Media Release Thurs 22 March

Bring back the T3 lane now!

Community Action for Sustainable Transport (CAST) believes Brisbane City Council’s decision to re-open the T3 lane on Coronation Drive is another step in the wrong direction for Brisbane’s transport system.

“Just like the tunnels and Hale Street Bridge, the decision to scrap the T3 on Coronation Drive will increase congestion,” said CAST spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“At a time when government should be encouraging and rewarding people for car pooling and catching public transport they are doing the exact opposite,” he said.

1 full bus takes 40 cars off the road, a car with 3 people in it takes 2 other cars off the road.

CAST believes removing the T3 lane means travel times for car poolers and bus users will blow out, and the lane will soon be just as congested as the other lanes.

“Why is Council punishing car poolers and public transport users and rewarding single-occupant vehicles drivers?” asked Mr Peach.

The Lord Mayor’s claim that only 5% of vehicles on Coronation Drive can use the transit lane totally misses the point.

“It’s not about the number of vehicles they move – it’s about the number of people. Transit lanes are designed to carry more people with fewer vehicles,” said Mr Peach.

“T3 lanes reduce congestion by making more efficient use of existing road space,” said Mr Peach.

“If the Lord Mayor is serious about reducing congestion he should be promoting the use of transit lanes and adding more across the city,” he said.

“If people choose not to car pool or catch the bus during peak periods then they must accept that there will be a certain level of congestion,” said Mr Peach.

CAST are demanding:
(i) The Coronation Drive T3 lane is reinstated
(ii) Council develop internet-based car pooling systems for local communities and workplaces so people can develop car pooling networks