18 Oct 2008: SEQ: Rail planning mistakes of the past continue to be repeated ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 18 October 2008

SEQ:  Rail planning mistakes of the past continue to be repeated, mediocrity reigns in western transport corridor  ...

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has called for an urgent review of the present failures to completely electrify the fourth line between Corinda and Darra (1), and the plan not to construct a double railway line between Richlands and Stepham on the Springfield branch.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"As amazing as it is, the present fourth railway line between Corinda and Darra is not going to be fully electrified.   It will be electrified for part of the way from Darra to a point before Oxley.  This is despite the overhead masts and everything being in place. This failure to completely electrify the fourth line will lead to capacity constraints and loss of operational flexibility.  It has been determined that the fourth line will be needed by 2015 to give suburban passenger capacity, so it is illogical not to perform the works whilst construction teams are in place and working on the line now. This will actually save money."

"The Springfield branch line construction date keeps getting put back.  Bizarrely the plan for the branch line is for a single track from Richlands to Stepham.  Hello?  The requirement to run 15 minute frequency or better on this line to service the huge population increases forecast for Springfield and the Ripley Valley generally makes this decision look positively stupid.  It will need to be a double track, with stations where people can conveniently access the railway."

"Why is it, when it comes to major railway transport infrastructure, Queensland keeps on getting it so wrong? Recent examples include the failure to duplicate the Gold Coast line from the outset, and the failure to duplicate the railway line to Ferny Grove."

"The use of grossly flawed data to justify the lack of proper resourcing of passenger rail services is now exposed, as evidenced by the chronic congestion and overloading on our Citytrain passenger services."

"Is there any hope for a sustainable transport future with the present failings of Government and its agencies?"

References:

1.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1281.0

Contact:

Robert Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org