Sector 2 (Stage 2) Timetable reviews

[cartoonbirdhaus]

(As far as I can tell) Transit Graphics is responsible for the system map

It's not up to their usual standard; perhaps because Transit Graphics don't usually do schematics, whereas Netzplan do.

[aldonius]

Netzplan actually did up a post-CRR system map. Pairings are a bit whack compared to what the reference design implies, but there you go.

http://www.netzplan.com.au/pdf/netzplan_schematic_brisbane.pdf

Edit for thread-trawlers: Netzplan supplied the post-20th-Jan-2014 system map, which is what you'll find at the above link now.

[STB]

Netzplan actually did up a post-CRR system map. Pairings are a bit whack compared to what the reference design implies, but there you go.

http://www.netzplan.com.au/pdf/netzplan_schematic_brisbane.pdf

If you check out the latest Springfield PDF timetable, they've completely redone the network map to make it look similar to the one you've posted (obviously to how the network actually is).

[aldonius]

Well that's interesting.

[SurfRail]

Netzplan actually did up a post-CRR system map. Pairings are a bit whack compared to what the reference design implies, but there you go.

http://www.netzplan.com.au/pdf/netzplan_schematic_brisbane.pdf

If you check out the latest Springfield PDF timetable, they've completely redone the network map to make it look similar to the one you've posted (obviously to how the network actually is).

Wow, that's a lot better.

Busways are missing though.

[aldonius]

I'm reluctant to put stuff on the mainline if I can't put an 'expected completion 20XX' with it (though I have already made an exception for Ellen Grove).

But yes, I will be working on a full-system, UBAT-showing map soon

[SurfRail]

The new 'official' version is probably the best looking one in the country at the moment.  Melbourne's has no route information and is too angular for me - Sydney's is a big step back from what they had.  Adelaide's and Perth's don't look all that flash either. 

I'd be keen to see how the busways would fit onto it.

I still think the 'railbus' and 'Airtrain' paragraphs in the note section should be removed, but am pleased to see they have put a $ symbol in the right places...

[aldonius]

I'd be keen to see how the busways would fit onto it.

With difficulty, and possibly wailing and gnashing of teeth.

[paulg]

Here is the new QR map from the Springfield timetable:

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/sector-2-train-timetables-which-gold.html
Which Gold Coast Line trains will be busiest, and a novel way to give informed choice for passengers to avoid congestion.

[longboi]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/sector-2-train-timetables-which-gold.html
Which Gold Coast Line trains will be busiest, and a novel way to give informed choice for passengers to avoid congestion.

Two words for the congestion indicator idea...

Open data

[SurfRail]

I'm genuinely curious just how the busways are meant to fit onto that map now, or indeed if they are at all.

[Golliwog]

I'm genuinely curious just how the busways are meant to fit onto that map now, or indeed if they are at all.

Well for quite some time now the Translink website in the maps page has had a separate button for the busway's map and the rail network map (even though they linked through to the same thing). I actually hope that the busway map gets turned into a combination of busways, BUZ (you can't do worse than the existing BUZ network map) and 'key links' in the bus network. So long as they show where easy interchange occurs, I don't think having them separate is a problem.

[STB]

Noted yesterday that they have now updated the PIDS with the new colours for the lines.  Cleveland line now dark blue, Springfield line now sky blue, Park Road and Roma Street trains appear as a light grey colour.

[aldonius]

Spotted a new (Springfield timetable style) rail network map at Bowen Hills on the wall of the station building.

And a big one at the Valley.

[SurfRail]

Noted yesterday that they have now updated the PIDS with the new colours for the lines.  Cleveland line now dark blue, Springfield line now sky blue, Park Road and Roma Street trains appear as a light grey colour.

Light grey is now the inner-city colour replacing teal, which is a good move (too close to Springfield colours).  Presumably will also be used for Ekka loop trains.

Airport line is now gold to match the map, replacing the black background.

[aldonius]

The grey and gold look basically identical from more than about 20 metres away though.

Win some, lose some. I would have just made inner city black tbh.

[aldonius]

I'm genuinely curious just how the busways are meant to fit onto that map now, or indeed if they are at all.

Well for quite some time now the Translink website in the maps page has had a separate button for the busway's map and the rail network map (even though they linked through to the same thing). I actually hope that the busway map gets turned into a combination of busways, BUZ (you can't do worse than the existing BUZ network map) and 'key links' in the bus network. So long as they show where easy interchange occurs, I don't think having them separate is a problem.

TL have changed the wording on the maps section to just read 'train', and have a link to the new map as a PDF.

Guess the combined map is getting end-of-lifed.

[James]

Sector II timetables have been loaded into the TransLink database, and you can now plan your journey using the journey planner.

The things which make me happy include:

Park Road Platform 4 - usable at last!

I never thought I'd see the day... :')





Admittedly it is saying the journeys aren't operated by TransLink, so JP isn't perfect, but it's a start

[ozbob]

Every 2nd service is actually terminating at Coopers Plains ...

[James]

Every 2nd service is actually terminating at Coopers Plains ...

Well aware of that, unfortunately the way JP is set up it doesn't show that. It shows Northgate - Cannon Hill services as Caboolture to Cleveland services. This will be a problem if people look at just one individual stops and assume the train goes all the way to the listed destination - but this has been done on the JP in peak and so far there haven't been riots in the street.

[Derwan]

Every 2nd service is actually terminating at Coopers Plains ...

Well aware of that, unfortunately the way JP is set up it doesn't show that. It shows Northgate - Cannon Hill services as Caboolture to Cleveland services. This will be a problem if people look at just one individual stops and assume the train goes all the way to the listed destination - but this has been done on the JP in peak and so far there haven't been riots in the street.

Pretty poor system IMO.  If anything the Northgate - Cannon Hill services should read Shorncliffe to Cleveland as these services will eventually go to Shorncliffe.  Caboolture is in a different sector!!

[BrizCommuter]

Attention to detail is the difference between mediocrity and excellence.

[ozbob]

Attention to detail is the difference between mediocrity and excellence.

^ indeed ..

[petey3801]

I've now realised why the new Nambour PM peak service is running express BHI-NTG-CAB: It's a 3-car

[Arnz]

I've now realised why the new Nambour PM peak service is running express BHI-NTG-CAB: It's a 3-car

It also originates from Springfield Central as well.  So basically the Springfield line gets a 3-car service in the early afternoon. 

The 2:28pm Bowen Hills to Springfield will be getting a downsize to 3-cars if that is the case.  (arrives SFC at 3:15pm and turns back to NBR leaving SFC at 3:39pm).

[petey3801]

I've now realised why the new Nambour PM peak service is running express BHI-NTG-CAB: It's a 3-car

It also originates from Springfield Central as well.  So basically the Springfield line gets a 3-car service in the early afternoon. 

The 2:28pm Bowen Hills to Springfield will be getting a downsize to 3-cars if that is the case.  (arrives SFC at 3:15pm and turns back to NBR leaving SFC at 3:39pm).

That it does. However, Springfield also loses the current JK70 in the later PM peak, which was always packed to the rafters. 1428 3-car is much better than 1750 or so 3-car!

[petey3801]

Can't remember if it has already been said, but there will be no normal 3-car services on weekends on the main runs, apart from Doomben and Rosewood. All Ferny Grove, Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland trains are 6-cars.

[Derwan]

All Ferny Grove, Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland trains are 6-cars.

Great news!  This was something I complained about a few times - with "crowded" 3-car Shorncliffe services on the weekend.

(By "crowded" I mean crowded for an off-peak service.... nothing near peak services.  But it meant that families had to "split up" - with parents sitting their kids beside strangers, etc.   Not a pleasant family-friendly service that would encourage public transport use.  Of course these days whole families probably can't afford to take public transport anyway.)

[James]

Can't remember if it has already been said, but there will be no normal 3-car services on weekends on the main runs, apart from Doomben and Rosewood. All Ferny Grove, Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland trains are 6-cars.

Excellent news.

However, my big question is this: will there be 3-car units in the 15-minute interpeak services (i.e. Ferny Grove - Coopers Plains, Northgate - Cannon Hill)?

Also: On the online TransLink timtables, the Northgate - Cannon Hill services are grouped with the Caboolture Line. Surely it isn't that difficult just to rename them 'SHCL' services instead of 'CACL' services?

[SurfRail]

Can't remember if it has already been said, but there will be no normal 3-car services on weekends on the main runs, apart from Doomben and Rosewood. All Ferny Grove, Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland trains are 6-cars.

Excellent news.

However, my big question is this: will there be 3-car units in the 15-minute interpeak services (i.e. Ferny Grove - Coopers Plains, Northgate - Cannon Hill)?

Also: On the online TransLink timtables, the Northgate - Cannon Hill services are grouped with the Caboolture Line. Surely it isn't that difficult just to rename them 'SHCL' services instead of 'CACL' services?

It would be more sensible to adopt a code like "NGCH"/"CHNG" I would have thought.  They are meant to reflect destination an origin.

[James]

It would be more sensible to adopt a code like "NGCH"/"CHNG" I would have thought.  They are meant to reflect destination an origin.

I can accept not showing the destination to an extent. Now I have a very minimal knowledge of computer coding, but from what I gather, the website looks at the first two and last two letters in the abbreviation, and then puts them under the timetables for the respective lines (e.g. a CASP train would have the inbound timetable on the Caboolture Line and outbound timetable on the Springfield Line).

As such, you could name a Bowen Hills - Springfield train 'VLNA' and it would come up under the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast lines, and insert itself into the respective timetables. The way Northgate - Cannon Hill is done as of Jan 20th not only breaks with sectorisation, but if you were familiar with the station, you may actually wait for the service on Platform 3 instead of Platform 1.

[longboi]

It would be more sensible to adopt a code like "NGCH"/"CHNG" I would have thought.  They are meant to reflect destination an origin.

I can accept not showing the destination to an extent. Now I have a very minimal knowledge of computer coding, but from what I gather, the website looks at the first two and last two letters in the abbreviation, and then puts them under the timetables for the respective lines (e.g. a CASP train would have the inbound timetable on the Caboolture Line and outbound timetable on the Springfield Line).

As such, you could name a Bowen Hills - Springfield train 'VLNA' and it would come up under the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast lines, and insert itself into the respective timetables. The way Northgate - Cannon Hill is done as of Jan 20th not only breaks with sectorisation, but if you were familiar with the station, you may actually wait for the service on Platform 3 instead of Platform 1.

Good try, but not quite right.

[petey3801]

Can't remember if it has already been said, but there will be no normal 3-car services on weekends on the main runs, apart from Doomben and Rosewood. All Ferny Grove, Beenleigh, Shorncliffe and Cleveland trains are 6-cars.

Excellent news.

However, my big question is this: will there be 3-car units in the 15-minute interpeak services (i.e. Ferny Grove - Coopers Plains, Northgate - Cannon Hill)?

So far as I can tell, there will be one Northgate - Cannon Hill set that will be a 3-car during the day, running back and forth. Other than that, it's all 6-cars with a few 3-cars spattered here and there around shoulder peak etc.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/sector-2-train-timetables-nearly-here.html
Only a few days to go!

[Derwan]

Only a few days to go!

Caught my last express (Northgate to Bowen Hills) service this morning.  (I work from home on Fridays.)  Caught my last 340 bus over the bridge to work.  (I'll change at South Bank from Monday.)

Excited for Monday!   

[ozbob]

Media release 16th January 2014



SEQ: More train services from Monday - Sector 2 timetable changes very 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 passengers has welcomed the additional train services and new timetables for sector two rail lines (1), which follow on from the sector one timetable changes in June 2011 (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Frequency of service is an important consideration when using public transport."

"The sector two rail timetable improvements will see weekday 15 minute frequency extended from the present Darra to Northgate, Ferny Grove to Park Road, to include Cannon Hill on the Cleveland line and Coopers Plains on the Beenleigh line."

"Additional peak services for the Ferny Grove, Shorncliffe, Gold Coast and Beenleigh, Doomben and Sunshine Coast lines are welcome."

"The removal of the limited express peak services on the Ferny Grove line,  relatively a very short line, clears the way for a major frequency boost! Well done!"

"RAIL Back On Track has long called for improvements in train frequency on all lines. These sector two changes were first promised for December 2011.  It is pleasing that they will now be finally delivered from the 20th January 2014."

"There are some changes to timetables for most lines."

"Well done Queensland Rail, TransLink and the Queensland State Government on moving forward with these network improvements.  It is now essential that we continue to look at recasting the bus network to better improve feeders and connections to turn up and go trains!"

References:

1.  New train timetables coming soon
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/train-timetable-changes

2. 7 Jun 2011: SEQ: Major timetable changes phase one, a new beginning  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6149.0

3. An improved timetable for Beenleigh line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/566/details

4. An improved timetable for Cleveland line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/611/details

5. An improved timetable for Ferny Grove line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/971/details

6. An improved timetable for Gold Coast line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/976/details

7. An improved timetable for Shorncliffe line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/981/details

8. An improved timetable for Airport line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/956/details

9. An improved timetable for Doomben line customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/966/details

10. An improved timetable for Sunshine Coast & Caboolture customers
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/1046/details

Contact:

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

[awotam]

The blurb for most of these "improved timetable" links includes;
"•You'll have an improved level of comfort with more available seating."
Where's this additional seating coming from?

[SurfRail]

Simply operating more trains.  It's a legitimate claim.

[ozbob]

Media release 17th January 2014



SEQ: Rail Revolution arrives on Monday

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 highlights Monday's rail revolution.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"On Monday, the largest rail service upgrade in Queensland Rail's history will come. This will put Brisbane on par with Perth where all day high frequency trains are the norm. Importantly, these rail upgrades are a revolution, not an evolution for Brisbane. Everything is being done at once."

Upgrades:

* Airport line - trains every 15 minutes for most of the day (+70 services/week)
* Beenleigh line - trains every 15 minutes to Coopers Plains (+203 services/week)
* Cleveland line - trains every 15 minutes to Cannon Hill (+266 services/week)
* Doomben line - trains every 30 minutes to Doomben (+116 services/week)
* Ferny Grove line - trains every 15 minutes, more trains in peak (+110 services/week)
* Gold Coast line - extra peak services (+93 services/week)
* Shorncliffe line - extra peak services (+146 services/week)

"However, the largest impact of these rail upgrades will be on the future bus network for Brisbane. This revolution allows TransLink the option to redesign Brisbane City Council's bus network to feed buses into rail, bringing down the extreme fares and ratepayer subsidies ($400/year) Brisbane residents endure at the moment."

"We believe that it also allows rival private sector bus operators the option to significantly undercut Brisbane Transport during a bus tendering process by simply offering to do what Brisbane City Council cannot politically bring itself to do - run a simplified connections based bus network which is cheaper, more frequent and more productive for passengers than the hi-waste taxi philosophy that has lead to cost explosions and taxi level fares!"

"When you compare a BUZ route running every 10 minutes at full load in peak hour (carries around 400 - 500 people per hour), to a single train service (1000 people in one go), you don't have to be Einstein to realise that plenty of room for feeding bus passengers into the train network now exists, even at peak hour. Indeed, the increased capacity on the rail network is equal to 14,000 Brisbane Transport buses per week."

"We thank Queensland Rail and TransLink, who working together have delivered the goods for the residents of Brisbane and SEQ generally."

"Viva la revolution!"

References:

1. SEQ: BCC anti-interchange philosophy collapses as rail services upgraded http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10307.0

2. "Transferring" can be good for you, and good for your city http://www.humantransit.org/2009/04/why-transferring-is-good-for-you-and-good-for-your-city.html

3. Connections vs complexity http://www.humantransit.org/2010/11/connections-vs-complexity.html

Contact:

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