light rail routes (click for bigger version)
Queensland Greens propose a city-wide light rail system to supplement the existing public transport network. Light rail has several benefits. It is quicker and cheaper to put in than heavy rail. Routes along which it runs become a focus for development, especially shops and businesses. By contrast, bus routes can easily change, reducing the certainty needed for planning for future business. Although parts of the system may run like a tram through city streets, we envisage that most of the network will be separated from roads. Some sections may run above the existing rail network in areas of high density.
In Moggill, we propose to take the light rail system through Kenmore South to Pullenvale and Moggill, with a possible extension across the river to meet the Ipswich line, depending on local consultation about a river crossing.
The alignment of the route is initially proposed to follow the Kenmore Bypass corridor, since this area was originally designated as a light rail corridor.
The actual route will be investigated taking into account environmental impacts and noise.
Before we would start drawing lines on a map, we would have an extensive community consultation to determine the ideal routing of the line, including options other than the Kenmore Bypass corridor.
This plan is part of the Greens commitment to helping you get around, without being stuck in heavy traffic. It is also part of the Greens commitment to real green jobs. It is also part of involving you in planning your own community, so let me know if you have comments or ideas of your own.
Please also remember the survey where light rail is one of the options on which to express your opinion.
I understand an idea for increasing patronage of public transport is to make it cheaper/free has been proposed by others. I would suggest a reliable, convenient, and accessible service would be a more effective method of improving patronage.
I have relied on public transport since 1996, when I started high school. I use the bus on a daily basis for work, uni, and play. I put up with public transport because I have no desire to drive; light rail would make my life easier and would encourage others to patronise public transport. It would certainly make Brisbane a more convenient place to move around. Plus, there is the added bonus that you’re connected to education, shopping, and emergency services…without having to walk a block or three to get to the connecting bus/train service to get to where you need to go. Light rail that doesn’t get stuck in traffic and is a solution that offers an alternative to owning and driving a car.
I would be interested to know if anyone else has used public transport for such an extended period of time…who disagrees with light rail. I have friends who live along the Ipswich train line…a service, every half hour, and usually without fail. Compare that to a bus service that supposedly comes once an hour, is usually late, gets stuck in traffic, stops at the Wesley/Regatta for a few minutes so that driver’s can change over, and only on the odd occasion actually gets me to my destination when as per schedule.
I’d be more than happy to pay for a service that the Greens have proposed.
Posted on March 13th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
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