Any comments: Waive ticketing requirements next week on public transport?

[ozbob]

Recovery from the floods would be helped if all unnecessary road vehicle traffic is kept to essential travel.  To further facilitate this would waived ticketing requirements next week on public transport be in order?  Say Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd inclusive.  I expect many folks have no go cards (lost in floods) and with the new ticketing regimen scheduled for Monday 17th, life is complicated enough.

Any comments?

I think we should press for this.

I have sent an email to the authorities:

13th January 2011

Greetings,

Hope you are all safe.  Very impressed with the work of all, TransLink and operators.  Well done. We are coping well at Darra and Oxley.  Flooded before in 74.

Suggestion:

Recovery from the floods would be helped if all unnecessary road vehicle traffic is kept to essential travel.  To further facilitate this would waived ticketing requirements next week on public transport be in order?  Say Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd inclusive.  I expect many folks have no go cards (lost in floods) and with the new ticketing regimen scheduled for Monday 17th, life is complicated enough.

Thanks for consideration.

Regards
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ButFli]

All Translink services (including Airtrain) are currently operating on a no-fare basis.

[ozbob]

Yes, but might not be next week.

[Jonno]

I think this is a good idea to push as the less traffic on the roads the better for fixing roads etc.

[somebody]

Also not a bad idea to get a few people to try PT.  Although no fares could cause excessive congestion.

[ozbob]

Many normal workplaces will be not functioning next week, no school.  I think the potential for congestion is not that great next week.

Agree about getting non-public transport users onto public transport for a 'taste test'.  Also significant number have lost motor vehicles ..

[Stillwater]

Road conditions are horrendous, even though the floodwaters have gone down.  A horse would disappear into some potholes.  The action of vehicles cutting up roads where the bitumen surface has been made soft by saturating water represents a further cost to government that could be ameliorated by having 'no fares' public transport.  That is, the revenue loss incurred by the transport side of government could well be balanced by a lessing of the costs of repairs to the main roads side of government.

[Stillwater]

It is remarkable just how well the colonial rail engineers took into account the possible level of floods when determining the alignment of our railways.  In parts of the Lockyer Valley, lives were saved by people running to the railway on high ground during the flood.  Of course, some rail track has been damaged or washed away, something to be expected in a natural disaster on a scale of the current flood.  In the weeks ahead, the roads are going to be filled with trucks and other vehicles clearing debris, moving furniture etc.  Service station pumps have been damaged and water contamination will affect underground fuel tanks.  Some rural areas have no petrol at the moment; some have no petrol station.  It has been destroyed.  Some people don't have a wallet to buy petrol.  Many have cars that have been washed away or rendered useless.  For these reasons, having free passenger rail services for a time would make sense.  It could be the case that authorities could see their way clear, once railway track has been checked and repaired, to run special trains between Ipswich and Helidon -- for clean-up crews, for the members of the community to get to and from shops in Ipswich and back home again, for school children who may have to be taught out of the valley because of the utter devastation there, and for the gangs of tradespeople that will be required to get about during the rebuilding effort.  AND, I hope that QR takes advantage of the situation not just to repair what's there, but to also look to the long term -- maybe considering sections of track on new alignment, or higher bridges, in flood-prone areas.  One consideration of the reconstruction could be not just to provide a functional rail bridge in a town, but to deliberately build it at a height or in a manner that it could serve as a refuge during extreme flood events.

[Stillwater]

For example, a replacement rail bridge built higher than the damaged or destroyed one could be built to allow it to be used as an elevated helipad in the event of another flood.  It is that sort of thinking that needs to be brought to bear when considering the reconstruction effort.

[#Metro]

Crank up the BUZ network.

Yes, the people in the old times certainly had foresight!
Houses on stilts, railways up high.

[#Metro]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-public-transport-scaled-back-on-day-of-2011-flood-peak/story-e6freoof-1225986512240

Personally I think that if you allow cars into the CBD, there is going to be absolute chaos. With roads the way they are people will be looking for alternative routes, their usual drives are going to be detoured, IMHO better get people who have to go to the CBD on to trains and in buses. Buses can terminate at rail stations and transfer to trains if a direct path is not available.

A lot of carparks might be flooded too.

[somebody]

Many normal workplaces will be not functioning next week, no school.  I think the potential for congestion is not that great next week.

Agree about getting non-public transport users onto public transport for a 'taste test'.  Also significant number have lost motor vehicles ..

People who've lost vehicles probably would be using PT anyway, of course.

Will PT be back to a full service next week?  What of Mayne flooding?

[ozbob]

I think most of the network will be functioning, possible exception west of Darra.  Goodna might need some work (OT), and around Dinmore and Redbank.

Mayne will be usuable, trains were moved out of Mayne.

[Time to fire up the steamers and run steam shuttles Darra to Ipswich     ]

[Jonno]

I think there is ample background to put out a press release to highlight many of the problems people may face if they drive and that there arre alternatives as many people first thoughts may be "I can't get to work" rather than trying PT.

Bob did you want a draft release written up for review?

[ozbob]

Bob did you want a draft release written up for review?

Thanks, but I don't think it will be necessary.  Fairly confident that commonsense will prevail ..

[Stillwater]

Gympie's Silver Bullet is running again today and has added the delivery of meals on wheels to the milk and bread shuttle from one side of town to the other, across the floodwaters.  It is still popular with walk-up passengers at either end -- Monkland and Gympie Town.  The fare is a donation to MVHR.

[somebody]

Where are the problems west of Darra?  Is it the bit west of Redbank station near the Moggill Ferry, east of the station near Monash St and also south of Priors Pocket?  Did Wacol station go under?

[ozbob]

Most of this unconfirmed officially.  Goodna was completely under, the only structure recognisable above the water was the foot bridge (photograph and visual report).  Gailes went under.  Only second hand reports that Wacol, Dinmore and Redbank all had baths.  Redbank Workshops would have been at some risk as well, not sure of the outcome there.

Recovery will depend on damage to OT gear and was there washaways.  Sometimes the water falls and track is OK (eg. CAB, Sunshine Coast line).  I am not confident that the OT gear at Goodna will be OK

[somebody]

Dinmore had a bath?  Not sure I believe that.  Google Earth reckons its at 36m.

[ozbob]

I know the highway was cut at Dinmore, wouldn't surprise me if the station got wet as well.   No doubt all will become clear in the next few days.

But I think the major issue will be Goodna.  I assume Ipswich station was flooded as well.

[shiftyphil]

I assume Ipswich station was flooded as well.

Just saw Ipswich station on Channel 9, water just below the platform level.
(Don't know if the shot was taken near the peak or more recently).

[Stillwater]

We know a major flood will send water through low-lying areas of the Brisbane CBD, Yeronga etc.  It would be interesting to see which CRR stations would be affected by floodwaters in the event that a flood of this magnitude is repeated after CRR is built.  Somehow, I think that probably won't be around 2016, as the government anticipates.

[somebody]

We know a major flood will send water through low-lying areas of the Brisbane CBD, Yeronga etc.  It would be interesting to see which CRR stations would be affected by floodwaters in the event that a flood of this magnitude is repeated after CRR is built.  Somehow, I think that probably won't be around 2016, as the government anticipates.

And Yeerongpilly isn't that high.  I'm not sure if flood doors would be constructible.  Wouldn't water leak through the ballast?

[ozbob]

I just saw a photo of Mayne, no water.

Pity they don't open up Richlands.  There is nothing from Inala, Forest Lake etc.  Richlands branch is intact. 

[STB]

Have just come back from a trip to the city and back to have a look at the floods (at least to where I could access), and can confirm that for today at least, there was free travel on the trains (the readers were still on though - do'h!), but there was no free travel given on the buses.

[O_128]

crr wont get funding now for a while which is a shame

[STB]

crr wont get funding now for a while which is a shame

Very possible now.  Although I must admit, CRR pales into nothing ness among the power of nature, who puts you back in place of who's boss.  I felt like a small ant out there against the rush of the river.  Definately puts things into perspective. (sorry slightly off topic I know!)

[Golliwog]

We know a major flood will send water through low-lying areas of the Brisbane CBD, Yeronga etc.  It would be interesting to see which CRR stations would be affected by floodwaters in the event that a flood of this magnitude is repeated after CRR is built.  Somehow, I think that probably won't be around 2016, as the government anticipates.

And Yeerongpilly isn't that high.  I'm not sure if flood doors would be constructible.  Wouldn't water leak through the ballast?

I thought CRR's tunnel wasn't going to be a ballasted track.

[SteelPan]

crr wont get funding now for a while which is a shame

No one knows what the future holds - But, I don't really think that's an option - Brisbane needs CRR as a priority.  Also, yes the floods will have a cost, but not so much as to kill a project like that!

[STB]

crr wont get funding now for a while which is a shame

No one knows what the future holds - But, I don't really think that's an option - Brisbane needs CRR as a priority.  Also, yes the floods will have a cost, but not so much as to kill a project like that!

I think it's more about prioities at the moment.  Obviously the flood repairs and rebuilding comes first before anything else.  Then I guess in time (and the rebuilding WILL take months to do), things like CRR, busways, heck, even things outside of PT, such as new hospitals, will be a good way to help the community to move on the horrors of the past week and see their city moving on from the past, even though it won't be forgotten - I hope.

While the lobbying should continue for better PT and infrastructure, personally IMO we need to just refocus our energies to the human factor of what these floods have done to people's lives, then go back to the lobbying.

Overall, IMO, to lobby about public transport (and other areas of Government infrastructure) is counterproductive at this point in time - except for the concept of free travel, as that would assist the rebuild, in terms of allowing volunteers to rebuild a city without having to worry about financial hardship themselves, and helping the finanacial hardship of others that have been directly affected by the floods.  The current mindset of those in power is on rebuilding people's lives and getting a sense of normality back into the city.  Then, after that is done, of course, get back to lobbying for CRR etc.

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/images/common/campaign-primary/weather-and-flood-affected-services-free-travel.jpg

Weather and flood affected services


South East Queensland is experiencing flooding in many areas due to the heavy rain.

Free fares


Public transport will be FREE across all TransLink services for eight days, until the final service on Friday, Jan 21 to assist with the initial flood recovery across South East Queensland.

Service information
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bus

Brisbane City Council Brisbane Transport bus services have ceased operation for Thursday January 13.

Other bus operators are still running regular or reduced timetables, check service updates.

The Mater Hill, Southbank, Cultural Centre, Queen Street and King George Square busway stations have been closed.
Train

Train services continue to run to a reduced hourly timetable on all lines, except:

   * Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines, no trains running between and Yeerongpilly and Kingston. Alternative transport has been arranged.
   * Ipswich line services are suspended

Check your line in service updates for the reduced frequency timetables.
Ferry

All CityCat and CityFerry services are suspended.
Friday January 14, 2011
Bus

Bus services will resume normal operations from Friday, 14 January, with the exception of Brisbane Transport.

   * Bribie Island Coaches normal timetable
   * Brisbane Transport (BCC) Sunday timetable
   * Caboolture Bus Lines normal timetable
   * Clarks Logan City Buses normal timetable*
   * Hornibrook Bus Lines normal timetable*
   * Kangaroo Bus Lines normal timetable
   * Mt Gravatt Bus Service normal timetable*
   * Park Ridge Transit normal timetable*
   * Sunshine Coast Sunbus normal timetable
   * Surfside Buses normal timetable
   * Thompsons Bus Service normal timetable
   * Veolia normal timetable*
   * Westside Bus Company and Ipswich FlexiLink normal timetable
   * Chermside FlexiLink normal service.

* services terminating in the CBD will terminate at a suburban hub

Services that will not operate due to flooding:

   * CityGlider, 88, 100, 105, 110, 116, 196, 197, 198, 199, 261, 299, 300, 301, 310, 375, 411, 412, 415, 417, 425, 430, 433, 444, 460, 435, 428, 430, 433, 450, 470, 471, 475, 476, NightLink No NightLink services will operate Friday January 14.

Services that will be diverted due to flooding:

   * 125, 174, 175, 184, 243, 250, 251, 257, 261, 265, 267, 270, 275, 279, 281, 540, P546, 551, 555, 561, 569, 571, 573, 575, 577, 579, 581, 680

The Mater Hill, Southbank, Cultural Centre, Queen Street and King George Square busway stations have been closed.
Train

   * Reduced hourly services will run on all lines
   * Beenleigh/Gold Coast line may still be impacted by flood waters
   * Ipswich line may reopen depending on safety inspection.

Ferry

All CityCat and CityFerry services will be suspended.

For the most up to date public transport information and service disruptions, please continue to check the service updates on the TransLink homepage.
Contacting us

Our Brisbane based call centre has been evacuated and a limited number of operators in an alternative site are available for emergency calls only. The website is the best way to obtain up to date service information. Customers may also receive a busy signal when 13 12 30 is dialled. We are aware of this issue and are working to establish a call queue at our alternative site, however please be aware that the call centre is available for emergency calls only.
More information

The following websites have information about current weather warnings and flood affected areas:

   * Queensland traffic and travel information - www.131940.qld.gov.au
   * Queensland weather and warnings - www.bom.gov.au/qld/
   * Queensland Government flood information, support and assistance - www.qld.gov.au/floods

TransLink recommends passengers take due care and use caution around public transport stations and stops in these difficult weather conditions.

Thank you for your patience.

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

Thank you!

[ozbob]

Media Release 14 January 2011

SEQ:  Floods and free public transport, thank you!

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 thanked the Queensland Government and TransLink for implementing free public transport for the next eight days (1).  This will help the community in our general flood recovery.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our sincere condolences to all who have experienced bereavement and loss during the floods."

"As a community we will recover.  The implementation of free public transport services in south-east Queensland for the next eight days will assist in reducing vehicle traffic on the damaged roads, allow time for citizens to obtain go cards that may have been lost. Another well considered show of support for a community in recovery."

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for everyone who is contributing in the rescue and recovery effort.  Particularly our appreciation for all who drive buses, the train crews, the support staff of our public transport network and TransLink for keeping the wheels turning, often at some considerable personal stress. It is greatly appreciated, thank you."

References:

1. http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/weather-and-flood-affected-services

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[STB]

I might test that later today and see what happens when I board the bus (Veolia) and refuse to touch my Go Card!

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
14/01/2011

Free Public Transport to help with SEQ flood recovery

Anna Bligh has announced that the State Government will provide free public transport for a week to help with the initial flood recovery in South East Queensland.

Ms Bligh said all public transport in Queensland's south east would be free for a week from today (Friday 14 January).

"Our public transport network is vital to the region's recovery," she said.

"Many people don't have cars, and many others have lost them in the floods. I'm also sure there are also numerous residents who've lost their Go Cards.

"We want to help as much as possible and making the network free for a week will keep unnecessary cars off the road, help people do some shopping and get around to help others if needed.

Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan said the measure was intended to assist the flood recovery.

"Let me be clear. This isn't a ticket to rubberneck. It remains the case that non-essential travel is not encouraged," she said.

"I know it's not a lot compared to what some people have lost but every little bit helps.

"We've never offered free public transport on this scale, for this long, before.

"It's unprecedented, but so is the damage and devastation we've seen to the lives of so many Queenslanders."

Ms Nolan said planned fare rises would still go ahead when fares were reinstituted from Saturday 22January.

"We face a massive task of rebuilding our damaged public transport network," Ms Nolan said.

"And keeping quality services running is vital.

"Every extra cent we receive from these fare increases will go into services and helping rebuild our public transport network.

"That means more seats on buses and more seats on trains."

Ms Nolan said the State Government would continue to support a large ongoing subsidy for public transport services in the region.

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

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Free public transport for a week

[somebody]

I was going to buy a Monthly on Sunday.  Now it doesn't make sense!

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/free-travel-jan-2011

FREE travel on all TransLink services

The State Government will provide free public transport for a week to help with the initial flood recovery in South East Queensland.

Many people don't have cars, and many others have lost them in the floods. Making the network free for a week will keep unnecessary cars off the road, help people do some shopping and get around to help others if needed.

What is free?

The free travel applies to all bus, train and Ipswich FlexiLink services on the TransLink network (ferry services are not operating until further notice). Services will be free from the first service on Friday 14 January to last service on Friday 21 January.

There will also be free travel of Airtrain services to Brisbane's Airports.

Do I need my go card?

No, the ticketing equipment won't be operating for the week. Customers simply need to board their mode of public transport.

Will I be able to top up my go card?

Normal ticketing equipment on buses won't be operating, however you can top up your go card at ticket machines on train station and busway station, at retailers displaying the top-up symbol, online or over the phone.

What is happening to the fare change scheduled for 17 January?

The fare change will be take place from the first service on Saturday 22 January. This change includes:

    * Paper ticket and go card fare will increase by 15 per cent.
    * go card off-peak discounts will increase from 10 to 15 per cent for travel during off-peak periods (9am to 3.30pm and after 7pm.
    * Daily capping will be added for Senior, Pensioner and Gold Repatriation go card users.
    * Daily, off-peak daily, weekly and monthly paper tickets will no longer be available from January 17, however single trips tickets will be retained.
    * These changes will allow TransLink to add 305,000 additional weekly seats to the network this year.
    * The go card frequent user discount will continue (50 per cent discount after ten trips in a Monday-Sunday period).

[p858snake]

I just saw a photo of Mayne, no water.

Pity they don't open up Richlands.  There is nothing from Inala, Forest Lake etc.  Richlands branch is intact.

I wonder if anyone with power has actually considered that.... although probably not.

I wonder what is happening with the Airtrain since that travel is also free but that corporation also gets money out of those tickets normally....

[O_128]

Wow could these floods actually be the turning factor for this government, it seems its was the kick up the ass they really needed

[somebody]

While the lobbying should continue for better PT and infrastructure, personally IMO we need to just refocus our energies to the human factor of what these floods have done to people's lives, then go back to the lobbying.

Overall, IMO, to lobby about public transport (and other areas of Government infrastructure) is counterproductive at this point in time - except for the concept of free travel, as that would assist the rebuild, in terms of allowing volunteers to rebuild a city without having to worry about financial hardship themselves, and helping the finanacial hardship of others that have been directly affected by the floods.  The current mindset of those in power is on rebuilding people's lives and getting a sense of normality back into the city.  Then, after that is done, of course, get back to lobbying for CRR etc.

I agree with this.  But does that mean we should go quiet for a week?  That wouldn't be ideal.  Good release this morning from ozbob, but I can't see much else we should be saying.