Fines no more for poor OTP - articles discussion

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Queensland Rail fined $203,000 for late trains

Queensland Rail fined $203,000 for late trains
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

February 20, 2010 12:00am

QUEENSLAND Rail has copped its fourth fine in four years for failing to make the trains run on time in the state's southeast.

The state government-owned rail provider has been fined $203,000 by the southeast's public transport authority, TransLink, after it missed its targets for the number of rush-hour services arriving on time last financial year.

Last year, an average of 91.74 per cent of peak-hour services arrived within four minutes of their scheduled time, only marginally improving on the 91.15 per cent from the previous year.

But the performance was still well below the contractual target of 92.4 per cent for the year, set by the State Government, resulting in the rail providers fourth fine in four years.

QR has been fined more than $7 million in the past four years for failing to meet their contractual targets, including a $6.7 million fine in the 2007-08 financial year after their worst performance in more than four years.

The $203,000 fine, the second largest in the four years, was reduced by fewer cancelled trains last year, with less than 0.2 per cent of peak-hour services not arriving.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said while there was still room for improvement, Queensland's on-time performance still ranked higher than other states.

"While QR has generally a better performance than some other systems, there is still room for improvement," she said.

A QR spokesman said yesterday they were working to improve the on-time running performance, with one new train brought on to the network every month, and the introduction of a more flexible rostering for rail employees.

"QR has employed more customer communications officers who will work from the train control centre to improve communications during unplanned service disruptions," he said.

"As part of QR's commitment to customer service, we are currently reviewing on-train and station announcements so we can provide a better service to customers."

The fine is not taken from money used for train services.

But Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said the system was still failing commuters.

"The system has just shattered in the last few months - no one believes the system is getting better," she said.

"One major concern is the issue of the maintenance and what is required to keep the system running on time - it is not just about overcrowding and unloading, this is continual faults in the system.

"It is time they came clean about the real issues with the system."

[ozbob]

Media Release 20 February 2010

SEQ:  'Catch 22' strikes QR Passenger

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has questioned the wisdom of fining an operator for circumstances largely beyond their control.  The fining of QR presumably QR Passenger for failing to reach ontime train performance targets is perverse and illogical (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Today in the media is the revelation that QR has been fined $203,000 for failing to meet the contractual target for ontime performance.  If one does a quick scan of the other states QR Passenger is actually performing very well considering the neglect of rail infrastructure in south-east Queensland during the past 20 years. For example the average ontime performance for the much hyped Melbourne system is only 85.6%, compared to QR Passenger at 91.74%, and Melbourne is given an extra minute (2).  What a high farce this is!"

"Most of the problems effecting on time performance are not within control of operator.  For example idiots driving into boom gates or bridges, passengers becoming ill, train crew illness, track and signal failures, power failures and other police incidents."

"Does this fine mean that there is less funds for more urgently needed services?  Does the fine further propagate a downward spiral?"

"A failure to place more services means that delays due to overcrowding and congestion are increased.  So will this mean more fines and so the downward spiral continues. Where are the promised services post the huge increase in fare costs? (3)"

"What happens to the so called 'fine' funds.  Does it pay for corporate functions in George St, or perhaps a corporate box at the soccer?"

"Can someone coherently explain the wisdom of fining an operator that cannot control the magnitude and scale of the many factors that impact on ontime train performance?  Please do, we are waiting for your explanation ..."

References:

1.   http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26747206-952,00.html

2.   http://www.doi.vic.gov.au/doi/internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/E86D4F30A09DB660CA256F1000218747?OpenDocument

3.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3458.0

* Catch 22 - A situation or predicament characterized by absurdity or senselessness.

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

What about cancellations?
I think they should standardise the 'on time' definition, and the other dubious statistics such as the definition of overcrowding and on time (remember only takes into account city bound trains, during the peak and excludes cancellations IIRC).

Line by line reliability etc like discussed in another thread would identify which line was more likely to have problems so maintainence crew can take preventative actions..

[ozbob]

Cancellations is included as a performance standard but if you check the TransLink tracker that is always good, despite the cancellations last night.

See http://download.translink.com.au/about/0910q1_tracker.pdf  cancellations is  better > 99.5 % services delivered.  It is the constant impacts on the actual running that is the problem, largely beyond the control of the operator.

[stephenk]

Wow, $203,000 could probably fix whatever is causing the temporary(sic) speed restriction between Alderley and Newmarket which has now been there for approx 3 months!

[#Metro]

It is the constant impacts on the actual running that is the problem, largely beyond the control of the operator.

Yes, like truck and boom gate breakers...
That fine money could be spent on red light rail camera to nab those drivers!!!

[ozbob]

I am fast becoming of the view that the boom gate  smashers and bridge strikers should be paying their share of the fines for not meeting OTP by QR Passenger.  Am I being unreasonable?

[#Metro]

Yes very reasonable. That is a LOT of money! You could buy an entry level house for that amount!

[#Metro]

I thought "what is it like in Perth"?
http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/annualreports/2009/transperth/transperth-trains/index.html


The image reproduced here is for the purposes of research, study, criticism and review.
PTA Annual Report 2008/2009.

On time is now defined as within 4 minutes of scheduled arrival time.

[#Metro]

What does Perth have that we don't?

Notes within the report say that improvements due to electrical faults down and operations faults down.

In Victoria issues were to do with heat (ok, can't really help that too much but can change the aircon units and use track on concrete sleepers pinned down tightly) and wiring...

In QLD it seems to be signal faults, computer issues and track faults.

[somebody]

What does Perth have that we don't?

A pro rail government!

[ozbob]

One of the factors is the varying track distances and complexity of the system:

Queensland

The South East Queensland network spans 689 kilometres of track, stretching from Robina on the Gold Coast in the South to Nambour on the Sunshine Coast in the North, and from Moreton Bay in the East inland to Rosewood in the west.

http://www.qrnetwork.com.au/Networks/South-East-Queensland/Overview.aspx

WA

At 30 June 2009, the system covered 173.1km of track with 70 stations on five lines, and a fleet of 198 railcars which can be coupled in configurations of two, three, four or six-car trains.

http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/annualreports/2009/transperth/transperth-trains/index.html

I am of the view that 95% OTP is achievable and desirable.  

As an aside the most reliable line in Melbourne is Stony Point.   Limited timetable and loco hauled services ...

[#Metro]

Not sure if distance really explains it. There are hardly any QR services to Gympie North.
Most of the faults seem to occur within the core of the suburban network and be track faults, signal faults and crazy drivers getting stuck under bridges or busting boom gates. Ipswich Line seems to be the worst for having problems (long live the Tennyson Loop!).

The network isn't as complicated as Sydney, and my experience with Sydney trains has been quite good.

[ozbob]

http://www.cityrail.info/about/our_performance/#

Problem comparing is the different ontime criteria used.  

If you used the same criteria in Sydney as for Brisbane probably find around 95%.

The size of the network is a factor as more equipment to fail.

[somebody]

If you used the same criteria in Sydney as for Brisbane probably find around 95%.

Yeah, probably.  Notice how it is "adjusted for circumstances beyond CityRail's control".

But track/signal faults are within QR's control.  I don't care that QR Network & QR Passenger are separate entities.

[ozbob]

Bumped up this thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2224.0

[ozbob]

I don't care that QR Network & QR Passenger are separate entities.

Here in lies the issue.  The performance standards were probably formulated when it was a single functional organisation, it isn't now and QR Passenger has no control on the below rail stuff at all.  QR Passenger wears the fine for QR Network ....  if the restructure goes ahead Queensland Rail (the new entity basically QR Passenger plus the suburban/urban network and responsibility for Travel Train) will have control over the network.

[mufreight]

A previous post makes the statement quote author=somebody link=topic=3465.msg21845#msg21845 date=1266652536
But track/signal faults are within QR's control.  I don't care that QR Network & QR Passenger are separate entities.
[/quote]
This is incorrect and makes as much sense as asserting that if a bridge was closed and buses had to be rerouted then the delays would be the responsibility of the bus operator not the provider of the infrastructure that had failed.
That QR passenger is penalised by Translink for delays due to failures of infrastructure over which QR Passenger has no control giving rise to the question as to what then happens to this money which seemingly then disappears into the financial black hole that is Translink.
This is money that would be better expended on rectifing the failing infrastructure so that the rail operator QR Passenger would be better able to provide the levels of reliability we all desire.

[somebody]

Is the network provided to QR Passenger as a social service, in the same way as roads?  More likely there is a contract for service between QR Network and QR Passenger.  If QR want to structure themselves that way, it shouldn't be a Translink matter.  Of course, I think that QR generally shouldn't be a Translink matter, but we might be getting off the point.

[mufreight]

As I understand it QR Passenger pays track access charges to use the tracks so it would seem that QR NETWORK IS UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THE RELIABILITY OF THEIR NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE, does QR Network compensate QR Passenger for delays or service interuptions due to infrastructure failures? bus operators only pay registration fees.

[Derwan]

Hopefully with the effective merger of QR Passenger and QR Network (in the most part), we'll see some improvements.  The new Queensland Rail will be responsible for both passenger services and network infrastructure.  This will give Queensland Rail a direct incentive to maintain infrastructure.

Of course this relies on funding from the Government.  If the Government doesn't provide sufficient funding for the maintenance of infrastructure, it would continue to be a ridiculous notion to fine Queensland Rail for late trains due to failing infrastructure.

At least with roads, proceeds of fines imposed on bus operators could be channelled to the Department of Transport and Main Roads to improve infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of buses running late in future.  But what's the point of fining QR if none of the funds are going towards improving the service in the future?

[somebody]

As I understand it QR Passenger pays track access charges to use the tracks so it would seem that QR NETWORK IS UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO ENSURE THE RELIABILITY OF THEIR NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE, does QR Network compensate QR Passenger for delays or service interuptions due to infrastructure failures? bus operators only pay registration fees.

Which would be a matter between QR Passenger & QR Network, wouldn't it?

[ozbob]

The $7 Million dollars in fines over the past 4 years should be returned to the operator to fund extra services ...  reducing congestion and dwell times is partly addressed by improved frequency ...

[Nightwriter]

But we can't actually confirm where this money goes, can we?

I agree ozbob, but most likely the money goes into a State Govt black hole to be sucked up in some department's administration costs.

[mufreight]

Have to disagree Somebody, this is one that falls back on Translink and the Transport Minister, if nothing else it will be amusing to see what spin Translink and the Minister put on this one now the point has been raised.

[somebody]

Have to disagree Somebody, this is one that falls back on Translink and the Transport Minister, if nothing else it will be amusing to see what spin Translink and the Minister put on this one now the point has been raised.

Regardless of it being one entity of QR or Translink to blame, responsibility would fall to the Minister.

[#Metro]

Which is true... because the minister is responsible for everything as the minister is the only person who can change the design of the system, the operation of the system or apply fixes.

[longboi]

Which is true... because the minister is responsible for everything as the minister is the only person who can change the design of the system, the operation of the system or apply fixes.

No they don't. The minister is a political figurehead with little real say in the operations of the system.

Much of what Nolan says and does is actually orchestrated by public servants working behind the scenes.

[#Metro]

No they don't. The minister is a political figurehead with little real say in the operations of the system.
Much of what Nolan says and does is actually orchestrated by public servants working behind the scenes.

Well it is her responsibility. She is the only one with the control levers in front of her. Nobody else can pull them.

[#Metro]

All about Translink, The Department and The Minister and how the all (should?) fit together...

---> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3479.0

[#Metro]

Wonders never cease. Much like the Government fining itself...
This is what happens when you follow too many rules too strictly.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2861381/Councils-ticket-their-ownbrcars-then-sue-themselves.html

CRACKPOT councils are wasting thousands of pounds . . . by suing THEMSELVES over parking tickets.

At least six local authorities have issued tickets against their own vehicles - then refused to pay the fines to themselves.

Some cases went through a staggering 14 stages before reaching a Parking Appeals tribunal.

One farce saw Islington Council in North London issue a ticket, then take itself to an appeal hearing - where it asked for costs against itself. The costs process involves another four steps.

[ozbob]

Back On Track at ABC Television click -->  here!

Well done ABC for highlighting these issues, thanks!

[curator49]

Why is it that the railways seem to get fined every year for late running and not meeting a high percentage target for on-time running? Many of the events that occur are outside the control of the railways - people crashing through boom gates at level crossings; storms that disrupt power to the overhead and signalling systems and so on.
Why aren't (or at least appear not to be as it is not dramatically publicised in the newspapers as is the case with the railways) the bus operators fined for poor performance. I read the article in the Courier Mail about bus drivers ignoring road rules and the subsequent Readers' Comments with many justifications that they have a timetable to meet (running red lights) but some (a few drivers) even saying they allow extra time on their schedule for delays due to traffic etc - which means they must run late. There is a bus service in Ipswich (who shall remain nameless) which is notorius for its late running.

Regards
Curator49

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Queensland Rail late fees scrapped

Queensland Rail late fees scrapped
Daniel Hurst
September 6, 2010 - 4:22PM

Translink will no longer punish Queensland Rail for failing to meet on-time running standards, drawing applause from public transport lobbyists and the state opposition.

Queensland Rail has had to hand over about $7 million in recent years for falling short of its target of ensuring 92.4 per cent of services are no more than four minutes late.

Translink chief executive Peter Strachan confirmed the old fining regime would make way for new key performance indicators which did not carry financial penalties.

Mr Strachan said the two transport bodies would work collaboratively to achieve a new slightly more ambitious on-time target of 93.01 per cent of services.

Robert Dow, from public transport lobby group Rail Back on Track, said the abolition of the "silly" fines made sense.

Mr Dow said the previous regime made Queensland Rail responsible for delays outside its control, such as vehicle bridge strikes, car boom gate crashes, police incidents and unwell customers.

Queensland Rail had also been penalised for network issues that until recently had been controlled by a part of the organisation separate from the passenger arm, he said.

"What we had in effect was the government fining itself," he said.

Mr Dow said the previous way of fining Queensland Rail was flawed because "the worse they become the more money they have taken off them so the worse they become".

"That money certainly has to come from somewhere and if it's coming out of Queensland Rail budget, that means there's less money for services; we felt that fine was completely counterproductive."

Mr Dow said key performance indicators were more sensible.

"We think that'll be more productive because it's more of a carrot than a stick and for that reason we think it'll actually improve services," he said.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said there was no evidence the risk of incurring fines had helped drive improvements to rail services.

Ms Simpson said the previous fines were a "rough" way to deal with performance issues because some matters such as track maintenance were out of the control of Queensland Rail's Passenger wing.

"There are service performance issues, but a lot of the measurements were punishing one end of the organisation that were outside that particular entity's control," she said.

Ms Simpson called for the new performance standards to be based on meaningful, transparent indicators including results on specific lines, not just the entire passenger network.

"Maybe the penalty should be against the senior executives and their bonuses," she said.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 6th September 2010 page 1

Penalties off rails

[ozbob]

Media Release 2 May 2009

SEQ:  Fining public transport operators is not smart!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has queried the wisdom of the so called fines that are levied on public transport operators when performance indicators are not met for events largely out of their control.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Courier Mail has recently highlighted that fact that QR was fined $6.7 million last financial year after its worst performance for cancelled and delayed trains in more than four years (1)."

"Typical comments from RAIL Back On Track members in response to this bizarre revelation are:

'The government restricts QR operations by providing limited funding for infrastructure upgrades while expecting QR to run more trains - and then takes further funding from QR because it can't meet its obligations with the limited funding available,'

and 'I'd rather see QR be forced to spend the fine on infrastructure and other improvements to fix the problems.  I do have to agree it doesn't make sense to take more money away and expect some magical improvement,'

and 'Seeing that the Government is both involved in the TTA and QR (via ownership), it would really be the Government "fining itself" by the sounds of it.' "

"Notionally 'fining' an operator for circumstances largely beyond their control just further highlights the dysfunctional set up we have with the present public transport arrangements in south-east Queensland."

"It is time that QR Citytrain was given the network control it needs.  Maintenance has to shift in its emphasis to preventative rather than as a responsive process.  Government has to stop milking QR of its operating surpluses and ensure that adequate funds are made available for below and above rail asset maintenance and capability."

"It is good that there is an "urgent performance improvement plan under-way" (1).  The figures speak for themselves."

"Apart from addressing the network reliability issues, there are some other actions that will help in the immediate and short term.  For example, passenger education for travelling in peaks needs to be stepped up.  Passengers to be encouraged to spread out on platforms, and move down the aisles of carriages when on board.  Prepare for disembarking prior to arrival at your station.  Be punctual; arrive at the station a few minutes early.  Be considerate of your fellow passengers.  More proactive on board announcements and involvement, engage passengers.  Passengers have their part to play in helping public transport run on time."

"TransLink must also move forward with incentive ticketing to garner a shift out of peaks.  Encourage off, late and early peak travel.  The Go card is a tool that can assist in congestion management (2).  A high uptake improves efficiency of public transport.  Make the Go card attractive for ALL commuters."

"How long do we have to wait for real actions?"

References:

1.    http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25411696-3102,00.html
2.    http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1941.0


Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

=======================

Media Release 26 February 2010

SEQ:  Call for fines against QR Passenger to be refunded and used for more Citytrain services

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has previously questioned the wisdom of fining an operator for circumstances largely beyond their control (1).  Around 7 Million dollars has been levied as fines over recent financial years for a failure of QR Citytrain to meet certain ontime train performance standards.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Fining an operator for factors beyond their control is illogical.  The fines must reduce the level of funding available for new services which in turn leads to further delays due to congestion."

"One reason for the lack of pro-active placement of more Citytrain services must be the lack of funds.  If the fines were returned to the operator these monies could provide a large number of additional Citytrain services, and in so doing further encourage citizens to abandon the motor car and move to frequent public transport."

"The key factor in encouraging use of public transport is frequency of service."

"We call for the fines levied against QR Citytrain and QR Passenger over the last couple of financial years be returned to the operator to fund additional Citytrain services (2)."

References:

1.  20 Feb 2010: SEQ:  'Catch 22' strikes QR Passenger
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3466.0

2.  7 Feb 2010: SEQ: Public transport rail frequency needs radical improvement
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3410.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org


Footnote:  There was another bridge strike on the Ipswich line at Indooroopilly last evening which disrupted trains for a while.  Should  the Government fine the operator QR Passenger because trains were held up due to the idiocy of the heavy vehicle driver?  You don't have to answer that question ...

[WTN]

*Applause*

I'm so happy that a sensible decision has been made.

[#Metro]

Right, so how many new services can now be put on with that extra money!!!   

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Queensland Rail executives to cop salary cuts for train delays

Queensland Rail executives to cop salary cuts for train delays

    * by Ursula Heger
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * September 07, 2010 12:00AM

QUEENSLAND Rail executives could have their pay slashed if the southeast CityTrain services do not run on time.

State Transport Minister Rachel Nolan yesterday said she had asked the new QR board to ensure a section of executives' pay is linked to service delivery.

This will mean a new pay structure for the executives, whereby a section of "at risk" pay could be lost if the number of delayed, or cancelled services does not improve.

Under previous arrangements for QR executives, only their bonus pay was linked to performance of the network.

It came as TransLink, the southeast's transport authority, confirmed QR would no longer be fined as a corporation for on-time performance failures which leave thousands of commuters stranded each year.

But QR executives will be hit by substantial financial losses if a variety of key performance indicators such as on-time running, customer satisfaction, reliability and safety, are not met.

The rail provider has missed performance targets for a number of late peak-hour services for the past four years, and was fined over $7 million because of the problems.

QR was contractually obliged to have 92.4 per cent of services in daily peak hours running within four minutes of their scheduled time.

Under the new contracts, the peak-hour target will be 93.01 per cent from July 1 – making it more difficult for the rail provider to meet the targets of on-time services.

As first reported in The Courier-Mail, QR copped its fourth fine in four years in February this year, after an average of 91.74 per cent of rush-hour services met their scheduled time.

But Ms Nolan said the fines imposed by the State Government were a "money merry-go-round", where one government organisation fined another.

In the year to June 2009, QR chief executive Paul Scurrah, then in his role of executive general manager for QR Passenger, earned a base salary of $371,000.

The chief executive officer for QR at the time, Lance Hockridge, earned $854,000.

Opposition spokeswoman Fiona Simpson labelled the previous system of fining QR "inadequate" saying it did not address the failures of the network.

"The performance criteria does need to be linked to the executives, but also the performance measurements need to be meaningful," she said.

[Barbar]

When QR have, for the past 4 years, failed to meet the previous OTP KPR being "92.4 per cent of services in daily peak hours running within four minutes of their scheduled time" how the hell are QR going to satisfy a 93.01 per cent OTP rating AND increase service frequency?? Sadly I doubt there will be any improvement in service frequency for quite sometime to come.