZones in adelaide, so they have an even 15 min spacing along that segment.
At the very least, choose one of them to be half hourly, with the other two hourly, such that it's 2bph + 1bph + 1bph.

Yes, currently now in-between 9am and 9:59am weekdays from West Ashgrove inbound for example there are 7 services...this will drop to 3

Between 10am and 10:59am there are currently 6 services, this will drop to 3

Between 11am and 11:59am there are currently 6 services, this will drop to 3

Between 12pm and 12:59pm there are currently 6 services, this will drop to 3

etc

This is for services with 2 out of 3 routes currently rated "High value for money and Very High average patronage"

[Gazza]

Meh, I think the local member would prevent these particular cuts happening anyway.

[techblitz]

Meh, I think the local member would prevent these particular cuts happening anyway.

will be interesting...perhaps we will see some yarnbombing on waterworks rd bus stops 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th April 2013

What is really wrong with the bus review process

Greetings,

Yesterday, during an interview on 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson (*), the Minister for Transport and Main Roads said he would accept BCC's bus review recommendations.

This is a very unfortunate outcome for the future of public transport in SEQ.  The Minister commissioned the bus review because of the systemic problems with the bus network, failing patronage, escalating costs, bus delays, full buses and areas of Brisbane with very poor bus services and frequency.  Also the need to support rail better with feeder buses.

The BCC Bus Review does not address the systemic bus issues, it is just a minor modification of the present high cost, direct service model network.

The TransLink Bus Review was based on the need to improve connectivity, maximise patronage and improve cost efficiency.  The TransLink Bus Review project Director, the Assistant Minister for Public Transport, and TransLink were not able to properly prosecute the case for change in the public domain.  As a result, hysterical ill informed feedback resulted in a knee-jerk vacillation by the Minister, and handed the Brisbane bus review to BCC.  An absurd situation when the operator who is unable to come to terms with the need for real change,  becomes the actual regulator.  And in so doing guaranteeing more failure.

The Minister for Transport needs to rethink recent events with the bus reviews.  Neither review is fully optimal but to accept BCC's bus review recommendations without question is a very serious blunder and will guarantee more ongoing mediocrity for the entire public transport work in SEQ.

Have you the courage to admit you got it terribly wrong Minister Emerson?  BCC did not cooperate with the TransLink - you said so on radio remember?  Maybe if you directed BCC to sit down with TransLink and rework the bus review a much better outcome could be achieved.

What is your response Minister Emerson?

Best wishes
Robert

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


* http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/04/bike-helmet-laws-relaxed-religious-exemptions-to-be-allowed.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

[somebody]

I would appreciate any opinions on the changes to the trunk Waterworks Rd buses. I am particularly interested in the inner portion, Ashgrove through Red Hill to the CBD. The combination of the 379, 380,381 currently provides an often buz standard with some gaps late at night and weekends. Bunching does cause issues but it is effectively TUAG at the moment for much of the time.

I agree, that's a pretty poo aspect of the review.  These buses are I think the only ones I've ever been denied boarding on in Brisbane.

[hU0N]

The real problem with the review is that it is being carried out by an elected body.  This means that it will reflect the needs of the largest cohort of the population, because these are the people that councillors need to appeal to in order to keep their jobs.

Only 15% of Brisbane residents catch buses regularly.  These people care about routing, frequency, cost, intelligibility etc.  But they are only worth 15% of votes come election time.

85% of Brisbane only catch public transport in an emergency.  These people interact with the network by walking to the closest stop, flagging down a bus and asking the driver what to do.  For them, the only metric they care about is how close is the nearest stop.  Therefore the main concern for the council is coverage above all else.

Waterworks Road is symptomatic of this.  The state will only pay a fixed amount of money for the BT network, so frequencies on a very busy triplet of routes is heavily cut (inconveniencing 15% of the voters in one ward) in order to finance an under-performing coverage route in a different ward where 85% of voters might be inclined to vote for the route, even if they never actually ride it.

Nicole Johnston's press releases are full of this stuff.  It's virtually all, "I kept the bus handy and close by in your street!  Just in case you need to use it!"

[techblitz]

I would appreciate any opinions on the changes to the trunk Waterworks Rd buses. I am particularly interested in the inner portion, Ashgrove through Red Hill to the CBD. The combination of the 379, 380,381 currently provides an often buz standard with some gaps late at night and weekends. Bunching does cause issues but it is effectively TUAG at the moment for much of the time.

I agree, that's a pretty poo aspect of the review.  These buses are I think the only ones I've ever been denied boarding on in Brisbane.

just seen a completely empty inbound  379 on brunswick st (1.05pm). 

[somebody]

Not sure of the relevance?  People on the 379 at Brunswick St probably aren't going to Waterworks Rd.

[SurfRail]

The real problem with the review is that it is being carried out by an elected body.  This means that it will reflect the needs of the largest cohort of the population, because these are the people that councillors need to appeal to in order to keep their jobs.

Only 15% of Brisbane residents catch buses regularly.  These people care about routing, frequency, cost, intelligibility etc.  But they are only worth 15% of votes come election time.

85% of Brisbane only catch public transport in an emergency.  These people interact with the network by walking to the closest stop, flagging down a bus and asking the driver what to do.  For them, the only metric they care about is how close is the nearest stop.  Therefore the main concern for the council is coverage above all else.

Waterworks Road is symptomatic of this.  The state will only pay a fixed amount of money for the BT network, so frequencies on a very busy triplet of routes is heavily cut (inconveniencing 15% of the voters in one ward) in order to finance an under-performing coverage route in a different ward where 85% of voters might be inclined to vote for the route, even if they never actually ride it.

Nicole Johnston's press releases are full of this stuff.  It's virtually all, "I kept the bus handy and close by in your street!  Just in case you need to use it!"

This This This.

[ozbob]

Well put hUON.   I still think that if BCC and TL got together a very good outcome could be achieved.

Both sides would have to give a bit, but achievable ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Nine Brisbane bus services on chopping block

[achiruel]

Honestly I'm feeling like it's time to just give up on public transport and drive absolutely everywhere (except for perhaps major events) and increase congestion on our roads even further.  Unfortunately for my wife she will have to continue to take the failing bus network to work as she can't drive. Usually I can pick her up in the afternoons though but not until after I drop my carpool passenger off so once again adding to more congestion.

[kazzac]

Honestly I'm feeling like it's time to just give up on public transport and drive absolutely everywhere (except for perhaps major events) and increase congestion on our roads even further.  Unfortunately for my wife she will have to continue to take the failing bus network to work as she can't drive. Usually I can pick her up in the afternoons though but not until after I drop my carpool passenger off so once again adding to more congestion.

I will be keeping my car then!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th April 2013

Bus reviews failure - Letter to the editor

Dear Editor

The Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson has said he will accept BCC's bus review recommendations.

This is a very unfortunate outcome for the future of public transport in SEQ.  The Minister commissioned the original TransLink bus review because of the systemic problems with the bus network; failing patronage, escalating costs, bus delays, full buses and areas of Brisbane and elsewhere with very poor bus services and frequency.  Also the need to support rail better with feeder buses.

The BCC Bus Review does not address the systemic bus issues, it is just a minor modification of the present high cost, direct service model network.

The TransLink Bus Review was based on the need to improve connectivity, maximise patronage and improve cost efficiency.  The TransLink Bus Review project Director, the Assistant Minister for Public Transport, and TransLink were not able to properly prosecute the case for change in the public domain.  As a result, hysterical ill informed feedback resulted in a knee-jerk vacillation by the Minister, and he handed the Brisbane bus review to BCC.  An absurd situation when the operator who is unable to come to terms with the need for real change,  becomes the actual regulator.  And in so doing guaranteeing more failure.

The Minister for Transport needs to rethink recent events with the bus reviews.  Neither review is fully optimal but to accept BCC's bus review recommendations without question is a very serious blunder, and will guarantee more ongoing mediocrity for the entire public transport work in SEQ.

BCC did not cooperate with the TransLink during the first review. Maybe if the Minister directs BCC to sit down with TransLink and rework the bus review a much better outcome could be achieved. The other 15 bus operators did cooperate with TransLink and good results were the outcome.

Robert Dow
Goodna Qld  4300

[#Metro]

The BCC Bus Review does not address the systemic bus issues, it is just a minor modification of the present high cost, direct service model network.

And our responses do not address the systemic bus issue, the root cause from which all other problems flow forth - the public ownership of Brisbane Transport by the Brisbane City Council. Privatise Brisbane Transport and it will become so much easier to solve everything else. It is not necessary to own BT to induce it's removal from the BCC.

Yes the state could buy it, but there's no cash nor reason to do so when all other 15 operators are private, so I believe that avenue is closed.

[#Metro]

And just to confirm just how mad BCC operation is, all you need to do is read the views of Cr Quirk on rail, especially CRR.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/budget-rail-solution-flawed-20120117-1q4wk.html

Breathtaking, really.

[ozbob]

Media release 1 April 2013 (Not an April fool joke sadly ...)

Bus Review: Broken bus network reveals broken transport governance



RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters declares broken the governance of Brisbane's Transport.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"BCC will conduct a bus review from 22 April, but there are larger problems than just good bus route design.

"The good governance of public transport service procurement is broken.

"Passengers, ratepayers and taxpayers can have no confidence that they are getting value for money when the supplier captures the purchaser, which is what has happened between Brisbane City Council and TransLink. With BCC ratepayers paying $400 before they even board a bus, this is paramount."

"Firstly, Brisbane Transport, a division of Brisbane City Council, declined to participate and co-operate with TransLink's review. This led to flaws in the TransLink review's route design which caused public disapproval to a report that is almost identical in it's recommendations to one that has wide public support in Auckland, NZ. Brisbane Transport is funded by state and local governments, and its public duty is to have co-operated and it has failed to do this. It is not appropriate that Brisbane City Council which owns the commercial bus operator that is Brisbane Transport draw up the bus routes and unfair on all other 15 bus operators within SEQ who, by simple virtue of their private ownership, do not have this power."

"The second failure was at State Government level. By inappropriately handing over the review, the supplier (Brisbane Transport) captured the regulator and purchaser of transport services (TransLink). In effect, the Minister has effectively abolished TransLink's bus functions within the Brisbane area and outsourced it to the BCC. He has undone a decade's worth of work to integrate Brisbane's public transport. This is unacceptable and worthy of a Queensland Auditor-General investigation in our opinion."

"It is also anti-integration and anti-public transport as BCC will never agree to having its buses running into Loganholme, the heart of Logan City Council, as was planned by TransLink's amalgamation of the 111 and 555 bus services."

"The Minister for Transport, Mr Emerson, has failed in his duty to uphold the interests of the wider people of Queensland. He should step down as Minister in our opinion."

"The first steps out of this mess is the establishment of Brisbane Transport as an arms length incorporated company with its own governing board, wholly owned but separate from Brisbane City Council."

"The State Government should move towards competitive tendering for all bus contract regions across SEQ - Sydney is saving $18 million per year as part of it's bus tendering. The Auditor General or Independent Commission of Audit should also audit Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Transport as well."

"The current Brisbane bus system is financially, operationally and politically unsustainable and is putting massive upward pressure to increase fares which are already some of the highest in the world."

References:

1. TransLink, frequent network route #20, Brisbane City to Loganholme http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review/Route-111.png

2. New bus contract tenders to drive improvements http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/new-bus-contract-tenders-drive-improvements

3. Do you support a call for the resignation of the Minister for Transport & MR? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9749.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Media release 26 October 2010

SEQ: Brisbane Transport buses and ferries ripe for state takeover

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters calls for a public sector takeover of all of Brisbane Transport Bus and Ferry operations.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Brisbane City Council has done a great job; historically running the tram and bus system over the years and developing the river ferry network and moving forward with bus rapid transit and CityCycle."

Rail Back on Track is deeply concerned about the constant disputes between local and state government and transport agencies which are distracting from Brisbane's real public transport issues(1)(2):

* The need for more bus rapid transit routes to improve the BUZ network
* The construction of the essential Cross River Rail which will unlock the rail revolution
* The proper physical integration of buses with rail
* The proper funding of public transport including light rail for the replacement of high demand bus routes.

"Good practice demands clear lines of accountability and responsibility. This public transport task is becoming a financial burden on the Brisbane City Council (3)."

"The roles of funder, operator and advocate should be separate things. At the moment the Brisbane City Council is in practice effectively all three."

"A public takeover of Brisbane Transport would decisively and singularly place the responsibility, accountability, planning and funding for public transport squarely and inescapably with the Transport Minister through the TransLink Transit Authority."

"Brisbane is the engine room of the state economy, if the transport system falters, businesses and the state will suffer."

"Brisbane has grown beyond the boundaries it had during the time of trams, trolley buses and steam trains. The bus operations are straining the Brisbane City Council. The continuation of this situation will ultimately be good for nobody. The constant griping about inequitable rate payer commitments to public transport just further highlights how the present Brisbane Transport model is anachronistic."

"Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's offer to allow the state to run Brisbane's buses and ferries is one that should be immediately taken up (4)."

References:

1. City residents left high and dry as buses fly by
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/city-residents-left-high-and-dry-as-buses-fly-by-20100311-q17k.html

2. Catching a Brisbane bus is pure luck as record numbers of passengers left stranded
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/catching-a-brisbane-bus-is-a-matter-of-luck/story-e6freon6-12258596468151.

3. Bus boom causes council staff crunch
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bus-boom-causes-council-staff-crunch-20100914-15atl.html

4. Lord Mayor Campbell Newman wants State Government to run buses
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newman-wants-state-government-to-run-buses/story-e6freoof-1225839337936

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

State takeover is not likely at this point...

[ozbob]

State takeover is not likely at this point...

I agree, but again it shows the failures have been long standing ...

[ozbob]

Interesting comment ..

... City dwellers need a light rail system not this silly cycle scheme that just gives money to the french frogs. During WWII, with a tram system, more people could be moved around than today. Buses are not the answer - I spent one hour and twenty minutes on the 416 just getting from Toowong to the CBD via Coro Drive - completely stupid ...

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/citycycle-use-rises-after-go-card-link-20130424-2iete.html

Stupid indeed, particularly when there is a rail option ...  hold on, WE WONT TRANSFER ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 3h

Memo to Lord Mayor Quirk @Team_Quirk ... #qldpol // @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP @jackietrad @CrMiltonDick http://twitpic.com/clvjlv

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

26th April 2013

Re: What is really wrong with the bus review process

Greetings,

Transdev Melbourne Media release below.  Achieving for Melbourne buses exactly what the TransLink Bus Review was trying to achieve for Brisbane.

Instead, we are to continue along the path of bus mediocrity with the BCC Bus Review.

South East Queensland, particularly Brisbane is a public transport backwater.

Best wishes
Robert

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

===============

http://t.co/ifbYbsRZWG

MEDIA RELEASE 26 APRIL 2013

A BETTER WAY WITH BUSES IN MELBOURNE

Transdev Melbourne has been announced as preferred tenderer for the Melbourne Metropolitan Bus Franchise by Public Transport Victoria (PTV), on behalf of the Victorian Government. The franchise covers about 30% of the Melbourne bus market and is for a period of seven years, and may be extended for a further three years subject to meeting performance targets. The franchise will integrate over 1,000 staff, 50 routes and 500 vehicles in the east and west of Melbourne and the SmartBus orbitals.

'This outcome is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work by our team to produce a compelling and exciting bid that will deliver a better way with buses for both bus users and Victorian taxpayers,' said Mr Edward Thomas, the CEO of Transdev Melbourne, the Melbourne Bus franchisee. Mr Thomas, who will lead a dedicated management team, has more than 12 years experience in public transport, most recently overseeing Transdev's 1,200-strong bus operations across Australia.

'Our vision is to become the transport mode of choice for Melbourne's travelling public by creating a world-class bus network that is easily identifiable, intuitively meets the needs of customers, and achieves operational and financial benefits for the community. Our vision is consistent with PTV's: we will deliver safe, integrated, accessible and reliable services. Customer needs will be our ultimate priority.
'Transdev proposes to deliver the following benefits to customers in the first two years of the franchise:

• Additional services across the network, including the addition of Sunday services on some routes;
• A simplified network, particularly through the CBD;
• A reduction in route duplication; and
• Increased hours of operation on both weekdays and weekends.

'These improvements are a foretaste of the future as we work to develop a completely new (Green Fields) timetable for 2015. Reliability will also improve as we introduce an operations control centre to assist drivers and improve information for customers, particularly during disruptions. We will re-locate depots to enable the integrated network and to meet today's needs but also cater for the future growth of Melbourne.

'We will also introduce sweeping innovations based on our customer research, including: training drivers in a proven customer care methodology; recruiting staff with customer-centric attitudes; improving customer information pre and post journey; and launching the Transdev Customer Charter. We will also improve the options for feedback by using our Listen technology and the Meet our Managers program and enhancing the design, space, comfort and security of travel, including refurbishing older buses.

'Over the franchise life, we will grow patronage and customer satisfaction and build customer and community trust in, and awareness of, our buses,' said Mr Thomas.

This win is the latest in a series of great results in the past few years for Transdev including: tender wins in Joondalup (WA), Caval Ridge (Qld), Sydney (Harbour City Ferries, with Transfield Services), Darwin (NT, with Buslink); the retention of contracts in Auckland (NZ), Rockingham (WA), Fremantle (WA), Sydney (NSW); and the successful merger of the previous Veolia Transport and Transdev businesses.

Editor's note: Transdev is the new name for the Veolia Transdev group, which was created by the 2011 merger of Veolia
Transport and Transdev. Transdev's shareholders are Caisse des Depots et Consignations and Veolia Environnement

Sent to all outlets:

24th April 2013

What is really wrong with the bus review process

Greetings,

Yesterday, during an interview on 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson (*), the Minister for Transport and Main Roads said he would accept BCC's bus review recommendations.

This is a very unfortunate outcome for the future of public transport in SEQ.  The Minister commissioned the bus review because of the systemic problems with the bus network, failing patronage, escalating costs, bus delays, full buses and areas of Brisbane with very poor bus services and frequency.  Also the need to support rail better with feeder buses.

The BCC Bus Review does not address the systemic bus issues, it is just a minor modification of the present high cost, direct service model network.

The TransLink Bus Review was based on the need to improve connectivity, maximise patronage and improve cost efficiency.  The TransLink Bus Review project Director, the Assistant Minister for Public Transport, and TransLink were not able to properly prosecute the case for change in the public domain.  As a result, hysterical ill informed feedback resulted in a knee-jerk vacillation by the Minister, and handed the Brisbane bus review to BCC.  An absurd situation when the operator who is unable to come to terms with the need for real change,  becomes the actual regulator.  And in so doing guaranteeing more failure.

The Minister for Transport needs to rethink recent events with the bus reviews.  Neither review is fully optimal but to accept BCC's bus review recommendations without question is a very serious blunder and will guarantee more ongoing mediocrity for the entire public transport work in SEQ.

Have you the courage to admit you got it terribly wrong Minister Emerson?  BCC did not cooperate with the TransLink - you said so on radio remember?  Maybe if you directed BCC to sit down with TransLink and rework the bus review a much better outcome could be achieved.

What is your response Minister Emerson?

Best wishes
Robert

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


* http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/04/bike-helmet-laws-relaxed-religious-exemptions-to-be-allowed.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

[ozbob]

Media release 27th April 2013



Lord Mayor and BCC can no longer be trusted to run city's buses

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 calls for the separation of Brisbane Transport (BT) from Brisbane City Council (BCC) and bus contracts to be thrown open to competition.

The Lord Mayor can no longer be trusted to run Brisbane Transport. With too many competing public interests, political interests and commercial interests, ratepayers, taxpayers and passengers aren't getting a good deal. The BCC Bus Review does not address any of the major systemic issues with the BT bus network.

WHY

* Some of the world's highest fares: While BCC doesn't set fares, it does set costs, and obviously, higher costs equals higher fares. Transport costs in Brisbane have increased Brisbane by a whopping 35.5% over three years with only a gain of 2.9% in passengers. This is pushing up fares.

* We're paying too much: From one end of Adelaide Street to the other is $4.80 on a paper ticket. This is rising at least 7.5%, possibly higher. Enough is enough!

* The BCC Bus Tax: BCC residents pay ~ $400 dollars from rates to subsidise empty buses driving around Brisbane, waste and duplication. And 50% of the network is air!

*  Low frequency 'spaghetti' routes. Ten different bus route numbers go to the Centenary Suburbs; None are frequent or useful.

* Air first, passengers last: The BUZ network only makes up 8% of bus routes. The other 92% of routes can't be used all day or are slow, infrequent and indirect. We want routes that are fast, frequent, direct and are useful so we can get on with our lives, go to restaurants, shops, work, socialise rather than worry about bus timetables.

* Less politics: A politically independent Brisbane Transport would end high-cost vanity/political routes such Maroon CityGlider. This service cost $9 million and was funded ahead of Bulimba, the Centenary Suburbs (Jindalee, Jamboree, Mt Ommaney, Riverhills) the Northwestern Suburbs (McDowall, Albany Creek) and Yeronga, suburbs with mediocre bus services.

* Bus routes across council boundaries: Private companies are happy to run buses wherever passengers want them to go. Not Brisbane City Council!

* An independent Brisbane Transport won't play political games, and simply focus on passengers, not the next mayoral and council election or getting the local councillor's face in the local newspaper.

There is no reason why BCC could not continue to pay TransLink if it wants more service, like other councils already do and like BCC already does with its already franchised CityCat operations.

HOW

* 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.

* Management and employee buy out of Brisbane Transport is another option so that it is owned and run by it's employees, not the BCC.

* Delete all BCC's public transport functions through amending The City of Brisbane Act 2010.

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

Contact:

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

References:

1. Brisbane City Council's "not broken" bus network http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/brisbane-city-council.html

2. 26 Oct 2010: SEQ: Brisbane Transport buses and ferries ripe for state takeover http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4715.0

3. City's public transport will never improve while run by opposing sides From the Couriermail 11th April 2012 pages 18-19 http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4715.msg94499#msg94499

4. Brisbane: Transport functions must be removed from the Brisbane City Council http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9756.0

5. Employee Buy Outs http://employeeownership.com.au/employee-ownership/employee-buy-outs/

6. Bus review gets passed to Brisbane City Council http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/03/bue-review-gets-passed-to-brisbane-city-council.html?site=brisbane&program=612_morning

7. Transdev Melbourne: A BETTER WAY WITH BUSES IN MELBOURNE http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9894.0

[ozbob]

Will be interesting week with the ICA due out ...  I expect rail to lined up for franchise and some functions outsourced.

Time for get efficiency into the bus network as well.  TransLink's bus review would have provided an excellent base and driven much growth.

The BCC Bus review is more of the same essentially.  Some have suggested that BCC is deliberately not addressing the CBD bus congestion in an attempt to justify the ' bus link ' proposal. 

Melbourne is starting to take the big bus steps ...

[#Metro]

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/anger-as-french-company-lands-bus-contract-20130426-2ijd1.html

I do believe Ventura will be looking for a new territory to run their company.... Brisbane perhaps??

[ozbob]

Changes come to everything in the end I guess.

My first bus memories (around 4 years old, bit younger) were of riding on the Blue Ventura buses down Warrigul Road Burwood to Oakleigh railway station with my Grandfather ...

I expect there will be more competitive franchising on all networks ..

Metro obviously put together a good plan to get the Melbourne nod, so must have Transdev ...

[#Metro]

http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/about-us/News/LatestNews/Pages/Aucklanders-back-new-public-transport-structure.aspx

Media release 18 April 2013

Aucklanders have given strong support to a new structure for public transport as outlined in the draft Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP).

The RPTP was released in October and more than 700 groups or individuals made submissions. The Panel hearing submissions has reported back that 70 per cent of respondents either support or strongly support the new network approach.

The draft Plan aims to transform Auckland's current complex mix of public transport services into a mature city-wide network of connected, reliable and frequent services, it outlines the public transport services and policies proposed for the region over the next 10 years. It is viewed by Auckland Transport as a change maker in respect of the way public transport will be delivered for customers.

What the hell is wrong with Queensland?

[ozbob]

No attempt really made to explain what was going on in detail.  A Minister that vacillated, rather than direct the Review Director and TransLink to get out there and start selling ...

As they say, the rest is history and so is PT in Brisbane ...

:bi

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th April 2013

Greetings,

How enlightened jurisdictions are proceeding with proper improvements to public transport, as proposed in the TransLink Bus Review, but not getting there with BCC's Ministerial sanctioned failure.

Best wishes
Robert

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

========================================

http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/about-us/News/LatestNews/Pages/Aucklanders-back-new-public-transport-structure.aspx

Aucklanders back new public transport structure
Last reviewed: 19/04/2013 11:33 a.m.

Media release 18 April 2013

Aucklanders have given strong support to a new structure for public transport as outlined in the draft Auckland Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP).

The RPTP was released in October and more than 700 groups or individuals made submissions. The Panel hearing submissions has reported back that 70 per cent of respondents either support or strongly support the new network approach.

The draft Plan aims to transform Auckland's current complex mix of public transport services into a mature city-wide network of connected, reliable and frequent services, it outlines the public transport services and policies proposed for the region over the next 10 years. It is viewed by Auckland Transport as a change maker in respect of the way public transport will be delivered for customers.

Auckland Transport's Manager Public Transport Operations, Mark Lambert says, "The draft Plan proposes a simpler, more integrated network. This will enable improved access to more destinations through better connections, reduced waiting times and deliver a network of frequent services at least every 15 minutes. It will change the way public transport is delivered in Auckland."

The Plan is built around a frequent service network, which includes rail, and the Northern Busway, supplemented with high-frequency bus routes connecting major centres; it will deliver at least a 15-minute service, from 7am-7pm, with reduced frequencies outside those hours.  The network will be complemented by connecting routes which operate at half-hourly frequencies. Supporting this are local services, peak-only services, and targeted services catering for specific local needs.

Notwithstanding the strong overall support for the new structure, a number of submissions raised concerns about the need for transfers, whether connecting services would be sufficiently reliable, and whether sufficient infrastructure would be in place to enable transfers to be made quickly, safely, and conveniently. The Panel has highlighted this as a key issue for Auckland Transport.

Other areas requiring more focus in the Plan include the need for some bus stop locations to be reviewed, especially where frequent service routes intersect and transfers may be required. The Panel says it also needs to be reinforced that any fare penalties for transferring will be removed.

A significant number of submissions also raised concerns about the cost implications for short trips across zone boundaries, and several offered alternative proposals to address these apparent inequities (including increasing the number of zones, overlapping zone boundaries, capped fares, and replacing zones with a distance-based system). The exclusion of ferry fares from the zone structure was also raised as a concern by several submitters.

The Panel believes these concerns need to be addressed, and that the implementation of a zone-based system based on the boundaries proposed in the RPTP should not proceed. In selecting a replacement system, it is important that the financial and patronage implications of the various alternatives – for users, operators and funders – are clearly understood. For this reason, the Panel is recommending a thorough review of potential fare systems.

Open Days on the Plan will commence in the south from mid-June.

The Panel included Cr Mike Lee (Chair), Paul Lockey (Auckland Transport Board), Peter Clark (General Manager, Strategy and Planning), and Mark Lambert (Manager, Public Transport Operations).

[ozbob]

Changes come to everything in the end I guess.

My first bus memories (around 4 years old, bit younger) were of riding on the Blue Ventura buses down Warrigul Road Burwood to Oakleigh railway station with my Grandfather ...

I expect there will be more competitive franchising on all networks ..

Metro obviously put together a good plan to get the Melbourne nod, so must have Transdev ...

The notion just occurred to me that I have been doing ' transfers'  on PT nearly all my life ...

Hasn't effected me one little bit ...   

Put that in your pipe and smoke it Quirky!!

[Golliwog]

Changes come to everything in the end I guess.

My first bus memories (around 4 years old, bit younger) were of riding on the Blue Ventura buses down Warrigul Road Burwood to Oakleigh railway station with my Grandfather ...

I expect there will be more competitive franchising on all networks ..

Metro obviously put together a good plan to get the Melbourne nod, so must have Transdev ...

The notion just occurred to me that I have been doing ' transfers'  on PT nearly all my life ...

Hasn't effected me one little bit ...   

Put that in your pipe and smoke it Quirky!!

There never has been anything wrong with transfers. Try telling all the uni students that transfer at Park Rd or one of the busway stations onto one of the xx9 services that what they're doing is somehow difficult (or those catching the 412 from Toowong or the 427/428/432 from Indro). The only thing that makes transfers unpopular is when the connection isn't timed properly, or when one leg runs much more frequently than the other.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Like the 90-120 minute 336/337 onto the Caboolture railway line and the Chermside and Aspley bus interchanges. Or the 120 minute weekend 338 Strathpine Westfield-Eatons Hill/Albany Creek service. But the icing on the cake goes to the Sunday 326/327s 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st May 2013

BCC's "Community Consultation" is a sham!

Greetings,

Some of our members have been suggesting improvements to the BCC Bus Review.  The review is a con.

Feedback has been received to confirm that BCC are conducting a sham review, and have no intention of  acting on feedback or acting in the best interests of citizens.

I thank you for contacting the xxxx Ward office and acknowledge the receipt of your email. I have spoken to Cr xxxx about the issues highlighted in your email, however,  council has indicated no changes are set to be made to the suggested routes. But  Cr xxxx said he would continue to lobby for changes to the timetable.

Even bigger farce than most have already realised.  Time the Minister for Transport and Main Roads acted to stop the charade, direct BCC to cooperate with TransLink and come up with a cost sustainable connected network as proposed by TransLink.

Best wishes
Robert

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