RAIL - Back On Track Forum

With Richlands station opening on Sunday 23rd January with trains planned to be running on Monday 24 January 2011.... I was just wondering if anyone has heard any news of whether a bus link is arranged from Springfield Lakes to Richlands Station?

I trust this might be an issue as the journey crosses from Ipswich into Brisbane so there might be some debate as to what bus service will take on the job...

Karyn 

Doesn't look like it, from the press release or the Translink information, that you can find if you persist in attempting the navigational obstacles that Translink put in the way of information-seekers  :conf

The only new buses serve Willawong and Inala amongst a few other non-Springfield suburbs.

TransLink planner is telling met that the options are bus and then train from Goodna.

The least that could be done is a Richlands Rocket bus, a service that does a round in Springfield, exits into the Centenary motorway and then straight to Richlands station or (if more frequent) Darra station.

You could even have the service run outside of peak hours for a change, a bit like the buses that feed the Gold Coast line stations.

Wondering also if this heathwood route could or should be extended to Browns Plains. I feel a bit irked by routes that just terminate in the middle of nowhere.

Haha what you were expecting some sort of biz? Keep dreaming this brisbane

See this thread in the bus and ferry forum: New Richlands Station Feeder Routes 465 & 466

Quote from: somebody on January 23, 2011, 05:01:03 AM

Quote from: ozbob on January 22, 2011, 04:33:19 AM
Richlands is now open but there isn't a direct bus from Springfield to Richlands!  Mediocrity!!

I must challenge this one.

Why's there need to be a bus from Richlands to Springfield, and what route would it take?  The only thing which seems like it might make sense is to run directly down the freeway into Springfield which means you can't serve anywhere along the way.  Goodna is actually quite a bit closer.  I'd rather more trips on the 530 to Goodna which also serves all the bit between Goodna and Springfield, so having a Richlands-Springfield bus doesn't remove the need for the 530, and also divides the effective frequency to Springfield.  The other point is that the 530 feeds in to a station which will have a peak express service in the new timetable, which has to be an advantage.

Springfield residents are the ones who want it, the ones who presently are going into Goodna.  It does make sense as it can replicate the rail run from Springfield.  It is a direct fast journey.  It would encourage folks out there.  We have had feedback on this from Springfield.  TransLink were looking at this and I am still hopeful will be done.  A peak service would be a start.

We support the community, not our own individual views.

--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.msg44808#msg44808


It is a much better road run from Springfield - Springfield Lakes - Richlands than the other routes into Goodna, and the traffic issues.  Also bypassing Gailes and Wacol this way.  The extra distance is marginal  ( map ), the traffic and delays are far worse going into Goodna.  I went on this route on the way back from my emergency dash from Ipswich Hospital on the eve of the floods as it was the only route I could get through back to Darra.  I suggest you go for a drive out there and you will soon see a direct bus run from Springfield to Richlands is a good move.

I am looking at the roads in Springfield and I am shaking my head. There are some nice fast arterials, but overall the roads are loopy, windy and do not allow cross-movement. Try and travel in a straight line through springfield suburbs, it is almost impossible.

Any rail stations constructed in Springfield will need to have park and ride and also high frequency feeder buses Perth-style, otherwise IMHO
there will be a serious access problem.

I will let TL grapple with how it will draw the bus route, but if there is any redemption, the newer development at Grande avenue seems to have a much better road layout, allowing a bus to start at the roundabout there, travel to the main shops and then out on to the freeway.

Park and ride and bicycle access will be important (and costly) but necessary IMHO. Buses through this area, while necessary to supply, would be like sending a bus into a maze. TERRIBLE layouts...

A concept raised previously by us and others was construct park and rides at the the new railway station locations with active transport support as well, and than a rail bus Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Ellen-Grove, Richlands, mimicking the eventual railway line.   This would get people in the swing of using the public transport too.

I thought TransLink were going to do that (rail bus), apparently not now ...  The OP did flag the council boundary issue, wonder if that is a factor here?

Quote from: tramtrain on January 23, 2011, 08:23:42 AM
I am looking at the roads in Springfield and I am shaking my head. There are some nice fast arterials, but overall the roads are loopy, windy and do not allow cross-movement. Try and travel in a straight line through springfield suburbs, it is almost impossible.

Any rail stations constructed in Springfield will need to have park and ride and also high frequency feeder buses Perth-style, otherwise IMHO
there will be a serious access problem.

I will let TL grapple with how it will draw the bus route, but if there is any redemption, the newer development at Grande avenue seems to have a much better road layout, allowing a bus to start at the roundabout there, travel to the main shops and then out on to the freeway.

Park and ride and bicycle access will be important (and costly) but necessary IMHO. Buses through this area, while necessary to supply, would be like sending a bus into a maze. TERRIBLE layouts...

Yes, especially when one considers that Springfield has been touted in the past as "TOD like" ...   lol

There will be a bike path all the way Richlands - Springfield one day, this might be the best option!   :bi

Quote from: ozbob on January 23, 2011, 07:22:43 AM
A peak service would be a start.

Yes, a peak service via the motorway could be a good idea.

I would go so far as to say that they should look at building the car park, bicycle and bus interchanges first to allow the bus to start picking up passengers and then install the train station at a later date. It would not be complicated- build the carpark and then put a bus stop with shelter in it, and the bus can come along and pick people up. It doesn't need to be fancy at all.

Quote from: ozbob on January 23, 2011, 07:22:43 AM
Springfield residents are the ones who want it, the ones who presently are going into Goodna.  

Ok, but what about the 530 service to Camira?  I think it would be hard to justify improved service here if you are taking the Springfield people out of the bus.  I think there is a need for the 530 to meet every train outside of peak times and also no worse than a 15 minute frequency in peak.

A rail bus Springfield to Richlands will I think attract a lot of pax presently not using public transport as well as few who do use the 530. 

The 530 and 522 will continue to do their runs.  I think the pax changes for them will not be largely influenced by a rail bus.

I've got to say that upon further thought I am supportive of your idea of a bus via motorway.  It's just that I still see that the priority is to get feeder buses meeting every reasonable train.

Feeder buses overall are a bit of a poor show, and should be boosted IMHO.
So much to do. They should be meeting every train, and if the connecting train frequency is really high (Darra?), then every 5-10 minutes during that time

Media release 25 January 2011

SEQ: Springfield-Richlands rocket rail-bus required

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 called for a direct, express rail-bus from Springfield to Richlands to be considered while the rail line is being built. (1)

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The opening of the Richlands rail station really showed how the community will get behind public transport when given good quality options. RAIL Back on Track has received feedback asking for a direct bus service from Springfield so that residents can transfer to rail."

"Once the proposed bus does its suburban run in Springfield it can go straight down the Centenary Highway and feed directly into Richlands rail station. Services could begin as a peak-hour service, and this could be gradually increased to an all day, high frequency service, possibly of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) standards and with a guaranteed connection to every train service."

"This could be similar to a system in Perth, Western Australia, where they have used BRT to feed passengers from Rockingham into the Mandurah rail line (2)."

"This will be a useful "stop-gap" measure while TransLink, Queensland Rail and the construction alliance deal with the construction and planning of the extension of the rail line into Springfield."

"Judging by the popularity of the Richlands rail line, RAIL Back on Track believes the Springfield railway line will be a great achievement for both Springfield and Queensland, and will be very popular. We also welcome the new interim timetable for this line which came into operation yesterday."

"As the success of public transport, particularly feeder bus routing, is highly influenced by speed, directness, layout and connectivity of the local road network, we hope that Springfield Land Corporation ensures that future roads are developed in accordance with the 'Be on the way' principle to allow easy, direct bus routing in the future (3)."

"It is time public transport in south-east Queensland became pro-active rather than reactive!"

References:

1. Bus link from Springfield to Richlands Station
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226

2. Rockingham City Centre Transit System
http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Projects/CompletedProjects/RockinghamCityCentreTransitSystem/tabid/81/Default.aspx

3. Queensland: Public Transport 101 - Be on the Way!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4996.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Centenary Highway was a 'car park' from Ipswich Highway to Toowong again this morning.  If a rail-bus was put on between Springfield and Richlands it would help a lot and give folks a real alternative to the car.

The only place I can see timeliness falling short is in evening peak when the Centenary Highway is usually at a stand still from just before the Logan Mwy interchange. Might be faster once it is duplicated, however saying that ... the railway line will be built by then.

Media release 2 April 2011

SEQ: Consultation supported for Springfield-Richlands 'Rocket' Rail Bus

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called on the residents of Springfield and neighbouring suburbs to show their support and share their views on an interim rail bus to and from Richlands station, while the Springfield heavy rail line is extended from Richlands.

"To their credit, TransLink has considered and is investigating the possibility of a rail bus between Springfield and  Richlands railway station (1). RAIL Back on Track is very supportive of bus integration with rail. A bus service could be put on as the community waits for construction on the Springfield Rail line to complete (2)."

"The Centenary Highway north of the Ipswich Highway is fast becoming a ' permanent car park' in the peaks.  One bus is equivalent to 40 cars, a rail bus service as proposed by TransLink will ease some of the chronic road congestion."

"The proposed route originates at Springfield Central, serves USQ university campus, goes down Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Summit Drive, Lakeside Avenue.  Once this suburban run in Springfield is done, the proposed rail bus will run straight down the Centenary Highway and feed into Richlands Rail station to connect with trains to and from the CBD. Bus interchange facilities at Richlands railway station are first class."

TransLink wants to consult residents of Springfield on whether there is support for this new service. You can talk to TransLink at consultation sessions, or alternatively fill out the survey form on their website http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22C5XG3HMK5/

TransLink will hold consultation sessions at the following locations:

Delfin Sales Centre

    * Wednesday 13 April (7pm to 8pm)

Orion Springfield Town Centre (inside the mall)

    * Thursday 14 April (5pm to 7pm) * Saturday 16 April (9am to 12pm)   

"RAIL Back on Track encourages the residents of Springfield and the general area to have their say on this consultation.

"RAIL Back on Track commends TransLink for considering this bus service and also for the consultation with the community (2)."

References:

1. Springfield to Richlands Bus Consultation
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/springfield-to-richlands-bus-consultation

2. SEQ: Springfield-Richlands rocket rail-bus required
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5322.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

As an aside to this a recent Monday morning check of the carpark at Richlands saw only 17 empty parking spaces at 9.30am out of the 650 spaces provided, a count at the same time on the Wednesday morning saw 23 empty spaces and this after the 15% fare increase.
This uptake allowing for the service frequency strengthens the argument for a connecting direct bus service between Springwood and Richlands rail, something that Translink should have provided from day one, what is now needed is not consultation as a ploy by Translink to justify further delay in providing the service but a service co-ordinated to the rail service frequency now

I would prefer they consult to get the route right and gauge how many are going to use it.

The point remains that this service should have been up and running from day one of the Richlands/Springhield line, as for the route again a little applied logic by the so called transport planners should be capable of defining a route within Springfield that gives either a reasonable area of catchment with a minimum route length or alternatively acts as a connection between a key potential loading point which is also fed by the existing local service to that point connecting to the rail at Richlands  
Once the initial service is in place after a trial period the timings, route and frequency can easily be adjusted to suit or further create demand.
An initial trial well publicised saves the prolonged and costly consultation processes that Translink currently uses to justify their ever increasing and less than cost effective bureaucracy which with increasing frequency gets things wrong, the Flexilink debarcle in Ipswich, the route 88 bus service being recent examples.

I hope that if it does go ahead, that during peak hour, it meets every train. Minimum requirement. That will ensure high patronage from day 1 and a bus every 10 minutes into Richlands.

Anyone hear the outcome of this consultation/survey?

Quote from: ozbob on April 03, 2011, 02:52:50 AM
Media release 2 April 2011

SEQ: Consultation supported for Springfield-Richlands 'Rocket' Rail Bus

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called on the residents of Springfield and neighbouring suburbs to show their support and share their views on an interim rail bus to and from Richlands station, while the Springfield heavy rail line is extended from Richlands.

"To their credit, TransLink has considered and is investigating the possibility of a rail bus between Springfield and  Richlands railway station (1). RAIL Back on Track is very supportive of bus integration with rail. A bus service could be put on as the community waits for construction on the Springfield Rail line to complete (2)."

"The Centenary Highway north of the Ipswich Highway is fast becoming a ' permanent car park' in the peaks.  One bus is equivalent to 40 cars, a rail bus service as proposed by TransLink will ease some of the chronic road congestion."

"The proposed route originates at Springfield Central, serves USQ university campus, goes down Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Summit Drive, Lakeside Avenue.  Once this suburban run in Springfield is done, the proposed rail bus will run straight down the Centenary Highway and feed into Richlands Rail station to connect with trains to and from the CBD. Bus interchange facilities at Richlands railway station are first class."

TransLink wants to consult residents of Springfield on whether there is support for this new service. You can talk to TransLink at consultation sessions, or alternatively fill out the survey form on their website http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22C5XG3HMK5/

TransLink will hold consultation sessions at the following locations:

Delfin Sales Centre

    * Wednesday 13 April (7pm to 8pm)

Orion Springfield Town Centre (inside the mall)

    * Thursday 14 April (5pm to 7pm) * Saturday 16 April (9am to 12pm)   

"RAIL Back on Track encourages the residents of Springfield and the general area to have their say on this consultation.

"RAIL Back on Track commends TransLink for considering this bus service and also for the consultation with the community (2)."

References:

1. Springfield to Richlands Bus Consultation
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/springfield-to-richlands-bus-consultation

2. SEQ: Springfield-Richlands rocket rail-bus required
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5322.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Confirmed in the Transport Estimates this afternoon in Queensland Parliament.

Good news is Richlands <--> Springfield bus is GO!

Detailed planning is underway for implementation later this year (October?).

Quote from: ozbob on July 14, 2011, 17:24:39 PM
Confirmed in the Transport Estimates this afternoon in Queensland Parliament.

Good news is Richlands <--> Springfield bus is GO!

Detailed planning is underway for implementation later this year (October?).

Wow only 10 months late, good thing these idiots only have 9 months left in power

Sent to all outlets:

14th July 2011

Richlands <-> Springfield bus is GO!

Greetings,

In the Queensland Parliament Estimate Committee - Transport this afternoon it was revealed that the Richlands - Springfield bus is to go ahead.
Community feedback was strongly supportive, detailed planning is underway, for service delivery later this year.

Great news!  Thank you!

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media release 25 January 2011

SEQ: Springfield-Richlands rocket rail-bus required

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 called for a direct, express rail-bus from Springfield to Richlands to be considered while the rail line is being built. (1)

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The opening of the Richlands rail station really showed how the community will get behind public transport when given good quality options. RAIL Back on Track has received feedback asking for a direct bus service from Springfield so that residents can transfer to rail."

"Once the proposed bus does its suburban run in Springfield it can go straight down the Centenary Highway and feed directly into Richlands rail station. Services could begin as a peak-hour service, and this could be gradually increased to an all day, high frequency service, possibly of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) standards and with a guaranteed connection to every train service."

"This could be similar to a system in Perth, Western Australia, where they have used BRT to feed passengers from Rockingham into the Mandurah rail line (2)."

"This will be a useful "stop-gap" measure while TransLink, Queensland Rail and the construction alliance deal with the construction and planning of the extension of the rail line into Springfield."

"Judging by the popularity of the Richlands rail line, RAIL Back on Track believes the Springfield railway line will be a great achievement for both Springfield and Queensland, and will be very popular. We also welcome the new interim timetable for this line which came into operation yesterday."

"As the success of public transport, particularly feeder bus routing, is highly influenced by speed, directness, layout and connectivity of the local road network, we hope that Springfield Land Corporation ensures that future roads are developed in accordance with the 'Be on the way' principle to allow easy, direct bus routing in the future (3)."

"It is time public transport in south-east Queensland became pro-active rather than reactive!"

References:

1. Bus link from Springfield to Richlands Station
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226

2. Rockingham City Centre Transit System
http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Projects/CompletedProjects/RockinghamCityCentreTransitSystem/tabid/81/Default.aspx

3. Queensland: Public Transport 101 - Be on the Way!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4996.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media release 2 April 2011

SEQ: Consultation supported for Springfield-Richlands 'Rocket' Rail Bus

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called on the residents of Springfield and neighbouring suburbs to show their support and share their views on an interim rail bus to and from Richlands station, while the Springfield heavy rail line is extended from Richlands.

"To their credit, TransLink has considered and is investigating the possibility of a rail bus between Springfield and  Richlands railway station (1). RAIL Back on Track is very supportive of bus integration with rail. A bus service could be put on as the community waits for construction on the Springfield Rail line to complete (2)."

"The Centenary Highway north of the Ipswich Highway is fast becoming a ' permanent car park' in the peaks.  One bus is equivalent to 40 cars, a rail bus service as proposed by TransLink will ease some of the chronic road congestion."

"The proposed route originates at Springfield Central, serves USQ university campus, goes down Springfield Lakes Boulevard, Summit Drive, Lakeside Avenue.  Once this suburban run in Springfield is done, the proposed rail bus will run straight down the Centenary Highway and feed into Richlands Rail station to connect with trains to and from the CBD. Bus interchange facilities at Richlands railway station are first class."

TransLink wants to consult residents of Springfield on whether there is support for this new service. You can talk to TransLink at consultation sessions, or alternatively fill out the survey form on their website http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22C5XG3HMK5/

TransLink will hold consultation sessions at the following locations:

Delfin Sales Centre

    * Wednesday 13 April (7pm to 8pm)

Orion Springfield Town Centre (inside the mall)

    * Thursday 14 April (5pm to 7pm) * Saturday 16 April (9am to 12pm)   

"RAIL Back on Track encourages the residents of Springfield and the general area to have their say on this consultation.

"RAIL Back on Track commends TransLink for considering this bus service and also for the consultation with the community (2)."

References:

1. Springfield to Richlands Bus Consultation
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/springfield-to-richlands-bus-consultation

2. SEQ: Springfield-Richlands rocket rail-bus required
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5322.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

From the South West News / Springfield News 20th July 2011 page 3

New bus link unveiled

99% were in favour?? Incredible that it took a survey figure that out... and Brisbane commuters will refuse to transfer between modes?? 

Media release 21 July 2011

SEQ: Richlands to Springfield bus - Ride the Rocket!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers welcomes the news that TransLink will be introducing a Richlands-Springfield Rail 'Rocket' bus (1,2,3).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members are very pleased at the news that TransLink intends to put on a Richlands-Springfield Rail Rocket bus while the residents of greater Springfield wait for the planned completion of the railway line in 2013. We hope that decent frequency - meeting every train at Richlands, and a wide scope of service hours is implemented."

"RAIL Back On Track thanks TransLink for running consultation on the service, the Minister for Transport and the residents of Springfield who raised the issue with RAIL Back On Track and our members who developed the idea further."

"There is still much needed to be done on the Ipswich line however. Train Upgrade Zones (TUZ) consisting of frequent all day express train services to Ipswich station (every 15 minutes all day and evening) fed by high frequency bus rapid transit (BRT) is something that can be done now without spending billions on infrastructure or waiting for years."

"We look forward to the formal announcement of the Richlands - Springfield bus route and timetable. Ride the Richlands Rocket Bus!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.0

2. http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2011/2011_07_14_Estimates.pdf

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.msg63807#msg63807

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

From the Queensland Times 21st July 2011 page 15

Springfield gets rail-bus service



Now online Queensland Times --> Springfield gets rail-bus service

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/springfield-to-richlands-bus-consultation

Bus connection from Springfield to Richlands station community consultation report

In March 2011, TransLink was asked to facilitate a number of consultation sessions in the Springfield area to explore a possible new bus connection to Richlands station.

The goals of the consultation were as follows:

   identify the current public transport usage habits of residents
   gauge consumer demand for a possible bus connection from Springfield to Richlands
   facilitate information sharing, open discussion and encourage comment on the proposed route.

Three sessions were undertaken at Delfin Lend Lease and Orion Springfield Town Centre. Information including a potential bus route alignment was presented and residents were asked to respond to this information via a feedback form.

Responses were also sought using an online survey tool which was available for a period of three weeks - closing on 21 April. The data from the online survey and feedback forms were collated and presented via the consultation report.

A total of 339 responses were collected during the survey.

Respondents were overwhelmingly in favour of the introduction of a temporary bus connection, with ninety-nine percent hoping to see a service introduced prior to the opening of the railway line in 2013.

   view the consultation report (PDF, 263KB)
   view media release

http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/release/352

Springfield buses on track for Richlands

Thursday 14 July 2011

Springfield residents are one step closer to having regular buses between Orion Town Centre shopping centre and Richlands train station after a recent user survey by TransLink.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced that planning was well underway for a new interim bus services to directly connect Springfield to Richlands railway station.

"The survey found that there was unanimous support for an interim bus service between the Springfield Orion Town Centre shopping centre and Richlands train station while the rail line is extended from Richlands," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The interim route proposed would provide a direct link between Springfield and the train station, servicing local shopping centres and the Spring Lakes Primary School, St Peter's Lutheran College and the University of Southern Queensland Springfield campus."

"The recent survey and consultation sessions with Springfield residents were valuable in identifying the public transport requirements and needs of the local community.

"TransLink will continue to use information collected during the consultation period in its planning and route mapping process for delivery of the interim services."

Ms Palaszczuk said bus services between the Orion Town Centre and Richlands railway station were not expected to start until later in the year.

"TransLink reviewed bus services in the greater Ipswich region late last year and recently updated the routes with train connections to ensure they met Ipswich/Rosewood line trains running on the new timetable which started on June 6," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"During this review of the train timetable and connecting bus services, TransLink consulted with the local community.

"Community consultation is vital to deliver better public transport services and improved accessibility throughout the region."

The extension of the Springfield rail line between Richlands station and Springfield is expected to be completed in 2013.

Customers can view a copy of the survey results on the TransLink website.

Better late than never...

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1322017301

Springfield on track for a new connection

In preparation for the completion of the Springfield train station, route 535 (Orion Springfield Town Centre to Richlands station) will provide a temporary bus connection to and from Richlands station from Monday 27 February 2012.

We have listened to the feedback provided by the local community about where you would like the service to travel and what times best suit your current needs.

Route 535 will provide the community with connections to Richlands train station, Orion Springfield Town Centre and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) until the opening of the Richlands to Springfield rail extension.

This temporary service will operate Monday to Friday during morning and afternoon peak periods, and will travel in both directions between Orion Springfield Town Centre, USQ, Springfield Lakes, and Richlands train station.

Timetables and further information about this new service will be available closer to February.

So Richlands station will celebrate its first birthday still lacking this route.

Quote from: Simon on December 09, 2011, 13:08:43 PM
So Richlands station will celebrate its first birthday still lacking this route.

It's actually just pathetic, this dhould of been there day one.

On a slightly different topic, what do people think of a kippa ring Petrie feeder?

535 timetables now available

--> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/route-535

Media release 14 January 2012

SEQ: Richlands-Springfield Rail Rocket bus ready for blastoff!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said that a new, fast and direct bus route to Springfield will soon be ready to blast off.

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes the announcement of a timetable for the new Route 535, colloquially known as the 'Richland's Rail Rocket Bus' (1). After doing a its pickup run in the suburbs, it will then head non-stop straight down the Centenary Highway to meet trains at Richlands. Indeed, travel time between Springfield Lakes and Richlands on the rocket is approximately just 12 minutes and with decent services in the morning and afternoon peaks. That's a big incentive to leave the car at home!"

"RAIL Back On Track, together with the community have long campaigned for this route (2). It's particularly valuable because it is fast, direct and has seamless interchange with rail. That's the kind of bus routes that people want to see - direct, fast and frequent with a decent scope of hours and sticking to fast arterial roads. We think the 'Rail Rocket' service will be a hit with commuters from day one."

"It also goes to show that it is a myth that we have to wait for big ticket, multi-billion dollar construction projects that take decades to deliver before we can get improvements to bus and train service frequency. There are many parts of the bus and rail network that can have more services now, very cheaply with little or no new infrastructure, and this bus route demonstrates that."

"The 535 bus will eventually be replaced by the Springfield Rail line, which has strong member support."

"These are the kind of improvements that public transport users want (3, 4). Frequent services all modes - rail, bus and ferry are the lynchpin of success!"

"RAIL Back On Track commends TransLink and the Queensland Government for this new fast and direct service and also the Springfield community who supported its introduction."

References:

1. Route 535 Timetable and Map - services begin in February 2012  http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/route-535

2. Bus link from Springfield to Richlands train station  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5226.0

3. SEQ: No go on 9 journeys then free  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7445.0

4. SEQ: Trips and frequency?  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7440.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

Still pretty half-baked bus service if you want to travel out of peak (e.g students travelling to USQ for afternoon lectures). Still, better than nothing.

I't will be interesting to see if the car park at Richlands station is still full when route 535 begins.

A work colleague will be catching route 535 so I can provide some feedback on numbers.