Feedback delivering a better bus network

Published Tuesday, 19 March, 2013 at 04:45 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Public feedback is building Brisbane a better transport network with the Newman Government delivering on the first round of passenger comments from the Bus Network Review.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said six changes to improve the recommendations had already been identified during the first week of feedback.

“This is a genuine feedback process and the first 5000 submissions are already informing the final shape of the network,” Mr Emerson said.

“We will continue to act on areas that we think are obvious omissions to give people certainty.

“Last week I asked TransLink’s planners to look at how they can ensure they retain bus access to Greenslopes Hospital."

Mr Emerson said other changes in response to public feedback included:

·         Restoring peak express services on route 444 between Moggill and Brisbane CBD

·         Retaining the current route 411

·         A new service connecting Dornoch Tce, West End with the PA hospital.

·         Retaining the current route 381

·          Restoring connection to west Toowong previously serviced by routes 416 and 470.

“Overall our plan to increase the number of high-frequency services from 19 to 26 has received a lot of support,” he said.

“It’s also important that we listen to the community to meet its needs as part of the less-frequent secondary network.”

The Bus Network Review recommended increasing the number of high-frequency routes, bringing Brisbane’s network into line with leading world cities.

The review of south east Queensland’s bus services was ordered by Mr Emerson last year after figures showed patronage dropping on 13 of 16 south east Queensland operators, as well as rising costs, which were being paid for by Labor’s on-going 15 per cent fare hikes.

Under the distinctive looking GoNetwork the Newman Government will be delivering high-frequency bus services to more than 800,000 people in Brisbane and also to the Gold Coast for the first time.

Submissions can be made online at www.translink.com.au or by phoning 13 12 30 until April 7.

[ENDS] 19 March 2013

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637