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TransLink Transport Authority Bill introduced

The Queensland Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, has introduced the TransLink Transport Authority Bill into

The Queensland Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations, John Mickel, has introduced the TransLink Transport Authority Bill into State Parliament.

Mickel says the new transit authority will be a tremendous boost for southeast Queensland commuters, as it was a one-stop shop for public transport services, customer service and feedback.

With the new legislation introduced in the House, the TransLink Transit Authority has entered the home stretch before commencing operation on 1 July, 2008.

“One of the best outcomes for commuters will be coordinated scheduling of different forms of transport,” the Minister says.

“The effect will be passengers experiencing one continuous journey rather than planning separate journeys to reach their destination.”

Mickel says the Authority would provide integrated scheduling of services to and from special events, affording passengers seamless travel on TransLink services while they go to and from sporting and entertainment events.

“It will have the freedom and power to co-ordinate services, redeploy resources such as buses based on demand, and ensure the smooth introduction of new technology across the transport network.

The new TransLink Transit Authority will be comprised of a board of seven members including the chair person.

“The new authority will provide a single point of contact for customer service issues for the 17 different train, bus and ferry operators in south east Queensland,” he says.

Mickel says a single transport authority could prove invaluable in tackling the challenges facing transport planners and government, such as traffic congestion and climate change.

He says for the first time in Queensland commuters will be able to ring the 13 12 30 information number 24 hours a day, seven days a week, always with the option of communication with a person, rather than a recorded message.

“Customers will be able to call one number for all services, whether they’re about lost property, timetables or complaints,” Mickel says.

“It will have greater control over service delivery, with the power and flexibility to improve services, convenience and reliability.

“The Authority will build on the success of TransLink, which has seen public transport patronage increase by more than 30 percent since it was formed in 2004.

“We will soon have an authority equipped to deliver an exceptional public transport service for our growing population needs.”

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