RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Quote from: #Metro on March 11, 2024, 19:37:31 PMWell, if M3 is extended to Chermside/northside the 2012 review will become obsolete.

See, the 2012 review didn't incorporate a vision of Metro BRT buses. With their introduction, the network will have to be reworked to specifically incorporate that, just like what is currently playing out on the Brisbane southside.

Obsolete? The opposite actually. You'd know that if you knew the area and the review. The Southside is different to the Northside. Lots of available pt methods. The 2012 review had an extensive amount of redundancy routes that also acted as feeders between the hf routes. Remember they cut the 340 buz to the city. Metro doesn't actually add that much capacity. We don't even have bendy buses running yet so capacity isn't an issue.

^

https://x.com/cbdbug/status/1767124531679039661?s=20

Quote from: timh on March 11, 2024, 21:54:26 PM

Quote from: Jonno on March 11, 2024, 10:27:11 AMI just can't see how they can claim the benefits they do!

From BCC's own business case:

Currently 220 buses moving 14,250 ppl across Victoria bridge.

After new bi-artic buses 150 buses moving 13,260 of which only 40 are new bi-artic buses.

That is a 37% increase.

More routes changed to either terminate at stations not in the city and act as feeders, or suburban rockets sent via the CCB instead. Reducing crowding on the Victoria bridge is the GOAL.

Bus lanes needed on the CCB then, otherwise buses are just being held up by general traffic.

      

https://x.com/jonathan_sri/status/1767150642869776505?s=46&t=EDszjTErsxTIqAna7yuP-w

Quote from: achiruel on March 12, 2024, 05:36:57 AMBus lanes needed on the CCB then, otherwise buses are just being held up by general traffic.

That's not really feasible the way it is, given the main bus onramp is shared with general traffic from the Stanley Street onramp (this is the real slowing point IMO - moreso than the bridge itself). Excluding this point, the bus lanes would only be able to extend until you hit Gardens Point - after than point you will have cars merging across or into the bus lane to access the offramps, etc.

Can you dedicate one ramp as bus only during peak hours and then bus lane camera enforce it?

Quote from: #Metro on March 12, 2024, 14:17:51 PMCan you dedicate one ramp as bus only during peak hours and then bus lane camera enforce it?

Theoretically perhaps, but there aren't that many ramps entering the city proper. Heading from the southside, you have Margaret Street, Elizabeth Street and Turbot Street. If you were to dedicate one as a bus only ramp, would the other two be able to handle the remaining load without resulting in large lineups clogging the REX?

If you did try it, Elizabeth Street would likely be the better one to do it to - it's already a mess of an intersection with William Street, as you have 4 exit lanes merging into 3 (a result of adding the bikeway), but you shouldn't get too much in way of traffic along William Street, as general access is limited west of the Treasury Building.   

Brisbanetimes --> New bridge in Brisbane's west slips off council election agenda $

QuoteThe leading Brisbane lord mayoral candidates have outlined the road and transport corridors they believe need attention from the next city council administration.

And while some projects might still need state government backing, none of the parties seem keen to revisit a long-running project that was knocked back for state funding last year. ...

Well it comes down to whether the goal is to maximise vehicle movement or people movement.

Once that goal is clarified, then the complementary decision can be considered.

Quote from: nathandavid88 on March 12, 2024, 15:29:30 PM

Quote from: #Metro on March 12, 2024, 14:17:51 PMCan you dedicate one ramp as bus only during peak hours and then bus lane camera enforce it?

Theoretically perhaps, but there aren't that many ramps entering the city proper. Heading from the southside, you have Margaret Street, Elizabeth Street and Turbot Street. If you were to dedicate one as a bus only ramp, would the other two be able to handle the remaining load without resulting in large lineups clogging the REX?

If you did try it, Elizabeth Street would likely be the better one to do it to - it's already a mess of an intersection with William Street, as you have 4 exit lanes merging into 3 (a result of adding the bikeway), but you shouldn't get too much in way of traffic along William Street, as general access is limited west of the Treasury Building.   

Margaret street is currently underutilised by cars in peak, and following the bus review that will happen concurrently with Brisbane Metro, many of the rockets will be diverted to run along Mary Street, so that could work well if the far left lane of CCB was converted to buslane.

I don't think it'll happen though

Brisbanetimes --> Greens leader urges any lawyers keen to help sue LNP over 'scratchies' to get in touch $

QuoteGreens lord mayoral aspirant Jonathan Sriranganathan has urged any lawyers who might like to help him sue the LNP to "get in touch" after the party distributed scratch-it flyers featuring his face.

One version of the LNP scratchie – placed in mailboxes, including those in Central Ward – asks people to "scratch and lose" in the Greens lottery.

Scratching the panels reveals "unlucky symbols", including higher taxes, a 30km/h speed limit, higher pet registration costs, cancelled Metro projects, and traffic chaos. ...

"Labor lottery" and "Greens lottery" scratchies distributed to Brisbane mailboxes ahead of Saturday's council election.

I think legal action is a little extreme. All sorts of BS is flung from all sides around election time.

It's quite crass but so is a lot of advertising from all the parties.

You won't get truth in advertising laws out of anybody in government unless we get enough cross-benchers in Canberra, and if that gets up it might eventually trickle through to the states and territories.

Brisbanetimes --> Where Brisbane mayoral candidates stand on green bridges $

QuoteThe news

The LNP and the Greens will consider building more green bridges in Brisbane if they can find the money, while for Labor, supporting suburban growth is a priority.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner promised in 2019 to build five green bridges over the next 10 years at cost of $550 million as one of his first pledges.

But the program stopped short of what he promised, and the other parties at the 2024 Brisbane City Council election have made no firm commitments ahead of the Brisbane City Council election on March 16. ...

Couriermail --> 2024 Brisbane council election: Policies on roads, transport $

QuoteIn the lead-up to the 2024 Local Government Elections, parties have unveiled their transport and road infrastructure plans for Brisbane.

Labor's main drawcard is a $1 billion plan featuring initiatives such as restoring the Norman Park ferry service, a significant investment in footpath repairs and construction, and a 50 per cent fare discount for bus zones 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, the LNP's four-point plan emphasises better road construction, public transport improvement, and investment in existing infrastructure, including extending the Brisbane Metro service north and east.

Independents Bruce Tanti and Gilbert Holmes propose innovative approaches, including focusing on sealing potholes, investing in walkway awnings, and providing residents the opportunity to take on road and park maintenance in return for lower rates. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1768128348398780661?s=20

Saturday is shaping up to be one of the most competitive elections I can remember!

It's a three way contest, and all three have good PT improvement options.

^ frankly, be glad when it is all over 

Current composition of BCC:

Liberal National 19 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5   
Greens    1   
Independent 1   

I think the LNP will be returned with a reduced majority, LM Schrinner still there.

I expect the Greens to pick up a few more wards.
Hope so as this could be good for driving some better bus improvements in the poor service areas.

I cannot see Labor improving more than a ward or two. Possibly might go backwards.

I expect the independent (Nicole Johnston) to be returned.

But unexpected things can happen in any election.

Couriermail --> 2024 Brisbane council election: New polling reveals likely mayor $

QuoteBrisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has been tipped to keep his job, new polling reveals, as the LNP launched an attack on Labor's budget proposal on the eve of the council election.

The new polling by DemosAU puts Mr Schrinner's primary vote at 46.7 per cent, down just 1 per cent from the 2020 result, followed by Labor's Tracey Price on 25.8 per cent, down 5.1 per cent and the Greens' Jonathan Sriranganathan on 21.6 per cent, up 6.2 per cent.

On a two-candidate preferred basis, Mr Schrinner holds a commanding lead over Ms Price at 57.7 per cent to 42.3 per cent, indicating a slight improvement for the LNP from the previous election. ...

Quote from: ozbob on March 15, 2024, 08:07:33 AMCouriermail --> 2024 Brisbane council election: New polling reveals likely mayor $

QuoteBrisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has been tipped to keep his job, new polling reveals, as the LNP launched an attack on Labor's budget proposal on the eve of the council election.

The new polling by DemosAU puts Mr Schrinner's primary vote at 46.7 per cent, down just 1 per cent from the 2020 result, followed by Labor's Tracey Price on 25.8 per cent, down 5.1 per cent and the Greens' Jonathan Sriranganathan on 21.6 per cent, up 6.2 per cent.

On a two-candidate preferred basis, Mr Schrinner holds a commanding lead over Ms Price at 57.7 per cent to 42.3 per cent, indicating a slight improvement for the LNP from the previous election. ...

The interesting take away from this, though, is that if it weren't 'optional' preferential voting, the LNP would likely be out of their majority in the chamber. Last election 40% to 50% of first preference votes were exhausted.

Having OPV for only one level of government makes little sense - it should be the same at both local and State level.

Quote from: SurfRail on March 15, 2024, 10:21:35 AMHaving OPV for only one level of government makes little sense - it should be the same at both local and State level.

I agree. There's also a lot of confusion amongst voters who think that the optional preferential voting works by passing your exhausted vote on in accordance with the party's preferences which is the case in some elections. Upon being corrected, they are often quite dismayed.

If the Greens pick up enough seats and Labor doesn't improve their standing, Greens might become displace Labor as the "Opposition" in City Hall.

Election Eve

Lord Mayoral Candidate Speeches

Quote from: ozbob on March 14, 2024, 11:51:02 AM^ frankly, be glad when it is all over 

Current composition of BCC:

Liberal National 19 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5   
Greens    1   
Independent 1   

I think the LNP will be returned with a reduced majority, LM Schrinner still there.

I expect the Greens to pick up a few more wards.
Hope so as this could be good for driving some better bus improvements in the poor service areas.

I cannot see Labor improving more than a ward or two. Possibly might go backwards.

I expect the independent (Nicole Johnston) to be returned.

But unexpected things can happen in any election.

^ 

As predicted.

LM Schrinner has been returned. LNP retain the majority in BCC, Greens have picked up a few wards.  Labor marking time.

Thanks to both Labor and Greens for good solid campaigns and a solid focus on PT and AT. Cr Johnston returned.

RBoT does not support cheap or no fares for just the BCC area as an inducement for votes.
Fare policy is rightly the domain of Translink and the State Government, and fare initiatives need to be consistent across SEQ and regional Queensland in our view.

This needs to be remembered for future BCC elections. It has not proved to be that successful. 
Far better to concentrate on the things that a council actually does.

ABC live results > https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results/party-totals

ECQ > https://results.elections.qld.gov.au/2024QLGE

ABC BCC Wards > https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/guide/electorates

Previous BCC

Liberal National 19 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5 
Greens    1 
Independent 1 

2024 BCC probable outcome (still subject to change)

Liberal National 17 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5 
Greens    3 
Independent 1 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results?filter=all&sort=az

The Greens expected to do a bit better than the results indicate. Still, they have built a base.

Labor is just marking time.  I hope Labor and Greens, together with the independent, can put some pressure on council for better bus reform, and active transport improvements.

https://x.com/bne_lordmayor/status/1768982400707768761?s=20

Quote from: ozbob on March 16, 2024, 22:25:15 PMPrevious BCC

Liberal National 19 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5 
Greens    1 
Independent 1 

2024 BCC probable outcome (still subject to change)
Is
Liberal National 17 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5 
Greens    3 
Independent 1 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results?filter=all&sort=az

Too close in too many to claim 17. Fingers crossed for no majority for anyone.

This  should be a wake up call for LM but of course will be interpreted as "I won so everyone supports my plans!!!!!"

I understand your optimism Jonno.

Reality is LNP only need one ward out of the six wards still in play.

The LNP will remain in majority on the BCC.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results?filter=all&sort=az

Jono Sriranganathan (20%) did exceptionally well, polling within a few percent of Red Team Tracey Price (26%).

Impressed that three, possibly four wards will go to Green Team.

As we all know, western Brisbane could do with better bus services to Centenary and an interchange at Indooroopilly.

Will be great to learn more about the new councillors.

Liberals out won everyone else in the Centenary suburbs. They don't really need more buses but the Riverhills express needs to be extended to Darra station.

Greens did well in Walter Taylor because of the young demographic and maybe they were capitalising on the Moggill road underpass works and disruptions at Coonan street.

I don't know what people expect public transport wise at Indooroopilly? Come 2026 there will be at least 6 trains per hour off peak, as well as an array of buses that they can choose from.

The Greens need to push for the busway extension from UQ to Indooroopilly. That will make a lot of difference as cross town trips would likely be faster than driving, helping to transition people from car to bus or metro bus.

Previous BCC

Liberal National 19 + 1 (LM)
Labor    5 
Greens    1 
Independent 1 

Update: 2024 BCC probable outcome (still subject to change)

Liberal National 16 + 1 (LM)
Labor    6 
Greens    3 
Independent 1 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results?filter=all&sort=az

ABC has LNP now on 14 wards which is a majority.

Indooroopilly:
- Proper bus-rail interchange
- Extension of Brisbane Metro BRT
- T2 peak lanes on Coro drive
- Centenary BUZ

BCC arguments about Centenary not being a growth area are not credible. They confuse rates of change in population levels with absolute population levels.

Patronage depends on population level, not changes in it. Areas with zero growth (established suburbs) can still support BUZ services.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/every-key-promise-from-the-lnp-labor-and-the-greens-this-council-election-20240314-p5fcdh.html

Policy commitments as published:

Public transport

LNP

Spend $435 million to complete the first two stages of the Brisbane Metro busway, where high-capacity buses running at five-minute intervals will ferry commuters to the CBD.

Spend approximately $125 million to build a new Brisbane Metro charging station in Fitzgibbon to extend services to the northside.

Spend $10 million to give buses priority and more room on Ipswich and Beaudesert roads, including bus jump lanes (allowing the bus to leave a traffic lane to stop).

Start tender process for construction of a battery-powered or hybrid Bulimba to Teneriffe cross-river ferry.

Extend CityCat services to the Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal.

Refurbish Apollo Road ferry terminal.


Active transport:

LNP

Spend more than $126 million on active transport projects, including:

new bikeways along Shafston Ave; new walking and cycling paths at Pallara;

new Tilley Road Bikeway, Wakerley;

new bikeway connecting Minnippi Bikeway to the Minnippi Golf Course;

new bikeway along Prebble Street connecting Rochedale to Wishart.

Implement Safer Schools Precincts plan to improve pedestrian safety in four school areas at Mansfield, Kedron, Wynnum Manly and Indooroopilly, by widening footpaths and using pavement marking to highlight safe walking routes.

Build a third pedestrian and cycling green bridge between Toowong and West End.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results?filter=indoubt&sort=az

LNP now on 15 wards.

Quote from: #Metro on March 17, 2024, 10:30:24 AMIndooroopilly:
- Proper bus-rail interchange
- Extension of Brisbane Metro BRT
- T2 peak lanes on Coro drive
- Centenary BUZ

BCC arguments about Centenary not being a growth area are not credible. They confuse rates of change in population levels with absolute population levels.

Patronage depends on population level, not changes in it. Areas with zero growth (established suburbs) can still support BUZ services.

They won't be spending money on a standalone bus interchange at Indooroopilly station. They are already expanding and doing up the current bus station at Indooroopilly shopping centre. The best way forward is to build a mixed use TOD with an enclosed station underneath, replacing Indooroopilly junction. This combined with the extension of the busway from UQ would provide a modern efficient solution going forward.

I dont think a Buz service is on the minds of people in the Centenary suburbs, going by the result of the election. Smaller affordable approaches are best here like the extension of the River Hills bus to Darra station.

Quote from: ozbob on March 17, 2024, 10:31:18 AMhttps://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/every-key-promise-from-the-lnp-labor-and-the-greens-this-council-election-20240314-p5fcdh.html

Policy commitments as published:

Public transport

LNP

Spend $435 million to complete the first two stages of the Brisbane Metro busway, where high-capacity buses running at five-minute intervals will ferry commuters to the CBD.

Spend approximately $125 million to build a new Brisbane Metro charging station in Fitzgibbon to extend services to the northside.

Spend $10 million to give buses priority and more room on Ipswich and Beaudesert roads, including bus jump lanes (allowing the bus to leave a traffic lane to stop).

Start tender process for construction of a battery-powered or hybrid Bulimba to Teneriffe cross-river ferry.

Extend CityCat services to the Howard Smith Wharves ferry terminal.

Refurbish Apollo Road ferry terminal.


Active transport:

LNP

Spend more than $126 million on active transport projects, including:

new bikeways along Shafston Ave; new walking and cycling paths at Pallara;

new Tilley Road Bikeway, Wakerley;

new bikeway connecting Minnippi Bikeway to the Minnippi Golf Course;

new bikeway along Prebble Street connecting Rochedale to Wishart.

Implement Safer Schools Precincts plan to improve pedestrian safety in four school areas at Mansfield, Kedron, Wynnum Manly and Indooroopilly, by widening footpaths and using pavement marking to highlight safe walking routes.

Build a third pedestrian and cycling green bridge between Toowong and West End.

Yes, they have pledged an upgrade to the traffic light systems, so one would expect bus priority to be a part of the upgrade. Therefore, we should put in a submission to include this in the terms of reference and outcomes of the new traffic light management system, to ensure buses have priority Brisbane wide as well as active transport.

ABC now has Walter Taylor ward as LNP retain. This was thought to be going to the Greens.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/bcc/2024/results?filter=all&sort=az


2024 BCC probable outcome (still subject to change)

Liberal National 17 + 1 (LM)
Labor    6
Greens    2
Independent 1

Quote from: #Metro on March 17, 2024, 10:30:24 AMIndooroopilly:
- Proper bus-rail interchange
- Extension of Brisbane Metro BRT
- T2 peak lanes on Coro drive
- Centenary BUZ

BCC arguments about Centenary not being a growth area are not credible. They confuse rates of change in population levels with absolute population levels.

Patronage depends on population level, not changes in it. Areas with zero growth (established suburbs) can still support BUZ services.

T2 lanes won't work on Coronation Drive. It's hard to police and manage, plus Coronation Drive is only part of the issue here. Freeway traffic from the South and East contribute to Coronation Drive's traffic issues.

Solution East - West PT improvements with the extension of the busway from UQ to Indooroopilly.
In addition a new road tunnel from Toowong to Buranda would also help alleviate the gridlock on Coronation Drive

A future Subway from either Indooroopilly or Toowong via UQ and West End would be good too. Although, this would be more of a State / Federal project  rather than a Council one.