2010 Translink Network plan

[Golliwog]

http://download.translink.com.au/about/2010_networkplan.pdf

Seems to have been put up a few days ago. Comments?

[Golliwog]

High Frequency Priority (HFP)
A network of fast, frequent, reliable and direct services will form the backbone of the public transport system, running along major corridors and connecting activity centres and residential communities. The network of HFP routes will be clearly identifi able, with consistent branding of stations, stops, ferry terminals and signage. The HFP network will operate services at a frequency of every 15 minutes or better, between the hours of 6am – 9pm, seven days a week. Commuters will not need a timetable on these bus, train and ferry services.

[#Metro]

HFP sounds wierd. Translink should just buy/licence the trademarked BUZ name from the BCC.

Radial network & local buses (finally!). Brisbane already has one- the 599/598 which needs a complete overhaul, paint job, renumbering (1 and 2 is suggested) and altered bus stops, major frequency boost, clockfacing of the timetable, and synchronising with one main railway service (Indro looks good for this).

If anyone was wondering about achievements, they are listed in there.
Its not a network plan though, it's too short and no plan is in there. Maybe this is just a summary front page thing.

[somebody]

All the general comments they say the correct things, but look at the specifics?  Basically they are saying they plan to do almost nothing that they don't have to for the entire rest of the year.

[#Metro]

Overhaul 599/598 poll now open:
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3970.0

Overall I'm happy with TL. They need to fix up the full buses, connect 109 + 66 and make good on their promises for more trains, buses and ferries now that they have increased the fares.

Happy to notice  Light Rail in the document!

[Jon Bryant]

Agree it really does not outline how they are going to deliver the improvements nor does it set any real mode split targets.  Fancy brochure is all it is. 

[ozbob]

Yes, good on the     

One thing is clear though,  standby for 15 minute frequency on the IPS - CAB  corridor.

[#Metro]

Agree it really does not outline how they are going to deliver the improvements nor does it set any real mode split targets.  Fancy brochure is all it is.

The effectiveness of TL should be judged on mode share (also called mode split). This is probably the most important metric to measure, it could be broken down in to regions- Gold Coast, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane CBD.

[somebody]

One thing is clear though,  standby for 15 minute frequency on the IPS - CAB  corridor.

I didn't see that in the document.  Did you mean it was there, or that based on other comments it is coming?

It is really needed on the Caboolture line.  That line is so busy that it is often full seated load off peak on a 6 car train.

[ozbob]

Page 8 http://download.translink.com.au/about/2010_networkplan.pdf

Remember Ipswich Caboolture line has been mentioned before as the prime candidate.

15 minutes  15 minutes 

[somebody]

You are talking about the High Frequency Priority comments?  It is not explicitly stated as far as I can see that is coming to Ipswich-Caboolture though, as far as I can see.  I understand something like that is in the works, but they haven't given any specific promises as far as I can see.

[stephenk]

10 pages of semi-meaningless spin. Excuse my pessimism, but it looks like that the majority of public transport users are not going to see much of an improvement in services into the second year of over the top fare increases.

It wouldn't surprise me if rail patronage decreases again in the next year. What is TransLink's excuse going to be next year?

[somebody]

Excuse my pessimism

I am with you here.

[#Metro]

This is an example of the Executive summary of a network plan. Look at the level of detail.
http://www.tams.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/157996/ACT_Strategic_PTNP_EXEC_SUMM.pdf

For a backgrounder, read this post http://www.humantransit.org/2009/07/long-term-transit-plans-ask-the-real-questions.html

Pages 8 to 10 have detail about the initiatives. My understanding is that every 5-10 years a really big detailed plan comes out.
It should not be assumed that 10 pages means that its not worthwhile. It could be 100 pages with lots of padding and bigger diagrams, for example.

The main drawbacks were needing to split the improvements into

Bus
Ferry
Train
Light Rail

The absence of a map showing the improvements (see the Canberra summary for an example).
Apart from that, what were people expecting?

[stephenk]

"The main drawbacks were needing to split the improvements into "

"Apart from that, what were people expecting?"

I would say the main drawback, is that it looks like TransLink have very little planned for next year, in the mean time we will have yet another huge fare increase.

I was expecting improved off-peak (15 or 20mins) on all major rail lines, and significant peak service enhancements. I see little evidence that these may happen in the next year going by this document.

[#Metro]

I would say the main drawback, is that it looks like TransLink have very little planned for next year, in the mean time we will have yet another huge fare increase.

I was expecting improved off-peak (15 or 20mins) on all major rail lines, and significant peak service enhancements. I see little evidence that these may happen in the next year going by this document.

IMHO fare increases are OK with me, on the condition that the services are improved with that extra money.
Failure to deliver services in step with the fare increases, in a time of increasing interest rates, petrol prices and general living costs is going to be tabloid news fodder, which in turn will very publicly damage TL's reputation.

IMHO put the extra rail services on before the Courier Mail does another scandal-story like they did today. Worse still, these three rising costs plus increasing congestion are going to put even more people on PT in the future. No amount of media releases is going to ward off a "The government is ripping off batter working family commuters" from a newspaper.

[dwb]

* enhancements to passenger information have seen 'stop specific' timetables posted at over 85 per cent of bus stops

Wow, you mean 15 out of every 100 stops DOESN'T have a stop specific timetable???!?

[dwb]

Apparently they are going to deliver more than 125 new buses to the Translink network this year?

Considering Brisbane City Council will deliver at least 125 new buses (even if they are funded by TTA), does that mean other operators are getting NO new buses this year??

[Golliwog]

Not all bus stops have a bus using them. I can think of a few near my place, they even have an indented busbay (no shelter though) yet there hasn't been a bus using them since they were built other than school run buses waiting to be able to move up to the school and pick up the kids.

[ozbob]

Media Release 21 June 2010

SEQ:  TransLink Network Plan  2010 welcome

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 welcomed the release of the 2010 TransLink Network plan on the TransLink website (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public and active transport is the way forward in south-east Queensland.  The 2010 TransLink Network Plan offers some insights into the improvements to come.  There is little doubt that the biggest success of TransLink is integrated ticketing and the go card.  Further go card fare enhancements will be needed though to complete the package and drive public transport as first choice (2)."

"Of particular interest is the 'High Frequency Priority (HFP) network of fast, frequent, reliable and direct services (which) will form the backbone of the public transport system, running along major corridors and connecting activity centres and residential communities. The network of HFP routes will be clearly identifiable, with consistent branding of stations, stops, ferry terminals and signage. The HFP network will operate services at a frequency of every 15 minutes or better, between the hours of 6am – 9pm, seven days a week. Commuters will not need a timetable on these bus, train and ferry services' (1)."

"The major issue with public transport in south-east Queensland is the poor rail frequency, particularly off peak.  We are delighted that there are plans to address this in terms of a high frequency priority network."

"Well done TransLink on the release of the TransLink Network Plan 2010."

References:

1. http://download.translink.com.au/about/2010_networkplan.pdf

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3820.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[somebody]

I don't know about giving them a pat on the back for releasing that.  There should have at least been some call for its implementation and/or more detail.

[ozbob]

All in good time.  Harping all the time gets us no where ...

There are some moves clearly to increase frequency and that is a very good thing.

[dwb]

I'm wondering where the actual plan is too?

This is clearly not the plan, however I'm wondering if they're trying to build pressure to release the full plan, or get it approved or published or what.

Looking at the 2007 plan there is quite a bit of detail.

But i just can't figure out their strategy here - what are they trying to achieve by publishing this document???

[#Metro]

"Of particular interest is the 'High Frequency Priority (HFP) network of fast, frequent, reliable and direct services (which) will form the backbone of the public transport system, running along major corridors and connecting activity centres and residential communities. The network of HFP routes will be clearly identifiable, with consistent branding of stations, stops, ferry terminals and signage. The HFP network will operate services at a frequency of every 15 minutes or better, between the hours of 6am – 9pm, seven days a week. Commuters will not need a timetable on these bus, train and ferry services' (1)."

Well don't worry about branding, just put the services on!
Good to see that 15-minute trains and 15-minute ferries will form part of the backbone. Rail should be the backbone, not just buses.

[Derwan]

I skipped through the pages of spin in an attempt to find the actual plans.  Page 8 was interesting, but still very high-level, with no set plans/timelines to deliver their "four broad categories of
services".

Page 9 indicates "During the 2009–2010 financial year, TransLink will be carrying out a number of improvements to its infrastructure and services."  Someone forgot to tell them that the 2009-2010 financial year is all but over.  Not sure how many have actually been achieved.

Page 10 - finally getting interesting.  We see the plans for the next financial year in dot-point format.

What else do they have in store for us?  Oh - that's the end of the document!   

No mention of a revamped train timetable with improved services on all lines!  Is it even going to happen?

As for the Ipswich/Caboolture line, I think that all we'll see is 2tph to Ipswich and 2tph to Richlands - effectively 4tph to Darra instead of Corinda.  There's a slight chance that they'll do 2tph to Petrie and 2tph to Caboolture, but that might be hoping for too much.

[somebody]

There are some moves clearly to increase frequency and that is a very good thing.

I'd say there is general talk of it.  I still think it was too positive a release.  It didn't make any mention of the lack of specifics and was nearly all spin.

[O_128]

Id be amazed if it was 4 trains to richlands and 4 to ipswich

[mufreight]

Well when one considers that it is currently two to Ipswich and two to Corinda it would be logical to run four and four BUT Shorncliffe is not on the Ipswich - Caboolture corridor so allowing for the Translink mentality it is more probable that it will end up being four Ipswich and Two Richlands at least until such time as the line reaches Springfield.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 21st June 2010 page 1

Timely travel on way

Public transport every 15 minutes

[somebody]

I think it is almost a lay down mizaire that it will be 2tph Richlands 2tph Ipswich.  Not too sure about the Caboolture line though.  It may be 4tph Caboolture or 4tph Petrie with 2tph extending to Caboolture.  My blood will boil if it is 2tph to Caboolture only.

Again, contrast this with the current RailCorp NSW plan: http://www.railcorp.info/about_railcorp/corporate_plan

A quick glance reveals mostly spin, but at least they are calling for feedback. Albeit with a very short window.  Of course, their off peak train service is largely adequate.  Not grossly inadequate like QLD.

Well when one considers that it is currently two to Ipswich and two to Corinda it would be logical to run four and four BUT Shorncliffe is not on the Ipswich - Caboolture corridor so allowing for the Translink mentality it is more probable that it will end up being four Ipswich and Two Richlands at least until such time as the line reaches Springfield.

Best approach would be 4tph Richlands-Shorncliffe and 4tph Ipswich-Caboolture running express.  I think pigs might fly before we see this.

[stephenk]

I think it is almost a lay down mizaire that it will be 2tph Richlands 2tph Ipswich.  Not too sure about the Caboolture line though.  It may be 4tph Caboolture or 4tph Petrie with 2tph extending to Caboolture.  My blood will boil if it is 2tph to Caboolture only.

Again, contrast this with the current RailCorp NSW plan: http://www.railcorp.info/about_railcorp/corporate_plan

A quick glance reveals mostly spin, but at least they are calling for feedback. Albeit with a very short window.  Of course, their off peak train service is largely adequate.  Not grossly inadequate like QLD.

Well when one considers that it is currently two to Ipswich and two to Corinda it would be logical to run four and four BUT Shorncliffe is not on the Ipswich - Caboolture corridor so allowing for the Translink mentality it is more probable that it will end up being four Ipswich and Two Richlands at least until such time as the line reaches Springfield.

Best approach would be 4tph Richlands-Shorncliffe and 4tph Ipswich-Caboolture running express.  I think pigs might fly before we see this.

If we see 4tph off-peak to Caboolture, Ipswich, or Richlands in 2011, I will eat my hat.

[#Metro]

The frequency should be extended to 11.30pm, not 9pm.
This will make it level with the BUZ.

When will we see this? Or is this another phantom promise?

[somebody]

If we see 4tph off-peak to Caboolture, Ipswich, or Richlands in 2011, I will eat my hat.

I wouldn't completely rule it out to Caboolture.  It doesn't make much sense to run 4tph to Petrie with 2tph extending to Caboolture, as that means the dwell at Petrie needs to be 18 mins longer than the one at Caboolture.  Might as well run all the way to Caboolture, which shouldn't cause too much trouble for freight which can use the middle road to Lawnton.

If it's only 2tph to Ipswich it should extend to Rosewood and eliminate the change, even if it means locking the back 3 cars at Ipswich.

[ozbob]

http://www.fionasimpson.com.au/Pages/Article.aspx?ID=726

Public transport plan runs off the tracks

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

Public Transport commuters hit with a 40 per cent fare hike earlier this year will be wondering where the money has gone after the release of a new government blueprint which would "fit on the back of a chewing gum wrapper", the State Opposition said today.

LNP Shadow Minister for Transport Fiona Simpson said the long-awaited blue print document for SEQ's public transport system, TransLink's Network Plan 2010*, had proven to be a fizzer, with no detail on upcoming projects.

"The previous plan was was a detailed 232 page service delivery document — but it expired three years ago," Ms Simpson said.

"Since then public transport service delivery has lacked any strategic focus or accountability.

"Finally this new 'plan' has been published, but it's nothing but 14 pages of waffle.

Ms Simpson said if commuters were being asked to pay more to use public transport services, they should know where that money will be spent.

"After all the pain of fare hikes, this new document fails to provide the detail of the strategic direction and development of public transport services and infrastructure in South East Queensland," she said.

"Considering the scathing assessment the Auditor General has previously given on Queensland Transport planning, it is incredible that the Minister has accepted this —a PR brochure, not a plan.

"The reality for commuters is late or cancelled services, overcrowded trains and buses, and a go card system which has failed to live up to Minister Nolan's promises.
"Now they have been given a plan without any detail on how Minister Nolan plans to meet South East Queensland's future transport needs."

http://download.translink.com.au/about/2010_networkplan.pdf

[#Metro]

"The previous plan was was a detailed 232 page service delivery document — but it expired three years ago," Ms Simpson said.

Almost every government document should have an expiry date stamped on the inside cover.

[somebody]

“Finally this new ‘plan’ has been published, but it's nothing but 14 pages of waffle.

Fiona Simpson makes a sensible comment!  Wow!

It is good to see the opposition pointing out Translink's limitations.  I wish she's also have said something about the lack of consultation though.

[Golliwog]

Or perhaps she could have said something about what the opposition intends to do to fix this? Still, at least they are doing their job of pointing out the flaws of the government.