QLD residents are again able to give feedback on the state’s bus network review but complaints with the process continue
April 26, 2013
Queensland residents are again giving feedback on Brisbane’s bus service review, now under Brisbane City Council’s control, but complaints with
consultation processes
continue and some have even called for the Brisbane review to be handed back to Queensland Government.
Council early this week released its proposed changes to the bus network, after the State Government surrendered responsibility for reviewing Brisbane services as
part of
a state-wide bus network review, amid a barrage of public criticism in March.
Under council’s proposed changes, 80 services will be changed and nine bus routes cut if approved by the State Government.
Council’s review document also shows timetables will be cut, several bus stops will become redundant, and several routes will be amalgamated.
But much like the State Government’s review, the proposed changes have attracted broad criticism, with some even calling for the state’s transport minister, Scott Emerson to can council’s changes and return to the original network review.
Among criticisms of council’s review, is its resemblance to the State Government’s consultation process, believed to exclude elderly and disadvantaged residents who are unable to comment online.
Recently, elderly and disadvantaged residents petitioned the State Government for a feedback extension to allow comment using means other than an online survey.
Translink primarily received comment online until the consultation cut-off date, April 7.
Emerson failed to commit to the extension, but residents can now comment on council’s review by filling out an online survey similar to the State Government’s original online feedback survey.
Facebook page The Translink Ripoff – a forum for more than 1,000 disgruntled commuters – was quick to point out the similarities between council’s consultation process and the State Government’s process.
“How do you give feedback to the BCC (Brisbane City Council) on the bus reforms?” the page administrator says.
“Well there is a tiny survey which is almost identical to the one Translink provided, but we would suggest calling your local councillor.”
The State Government’s review proposed to cut 111 routes throughout southeast Queensland.
Council has assured residents that its review will ensure no area will be left without a service.
Commuters can comment on council’s review online or through council ward offices.
According to council, community feedback will be carefully considered before the review is submitted to the State Government on June 1. The review will then be available online and at council libraries and regional business centres.
The new public consultation period will close at midnight May 20, 2013.