28 Apr 2014: SEQ: Efficiencies required for QR Rail Network too!

[ozbob]

Media release 28th April 2014



SEQ: Efficiencies required for QR Rail Network too!

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 highlights the opportunity to do more with the money given to bus and rail operators.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is clear that in addition to more efficiencies from BCC buses by tackling 'legacy routing', reform on the rails is also required.

"Driver-only operation (DOO) and Automatic Train Protection (ATP) is where productivity can be improved dramatically. Queensland Rail, or a future operator, should be contracted to progressively trial and move towards driver only operation. As shown below, this second member of staff adds almost 100% in costs to train operation (Guard, $63 000 - $83 000 per year). Under a fixed budget, this contributes both to lower frequency and higher fares for all."

"Brisbane and Sydney are the last remaining Australian cities that operate trains with two staff. NSW Government is now upgrading Sydney's rail network with ATP; a likely precursor for driver-only operation. This would leave SEQ as the sole rail network in Australia still using two staff per train. Perth, WA, operates the same model of trains as QR does over a comparable suburban rail network using only one staff per train."

"Initially driver-only operation could be rolled out on the Springfield, Gold Coast, Airport and Kippa Ring (when open) lines. As more services are added to the QR rail network as the public demands more service and higher frequency guards could be converted to train drivers to meet this demand. This preserves their job security - a win for all parties concerned."

"Rail networks have large fixed costs that don't change much. It is therefore essential that as many passengers as possible are using the rail network to offset these costs. This is why the BCC bus network needs to support the rail network, not compete with it. Perth feeds buses to train stations so there is no reason why 'it won't work here'. Melbourne also does something similar with its 900 series SmartBus routes and Auckland (NZ) is reworking their buses to feed trains."

"We ask that any savings made within bus or rail networks are reinvested into improved services for passengers. This means high frequency bus services to Bulimba, Yeronga, Centenary Suburbs and Albany Creek, extended train frequency on the Shorncliffe and Springfield line and concessions for health care card holders."

"We are paying some of the world's highest fares; if we are charged premium fares then we expect premium service from both bus and train operators."

Contact:

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

Reference:

1. 2013 Traincrew agreement QIRC
http://www.qirc.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/certified_agreements/cert_agreements/2013/ca71_2013.pdf

[ozbob]

Discussion --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6033.msg141511#msg141511