Northern Transitway info session nothing more than Government spin

You get a much clearer picture about the Government’s attitude towards residents over its controversial transport project on Brisbane’s northside when you attend one of its “information” sessions, writes Darren Cartwright.

YOU get a much clearer picture about the Government’s attitude towards residents over its controversial Northern Transitway along Gympie Rd when you attend one of their ‘information’ sessions.

There’s a clear lack of empathy, bordering on the dismissive, and its light on for specific details.

I discovered this on Thursday at the third, of four, drop-in information sessions at Kedron State School where I was the sole local resident to visit during my 20 minutes quizzing Department of Transport and Main Road’s (TMR) staff.

An artist's impression of the 24/7 Northern Transitway along Gympie Rd where parking will be banned. This bus, though, had no issues getting through traffic, even without a bus lane, and business owners fear their livelihoods will be lost if parking is wiped out. Pic: Darren Cartwright

Now before picking apart their ‘information’, or lack of it, session, I’ll declare my hand. I support a peak hour transit lane, but no more.

My mission was to see how much additional data I could drain from those commissioned to appease the concerned that was not already available.

For those not familiar with the project, it’s being constructed at the bargain basement price of $53 million.

It includes banning six ‘non-signalised’ right-hand turns along the 2.3km route from Sadlier St, Kedron to Hamilton Rd, Chermside.

There are also two bus stops being removed, half a metre being shaved of each of the six lanes along Gympie Rd and all on-street parking will be banned.

According to one willing TMR staffer on Thursday night, buses will save four minutes during peak hour while it was “potentially” negligible every other hour of the day.

That was far more information I have gleaned from TransLink or TMR as a journalist.

An artist impression of the Northern Transitway which includes two bus stops being removed including the Strathmore St, stop 30. Pic: Darren Cartwright

However, I was curious to know if the banning of right-hand turns would be counter-productive if signal times at each set of lights had to be increased to accommodate motorists forced to make U-turns — even those on their way to consumer magnets like JB Hi-Fi.

Increasing right-hand signal times means longer wait times for those travelling in the opposite direction — including buses.

It was a head scratcher for one TMR boffin who insulted my intelligence by telling me “the U-turn’s work when the right turn signal — operates”.

After I thanked him for the heads-up, I then repeated the question. The boffin replied, “that specific data” was not available. A phrase used multiple times during my visit.

He also was quick to inform me that forcing residents to take alternative routes through side streets to avoid U-turns was not considered a “rat run”.

Consign-A-Car owner Yvetter Cottrill has handing flyers detailing the pitfalls of a 24/7 bus lane. She said she, as will many business owners, be forced to relocate. Pic: Darren Cartwright

When it came to empathy for local businesses who would severely be affected, or may even close, that didn’t seem to be a consideration.

“They won’t close, honestly,” said one staffer who also went on to say “and how long do you think some of them have been there, one, or two years”.

It was clear that if you’re business owner then you better suck-it up sunshine, because the TMR is coming no matter what and you’re seemingly collateral damage.

As for removing two bus stops and making pedestrians, including the elderly and disabled, to travel more than 500 metres and wait for up to three sets of traffic light changes to cross the road, they can “catch another bus”.

If you’re intending to catch the final session at Kedron State School tomorrow (9am-1pm), lower your expectations.

The answers offered don’t extend much beyond what’s already available online, but at least the Government and TMR give you a chance to be heard — even if they have tin ears.