RAIL - Back On Track Forum

I don't have skepticism about 9 car trains but I do know what's required to enable their running on the existing network which is why I'm nit picking your argument. Look at the difficulty in getting timber/steel sleepers replaced with cement because treasury/tmr wont sign off on the cost. Look what it took before the timber sleepers were replaced on the Caboolture line. Engineers can do lots of things but cost plays a bigger part which goes back to my last sentence about timber sleepers. We can't even get Sunday services on the Doomben line or a 4th platform at Oxley which leads to the constant use of the crossovers east of Darra and at Coronas/Sherwood. Just look at what you are talking about. Electrifying a railway line that QR has admitted has to undercharge access fees to keep the traffic running instead of losing it to road freight which the western line has dramatically seen over the years which has resulted in more road expenditure by tmr and councils. Aurizon cut these contracts across Queensland and even scrapped rollingstock so other operators couldn't buy them or quickly take up services).  That electrification would include overheads and feeder sub stations. Rollingstock needs to be equipped to read ATP west of rosewood. Signal spacing is another problem that needs to be addressed. Significant station upgrades which would also include signalling mods as the network isn't equipped for 9 car spacing eg crossovers and signal locations near stations (this is also a reason as to why freight and coalies have a max 80kph in the suburban area). Speed isn't going to be quick as you have to contend with coalies and the current restrictions on infrastructure. Sure nsw do things differently. But their longer trains aren't fixed units. They are made up of multiple trains. 12 car train movements are common here but can't be used in revenue because the last 6 cars can't be seen from the cab controls. Mods can be made but they aren't cheap because they weren't designed for it. 9 car trains here will be fixed. NGR were to be earmarked for 9 car conversions (they were designed for this) by adding an additional 3 carriages in the middle but that no longer will be the case. Hopefully NGR2 will be equiped for 9 car conversion but who knows what the final designs are depending on the budget. Who knows maybe NGR3 will be 9 car compatiable or 9 car built.

In a nutshell it's all foam because you don't know the costs involved in doing so. Very similar to all the pollies banging on about 7 car trains to which anyone that worked in the industry or knew anything about the railways simply laughed at how stupid it was but the general public thought it was a great idea.

The whole point of Gold Coast/Sunshine coast running 9 car trains is to add capacity to a corridor with minimal modifications and without increasing the frequency. What you are proposing is the opposite with more than major infrastructure changes to enable 9 car trains somewhere where the frequency or passenger numbers isn't there and won't be there for a very long time. And your event trains are utterly pointless as you only have a handful of stations that passengers can board and disembark at which severely limits your catchments. Ipswich and Springfield will still be 6 car trains running at a higher frequency stopping at more stations compared to your 1 or 2 trains stopping there.

If you didn't know since the late 90's there have been planned modifications to the NCL to speed up passenger and freight train movements by about 70 minutes between Caboolture and Maryborough and even more north towards Bundy.  How many of them has been signed off for funding from treasury?? This derailment was on one of those planned realignment sections which still hasn't been realigned.

You're also not talking about Sydney to Newcastle/Katoomba/Lithgow/W'gong either. You're talking Brisbane to Toowoomba, which is more comparable to Newcastle to Musswellbrook. And they get a couple 2car services a day at most, plus a long distance train. Not exactly massive population stats between Brisbane and Toowoomba.
Even if one day, by some miracle Toowoomba does eventually need 9car trains, it won't be for multiple decades. There's really no need to extend platforns now for something that might, MIGHT be required in 50-60 years time, at the minimum. There are so, so, so many more higher priorities for the small amount of PT funding floatkng around, it would be utterly stupid to waste it on 9car platforms now for an infantismal possibility of 9car trains being required to Toowoomba in the far off distant future.

Enough please.  This thread is about station upgrades, it has drifted into 9 car fantasy ...

Back on track.  Any future off topic posts will be removed.

If you wish to discuss 9 car trains start a new thread ...

Buranda station upgrade

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/inthecommunity/projects/buranda-station-upgrade

Last update was 2019, so I contacted Queensland Rail to ask if the project was proceeding.

This was the response FYI:

Quote28th March 2022

Good afternoon Robert

Thank you for your time on the phone last week, regarding the Buranda station accessibility upgrade.

Although work has not yet commenced, Queensland Rail is committed to delivering an accessibility upgrade at this station.

The nearby Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is ongoing and Queensland Rail is continuing to work closely with the developer to negotiate and determine delivery timeframes for the project. Once the planning and design requirements have been finalised with the TOD developer, we will update you on when the Buranda upgrade is expected to commence.

If you have any further questions in the meantime, please let us know.

Below images from Yeronga station. Upgrade in progress.

A nice touch to help make it easier to get onto trains for those with mobility issues or parents with prams. Also a temporary (powered by solar) travel information screen with rolling updates.

👍 definitely a great touch which informs passengers in a definitive way.

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1509682236622532608

Would be nicer if they could do that at any door on the platform. 

At least they seem to have learned their lesson for any new upgrades.

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/1509711566362808321

^ They upgraded a station that should probably be closed and moved closer to the main road intersection in Cannon Hill.   

Queensland Rail: Cannon Hill station accessibility upgrade Project Update

> https://railbotforum.org/yourls/cannonhill  PDF

Monringside Upgrade  email.  Curved platforms to be removed.

Some common themes that were received from the community during consultation include:

• Retaining ramp access to the station along with the inclusion of lifts and stairs. Queensland Rail can confirm that the current project design ensures an accessible path through the station, including the removal of existing ramps and construction of new accessible ramp entry points and through lifts between entry points and the platforms.
  
  
• Realignment of the station to eliminate the curve and reduce the gap between the platform and train. One of the main aims of the project is to create a safe pathway to and from the train for all customers. Once completed, the full length of the platform will be raised and a significant portion of the curved platform will be removed. Platforms will be extended towards Norman Park to increase the amount of straight platform and reduce the gap in accordance with Queensland Rail standards.
  
  
• Integration with active transport options, including bike storage facilities at the station. The current design includes integration with existing community pathways and will include a new bike storage facility on the Wynnum Road side of the station and the reallocation of existing bike lockers on the Waminda Street side.
  
  
• Improvements to landscaping and visual amenity of the station complex. The new station design will feature modernised facilities, improving the visual amenity of the station complex. The project scope also includes allowances for landscaping and Queensland Rail will work with local artists to incorporate a community art piece at the station.
  
  
• Expansion of the current park 'n' ride and inclusion of kiss 'n' ride, taxi zones and safe road crossings. Queensland Rail will share this feedback with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) for consideration, as park 'n' ride upgrades, kiss 'n' ride facilities and road crossings fall under DTMR's portfolio of projects. Queensland Rail will look to work with DTMR and council should future works be undertaken.
  

The cycling comment is very week/poor and the park'n'ride one is unfortunate.

Query but do we actually have a thread somewhere cataloguing where platform heights are up to at each station?

I know QR maintains a listing of its own somewhere for accessibility information purposes in general, but that seemed to be of questionable accuracy when I last looked at it.

Would be useful to have stats about this sort of thing, eg:
- % of stations with all platforms fully raised to train floor height
- % of stations with no platforms raised to train floor height at any part of any platform
- % of stations somewhere in the middle, of which there are varying configurations (eg stations like Bethania with all platforms humped, stations where some are fully raised and some are humped like Petrie, stations where some are fully raised and some are not raised at all like Fruitgrove).

That would be useful for the purpose of identifying where we should be pushing investment to be made.  Fruitgrove for instance is not a priority because no trains (or virtually no trains) are timetabled to stop on the unraised platform AFAIK.

^ I will see if I can find out.

https://translink.com.au/updates/101291

Central station stairs closure

From 6.30pm on Tuesday 7 June until late 2022, the stairs that connect Central station concourse to both Anzac Square Arcade and Ann Street will be closed for renovations.

These works follow the reopening of the newly refurbished Central station escalators.

Progress on Southbank platform 1 and in addition the escalators are back up and running.

Southbank is finally becoming a gated station

^ I don't see what the point is, none of the other entrances can have gates added absent a lot more work.

The other platforms should be upgraded now platform 1 is nearly complete.

But being Queensland, it'll be half baked as usual though.

Queensland Parliament

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2022/1225-2022.pdf

Question on Notice
No. 1225
Asked on 28 October 2022

MR R MOLHOEK ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON M BAILEY)

QUESTION:

With reference to the 'Rail station access improvements' project listed on page 131 of QTRIP—
Will the Minister provide (a) a breakdown of spending by station name and (b) for each station,
the construction start and completion dates?

ANSWER:
I thank the Member for Southport for the question.

The rail station access improvements listed on page 131 of the Queensland Transport and Roads
Investment Program 2022–23 to 2025–26 includes works as per page 135 of the current Budget
Paper 3, that is, at Roma Street train station, Dutton Park train station, Boggo Road train station,
Pimpama train station, Hope Island train station and Merrimac train station.

Works for each of these stations are at varying stages of planning and procurement. These
negotiations remain commercial-in-confidence. Once finalised, these will inform construction
timelines and future spending requirements for each station. The table below indicates the
cumulative spend for this initiative in 2022–23, 2023–24 and forward estimates 2024–26.

Investment Name Rail Station Access Improvements
2022–23 $'000    2023–24 $'000    2024–25 to 2025–26 $'000
$16,300              $37,325             $106,035

New ticket gates are being installed at the Vulture street entry of Southbank Station. The Grey street ones are already in operation.

With the Aviary development having approval and the site starting demolition of old woolies, is there need to look at upgrading Toowong station and looking at how to improve access to the station via buses, walking, ferry etc. Don't know if this is even a problem that needs fixing, but getting into Toowong station feels cramped and dingy. Having a three storey carpark above station doesn't help the cause.

Would there be any benefits to a) removing the carpark from scape building to booth street (open the space up) b) possible move the station slightly north near Augustus street?

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1jkh9LoR4biCGqF5WWsexuIv7PfRQxGA&usp=sharing

It would be closer to regetta ferry stop, about same distance current station is to the proposed west end - toowong green bridge, might be easier to have bus terminals. I'm probably creating more problems than solving, as this would be further away from current development around sherwood road/high street.     

I wouldn't support moving it further away from the Sherwood Rd shopping strip. The current location is very convenient for being able to duck into Coles before getting on your train, and close to buses on Coronation drive.

If it's dingy, just light it better like you would any underground station.

Quote from: kram0 on October 27, 2022, 21:15:11 PMThe other platforms should be upgraded now platform 1 is nearly complete.

But being Queensland, it'll be half baked as usual though.

Wish we would do enclosures like

Half baked yet again.

Couriermail --> Auchenflower train station upgrade opens, five more starting soon from Banyo to Burpengary $

QuoteThe long-awaited Auchenflower train station upgrade in Brisbane's inner-west opened has opened as the State Government confirmed work would start on five more busy stations.

Large sections of the Auchenflower structure had to be craned into place and some local roads closed, but the new station is now safer and much easier to use by parents with prams, the elderly and disabled.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail recently completed major upgrades of East Ipswich, Dakabin and Cannon Hill stations.

"Next in line for upgrades are Banyo, Bundamba, Burpengary, Lindum and Morningside stations, with major works expected to commence later this year," Mr Bailey said. ...

^

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1619023023998386176

Every little thing minor gets posted by TL and MB on Facebook. No paywalls there.

Quote from: Gazza on January 30, 2023, 08:51:33 AMEvery little thing minor gets posted by TL and MB on Facebook. No paywalls there.

Not everyone wants to use Facebook. I understand other media were offered the story but didn't run it.

Govt needs to set up an information web page where this sort of stuff is made available for all.

" YERONGA STATION Lifts are operational from MONDAY morning!! "

Mark Bailey MP

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2487902298024428

" Rocklea Station Accessibility Upgrade going strong ... "

Mark Bailey MP

https://www.facebook.com/MarkBaileyMP/videos/5701967106586582

The latest on the Buranda Station upgrade:

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/First-Look--New-plans-for-Buranda-station-revealed-(Ministerial-statement).aspx

If the artist's impressions are accurate, it looks to me that the platform canopies will be next to useless as weather protection; more of an architectural statement rather than of any practical use.

BTW, drove past Beams Rd OLC this morning (Sunday) and noticed a TV camera and mikes set up for, I assume, a press conference. Who knows, maybe a big announcement in the wind...about bloody time!

^ thanks!

====

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/First-Look--New-plans-for-Buranda-station-revealed-(Ministerial-statement).aspx

First Look: New plans for Buranda station revealed (Ministerial statement)

3/02/2023

Buranda station is one step closer to improved accessibility for customers, with new designs released as part of a $500 million investment to upgrade stations across the South East Queensland rail network. 

Member for Greenslopes Joe Kelly said the vital improvements will make the station easier and safer for customers to use.

"This is a significant milestone in the Buranda station accessibility upgrade project with updated concept designs released following extensive work with the neighbouring commercial and residential developments to ensure it all works together," Mr Kelly said.

"Designs were also informed by community consultation and refined through discussions with disability sector representatives to ensure stations are easy to use and can be accessed by everyone in our community.

"The modern design includes a new pedestrian footbridge with lift access, full-length raised platforms, extended platform shelters, an upgraded hearing augmentation loop and tactile platform surfaces.

"The upgrade also includes new security cameras, lighting, wayfinding and platform signage around the core zone as part of the Palaszczuk Government's $500 million investment to make stations accessible for all our customers."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was another step towards making more of South East Queensland's train stations accessible for everyone.

"Since 2017, the Palaszczuk Government has completed 12 station upgrades including at Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower," Mr Bailey said.

"As part of the rolling program, a new tranche of station upgrades has been announced with works to commence this year at Bundamba, Burpengary, Banyo, Morningside and Lindum stations.

"As part of the Cross River Rail project, Dutton Park to Salisbury stations on the southside, and Exhibition Station in Brisbane's Inner City, are at various stages of upgrades from main construction to concept and planning.

"Cross River Rail will also deliver three new, fully accessible stations built on the Gold Coast.

"And another eight stations will be upgraded to be more accessible as part of the Kuraby to Beenleigh rail duplication project."

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the upgraded station is progress towards easier and safer rail travel for our community, including customers with diverse disabilities, seniors, and people travelling with luggage or prams.

"We are committed to making our stations more accessible for customers through our Station Accessibility Upgrade Program which recently delivered upgraded stations at Auchenflower, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and East Ipswich," Ms Stapleton said. 

"As with all our station upgrades, we appreciate the patience and understanding of the community and rail commuters while we undertake these important upgrades."

For updates on this project visit www.queenslandrail.com.au.







   

High resolution images > https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bt361dnw2qohe743srtan/h?dl=0&rlkey=1o13y7xw62rmnsf00mxf40rvn

Disappointed that the Buranda station design doesn't give better connectivity to the busway station. I believe it absolutely should be made a priority considering the change in pax behaviour that will happen with the opening of Metro and CRR. Especially the metro, buranda will become a much more important interchange point.

The frontage to Gillingham St (which should be pedestrianised or non-car zone) just shows they don't see public transport as anything other than a safety net for those who can't drive!! Might as well just build a solid blank wall wit the words "Unsafe Turn Back" on it.

Agree that it should be far better integrated with busway station just as if it was a single station and not two services that just happen to be near each other!

Quote from: Jonno on February 05, 2023, 20:08:05 PMThe frontage to Gillingham St (which should be pedestrianised or non-car zone) just shows they don't see public transport as anything other than a safety net for those who can't drive!! Might as well just build a solid blank wall wit the words "Unsafe Turn Back" on it.

Gillingham St is the carpark and servicing access for the existing development currently beside the station, and will form a vehicle access point for the Stage 2 development currently under assessment now, so very unlikely to be pedestrianised.

That aside, what is so wrong with the Station's appearance to Gillingham Street? The Station has a very small frontage to this street, and has to deal with a substantial height difference and I don't see any issue with how they've dealt with these limitations. Keep in mind that when the Stage 2 development is complete, this entrance will be directly adjacent to a retail plaza and urban commons space.