A long-time Goodna resident who turned university students’ transport frustrations into a statewide campaign for better public transport is being remembered for his influence on Queensland’s rail network and his commitment to everyday commuters.
Robert Dow, founder of Rail Back on Track, died on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, aged 75. His death prompted tributes from former transport ministers and fellow advocates who recognised his nearly two decades of campaigning for improved services across Queensland.
A Goodna voice for growing communities
Dow remained involved in transport issues affecting Ipswich and its surrounding suburbs. In 2024, he supported plans for a mass-transit corridor linking Ipswich and Springfield Central through growing communities including Ripley, Redbank Plains and Yamanto.
The proposed corridor included nine stations, although the transport mode had not been finalised. Dow favoured extending the existing railway from Ipswich towards Ripley, with further connections provided by rail or bus services. He argued that population growth demanded more frequent and dependable public transport.
Dow had also campaigned for the Springfield railway extension, which opened in December 2013. Former transport minister John Mickel recalled travelling with him to the line’s opening, acknowledging his persistence in advocating for the project.
His interest extended to existing railway infrastructure. In November 2024, Dow supported restoring passenger services through the Tennyson line, arguing that it could improve connections between Brisbane’s western and southern suburbs without forcing passengers to travel through the CBD.
Late students sparked a transport campaign
Dow’s advocacy began during his years as a lecturer and course coordinator at Queensland University of Technology. Around 2003 and 2004, he noticed students repeatedly arriving late because buses failed to appear or trains were delayed.
He raised the problem through a university forum, where discussions about unreliable services attracted support from colleagues. A colleague suggested the name Rail Back on Track, which Dow formally launched in 2006 after beginning his public campaigning earlier.
His interest in railways dated to childhood visits to Melbourne railway yards with his grandfather. Before entering university teaching, Dow served in the Australian Army, including in Vietnam, trained as a medical scientist and worked at the Mater Hospital.
Cheaper fares and reliable trains
Dow challenged decisions affecting both the cost and reliability of public transport. In 2013, he criticised a 7.5 per cent fare increase, arguing that repeated price rises discouraged passengers from using the network.
He later supported Queensland’s 50-cent fare trial in 2024, highlighting the wider benefits of reducing road congestion and transport costs. He also encouraged passengers to choose trains where available because of their greater capacity.
Following widespread Christmas Day train cancellations in 2016, Dow called for the Queensland Rail board to be replaced and discounted fares during the summer school holidays. However, he also acknowledged the technical difficulties of operating a railway, explaining during overhead electrical failures in 2023 that such incidents could occur even on properly maintained networks.
An advocate respected across political divides
Dow earned respect from transport ministers across successive Queensland governments, including those who disagreed with his recommendations.
Former transport minister Paul Lucas remembered his understanding of how the entire public transport network operated, while Scott Emerson acknowledged his commitment despite their occasional disagreements. Jackie Trad valued his contribution to a review of TransLink fares, and Rachel Nolan recalled his informed and constructive approach to policy discussions.
Dow maintained that Rail Back on Track was politically independent, supporting transport proposals on their merits rather than according to which party introduced them.
A community that carries on his work
Rail Back on Track was eventually succeeded by Better Transport Queensland, continuing its focus on public transport planning and passenger concerns. Its president, Rowan Gray, remembered Dow for creating a welcoming community where transport enthusiasts could exchange ideas and become involved in advocacy.
Dow’s friend Jeffrey Addison recalled his persistence and dedication to improving services for commuters, including those unaware of his efforts.
His campaigns stretched from fare affordability to railway expansion, including better connections between Ipswich and its growing suburbs. The concerns that first prompted a Goodna resident to speak up for delayed university students became the work of nearly two decades, leaving an enduring contribution to Queensland’s public transport debate.
Published 12-Oct-2026






























