Gold Coast Interurban - timetable improvements

[ozbob]

Media release 14th January 2013

SEQ: Gold Coast line - incremental peak improvements 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 Bowen Hills service from Varsity Lakes in the morning peak at 5.31am, and the extension and upgrade of the 5.45pm Airtrain service presently terminating at Roma St to Varsity Lakes in the evening peak (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Gold coast rail commuters will welcome the additional peak services."

"In time, more will need to be done to fix the capacity constraints on the southern line, for example the single line section between Coomera and Helensvale, and the inner city peak capacity constraints generally.  Cross River Rail will enable more trains to run on the Gold Coast line, and the rest of the network."

"The Commonwealth Games in 2018 means that the Gold Coast Interurban services will be very heavily utilised. For the period of the games 24 hour services on the Gold Coast will probably be needed."

"Train stabling capacity needs to be improved at Robina.  This will help reduce empty service kilometres and allow even more frequency improvements."

"Further incremental timetable improvements could include extending the new peak AM service to Brisbane Airport, similarly the 6.02am ex-Varsity Lakes could be changed to run to the Airport rather than Doomben, and perhaps starting the 17.39pm ex-Central to Varsity Lakes service at the Airport also."

"Each improvement in train frequency and service, helps to improve the network generally. As was highlighted last week with the release of the report 'Transport Policy at the Crossroads' (2), it is time that our rail network was properly prioritised if we are to avoid transport and congestion failure.

References:

1.  Gold Coast Bulletin 14th January 2013

2.  http://mams.rmit.edu.au/ov14prh13lps1.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/1/14/more-gold-coast-train-services?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

More Gold Coast train services

The Newman Government will add two peak services to one of south east Queensland's most congested train lines.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said an additional morning and afternoon peak service between Brisbane and the Gold Coast would be added from January 29.

"Since being elected, we have had a strong focus on getting more people on to public transport by improving frequency," Mr Emerson said.

"Under the former government, despite a growth in passengers travelling to and from the Gold Coast there haven't been any service improvements since 2010, leading to more and more overcrowding on these lines.

"Adding additional services where capacity exists was one of recommendations of the Independent Panel Review to meet the 2016 capacity crunch caused by eight years of Labor inaction.

"We are delivering Gold Coast commuters an additional morning peak service departing Varsity Lakes at 5:31am, arriving at Central at 6:55am, as well as an additional evening peak service departing Central at 6:11pm and arriving at Varsity Lakes at 7:30pm."

Both additional services will also benefit Beenleigh passengers with the express service departing at 6.08am and arriving at Beenleigh station at 6.55pm in the evening.

Member for Coomera Michael Crandon welcomed the new services.

"This means another option for Gold Coast passengers starting work in the city early and means there are now at least four services an hour for most of the morning and afternoon peak period," Mr Crandon said.

"Trains on the Gold Coast line are renowned for being the most overcrowded on the network and I've been lobbying for many years to get more service improvements.

"About 4,000 people use Gold Coast trains during the morning peak and these extra services will be further incentive to leave their cars at home and use public transport."

For more information about these changes visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30 anytime.

[ENDS] 14 January 2013

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail 14th January 2013 page 5

Help in line for 'Bombay Express'

[BrizCommuter]

Whilst the improvement to Gold Coast services is welcome, I'm sure there will be more sour grapes from Cleveland, Beenleigh, and Ferny Grove Line users wondering why their timetables are not being improved, and are still based on the 2008 basket case of a timetable.

[ozbob]

We hear ya Briz ...   

[petey3801]

I'm just getting sick of people referring to the gc line as the busiest/most crowded etc. Line! The improvement is a good thing, but it's certainly not the busiest/most crowded line...

[ClintonL94]

Why weren't these improvements saved for when the Sector 2 timetable gets released? Is this the only improvement that can be made for Sector 2 so release it as a standalone instead of bulk review?

6:07am Beenleigh to Bowen Hills all stopper will have to be modified as the new exp leaves 06:08am from Beenleigh.

[somebody]

I'm just getting sick of people referring to the gc line as the busiest/most crowded etc. Line! The improvement is a good thing, but it's certainly not the busiest/most crowded line...

I agree.  It's not even the most frequent flouter of the 20 minutes' standing rule.  That dishonour goes with the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines.  1 person standing at Virginia is a violation.

[SurfRail]

Agree as well.  As somebody who has been doing this for nearly 6 years, the improvements on the pre-2008 position are remarkable, which is something people seem to have either lost track of or never experienced.

[ozbob]

I just followed Minister Emerson on ABC Gold Coast radio.    Host Nicole Dyer, extensive interview with the Minister covering the Gold Coast, but he did acknowledge that something will need to be done on fares.  Nicole pressed him quite hard on off peak, and I also mentioned the recommendations of the LNP's Cross River Rail review team.  I think there are a lot of positives with all this today.  Encouraged ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

"Anonymous passenger wrote"... back in 2006-2007.

[Fares_Fair]

It is encouraging to see the active attempts being made to improve the rail network, and address areas of shortfall or crowding or reliability.
The State Governemnt is to be congratulated.

[nathandavid88]

It is encouraging to see the active attempts being made to improve the rail network, and address areas of shortfall or crowding or reliability.
The State Governemnt is to be congratulated.

I tend to agree. While the rail network does badly needs big ticket works such as Cross River Rail and various duplications/extensions/upgrades to really see a sizeable improvement, it's still good to see the government trying to make what small improvements they can to try and wring out a few more services using the existing infrastructure. Small improvements no doubt, but better than the Govt sitting on their hands until a big ticket item can be afforded.

[Golliwog]

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1357537640

New trains and times for Beenleigh/Gold Coast line
Last updated: 8.58am Monday 14 January 2013

On Tuesday 29 January, new services will be added and timetable changes made to the Gold Coast and Beenleigh lines.

To continue connecting with services on the Beenleigh line, a minor timetable change will also be made to bus route 550 (Browns Plains to Springwood).

Gold Coast line

Two new peak hour services on the Gold Coast line will deliver a 15 minute frequency during the morning (6.30am to 8.45am) and afternoon (4pm to 6.30pm) peaks.

Details of departure times

Beenleigh line

To accommodate the new Gold Coast line morning service, two Beenleigh line services will depart two and six minutes later.

The 5.58am train from Beenleigh will depart two minutes later at 6.00am (and will continue to Ferny Grove):
Details of departure times
The 6.07am train from Beenleigh will depart six minutes later at 6.13am (and will terminate at Bowen Hills):
Details of departure times

Route 550 minor timetable changes

As part of the changes on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines, the Saturday afternoon 5.30pm service (departing Springwood bus station) will now continue to Grand Plaza bus station (arriving at 6.23pm).

[BrizCommuter]

It is encouraging to see the active attempts being made to improve the rail network, and address areas of shortfall or crowding or reliability.
The State Governemnt is to be congratulated.

The post Ferny Grove Line duplication peak improvements have been particularly impressive - oh, wait, they didn't happen! 

It's just another politically motivated timetable change. QR might as well replace it's schedulers with pollies!

[#Metro]

Quit complaining. It's an improvement, and that's a good thing. The bus network is getting overhauled and the fares too. Ferny grove got partial TUZification already. Lets see if we can get ipswich express all day. That would be massive.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I'd only expect to see Ipswich express services when Kippa Ring is online.

[somebody]

I'd only expect to see Ipswich express services when Kippa Ring is online.

I would counter with: there will be a further distant goal post introduced once it is.

[Fares_Fair]

It is encouraging to see the active attempts being made to improve the rail network, and address areas of shortfall or crowding or reliability.
The State Governemnt is to be congratulated.

The post Ferny Grove Line duplication peak improvements have been particularly impressive - oh, wait, they didn't happen! 

It's just another politically motivated timetable change. QR might as well replace it's schedulers with pollies!

I think it would be more than fair to say that we have seen more action on public transport under the current government than we did under the previous one.
i.e. complete bus review, halving of fare increases (I know it's above inflation but it's a kept election promise), Ferny Grove 15 minute frequency, 2 new Gold Coast services, best on time peak results in 8 years, Transport Minister's tweeting for questions on the day of the fare hikes... and now the possibility of a complete fare review.

That's not to say there isn't more that could or should be done, because there is and probably always will be more and better ways to achieve.
North Coast Line duplication is my number one priority, as well as improving reliability and making our journeys shorter in duration, not longer.
Toilet facilities on long haul trains also another ongoing bugbear that can only be fixed by more rollingstock and better/larger stabling locations.

However I think the Transport Minister has taken an active interest in his portfolio and is trying hard to make things better.
I have to give credit where it is due in spite of my utter ongoing frustration at the lack of any sign of works on the NCL duplication.

The introduction of Glen Dawe as Chair of QR is another positive given his extensive local experience.
They are getting experienced railway people into place and I believe that we are seeing the early fruits of that now (fingers crossed).

The last 2 months have seen improvement to less than the 17 month average on my Total Time Lost (TTL) statistics.

Where praise is duly deserved it should be granted.
It doesn't always make it onto mainstream TV or newsprint, so here is the next best thing.

[somebody]

Absolutely agree with that, Fares_Fair.

[#Metro]

I think it would be more than fair to say that we have seen more action on public transport under the current government than we did under the previous one.
i.e. complete bus review, halving of fare increases (I know it's above inflation but it's a kept election promise), Ferny Grove 15 minute frequency, 2 new Gold Coast services, best on time peak results in 8 years, Transport Minister's tweeting for questions on the day of the fare hikes... and now the possibility of a complete fare review.

Yes, flies in the face of notions that LNP would destroy PT, scorched earth, funding cuts etc. Perhaps they have realised how many people use the system and how that can be used for votes etc. Clearly the train upgrade through the marginal seat of Ashgrove helped install the current premier...

[#Metro]

And let's not forget that GoCard is linked with CityCycle too...

[ozbob]

Gold Coast Bulletin --> New services to ease train crowds

[nathandavid88]

Oh how I love comments from the peanut gallery on the Gold Coast Bulletin! People calling for "real" express trains to Brisbane, so their commute takes half an hour, and then calling for Beenleigh, Ormeau and Coomera dropped as stops. 

People need to realise that transport, while capable of being improved, can't defeat the effect of sheer distance. If they want a half hour commute to Brisbane, don't live on the Gold Coast!  It's not rocket science!

BTW, great post Fares_Fair! Completely agree with your sentiments!

[colinw]

See if you can spot my comment taking the p*ss out of them. 

[somebody]

See if you can spot my comment taking the p*ss out of them. 

Grumpy

[colinw]

 

[Arnz]

Oh how I love comments from the peanut gallery on the Gold Coast Bulletin! People calling for "real" express trains to Brisbane, so their commute takes half an hour, and then calling for Beenleigh, Ormeau and Coomera dropped as stops. 

I remember the nutters on the Gold Coast calling for a "tilt train" to Brisbane and expecting to pay TransLink fares a year or two back.  Those that disagreed were shouted down at.

And to think some of the constituents on the Sunshine Coast yelling for heads to be chopped in light of the Stage 1 "improvements" (eg add 1 extra morning peak service and 2 afternoon peak services, but throw in more stops) were vicious.   However, at least most were at least thankful for the extra Gympie North (off-peak) service, and the 2nd new afternoon peak service introduced a month after the Stage 1 timetables in light of the overcrowding to Caboolture.

[Stillwater]

The people of the Gold and Sunshine coasts were promised 'fast train access' to Brisbane in 'about an hour' by the previous Labor government (without Anna Bligh and Co taking any steps to bring the promise to fruition).

Their statements merely reflected an expectation that what the government promised could be capable of being delivered, and would be delivered.

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/71317

Campbell Newman and Co have avoided the 'what we will deliver in 3030' line in favour of a general direction, to be reinforced this year through a number of 'town hall' meetings, followed by revolving six-month action plans.

[somebody]

The people of the Gold and Sunshine coasts were promised 'fast train access' to Brisbane in 'about an hour' by the previous Labor government (without Anna Bligh and Co taking any steps to bring the promise to fruition).

Their statements merely reflected an expectation that what the government promised would be capable of being delivered, and would be delivered.

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/Id/71317

Campbell Newman and Co have avoided the 'what we will deliver in 3030' line in favour of a general direction, to be reinforced this year through a number of 'town hall' meetings, followed by revolving six-month action plans.

That promise never made any sense at the time.

[colinw]

The 1 hour from the Gold Coast promise is complete bollocks unless you did a Mandurah and put a new line up the M1 from Yatala.   It is simply not happening via the Beenleigh line, even if you built CRR and then quad tracked it the whole way to Beenleigh from Yeerongpilly.

[Stillwater]

No it did not, but the ordinary punters believed it at the time.  When they saw a premier that was dillusional, and the dream they shared would not be delivered by government, they ditched the government.

There is a lesson to be learned by the likes of Mr Andrew Powell MP, who has made duplication of the SCL to Landsborough as his 'top priority'.  Maybe voters will turn on him, as they did on Anna Bligh when they realised her statements were teasers to gain votes, not necessarily to explain what she would deliver.

[SurfRail]

The 1 hour from the Gold Coast promise is complete bollocks unless you did a Mandurah and put a new line up the M1 from Yatala.   It is simply not happening via the Beenleigh line, even if you built CRR and then quad tracked it the whole way to Beenleigh from Yeerongpilly.

Not necessarily true colin.  As with all political promises, it is technically true in some respects, just not on the whole.

For instance - my trip from Nerang to Central = 70 minutes now (6:59 to 8:09 inbound, 18:24 to 19:34 outbound).  Adding CRR shaves 10 minutes off a trip to the CBD (in my case a slightly longer walk, but the claim appears to be accurate), getting it down to 60 minutes.  They were proposing trains at 160kph south of Beenleigh, which with slightly different stopping patterns (eg breaking the line in half at Helensvale) would mean a sustained run over the distance from Helensvale to Beenleigh of about 5 min faster than present, getting it down to 55 minutes or so.  On top of that, there is a LOT of fat in the timetable, and it is still common to wait at South Bank for 3-4 minutes so long as you end up on the dual-gauge.

I think a journey time of 55 minutes from Nerang is quite feasible with all of this in place, 50 minutes if you really run a tight ship by minimising dwells and cutting fat (eg cutting out the door chimes, improving the platforms at all stations en route to eliminate height gaps etc). 

Further time-saving would have to come from realigning the line north of Beenleigh, in which case you might get another 5-10 minutes (eg by bypassing the Runcorn-Coopers Plains and the Kingston-Compton Rd sections with new alignments), but obviously for very high outlay.

For anywhere south of Varsity Lakes it would certainly be at least an hour, even with these improvements.  Elanora would definitely be out unless the train was running non-stop.

[SurfRail]

On the subject of this particular Bulletin article, I think I drafted a comment but the form might not have loaded correctly.  Couldn't be bothered retyping, as it would largely be lost on the GCB's demographic I think.

The main issue is the Coomera River bridge.  You can create as much space in the CBD as you like, but without fixing this you can only ever run trains in the peak (or counter-peak) direction on 15 minute separation.  I have no doubt at all that by fixing this and then looking at the entire line south of Dutton Park (and with some minimal extra infrastructure spending), you could optimise say 3 stopping patterns which would let you have all day outer-suburban expresses and Gold Coast expresses, both capable of operating at say 5 trains per hour or better in peak, plus an all-stations pattern.

[somebody]

With CRR but without the Coomera R bridge you could still have Coomera starting trains combined with what they want - greater express trains.

[colinw]

SurfRail - thanks, I stand corrected.  Marginally doable then, although I very much doubt it was ever a serious proposal by the previous Government. Seemed like just more of the glib "by 2031 everything will be wonderful" nonsense.

I still believe the Salisbury to Kuraby project should have been built as quad from the outset, with a tunnel from about Banoon to Runcorn for the new pair of tracks, but then I believe a lot of things should have been done differently so no point crying about it.

If you were to try and speed things up south of Beenleigh, the Banoon to Runcorn tunnel seems to be the logical place to start. The bad alignment around Trinder Park & Kingston will be harder to deal with because the terrain there doesn't work with you the way the possibility of tunneling through the ridge at Altandi does. 

Perhaps a series of smaller deviations, e.g. from Trinder Park to near Compton Road via the vicinity of Acacia Rd, could do the trick. Each deviation would be expensive with a lot of resumptions, for not much improvement in running time.

Anyway, this is foaming - I very much doubt there is any serious intent to improve the alignment to Beenleigh.

[somebody]

On a map it looks like the Trinder Park tight bit can be removed by going through about 10 houses.  I'll believe that one when I see it.

[colinw]

That is the deviation I meant.  Going towards Brisbane, take off in roughly a straight line from just north of Trinder Park station, into a cutting passing through resumed residential land and passing under Laurel St & Acacia Road, then gently curving to rejoin the existing alignment just near the Compton Road bridge.

[SurfRail]

With CRR but without the Coomera R bridge you could still have Coomera starting trains combined with what they want - greater express trains.

Maybe if they created a southern entrance to the Beenleigh yard.

Helensvale is the optimum changeover point, distancewise and patronagewise, although if the Parkwood LRT interchange ever gets up I would have both patterns stopping both stations.

[SurfRail]

I still believe the Salisbury to Kuraby project should have been built as quad from the outset, with a tunnel from about Banoon to Runcorn for the new pair of tracks, but then I believe a lot of things should have been done differently so no point crying about it.

Absolutely agreed, except I would have gone further and just closed the Altandi section altogether and converted it to a rail trail. 

First stop Fruitgrove, then Pinelands, then Coopers Plains.

Foaming is fun though...