27 Apr 2014: SEQ: Public transport needs urgent action

[ozbob]

Media release 27th April 2014

SEQ: Public transport needs urgent action

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 said today's train cancellations on the network (1), particularly impacting on the Springfield Central line (our newest) is just another sign of widespread problems with public transport generally (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct and frequent. The public transport network in south-east Queensland is far from that ideal. Public transport must also be affordable."

"You don't need high priced consultancy services to know what to do. Here is the plan, free."

"Move ahead with the bus and rail competitive tendering. Move the suburban rail network to Driver Only Operation. Metro Melbourne can manage to run trains every 10 minutes on weekends with Driver Only Operation."

"Fix the bus network along the lines as proposed by TransLink in 2013. Competitive bus tendering might help push this along as well. With the recast network, eliminate duplication with rail, feed rail services properly with bus and provide more logical cross suburban connections. Ensure frequency and span of hours of operation is adequate, not mediocre as it is now."

"Sort the failed fare system (2). This could be done next week and would be a sign to the long suffering community that action to sort the mess is under way."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg141455#msg141455

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10629.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Driver Only Operation discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6033.msg141468#msg141468

[Jacek]

Well, all good thoughts Rob.
The only problem is to do something money is needed. At the moment money spending is not politically correct. As you are probably aware the QLD political line is to reduce the debt applying strong choices (http://www.strongchoices.qld.gov.au/).

By the way it is quite interesting that local councils, Brisbane and QLD Government set their strategies waiting on economy to pick up. Is the strategy correct? When will the economy pick up??? Nobody knows... Just reducing the debt and squeeze Queenslanders is the target!!!!

I hope we will get back to your subject when the investment time comes (post debt reduction)...

[ozbob]

Fixing the network and fares actually saves money.  Fares coming in as passengers travel on connected bus trains and ferries.  Running air networks is costly.  To not fix it now is failure of the highest level and is political contempt.

Competitive tendering will save a motza, as will DOO.

[#Metro]

ATP is a requirement before DOO. I'm not sure what the link between 5% pay rise, DOO and public safety is, but if DOO is introduced then it appears to trigger a pay rise at the depot concerned. That rise sticks, whether or not DOO is continued... so theoretically it would also appear that if there was an upset about it and DOO was removed, the higher rate of pay would still stay.

Having guards on the network is extraordinarily mind-blowingly expensive.  This may also explain why train frequency has lagged behind while bus has exploded and expanded across Brisbane. Indeed, BT/BCC LOVES to go around saying how much trains cost, and years back even produced graphs announcing "buses as the lead mode". If you look at some of the material BT has presented at conferences, it has graphs comparing BT bus vs QR with the message being 'buses are cheaper!' (of course I suspect the requirement to maintain the guideway plus train station staffing vs no requirement for buses has not been compared fairly).

2013 Traincrew agreement QIRC
http://www.qirc.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/certified_agreements/cert_agreements/2013/ca71_2013.pdf

11.9 Are there any other reforms to be pursued during the life of the Agreement?
The parties accept the following reform will be pursued during the life of the Agreement:
• A review of uniforms (as detailed in Schedule 4);
• Commitments around the role of Guards.

53.6 Automatic Train Protection

Trains operating in DOO configuration shall be fitted with an Automatic Train Protection System.
Failure of ATP system - Prior to Departure from originating station; the service will not depart in DOO
configuration if the ATP system is not operational or functioning correctly. En-route: trains will continue for no
more than 90 minutes, or the next regional depot location if under the 90 minutes, at such time a competent 2nd
person will be provided prior to any further progression of the Train Service.
Competent Person - Providing visual observance from inside the driving cab on Driver Only Operated trains
during ATP failure after the train has travelled for the maximum allowed time of 90 minutes. These visual
observations made from within the operating cab are to be carried out by an employee competent in that
specific traction knowledge, route knowledge and corridor operational safe working knowledge and procedures.

The Cost of Guards - effectively doubles the cost (approx) of operating train services, inhibits
frequency.

Schedule 2:

SEQ Guard
Base Rate: $63,414.92
Full Flat Rate: $84,682.58

Driver Only Operation

When DOO is introduced into a depot, all traincrew employees in the depot will have their
full flat rate increased by 5% regardless of whether DOO is maintained in the depot.

[#Metro]

Guard costs

2013 Traincrew agreement QIRC
http://www.qirc.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/certified_agreements/cert_agreements/2013/ca71_2013.pdf

Running air networks is extraordinarily costly, hence the massive fare increases. Buses need to feed trains so that the high fixed costs of rail are offset.