TransLink data suggests more people are using public transport in southern Queensland with bus and rail patronage rising
March 18, 2011
The latest TransLink Tracker report released this week shows more people are using buses and trains in southern Queensland.
Queensland Transport Minister Annastacia Palasczcuk says the TransLink Tracker, covering October to December 2010, shows a six percent increase for rail and two percent for bus.
“Train patronage in the quarter increased by six per cent or 825,000 trips to nearly 14.5 million,” she says.
“Bus patronage also increased by nearly 600,000 trips – or more than two per cent – to over 29 million trips.”
Palasczcuk says the latest data showing an increase in public transport use is encouraging.
“Last year more than 300,000 seats per week were added to the transport network and we plan to add another 300,000 seats this year to meet the demands of a growing population,” she says.
Palasczcuk says Tracker data also showed Go Card use increased to 64.2 per cent of trips for the quarter.
“Go Card use continues to climb and is expected to increase even further following the latest fare change in January which continues to ensure Go Card remains the cheapest travel option on the TransLink network.”
Tracker data also shows on time running during the peak period for both train and bus remained above the respective benchmarks set by TransLink.
Customer satisfaction levels across all 12 categories for bus and train customers remained relatively steady, while ferry customer satisfaction levels fell across all categories.
Ferry patronage dropped last quarter largely due to a three day service disruption caused by floating debris and upgrade of CityGlider bus services between Teneriffe and West End and University of Queensland and the CBD.