Letters to the editor - Not published

[ozbob]

The article 'Tunnel network to take its toll' CM 9th September, concludes with the words "Frankly, it will become a nightmare living in Brisbane".

It will only become a nightmare if we allow our planners and politicians to continue on the flawed path of roads, tolls and tunnel vision.  It is clear that the sustainable solution to mass public transport is electrified rail, both heavy and light.  Many of the great cities of the world have turned to light rail. Brisbane pulled up is light rail in the generalised public transport myopia fuelled by the petroleum industry in the 1960s and 70s.

We have a fine rail link to the Brisbane Airport precinct.  Overpriced fare structures and a restricted timetable are stopping a lot more people from using it.  Increase the frequency of the services on the airport railway line (eg. every 15 minutes),  expand the time the service operates from say 5am to midnight, and bring the fare structure in line with normal Translink fares, and expensive toll roads and tunnels are no longer needed.

The fixation with attempting to turn buses into trains is also flawed.  Kerbside maximum bus density in the CBD has already been reached in peak hours.  Feeding intermediate railway stations by integrated bus is the solution.  One six car suburban train is equivalent to 12 to 15 buses or so.  Build up the rail networks, increase the frequency of the rail services, use integrated buses to feed the rail stations and pressure is taken off the the rest of the bus system.  The present transport direction in Brisbane will just lead to congestion, pollution, gridlock and expensive tolls.  It is only a matter of time before congestion taxes are introduced under that scenario.  The solutions to the nightmare are obvious!

[skepsis]

What sorts of buses would suit;  as with the present situation, large buses are often almost empty during off-peak times? Am also wondering if the taxi industry might feel concerned about lost patronage?

Why has the council removed the bus shelters and seats?? I used to frequently see many older people using them; since they've been removed, there's no sight of those older bus users, who would greatly appreciate feeder services if they were user friendly, as would we all.  I'd say they're now using taxies to access rail.  In this S.E. climate, lack of shelters is a deterrent to leaving the car at home.

They also provided refuge from rain for pedestrians generally. Now they must find shelter in places like the few carports which abut the footpath.
It seems that so often planners build in deterrents to successful outcomes.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail sent 20th October 2006

--

The perspective piece by Jago Dodson (CM 20th October) is timely.  RAIL Back On Track (backontrack.org) a grass roots community group for the promotion of rail has been articulating similiar views for some time.  It is now obvious to all that the emphasis must be shifted to sustainable public transport solutions.  Let us also not forget the stirling efforts of our City Train staff, the Brisbane City Council - bus drivers, catamaran and ferry crews, in rising to the occasion in this time of transport crisis.  Well done also to the good citizens of Brisbane for their cooperative spirit.  It is wonderful to see folks making every effort to make that little bit of extra space available on already overcrowded public transport, and staggering their travel times.  Take a bow Brisbane!!

[ozbob]

Letter to Editor  Courier Mail 17th Nov 2006

The article 'More passengers but no more room' (CM 17th Nov) highlights what many commuters have been saying for a while now. RAIL Back On Track (backontrack.org), a community web based organisation has provided much feedback and suggestions to the Minister for Transport and Public Works, and Translink. Most of these communications are apparently dismissed as we never receive any direct feedback. The Minister and Translink would be well advised to actually listen to the community and organisations that are providing sensible solutions to our community's transport needs. If they took the time to visit our website they might be suprised.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Courier Mail 23 Nov 2006

Over crowding on Brisbane trains (Trains not so bad CM 23/11) is only really a problem during peak times, and before and after major events such as concerts and sporting games.  Recent feedback to the CM Watercooler Blog, and to RAIL Back On Track has indicated over crowding on trains is a major issue for many commuters in peak times.  It also acts as a disincentive to travel.  The Ferny Grove, Caboolture and Gold Coast lines in particular, are often now overloaded during peak times. Other lines, such as Ipswich are experiencing significant passenger congestion on some services as well.  The Government has seen fit to introduce new additional trains progressively from early 2007.  These trains will immediately add new services to the heaviest loaded lines, and help improve frequency of service and passenger accommodation.

There are some things commuters can do to assist with overcrowding.  Stagger start and finish times at work where possible. Also when on crowded trains it is important to move away from the door areas to down the aisles to make more room. "Move away from the door, to make room for more!".  This assists passenger to leave and join trains promptly and safely, and allow more passengers on board.  In so doing minimising delays at stations and assisting trains to maintain timetables.

[ozbob]

Recent letters and articles in the CM has highlighted the now systemic failure of our Brisbane Council Buses for mass public transport.  It is surely clear to all that the solution lies with maximising our suburban rail network.  A six car suburban unit carries the equivalent of 12 to 15 buses, and with a crew of two.  Attempts to make buses into trains isn't working now, and won't work in the future.  There is also a limit on how many buses can be accomodated in the city too, almost saturation point now at peak.  A recent welcome initiative has been the new 467 BCC bus service from Windermere to Oxley station.   This is the way to go, buses are great for local community transport, feeding into major rail hubs.  Improved service frequency on all lines is needed now.  As with many things, transport has been neglected for too long. It is now a desperate game of catch up. 

The railway lines need to laid now, Redcliffe, Darra-Springfield-Ipswich, a line from the Ipswich line to pick up from the Kenmore area.  Platforms 2 and 3 at Roma St will soon have the capability of terminating standard guage trains.  Use the standard gauge corridor for commuter transport now!  A few standard gauge rail sets will help ease the daily traffic grind  from Bromelton Browns Plains areas.
Everyday now in Brisbane we see gridlock, it is only going to get worse.  Tunnels are just going to funnel even more road vehicles into congestion hot spots.
How about it Minister Lucas?  Where are the new trains?

[ozbob]

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) is concerned with the apparent contempt the public transport commuter community is being shown by Queensland Transport, Translink and QR.   For example, this past weekend was the weekend of the Ipswich Show.  Why on earth was this the weekend chosen to close the railway lines from Corinda to Rosewood?  Surely some consultation with the community could provide for weekend closures that do not disrupt in a major way community activities.  Folks plan for these events for long periods of time and it is heart breaking to have it ruined by a lack of consideration of transport authorities.

The Oxley Village Street Fair was ruined in a similar fashion.  The weekend that the Fair was on the railway was closed for routine track maintenance,  the chaos caused by buses disrupted the fair and kept many citizens away.  Morale is such now that the organisers are unlikely to attempt that again, such was the effect.

Surely when planning track closures, some consideration be given to the community events.  We all appreciate the need for track maintenance and so forth, but it can be done in an empathetic manner for the community.  It may be necessary to set up some sort of Community Event register that transport authorities could use when planning maintenance closures.

We would appreciate some positive action on this matter rather than spin.


Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

This morning on yet another delayed and grossly overloaded suburban rail service from Oxley to the City, I watched as more and more passengers attempted to squeeze into the already congested passenger accommodation, except for the vacant space in the centre aisle adjacent to the double inward facing seat compartment in the middle of the carriage.  There are no convenient hand rails or supports for folks to hang on in that area.  A quick mental calculation determined that if parallel rails were placed from the vertical supports each side, and some hand straps attached we could squeeze another 10 passengers in the carriage.  This would equate to an extra 60 passengers per 6 car train.  Please Citytrain can we have some modifications done urgently? 

[ozbob]

The Victorian Government has today announced increased services, particularly during peak times for their suburban rail services in Melbourne.  Here in Brisbane frustrated rail commuters are still looking for the new trains to be introduced, let alone more services.  No communication from Government as to what will be happening.  The recent fiasco with the problem of railway  tunnel clearance and the new trains is another sign of flawed management.  Minister, all is not well in 'cattle' class.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail

The Premier of Queensland and the Minister of Transport and Main Roads have indicated the first revenue service with one of the new trains will be the 7.38am service from Robina on Monday May 28th. Some relief will now be afforded to commuters on that line. It will be sometime however before other new trains are ready for services.  None the less, it is pleasing that some progress has been made.

Half of the new trains are earmarked for the Gold Coast railway line, but there are urgent needs on most suburban commuter lines in Brisbane today.  The new trains will free up some units on the Gold Coast line for other services. RAIL Back On Track has previously suggested some timetable improvements within existing crew and train resources, hopefully these will be implemented in the near future.

By maximising rail travel this will help ease the chronic overloading of buses, ferries and catamarans. It will also help reduce the chronic traffic congestion that is now almost normal for some parts of Brisbane. Contingent on the proper uptake of rail is the requirement of having adequate trains and crew to provide cost effective, reliable and timely services.  Serious consideration should be given to ordering an additional 22 units to add to the already 44 sets ordered.  Let?s hope we are not caught short again!

RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Mx Brisbane

Your correspondent yesterday (28th May) highlighted the problems normal rail commuters on the Ipswich line in peak times have when events are held at SunCorp stadium particularly state of origin.  The solution would be for normal scheduled services from Roma St to not stop at Milton on those occasions  and Citytrain put on a shuttle service to convey passenger for the event from Roma St to Milton.  This would allow for commuters to catch their normal services.  When the new foot bridge is completed, this will also improve pedestrian access to the stadium.

RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Courier Mail 4 June 2007

Michael Purcell makes a good point (They're still standing, June 4th).  It would appear that the present day timetables on Citytrain services are not matched to present day peak demands.  There are timetable changes that could be implemented now whilst waiting for the new trains to be introduced into regular services.  Changing work patterns and new population growth centres mean that timetables laid down ten years ago are hopelessly out of date today.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail 5th June

The RACQ may well complain that congestion on Brisbane roads is getting worse.  Of course it is getting worse and will continue to do so, unless people move onto public transport as their preferred means of travel.  To do that we need to continue the momentum towards establishing a coherent and accessible public transport network for all.  It is dawning on most citizens that a Los Angeles road network will not work, let us hope that the city planners also finally wake up.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail 8th June

It is time Queensland implemented measures to ensure safety at railway crossings.  Speed restrictions on approach roads, noise strips on the road, and flashing warning lights are simple but effective measures that can be done now.  There is also a need for more education campaigns, and penalties that match the seriousness of breaches of the road rules at railway crossings.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail 10th June

Translink has announced fare increases in public transport in Brisbane from the 2nd of July. Although not overly excessive these fare increases will add to many residents daily living costs.  Already water, electricity, housing and food prices are hitting families hard.  It is time that the Government consider re-introducing family tickets for weekend travel on Translink services.  This would be a welcome relief to families who could use the public transport system at an off peak time in a more affordable manner.  There would be no direct costs other than ticketing options, as services are running regardless. This would be of considerable benefit to struggling families, but will also have the benefit of familiarisation with public transport, which will help in changing commuting behaviour.

Victoria has had free Sunday public transport travel for senior citizens for some time now.  Again this could be introduced for senior citizens in Brisbane at nothing other than a marginal cost.  Public transport has some slack on Sundays, and it will be no additional load for our public transport generally to make this service available.  It will assist the Senior citizens to get out and about, and have more healthy life styles.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail 21 June  - submitted

The Smart cards soon to be introduced for the Brisbane Translink system are not without serious issues. Requests to Translink and to Minister Lucas for a direct response on the future of weekly, monthly and yearly tickets are not answered. Many commuters use weekly and other periodical tickets as they help to make commuting at least a little more affordable, and give some flexibility for weekend travel. Weekly tickets are a major incentive for people to use public transport.

In the case of the weekly tickets, one would think that Smart cards could be programmed to drop into a weekly ticket mode once four days daily travel undertaken, so that the next three days are essentially free.  As it is at the moment there will be considerable increases in the cost of travel for those presently using weekly tickets when they move to Smart card. Also, what happens when people fail to 'touch off', or the system fails, they will be debited with a zone 23 fare! A failure to provide for an audible alert to remind to 'touch off' will also disadvantage visually impaired travellers. Goodness, there is going to be "riots" on the trains, buses and ferries once these realities start to bite. Other Smart card systems just require the holder to pass through a sensor area.  The Translink Smartcard is old technology, maybe because the roll out is years behind schedule already.  This suggests major issues with it. I think we are being sold a dud.

[ozbob]

In response to the letter from the general manager TransLink published Brisbane mx June 27 in response to letter June 21 (see here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=86.msg271#msg271)

Submitted:

The general manager of Translink, Luke Franzmann said in his response to my smart card queries (mX, June 27) that my letter contained inaccurate and misleading statements.  Mr Franzmann should re-read my letter.  I simply said that the original article had no guarantees for the future of weekly tickets, and it didn't.  However, Brisbane commuters are grateful that at last we have had a public commitment that weekly and monthly tickets will continue to be available. Thank you Mr. Franzmann.  I have made numerous requests to TransLink for confirmation of the continuance of weekly tickets with no written response until now. Many thanks to mX for publishing my original letter; we finally have a commitment for weekly and monthly tickets. The next question is:  how long will weekly and monthly tickets continue to be available?

It is also a fact that if a weekly ticket user changes to smart card they will be worse off.  Using a weekly ticket (cost of 4 daily tickets) a commuter can make unrestricted trips for their zones for 7 days.  Using a smart card the cost will be 7 daily tickets.

The matter of what the charge will be for a commuter who fails to touch off is yet to be determined according to Mr. Franzmann.  Another correspondent (mX,June 27) suggests the penalty will be $15. This is equivalent to a zone 20 single fare.  It beggars belief that the touch off penalty will not be a significant cost because high zone commuters would then soon realise it will be cheaper to not touch off.  If the smart card was truly smart, it would be capable of being programmed for weekly tickets. The TransLink smart cards are old technology. Other Smart card systems just require the holder to pass through a sensor area. A failure to provide for an audible alert to remind to 'touch off' will also disadvantage visually impaired commuters.

The TransLink smart card project is a long way behind schedule.  There really needs to be better communication with the travelling public. I still think we are being sold a dud.

[ozbob]

Submitted CM June 30:

The On-line Courier Mail had details of train cancellations last Friday caused by staff having the 'flu'. It is very concerning that the QR spokesperson thinks the 'cancellations are not a big deal'.
Ask the bewildered passengers waiting on the platforms for cancelled trains if it is not a big deal?

The attitude by QR and Citytrains towards commuters leaves us all shaking our heads at times. Timely communications will go a long way to keeping people onside.

For example when I was waiting for the 4.21pm service from Central to Ipswich on Friday, no announcement was made that the service was cancelled until about 4.29pm.
At the point people were pushing into the platform areas for carriage doors and muttering away. If a timely announcement had been made then most folks just then accept that and wait patiently for the next service.

People are understanding if they know what is going on. Staff will get the 'flu', it is that time of the year. It is unfortunate that the fares are going up in price from Monday July 2nd. People are rightly upset that they are paying more and cannot get on the train.

(see --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=136.0 for background)

[ozbob]

Submitted mX Brisbane  June 30:

Friday afternoon saw a number of Citytrain cancellations.  No prompt announcements, just us dumbfounded commuters waiting for non arriving trains.
I managed to get on the 4.38pm Ipswich train from Central, after waiting for the cancelled 4.21pm train to Ipswich, eventually to be told after 10 minutes that it had been cancelled for operational reasons. It appears that those operational reasons were sick staff with the 'flu'.
Fares go up from Monday July 2nd.  After watching the despairing passengers at Roma St, Milton and Toowong that couldn't get on the overloaded train I bet they are wondering what the price rises are for?

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail 1 July 2007

Brisbane is heading towards permanent gridlock (Capital of Congestion, S-M July 1). 
It is time to accelerate the expansion of our rail network.  Rail is the bulk people mover. Light rail, for example from West End to New Farm, Indooroopilly to Kenmore, Gold Coast, are also the sort of initiatives that are sustainable and will reduce the demands on the roads.  The momentum for heavy rail expansion, belatedly under way now needs rapid acceleration. Citytrain needs more trains and crew.  The new trains on order are not enough.  If there was a 15 minute frequency on all lines off peak, 5 minute or less in peak, with bus and light rail feeding heavy rail stations, pressure would be eased on the roads.  Congestion taxes on cars will only have a limited impact.  What will endear changes in behaviour is making public transport accessible, punctual and affordable.  The TransLink smart card initiative does offer promise for reducing the cost of the public transport as further incentive. Reduce the fares by 50% when this is implemented.  This will save much public expenditure in the longer term.  Instead of looking where we have been, lets look forwards to where we can really go!

Sunday Mail story --> http://www.news.com.au/sundaymail/story/0,23739,21994215-3102,00.html

[ozbob]

Submitted CM 3 July 2007

The Smart cards soon to be introduced for the Brisbane Translink system promise convenience, but are not without issues.  Many commuters use weekly, ten trip savers and other periodical tickets as they help to make commuting at least a little more affordable, and give some flexibility for weekend travel. These tickets are a major incentive for people to use public transport. It would appear that when the smart cards are rolled out the present paper tickets will only be avilable for a period to be determined.  The intention being to move all to smart cards. The TransLink smart card is not able to handle weekly ticketing apparently.  Weekly ticketing is a lot more affordable for many commuters as a weekly tickets costs the equivalent of 4 daily tickets.  For that, a commuter can take unrestricted travel for their zones for seven days.  Do that on a smart card and it will cost an extra three days of daily tickets, a 75% increase in cost.
Recent advice suggests that some type of frequent traveller discount might be available when smart card rolled out. The smart card pilot program presently underway has participants given a 30% discount perhaps, in recognition of some of these cost impacts.

Also, what happens when people fail to 'touch off', or the system fails, will they be debited with a high zone fare? Presently there is a $15 penalty for pilot program participants who fail to touch off.  Can you imagine children and others who regularly forget to touch off?  The costs will be very high. Consider this.  A commuter, lets say a zones 1-3 commuter, tops up their smart card on Monday morning with say $30, enough to cover their anticipated travel for that week.  They manage to negotiate the touch on and touch off queues Monday to Wednesday.  Thursday night they work late, on arrival at their home station the touch off is not working, or perhaps they forget to touch off.  Bang, their smart card is debited with a penalty when they touch back on Friday morning.  But now their card is in debit, and they are unable to touch on.  Our hapless commuter has no money, what next?  Will they walk to work?  I think weekly, 10 trip savers and other periodical tickets must be maintained indefinitely to attract and retain commuters on public transport.

[ozbob]

CM submitted 7 July 2007

For the second week in a row, yet more ?operational issues? have forced a number of cancellations on Brisbane?s Citytrain network on Friday last.  It is one thing to be highlighting the features of the new suburban trains, but if there are not enough train drivers and guards to maintain services, what?s the point?

At a time when it is important to maximise the use of public transport to help alleviate the chronic road chaos  in ?Congestion Capital?, ?operational issues? are causing much disruption and inconvenience to the travelling public. It is strange that these 'operational issues' with Citytrain services seem to reach a peak on Friday afternoons.

The Minister of Transport and Main Roads, and Queensland Rail, need to take urgent action to ensure that timetabled services are maintained.

[ozbob]

Australian submitted 16 July 2007

The Australian made mention of the report Smart City Vision "Beattie plans a city to walk in, July 16th".  This plan for the future of inner Brisbane complements the Brisbane City Council's blueprint and is the way forward. The projected light railway network which is an important transport link in the plan is desperately needed.  Brisbane is fast becoming the congestion capital of Australia, grinding to a choking halt daily with its bus and car centric transport systems.  An experiment that is clearly failing.  The plan to give the city back to pedestrians and environmentally sustainable and efficient mass transit systems is applauded by RAIL Back On Track (backontrack.org).

[ozbob]

Courier Mail submitted 16 July 2007

Today's Courier Mail has details of plans to revitalise the city by improved transport options and making it pedestrian friendly. Included in that is a plan for light rail to include a network connecting New Farm West End South Brisbane with a loop through Bowen Hills. The Smart State Council's plan for this is to be applauded.

Light rail (modern tram) is well suited to high density mass transit solutions. Environmentally friendly, non polluting, affordable and sustainable it will help to make Brisbane one of the most liveable cities in the world. The Mass Transit Consultation Forum being conducted by the Brisbane City Council has had overwhelming feedback on the suitability of light rail for Brisbane from the residents. Now the experts agree!?

RAIL Back On Track congratulates the Queensland Government and the Smart State Council for this initiative.

[ozbob]

Submitted Courier Mail July 24

The article 'A grim view on gridlock ' (CM, July 24) again has highlighted the precarious nature of Brisbane's roads and chronic gridlock and traffic congestion.  The overwhelming massive response to the Brisbane City Council's recent Consultation Forum on Mass Transist has clearly indicated that the shift to public transport must be accelerated. 

Heavy rail is the bulk transport mover.  New suburban trains are on order and a number of these new units have already been introduced into service.  More drivers and guards are being trained so the potential for increasing the frequency of services particularly during peak times and weekdays will soon be realised.  High frequency, accessible and affordable services will help shift some road users to public transport, thereby lessening the chronic road congestion and chaos.  This will also assist to improve transit  times for buses as well.

[original article here!]

[ozbob]

Submitted Courier Mail July 25th.

Your correspondent B. Lawrence in letters (CM July 25) states " trams belong to the horse and buggy days ".  I think Melbourne and Adelaide residents might disagree with that.  However, the trams planned for Brisbane in line with the Smart State Council and Brisbane City Council plans are modern light rail.  This is high speed rapid mass transit, separate from other road users.  Aerial light rail is also suitable for some parts of the CBD.  Light rail will revolutionise the inner city suburbs transport options and obviate the need for most motor vehicles in those areas. 

[ozbob]

Submitted Courier Mail July 25th

To allow Queensland Rail (QR) to be sold off at this critical juncture would be a long term financial disaster for the state, and have serious consequences for the QR passenger services. Rail is once again going to the be the prime transport solution for long haul freight  and bulk commodities, as well as commuter transport, as fuel prices, fuel shortages, and environmental costs impact. Some scope exists for private enterprise to join with QR in some bulk freight ventures and these are to be encouraged. I note that Premier Beattie is reported as saying that an all-out privatisation is not an option. I support this in the strongest terms.

It is the Queensland taxpayer that has helped maintain Queensland Rail through the leaner years and now it is time for the Queensland taxpayer to reap the benefits, not private financiers!

The privatisation of the Melbourne suburban rail network has frankly been a disaster.  Queenslanders do not want a repeat of that fiscal destruction of a once great rail network.  At a time when our suburban rail network in Brisbane is proving to be the community asset it has always been, in meeting very significant increases in passenger loadings as traffic congestion becomes a nightmare in Brisbane,  the last thing the community needs is fare increases and restrictions on services which would be the result of privatisation.   On the contrary, rail is a community service and needs full Government support to be maintained in public ownership for the benefit of Queensland and the Nation!

[ozbob]

Submitted Courier Mail July 29th

There has been suggestions that ownership of Queensland Rail (QR)  be transferred  to private ownership. To allow QR to be sold off at this critical juncture would be a long term financial disaster for the State, and have serious negative consequences for QR passenger services such as Citytrain and Traveltrain. There would be reductions in frequency of trains and crew reductions as has occurred in Melbourne, which is now trying to be corrected by the Victorian Government at considerable expense.

Rail is once again going to the be the prime transport solution for long haul freight and bulk commodities, as well as commuter transport; as fuel prices, fuel shortages, and environmental costs impact. Some scope exists for private enterprise to join with QR in some bulk freight ventures and these are to be encouraged. The Queensland Government has said that an all-out privatisation is not an option. I support this position in the strongest terms.

It is the Queensland taxpayer that has helped maintain Queensland Rail through the leaner years and now it is time for the Queensland taxpayer to reap the benefits, not private financiers!

The privatisation of the Melbourne suburban rail network has frankly been a disaster.  Queenslanders do not want a repeat of that economic rationalist destruction of a once great rail network.  At a time when our suburban rail network in Brisbane is proving to be the community asset it has always been; in meeting very significant increases in passenger loadings as traffic congestion becomes a nightmare in Brisbane ('A grim view on gridlock', C-M July 24).  The last thing the community needs is fare increases and restrictions on services which would be the result of privatisation.   On the contrary, rail is a community service and needs full Government support to be maintained in public ownership for the benefit of Queensland and the Nation.

[ozbob]

Submitted Courier Mail July 30th

Each year during the Ekka the utility of the Exhibition loop line is demonstrated in a public way as happy Ekka patrons travel the smart way to the Ekka by Citytrain. The line is used year round though for the through running of freight and long distance passenger trains, placing suburban services to enter timetable services and railway maintenance operations. The extremely heavy running of Ekka Specials during the exhibition shows that it is possible to effectively maintain passenger services and still fit in the other operational requirements.

Brisbane?s buses are often overloaded at peak times. Passengers are left standing at bus stops as full buses pass by. It would make a lot of sense to construct an additional station between the Exhibition Station and Roma St Station in the general Normanby area close to the Brisbane Grammar Schools, and then run regular loop services Roma St - Central - Brunswick St - Exhibition - ?Normanby? - Roma St.

This would allow access to the Royal Brisbane Hospital campus, and other businesses and facilities in the Herston general area from the present Exhibition Station. By having a station at ?Normanby? this would then allow pedestrian access to the QUT Kelvin Grove campus, the Brisbane Grammar schools and to the general Normanby area. Effective utilisation of this loop line would take a lot of pressure of the congested Council buses in the inner city. Passengers could easily connect with the rest of the Citytrain network at Roma St or Central Stations.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Sunday Mail August 5

The article 'Drivers fume over hotspots, S-M August 5' highlighted many problems including the major cause of anger, the  roundabout linking Brisbane's Gateway Motorway, the East-West Arterial and Airport Drive.  Amazing, as if traffic lights will do much to ease the congestion. There is a railway line to the Airport. Trains to the airport are just QR trains carrying on mainly from Gold Coast line services.  Due to the way the initial construction was funded we have AirTrain City Link Ltd supervising the high cost limited services, and attempting to promote the "AirTrain" as a solution.  Problem is of course the high cost of travel and limited frequency of services, and the lack of early morning and late evening trains mean the service is under utilised by the community.

It is time the Queensland State Government took over this sham, buying back the rail line to the airport and bring it into the normal TransLink Citytrain network in terms of service frequency, timings and fare structure.  Trains would then be readily accessible to not only airline passengers, but also people working in the Brisbane Airport precincts.  Such a service would see massive increases in patronage on train services to and from the airport and lessen the chronic road congestion. It really would be a case of 'Catch your plane, take the train!'.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Brisbane mX  August 6

Commuters on the Ipswich line after experiencing a weekend of frustration due to the derailment at Corinda early Saturday morning, again had their measure tested this Monday morning as a track problem at Goodna lead to delayed services and extremely heavy congestion on services to the City.  I would like to express appreciation though for the guard on the train that arrived at Roma St at 7.24am, a delayed Shorncliffe service for the courteous apology on behalf of QR and his concise factual explanation of the circumstances that lead to the delays and congestion.  This goes a long way, and sure beats the standard "due to operational circumstances" that is often blandly announced when services cancelled or delayed.  Thanks mate!  Hope your day got better too!

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail August 7

The Courier Mail ('Flu threat to Ekka attendance,  C-M Aug 7) has suggested people may be dissuaded from attending the Ekka because of the flu.  Possibly of concern as well is the failure of Brisbane Citytrains and Council buses to maintain a reliable and timely public transport service at peak times.  It seems cancellations now occur daily with much inconvenience to the travelling public.  Does transport chaos await our happy Ekka goers?

[ozbob]

Submitted Courier Mail August 9

The Courier Mail has reported that an  underground rail system for central Brisbane is being investigated by the State Government to help cope with the city's massive growth (C-M August 9).
This is a sensible solution to the problem of near maximum  peak density on rail bridges that is fast approaching.  A suggested route would be to extend from the present Central Station to underground stations at Eagle St, then Botanical Gardens (near QUT), under the river to Wooloongabba, and then back on to the main line south around Park road.  By also constructing a station at Normanby on the present Exhibition loop line, and running loop services all year round, access to Herston and the Royal Brisbane Hospital precincts, and Normanby area and education facilities such as QUT Kelvin Grove and Brisbane Grammar school would be easy.  This would also help to take pressure off inner city buses.

[ozbob]

Submitted to the Courier Mail  August 13

The Courier Mail (Plan to limit City parking, C-M August 13) has reported that there will be no increase in Brisbane CBD parking in an attempt to control congestion.  Clearly the solution is to provide frequent, accessible and affordable public transport access to the CBD and beyond.  Also the construction of road and public transport routes that are circular and go around the central areas rather than the present congestion prone radial pattern with the CBD as a hub, are also required.

Governments around Australia are starting to respond to transport crises with increased funding for rail based transport solutions.  This makes a lot of sense, particularly as the environmental costs and true cost of infrastructure support will start to hit hard less efficient systems. Increasing population pressures will dictate the rapid expansion of heavy rail passenger services; both commuter and long distance, as well as freight services.

RAIL Back On Track a web based community group for the promotion of rail  has been online now for one year.  During that year a solid membership has been built and a very wide readership and citizen feedback support base has also been established. RAIL Back On Track will continue to actively promote rail transport as the environmentally sustainable transport solution for long haul freight, passenger and commuter transport.
Part of our mission is to garner strong support for public transport. RAIL Back On Track is committed to being a strong advocate for public transport commuters, commuters who have not always had a collective voice or been properly heard with their concerns and suggestions for improvement.

Anyone who is interested in Australian railway solutions for the benefit of all members of the community is most welcome to join us at www.backontrack.org

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail August 14

I hate to be a 'party pooper' but the optimistic bent of  the article 'Long winding road to relief, C-M  August 14' in suggesting that some relief from road congestion will be achieved by 2009 is just wishful thinking. 

The continued fixation on roads and tunnels in an essentially radial pattern of development from the CBD is just ensuring yet even more gridlock and congestion.  Toll roads and tunnels will themselves become places of despair, accessible by the transport-rich, avoided by the transport-poor. 

In the accompanying article, 'Tolls steer drivers in wrong direction, C-M August 14)', the RACQ's External Affairs Manager Mr. Gary Fites quite rightly makes the point that toll free ring roads would go a long way to a sensible solution. Public transport, particularly the bulk people mover namely heavy rail, must be ramped up significantly.

The real solution is to provide frequent, accessible and affordable public transport access to the CBD and beyond.  Also the additional construction of road and public transport routes that are circular and go around the central areas rather than the present congestion prone radial pattern with the CBD as a hub, would help to ease congestion significantly.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail August 15th.

Recent correspondents to the Courier Mail have again highlighted the problems with transport options generally in Brisbane. Greater Brisbane was in gridlock yet again Tuesday (14th). The continued fixation on roads and tunnels in an essentially radial pattern of development from the CBD is just ensuring yet even more gridlock and congestion.  Toll roads and tunnels will themselves become places of despair, accessible by the transport-rich, avoided by the transport-poor.

Jon Bryant (Letters August 15) highlighted how public transport has suffered whilst the road and tunnel frenzy continues unabated.  There are some belated initiatives in place to ramp up public transport. For example the acquisition of 44 new 3 car suburban trains, more buses and busways.  The Courier Mail has reported that the latest tunnel plan 'West tunnel busway plan, C-M August 15' is being sold as a semi-busway.  This is an attempt to make it seem as another 'pie in the sky' fix to gridlock.  Forget the tunnel, just use the existing infrastructure to construct a busway.  In fact there are some solutions to the present gridlock, if only we would take an imaginative point of view.

Two examples: 

1. The railway line to Brisbane Airport. Trains to the airport are just QR trains carrying on mainly from Gold Coast line services.  Due to the way the initial construction was funded we have AirTrain City Link Ltd supervising high cost limited services, and attempting to promote the "AirTrain" as a solution.  Problem is of course the high cost of travel and limited frequency of services, and the lack of early morning and late evening trains mean the service is under utilised by the community, passengers and workers in the airport precinct.  Bring this system into normal Citytrain frequency and fare structure, much congestion to and from the airport minimised.

2. Each year during the Ekka the utility of the Exhibition loop line is demonstrated in a public way as happy Ekka patrons travel the smart way to the Ekka by Citytrain. The line is used year round though for the through running of freight and long distance passenger trains, placing suburban services to enter timetable services and railway maintenance operations.

Brisbane?s buses are often overloaded at peak times. Passengers are left standing at bus stops as full buses pass by. It would make a lot of sense to construct an additional station between the Exhibition Station and Roma St Station in the general Normanby area close to the Brisbane Grammar Schools, and then run regular loop services Roma St - Central - Brunswick St - Exhibition - ?Normanby? - Roma St. This would allow access to the Royal Brisbane Hospital campus, and other businesses and facilities in the Herston general area from the present Exhibition Station. By having a station at ?Normanby? this would then allow pedestrian access to the QUT Kelvin Grove campus, the Brisbane Grammar schools and to the general Normanby area. Effective utilisation of this loop line would take a lot of pressure of the congested Council buses in the inner city. Passengers could easily connect with the rest of the Citytrain network at Roma St or Central Stations.

Brisbane residents must also look to changing their commuting behaviours.  Is it really necessary to drive to the CBD? To assist in changing behaviours however public transport must be accessible, affordable and frequent.  This is where the Government and community must focus on for future sustainable growth.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail August 16th

Matthew Anderson (Letters August 16th) brought a refreshing global perspective to Brisbane's transport solutions. The continued fixation on roads and tunnels in an essentially radial pattern of development from the CBD is just ensuring yet even more gridlock and congestion. Toll roads and tunnels will themselves become places of despair, accessible by the transport-rich, avoided by the transport-poor.

There are many things that can be done now, as heavy and light rail is ramped up. For example, each year during the Ekka the utility of the Exhibition loop line is demonstrated in a public way as happy Ekka patrons travel the smart way to the Ekka by Citytrain.
Brisbane?s buses are often overloaded at peak times. Passengers are left standing at bus stops as full buses pass by. It would make a lot of sense to construct an additional station between the Exhibition Station and Roma St Station in the general Normanby area close to the Brisbane Grammar Schools, and then run regular loop services Roma St - Central - Brunswick St - Exhibition - ?Normanby? - Roma St year round.

This would allow access to the Royal Brisbane Hospital campus, and other businesses and facilities in the Herston general area from the present Exhibition Station. By having a station at ?Normanby? this would then allow pedestrian access to the QUT Kelvin Grove campus, the Brisbane Grammar schools and to the general Normanby area. Effective utilisation of this loop line would take a lot of pressure of the congested Council buses in the inner city. Passengers could easily connect with the rest of the Citytrain network at Roma St or Central Stations. Heavy rail is the bulk people mover.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail August 17th

Congratulations to the Courier Mail for the ongoing 'Our Future - Your say' pieces.  Perspective 'A transport model to track by Chris Hale, C-M August 17' highlights exactly where Brisbane can be down the track.  The backbone of a heavy rail network is already in place, and with some further extensions and  ongoing track duplications and triplications and light rail, high capacity, high frequency and affordable commuting will be available.  The Government needs to lead out this public transport today. As Chris Hale states, "if you build it they will come".  Brisbane commuters are tired of catch up.  The continued fixation on roads and tunnels in an essentially radial pattern of development from the CBD is just ensuring yet even more gridlock and congestion.  Toll roads and tunnels will themselves become places of despair, accessible by the transport-rich, avoided by the transport-poor. Lets heed the global lessons and change the paradigm from congestion and catch-up, to contentment and comfort for our rapidly expanding community!

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail August 19

Smart card not so smart!

The TRANSLink Smart Card is an ongoing problem.  Presently undergoing yet more pilot trials with bemused commuters, it simply fails to deliver.  Plagued by inflexible software, it is unable to cope with the present fare and ticket options throughout the TRANSLink network.  The ramifications being that there will be significant cost increases for most regular commuters when it is finally rolled out if they go with the Smart card.

Two hundred million dollars are already spent, how much more money will be spent before this farce is foisted upon the travelling public?  Small pilots are not representative of the stress that will be placed on the Smart Card system when rolled out.  If a small pilot is struggling, how much more the real thing?  The project is about four years behind schedule already, a sure sign of the mediocre nature of the ticketing system.

Queensland Taxpayers are entitled to know what the justification is for the delays and the massive expense.  They also need to be informed in unequivocal terms that the cost of this ?dud? system is not going to borne by the travelling public if and when it is rolled out.  A public already suffering because of chronic congestion and service shortfalls on public transport in the south east.  Lets ignore the road congestion for today.

[ozbob]

Submitted to Courier Mail  August 25th

Recent calls in the Courier Mail (Letters 23 and 25 August) to make public transport commuters costs tax deductible have merit.  It may be necessary following the roll out of the TRANSLink Smart Card in South East Queensland.  This ticketing project is already years late and has cost in excess of the $200 million dollars.  It is not surprising then that a complete analysis of the modus operandi of the Smart card suggests that many regular public transport users will be facing very significant cost increases in their commuter travels, due in part no doubt, to the revenue sharing arrangements that will be in place following roll out.  Depending on patterns of travel cost increases may exceed 100%!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) has been highlighting the many issues with the Smart Card, but Queensland Transport and Translink have the 'cone of silence' in place.  They only selectively release information and 'spin' that glosses over the real issues.  We would invite readers to visit http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=135.0 where they may be properly informed as to the impacts of the TRANSLink Smart card.

At a time when we should be encouraging public transport use for sustainable environmental reasons, the likely result of the Smart card roll out will be to force more hapless commuters on to the congestion pit of despair which is the road network in South East Queensland.