TransLink Tracker quarterly report - October to December (Q2) 2016-2017

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Now available >> https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/translink-division-quarterly-reports/resource/2c549db7-6d8a-4f7f-955d-9408a7c2fb9a

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Brisbanetimes --> Chart shows how far Queensland Rail's attempts to run trains on time have slipped off track

These are the charts that show the true impact on commuters of the ongoing Queensland Rail fiasco.

The latest data from TransLink shows train on-time running sunk to 93.43 per cent in the October to December quarter.

That compares with 98.43 per cent the same period in 2015, which was followed by worse results every quarter since then.

The TransLink Tracker quarter 2 report covers October to December 2016, which was marked by hundreds of cancellations on the Queensland Rail network, including in October and on Christmas Day, and numerous timetable iterations.



Train on-time: Peak on-time running for trains this quarter was 93.43 per cent. The benchmark for on-time running of CityTrain services in peak times is 95 per cent. Photo: Supplied

It came after revelations there were not enough train drivers to meet the timetable, following the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line in October.

In February, Commissioner Phillip Strachan handed down his report into Queensland Rail, with 36 recommendations, and transport minister Stirling Hinchliffe stood down, being replaced by Deputy Premier Jackie Trad.

The data shows there were 650,000 fewer trips across the south-east network in the October-December quarter compared with the same period last year - a 1.5 per cent drop.

But while bus patronage fell 2.4 per cent, the number of train trips actually increased by 0.2 per cent, due to the Redcliffe Peninsula Line opening in early October.



Reliability: The quarterly customer satisfaction survey undertaken by TransLink measures satisfaction with bus, train and ferry services. Photo: Supplied

However, train patronage was 12.16 million in the October to December quarter, whereas it was 13.51 million in the July to September quarter.

Ferry trips decreased by almost 90,000 or 5.1 per cent compared with the previous year.



Complaints: Overall customer complaints this quarter were 2.66 per 10,000 trips. Photo: Supplied

This was due to Brisbane City Council running fewer CityCat services and operating the remainder at lower speeds north of Bulimba due to speed restrictions to allow for the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade.

There were more than 12.91 million customer inquiries received via the TransLink website and contact centre from October to December, eclipsing the previous record of 12.8 million.



Patronage: The number of train trips increased by about 273,000 (0.2 per cent) to 12.16 million, up from 12.13 million for the same quarter last year.  Photo: Supplied

Customer complaints increased to 2.66 per 10,000 trips.

Go Card adjustments also spiked, to 1.78 per cent of all trips, compared with 1.68 in quarter 1.

That was attributed to many customers receiving an automatic adjustment on their Go Card during December due to delays on the network.

Overall satisfaction decreased for train commuters surveyed in October-December, and they scored reliability and frequency, information and affordability worse than in recent months.

In some good news, bus on-time running improved during the quarter, to 95.48 per cent, compared to 93.66 per cent the previous month.

Transport Minister Jackie Trad said significant disruption to city network trains due to a driver shortage at Queensland Rail had shaken confidence in public transport in south-east Queensland.

"But we are working hard to fix the trains and get our system back on track," Ms Trad wrote in the foreword to the latest report.

Ms Trad said she was passionate about public transport and was committed to rebuilding trust in the network.

"I will ensure that all 36 recommendations of the Strachan Commission of Inquiry Report are implemented and that Queensland Rail is providing a reliable, safe and modern service to Queenslanders," she said.

Ms Trad said the government introduced Fairer Fares in December 2016, delivering a new fare structure across the network.

"Commuters are saving up to 34 per cent per trip and hundreds of dollars a year," she said.

It comes after Fairfax Media reported the November figures showed train commuters were fed up with everything from cleanliness and affordability, to the location of their station.

The December customer survey figures, also released overnight, show commuters were feeling a little happier than they were in November.

But while survey results improved in most categories compared with October, many were still lower than they were in prior months.

Meanwhile, Ms Trad has halted the delivery of any future new generation rollingstock trains from India to Queensland amid concerns over defects.

The $4.4 billion project involves 75 new passenger trains for south-east Queensland.

There are 13 NGR trains already in Queensland, with two more to arrive in March.

But Ms Trad said she was not convinced the project was on track as there were delays and numerous defects, and she blamed the LNP for signing off on the contract and design.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls described the problem as a Labor "own goal".

"The trains that were being delivered were trains that were actually ordered under the supervision and guidance of the Premier's handpicked director-general Dave Stewart," Mr Nicholls said.

"We have also seen Jackie Trad's current director-general Neil Scales say these trains are fit for purpose.

"There are some minor adjustments that need to be done as is always the case for new gear."

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