Bus region Ipswich/Springfield (Western) improvements

[#Metro]

ICC might only need to selectively fund a handful of key bus routes to create a good basic frequent network.

Nobody is asking ICC to co-fund a network of ~230 bus routes plus ferries like BCC does. The ICC transport task is much much smaller than BCC's ~70 million trips p.a.

So while ICC might not have this funding source or that funding source compared to BCC, given their much smaller transport task, it might not be relevant in the end.

Just to consider a hypothetical scenario: a ~ $3/week levy on ICC ratepayers would raise ~$15.8 million.

As a ballpark estimate this could fund 5 full time new bus routes @ $3 million p.a. each or perhaps 'top up' key existing bus routes to make them more frequent.

It would be interesting to see which existing bus routes could be upgraded for most impact.

LGA money on the table could be used to unlock further State co-funding. It looks like a promising approach.

[ozbob]

BCC is virtually a ' mini State Government '.  Comparing other LGAs with Brisbane is not valid.

BCC is unique in the Australian context.

Translink is the funding entity. Translink is being starved of funding.  This is the fundamental problem.

Ipswich is not being supported properly and has a strong case for more funding from Translink/Government.

I am also concerned with the considerable part of Goodna that doesn't have access to even low frequency bus services (outside  of roam zone c). 

Please stop these pointless comparisons with BCC. It is annoying.

[ozbob]

Pretty clear some here don't understand that councils such as Ipswich (or Logan, Redland, Moreton Bay) don't have the capacity to find services as Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, or Gold Coast. They don't have the massive rates from CBD and inner-city commercial buildings, or from the hotels/resorts of the coasts.

DTMR needs to do a better job of funding PT instead of trash investments like Coomera Connector, western Bruce Hwy duplication, and the ever& expanding M1.

^ Exactly.

[Jonno]

What Councils need to stop doing is spending the vast % of their transport budgets prioritising road widenings (aka the mighty upgrade that typically downgrades pedestrian and cyclist safety) and prioritise active transport primarily but where they can/need to fund/support Public Transport.

EDit: Oh!!! and Get the City/Town Plans right!!!

[#Metro]

So previously I have pointed out Ipswich may have good cycling potential. The door-to-door journey times by cycling would be comparable to bus, or better.

This needs to be investigated and studied further to validate the concept.

ICC could add physically separated cycling lanes using dividers each time they do road renewal.

eScooters also have potential, this is being trialled.

Then there is the concept of a minimum frequent network. It would be good to have that concept more fully mapped out.

[ozbob]

  

[ozbob]

Better Bus Network for Ipswich

> https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_council/initiatives/advocacy/better-bus-network-for-ipswich

PRIORITY 1: Trunk bus route between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central (via Redbank Plains)

There is currently no direct public transport connection between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central. A direct and frequent bus service (via Redbank Plains) would provide a viable alternative to the private vehicle by providing a shorter journey time and travel distance for customers compared to existing public transport offerings.


PRIORITY 2: Expansion of bus services within Redbank Plains to improve local access to shops, employment, education, and amenities

The bus network in Redbank Plains has been unchanged since 2010. Yet over this same period, the residential population has grown by approximately 10,000 residents. Further expansion of the bus network is needed within Redbank Plains (south of Redbank Plains Road) to cater for the large residential population growth.

[ozbob]

The State Government can ramp up bus services in Townsville to feather their political nests.

Ipswich is long overdue for bus service improvements. 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Better Bus Network for Ipswich

7th July 2023

Greetings,

It is time Ipswich bus region was provided with the necessary funding to improve bus services.  Despite considerable population increases, the bus services in Ipswich generally lack coverage and frequency, and there was no funding in the State budget to improve this situation. Other jurisdictions e.g. Townsville, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, get regular bus improvements.  Ipswich is still back in 2010.

We strongly support Ipswich City Council and their requests for funding to improve bus services, particularly the following:

====

Better Bus Network for Ipswich

> https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/about_council/initiatives/advocacy/better-bus-network-for-ipswich

PRIORITY 1: Trunk bus route between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central (via Redbank Plains)

There is currently no direct public transport connection between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central. A direct and frequent bus service (via Redbank Plains) would provide a viable alternative to the private vehicle by providing a shorter journey time and travel distance for customers compared to existing public transport offerings.


PRIORITY 2: Expansion of bus services within Redbank Plains to improve local access to shops, employment, education, and amenities

The bus network in Redbank Plains has been unchanged since 2010. Yet over this same period, the residential population has grown by approximately 10,000 residents. Further expansion of the bus network is needed within Redbank Plains (south of Redbank Plains Road) to cater for the large residential population growth.

====

Local MPs need to  start campaigning for improved bus services for the Ipswich region as a priority.

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

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

Better Bus Network for Ipswich 7th July 2023 Greetings, It is time Ipswich bus region was provided with the necessary...

Posted by RAIL - Back On Track on Thursday, 6 July 2023

[Jonno]

But my debunked demand model says there is no need to upgrade public transport in  the Ipswich region.  It does say we need 10 extra lanes on a freeway which we are proud to announce.

[ozbob]

Comment on the Facebook post:

https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/663904069109785?comment_id=1434004764195970&reply_comment_id=1069650007339422

Jim Madden MP - Ipswich West
 
RAIL - Back On Track I have good news. I recently met with Translink Officers to discuss a public transport study they intend to undertake for the Ipswich area. It is expected to commence in August 2023.

[minbrisbane]

Yet another study.   

[Jonno]

Comment on the Facebook post:

https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/663904069109785?comment_id=1434004764195970&reply_comment_id=1069650007339422

Jim Madden MP - Ipswich West
 
RAIL - Back On Track I have good news. I recently met with Translink Officers to discuss a public transport study they intend to undertake for the Ipswich area. It is expected to commence in August 2023.

Translink managed by TMR have completed a pubic transport study and their debunked demand model says there is no need to upgrade public transport in  the Ipswich region.  It does say we need 10 extra lanes on a freeway which TMR are proud to announce.

[#Metro]

In the 1960s there were citywide transport studies (e.g. Brisbane Transportation Study, Melbourne Transportation Plan) which looked at all modes.

These were not "strategy" documents that were high level/conceptual; these went into quite a bit of detail. There was surveying, data collection, and detailed recommendations of what to do next. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_Melbourne_Transportation_Plan

We don't seem do these anymore.

[minbrisbane]

^^ Those Wilbur Smith studies were slanted to recommend motorways everywhere.  I'd hardly call them a good example of what to do. 

Those studies are the reason we're in the predicament we're in today - cars for all, public transport for those who cannot have a car. 

[#Metro]

^^ Those Wilbur Smith studies were slanted to recommend motorways everywhere.  I'd hardly call them a good example of what to do.

Those studies are the reason we're in the predicament we're in today - cars for all, public transport for those who cannot have a car.

I think it reflects more the values of the time rather than the approach itself.

If you don't plan it all together (integrated) the alternative is to plan them separately and piecemeal (dis-integrated). I can't really see why that would reliably provide a better outcome?

Under an integrated approach, there is at least the opportunity to consider modal shift from one mode to another. An Ipswich PT study sounds like it will exclude studying the potential for improved cycling, which would be an error in my view. I would also be keen to know if Public Transport included rail, as I think the ideal case would be to have both the Springfield line and Ipswich lines brought up to Perth standard (15 mins all day on both).

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1677189209470410752

[ozbob]

It is possible that Mr Madden might be referring to this study:

Department of Transport and Main Roads -
Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2023-24 to 2026-27

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/qtriponline

1764437    Ipswich City transport and mobility study

====

I have asked him for clarification. 

The Ipswich City transport and mobility study commenced 2022/23 and completes 2023/24.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1678047944799563777

[Jonno]

Whilst new services are great to see is it not just continuing to expand a failed network

[minbrisbane]

^^ Agreed - I'm starting to be quite disenchanted by the whole thing.  Public transport is a mess in SEQ and Queensland as a whole.  1960's car-centric planning, we can all see it - except the transport minister apparently. 

[Jonno]

^^ Agreed - I'm starting to be quite disenchanted by the whole thing.  Public transport is a mess in SEQ and Queensland as a whole.  1960's car-centric planning, we can all see it - except the transport minister apparently. 

And all the Mayors especially the Lord Mayor it seems except maybe the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1678205928045174785

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1678206900419149827

[ozbob]

Ipswich Tribune --> Urgent funding needed for struggling bus service $

A LEADING public transport campaigner wants the state to provide vital funding for what he says is Ipswich's outdated, ailing bus network.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said bus services lacked coverage and frequency in the area despite huge increases in the local population, saying the Ipswich bus network had stagnated since 2010.

Mr Dow said Townsville, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast had all received state government funds, yet Ipswich's bus network had been ignored.

"The residential population at Redbank Plains has grown by 10,000 residents in 13 years," Mr Dow said.
"Expansion of the bus network is needed within Redbank Plains (south of Redbank Plains Road) to cater for the large population growth." ...

[ozbob]

Ipswich Tribune --> Buses snooze, productivity loses $

THE suburban bus timetable begins too late in the day to get workers to Brisbane in time for work.

That's the opinion of working mum Sara Jane Casey who spoke at a review panel over a development application and its possible future effects on congestion.

The mother-of-two said transport infrastructure had not kept pace with the impacts of high-density housing.

Ms Casey said the 509 bus's arrival at Flinders View at 6.08am was way too late to get her to work in time.

"I wanted to be in work at 6am in Brisbane using public transport," she said.

"The earliest I could get there by bus, train and walking was 7.08am and that was pulling into Roma Street, not even into Central – it would have taken me 1 hour 40 minutes." ...

[Gazza]

I wanted to be in work at 6am in Brisbane using public transport," she said

Truth be told, that's going to be a tough ask for most of SEQ.
If you want to be in the CBD by 6, you'd want to be leaving Ipswich by about 5, so therefore, your feeder bus would be leaving home say 4:30am?
Don't think even BUZ routes start that early.

Not sure what to recommend? Ride 5km to East Ipswich then train?

[ozbob]

Ipswich bus timetable changes

From Monday 24 June, we're updating the timetables for 17 bus services across Ipswich to make them more accurate and reliable.

We're also giving you better access to Ripley Satellite Hospital, with new stops for route 531 (Springfield Central to Yamanto via Ripley).

> https://translink.com.au/updates/464986

What's changing?

Timing adjustments to better reflect traffic conditions and actual travel times.

Minor changes for start and end times throughout the day.

Some changes for connections to other buses and trains (we've tried to prioritise services headed to Brisbane and Ipswich where possible).

Simplified handheld timetables - some stop names will be removed, but services will still run, and you can access full timetable information online.

[STB]

Interesting to note that Lance McCallum (Member for Bundamba) has just announced on his Facebook page that there will be a new route from Springfield to Ipswich via Redbank Plains, among other changes.  So these timetable updates seem to be only part 1 of the changes...?

Lance McCallum MP
The budget is delivering on what matters for our community. Our local improvements will be delivered across three years and will include:
- New services to growth areas of Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park, as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee.
- Improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley.
- The introduction of a new direct route linking Springfield and Ipswich, via Redbank Plains.
- The extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira and Spring Mountain.
- Improved connectivity to rail services and to Ipswich Hospital.

[ozbob]

 

Whoa ...

Fast growing Ipswich and Logan to reap benefits of public transport investment

11th June 2024

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100541

 ... Significant investment in public transport with almost $70 million to improve bus services.
The initial investment, as well as ongoing funding of more than $24 million per year, will grow the bus network to reduce congestion and improve community access to jobs, healthcare and education.
Greater access to the Miles Government's 50c public transport fares for fast growing communities.
A series of bus network upgrades across Queensland will deliver thousands of new weekly services to change the way people move around their region.

The $70 million initial investment through the Bus Services Investment Program is aimed at improving community travel options across the state through investment in new bus services and new bus stop infrastructure.

These upgrades will target Queensland communities experiencing significant population growth and will introduce bus services to many areas for the first time.

Ipswich and Logan residents will see significant investment in their regions, with a number of new services set for introduction.

Ipswich improvements will be delivered across three years and will include:

New services to growth areas of Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park, as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee.
Improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley priority development area.
The introduction of a new direct route linking Springfield and Ipswich, via Redbank Plains.
The extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira and Spring Mountain.
Improved connectivity to rail services and to Ipswich Hospital.

Logan service improvements will be delivered across two years and will include:

New services to fast growing residential areas including Logan Reserve, Bahrs Scrub and Park Ridge East.
Services to the suburb of Berrinba for the first time.
Improved route 587 service levels linking to rail services in Loganlea, responding to ongoing population growth in Yarrabilba.
A new On Demand service within the Yarrabilba priority development area, improving connections to route 587, and local access to retail and other community facilities.
Improved service frequencies in Park Ridge.
Increased service frequencies on east-west corridors between Springwood, Loganholme, Woodridge, Loganlea and Browns Plains. ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Springfield to score direct bus route to Ipswich in state Budget boost $

Springfield will score a new direct bus route to Ipswich CBD, improving its connection with the city, under changes announced in this week's state Budget.

Currently Springfield residents have to travel for about an hour to reach Ipswich Central on public transport, with a transfer essential, making their journey longer than heading towards Brisbane City.

The new route would run from Springfield, via Redbank Plains, to Ipswich.

It was announced in the Budget on Tuesday as a part of a $70 million investment in bus network upgrades across Queensland. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1801159796286238893

[ozbob]

ICC: Council advocacy brings more bus services to Ipswich

https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/council-advocacy-brings-more-bus-services-to-ipswich/

Ipswich City Council advocacy for new and improved bus services has been heard in George Street with the State Government including much-needed transport funding in its 2024-2025 Budget.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said a series of bus network upgrades announced by Treasurer Cameron Dick in this week's State Budget would introduce new and expanded bus services for some of our fastest growing suburbs such as Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park and Deebing Heights.

"Council and the community have been loud and clear in our message to the Queensland Government for years – we urgently need more bus services to connect our rapidly growing city," Mayor Harding said.

"While we still have some way to go before we see public transport investment matching the growth of our city, this $36 million investment from the State Government is an important first step in fixing some of the major gaps in Ipswich's bus network.

"These new services will introduce bus services to some of Ipswich's fastest growing suburbs for the first time and, coupled with 50 cent public transport trips from 5 August, are a critical injection into public transport for the Ipswich community."

Ipswich bus network improvements will be delivered across three years and will include:

. New services to growth areas of Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park, as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee.

. Improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley priority development area.

. The introduction of a new direct route linking Springfield and Ipswich, via Redbank Plains.

. The extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira and Spring Mountain.

. Improved connectivity to rail services and to Ipswich Hospital.

Council kicked off its advocacy campaign for an expansion of Ipswich's bus network in late 2022, elevating a Better Bus Network for Ipswich to a regionally significant advocacy priority.

"Seventy per cent of Ipswich's population growth is taking place in the eastern growth corridor between Ipswich and Springfield Central," Mayor Harding said.

"Council's ultimate goal is the development of the Ipswich to Springfield Central Public Transport Corridor and, while that project is now progressing, its completion is still years away.

"Council has worked tirelessly to secure new funding for our bus network to properly connect Ipswich and our growing suburbs of Springfield Central, Ripley and Redbank Plains.

"Access to reliable public transport is a fundamental part of a connected and functioning city, and we will continue to advocate to the Queensland Government and the Commonwealth Government for greater investment in our beautiful city."

Mayor Harding also acknowledged additional funding for the Warrego Highway but was disappointed to see the deadly Amberley Interchange on the Cunningham Highway miss out once again.

"We welcome any funding put to our neglected highways and motorways, and while we welcome funding for the Warrego Highway, once again we have no funding for the highly dangerous Amberley Interchange," Mayor Harding said.

"Road safety is not an optional extra; it must be front and centre as Ipswich grows beyond 250,000 residents and our suburbs become home to more and more residents every year.

"Council will continue to advocate for Ipswich's fair share of funding for our city's future."

The Queensland Budget 2024-2025 also saw another $1.1 billion for health for the West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, as well as the previously committed $10 million for the redevelopment of North Ipswich Reserve.