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Two trips too many

Forcing commuters onto multiple journeys to get to work may see buses abandoned for cars

By David Goeldner | March 15, 2013

The peak state association for Queensland bus operators has warned against creating a network that could inadvertently drive down patronage.

Commenting on the current GoNetwork review, Queensland Bus Industry Council Executive Director David Tape says ‘it will be interesting’ to see what efficiencies can be gained by cutting certain services.

Tape referred to recent public outcry after Queensland’s Transport Minister Scott Emerson proposed to cut a service to Brisbane’s Greenslopes Hospital noted as a facility for veterans of Australia’s defence forces.

“The Minister admitted they had got that wrong and the service would be re-instated,” Tape says.

“So it will be interesting to see how many services disappear and it will be interesting to see if any savings made are re-invested back into the network.”

Tape also queried whether buses no longer required after service cuts would be placed elsewhere to service proposed increased frequency on high volume routes, such as peak BUZ express services into Brisbane’s CBD.

While the GoNetwork review will have ramifications for local government-run Brisbane Transport buses – which operates BUZ – the changes will also likely affect QBIC’s private operators servicing the broader SEQ network.

“We are always concerned for our members with the cutting of services,” Tape says.

“Whatever services are cut, we hope the review has looked at interconnection to other services.”

Tape was concerned that ‘two bus’ rather than ‘one bus’ journeys may affect patronage.

“If people have had a one bus journey and now need to do a two or three bus journey, then that may deter them from getting onto a bus, and may see them back on the road in a private motor vehicle,” he says.

“And no-one wants that, but it’s a possibility.”

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