The deadline for feedback on Brisbane’s proposed GoNetwork has extended into April, amidst public criticism
March 12, 2013
Public feedback on proposed changes to south east Queensland’s bus network will be extended to April 7 to ensure passengers are able to comment on their routes, says Queensland Transport Minister Scott Emerson.
The additional consultation time is to give public transport users more time to understand the already proposed changes to the network, and to give more feedback.
“We’ve already had 40,000 website visits since the report was made public last Thursday and 1700 comments were received in the first 24 hours,” Emerson says.
“This is a very important phase in our plan to build a better bus network, deliver better fares and given the level of feedback I’m prepared to take additional time to ensure everyone has the chance to have a say.”
The review of south east Queensland’s bus services was commissioned in 2012 after figures showed patronage dropped to unacceptable and potentially unstainable levels.
Emerson continues to blame the previous Labor Government over its policy of annual 15 percent bus, rail and ferry fare rises as a primary factor behind declining ridership.
The Newman Liberal National Party (LNP) government has subsequently halved Labor’s annual fare rises to 7.5 percent, which is still well in excess of the most recent annual CPI increase of around 2 percent.
Emerson now acknowledges that buses operating in Brisbane carry less than seven passengers on half of its current services.
The Bus Network Review recommended increasing the number of high-frequency routes in Brisbane from 19 to 26, which Emerson claims will bring Brisbane’s network into line with leading world cities.
“During the first two rounds of consultation we received more than 6,000 pieces of feedback and overwhelmingly passengers told us they wanted more frequent services and better fares,” Emerson says.
The outcome of the review will be the launch of ‘GoNetwork’ which Emerson claims will deliver high-frequency bus services to more than 800,000 people in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Public submissions can be made online at www.translink.com.au or by phoning 13 12 30 until April 7. The results of the review and consultation will be implemented from mid-2013.