Media Release

The recent State Budget release and comments by the Minister for Transport, Annastacia Palaszczuk, are of concern to the Queensland Bus Industry Council (QBIC). I struggle with some of the comments made by the Minister in her announcement, says QBIC Executive Director David Tape. 

“This budget is about connecting our communities by giving them public transport options to suit their lifestyle.” 

“The State Government is committed to improving public transport and this funding will help bolster services, ease congestion, help to tackle climate change and deal with our growing population.” 

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering sustainable transport solutions for future generations.” 

The Minister talks of connecting communities, giving public transport options, improving public transport, bolstering services, easing congestion, tackling climate change and delivering sustainable transport solutions. 

I see a massive investment in rail and bus infrastructure, I do not see any detail of future growth for bus services, increasing the number of buses on the road, providing additional bus feeder services to support rail. 

Without investment in the future growth of bus services how can the Bligh Government: 

(provide)“...public transport options to suit lifestyle...” 

Where is the frequency, where is the connectivity to other transport modes?“ 

“...bolster services...” 

Are we just talking rail? If so, why? How does the public travel to, and take advantage of these bolstered services? 

“...ease congestion...” 

Without balanced investment in all transport modes providing frequency, connectivity and continuation of travel, where is the incentive for people to get out of their cars and onto public transport? 

“...tackle climate change…” 

Again without balanced investment in all transport modes providing frequency, connectivity and continuation of travel, where is the incentive for people to get out of their cars and onto public transport, reducing the amount of cars on our roads and reducing exhaust emissions? 

“...delivering sustainable transport…” 

Our public transport system is multi modal, without balanced investment, how can each mode support and compliment the other? How can this be sustainable? 

Increased investment in bus infrastructure is welcomed, but the lack of detail or evidence of investment for the future growth of bus services is disappointing. I invite the Minister to alleviate my fears by communicating the Governments plan and commitment regarding the future growth of bus services, not only in SEQ, but also in regional Queensland. 

Media contact: David Tape (Executive Director) Queensland Bus Industry Council Inc (07) 3397 1700 or 0407 002 970.