Thumbs down for Queensland's public transport system

A HIGH-level survey for the Bligh Government has confirmed that commuter satisfaction with Queensland's public transport system has plummeted.

It found public regard for the rail, bus and ferry system had "significantly decreased", both for regular users and those who travelled on public transport only occasionally.

In a blow for the Government, the survey showed that public transport's overall performance rating was at its lowest in 10 years.

The results of the annual AC Nielsen survey come as the state's transport bosses are being accused of paying more attention to money-spinning sectors, such as freight, at the expense of passenger transport.

They also follow last week's admission by Queensland Rail that up to one in five of its peak-hour trains are overcrowded.

A report on the survey, tabled in Parliament last week, describes a public transport system that more people use but fewer are satisfied with. More than 3000 people were asked to rate public transport services on a scale of one to five on criteria such as reliability.

The survey, conducted each year since 1998, found the performance of public transport has generally rated lower each year, with the decline accelerating in recent years.

Premier Anna Bligh told Parliament last week the AC Nielsen research was a factor in her decision to establish the South East Queensland Transit Authority.

The Courier Mail