Public transport activist Robert Dow has called for a review of the TransLink Transit Authority after feedback from Brisbane commuters
Public transport activist Robert Dow has called for a review of the TransLink Transit Authority after feedback from Brisbane commuters suggested TranksLink was “a disengaged authority unable to respond in a timely manner to their needs”.
Dow heads the commuter rights group, Rail Back On Track.
“Rail Back On Track calls for a review of the TransLink Transit Authority with respect to its structure and function,” Dow says.
“Is the considerable amount of public funds it takes to run the TTA money well spent, or should those funds be directed into providing more urgently needed public transport services?”
Dow says he understands TransLink has been rationing services, to a point.
“I understand they have been trying to cut back services generally including QR Passenger,” he says. “I believe there is some pressure not to fund services properly.”
Dow has called on the Queensland Government to increase the number of passenger trains it runs during peak hour, particularly on the Caboolture and Ipswich lines.
“I believe there is the capacity for QR Passenger to put on some new services,” he says. “We need more services on public transport to get people to use it.
“Frequency is the key – whether it be bus, rail or ferry. Once you do that (increase capacity), then we actually save money, because congestion costs are reduced, environmental impacts are less, and impacts on the health system are also greatly reduced because of the reduction in accident and injury.”