Does a “user pay” transport system really serve the whole community? Our David Brown has just presented a paper at a major international transport conference in Singapore that says we have to go beyond just making money.
“User pays” sounds like a good way to run a transport system but while private industry must make a profit, governments must ensure that those who are “transport poor” get the chance to access opportunities.
With modern digital systems companies can cheery pick the best markets. They could give priority to a CEO can afford a $100 fare to get to lunch on time, if he or she or you or I have a heart attack the nurse may not be able to pay for priority to get to emergency department on time.
People with a disability, school children or people in regional areas need to be considered on more than just how much money they have.
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director
Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame.
Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.
He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well.
Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures.
He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.
Like a lot of motorists I try to apply common courtesy to other drivers, especially truck drivers as most of them are great drivers and are simply trying to do their job. There are some notable exceptions. [Read More]
Town planners are pushing for a wider road user charge where vehicles are taxed based on how far they travel, where they travel and when they travel. [Read More]
