17 Aug 2012: SEQ: Do-it-yourself Brisbane Bus Network Review!

[ozbob]

Media release 17th August 2012



SEQ: Do-it-yourself Brisbane Bus Network Review!

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 released a Google Earth model for the general public to design their own bus services in Brisbane! The file can be downloaded here ---> http://backontrack.org/docs/tt/BrisbaneCoreFrequentNetwork.kml

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to boost public transport is to introduce frequent and rapid services along main arterial roads, and increase rail and ferry services in existing corridors. This would require little or no new infrastructure, be rapid and quick to implement. And most of all, inexpensive when compared to larger 'big ticket' infrastructure items such as new busways or railway lines."

"Brisbane Transport currently operates around 220 bus routes - we think that's a lot of bus routes, and believe that fewer, simpler, more legible and more frequent services could be achieved simply through consolidation. Most of the network is over a decade old and more, and was created in a time when integrated fares, integrated ticketing and integrated planning were not around and operators competed with one another. Times have changed and the network must change also."

"We hope the Google Earth model spurs discussion and feedback in the community at large which can then inform the six month bus review currently in progress. We would like to see the bus review process opened up to the public and public consultation."

Some helpful websites to get interested folks started:

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2012/07/guiding-themes-for-planning-a-transit-network/

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/05/basics-should-we-redesign-our-bus-network-and-how.html

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread and further information --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.msg107271#msg107271

[Frank S]

OK, I've downloaded the file and opened it in Google Earth.  What do I do next?  I can't find any "how to" message.

Thanks.

[somebody]

OK, I've downloaded the file and opened it in Google Earth.  What do I do next?  I can't find any "how to" message.

Thanks.

Well you should have a number of red lines.  It's a bit easier to turn them all off and then just turn them on one at a time to see where each proposed route goes.

[Frank S]

Sorry, I still don't get it.  I can deselect the routes from the window at the left in Google Earth.  But what is the object of the exercise?  Am I supposed to suggest and develop new routes?  How do I do that? 

[#Metro]

You need to edit (or add or delete) the lines in Google Earth.

IF you can't do this there is another way - take the file, save it and then open google maps in your web browser and choose 'IMPORT' in the left pane and then upload that. That will load the file into Google Maps where you can also edit it (warning though - need good internet connection as there is quite a lot of data).

Once you're done you can take screenshots and upload or save the file as KMZ or KML (or whatever format) and upload...

[Golliwog]

Sorry, I still don't get it.  I can deselect the routes from the window at the left in Google Earth.  But what is the object of the exercise?  Am I supposed to suggest and develop new routes?  How do I do that?

Hi Frank, the purpose is to critique the routes in the Google Earth file, so suggestions or comments are welcome. Tramtrain would like people to upload their ideas like he has with his, though I don't think that's entirely necessary. So far, most of the critique has been happening in this thread here: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.160;topicseen

[#Metro]

You may need a google mail gmail account for all the google maps features.
maps.google.com

[ozbob]

Media release 19 August 2012

SEQ: Instructions for designing your own Brisbane Bus Network!



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 released a Google Earth model for the general public to design their own bus services in Brisbane! The file can be downloaded here ---> http://backontrack.org/docs/tt/BrisbaneCoreFrequentNetwork.kml

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to boost public transport is to introduce frequent and rapid services along main arterial roads, and increase rail and ferry services in existing corridors. This would require little or no new infrastructure, be rapid and quick to implement. And most of all, inexpensive when compared to larger 'big ticket' infrastructure items such as new busways or railway lines."

"Already many of our members and the public have downloaded the file and are having a go at experimenting with the model to serve their areas better. We think it is a great public educational tool also."

The instructions to use the model are simple. Simply download the file, and Google Earth to view. The red lines show the bus and ferry network backbone and people can alter this as they wish or add or delete services. If you have a Google Mail account (Gmail) you can also open it in Google Maps using the 'My Places' button and make alterations in there also.

"RAIL Back On Track looks forward to the Brisbane Bus Network Review!"

Some helpful websites to get interested folks started:

Instructions:

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8959.msg107458#msg107458

Line colours and their meanings:

Thick red (10) - CFN* lines (every 15 minutes or better, 6 am - 11.30 pm, 7 days)
Medium blue (5) - supporting feeders - generally 15 minutes 7 am - 7 pm
Medium orange (5) - general bus routes - generally 30 minutes during the day
Medium black (5) - hourly or worse routes (coverage runs).
Green - special, please specify.

*CFN=Core Frequent Network

Google Maps

http://maps.google.com.au/

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2012/07/guiding-themes-for-planning-a-transit-network/

http://www.humantransit.org/2010/05/basics-should-we-redesign-our-bus-network-and-how.html

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.msg107487#msg107487

[#Metro]

Can we get feedback on the model if anyone had more specific points. Will just be easier to go into the review with a good idea of the outcome we're wanting.

[#Metro]

Also wondering if there was interest in putting together a formal submission from RAILBOT into this process.

[ozbob]

Good idea, be difficult to get a detailed consensus but broad concepts would work.

Be best to discuss and explore in this thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.msg107487#msg107487

Will need someone to guide and draft, feel up to it TT?  Anyone else want to directly assist?

Respond here please --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.msg107487#msg107487

[#Metro]

Simon is quite expert at city stop locations, and I like Gazza's critical approach.
I'm generally focusing on the Brisbane area, but if there was Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast interests, perhaps they could do a page or two.

I think a top-down approach where we figure out what we want from the system (i.e. frequency etc) and then work from there. I don't expect full agreement (impossible) but that said, where there are disagreements on specific issues in the past, I simply have presented both as options and left it at that.

I'd need 2-3 people to be on board I think.

[somebody]

Simon is quite expert at city stop locations

It's not rocket science.  It's an axiom but still Brisbane's planners can't get it right.