Article: Lawrence Springborg rides crowded train, promises overhaul

[ozbob]

Article from the Courier Mail click here!

Lawrence Springborg rides crowded train, promises overhaul

Lawrence Springborg rides crowded train, promises overhaul
Article from: AAP

November 18, 2008 10:40am

STATE Opposition leader Lawrence Springborg says a morning commute on a crowded train has convinced him of the need to overhaul the system.
Mr Springborg and Liberal National Party transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson joined the morning commute from Darra, on the Ipswich line, on Tuesday to experience one of Brisbane's most crowded train trips.

Mr Springborg said crowding and problems with the computerised Go Card system were evident on the 7.40am from Darra to Central Station.

"Notwithstanding the fact we were standing virtually shoulder-to-shoulder, a number of people commented to me, including on the train and when I got off, that it actually wasn't quite as many as other mornings," Mr Springborg said.

"So I'd hate to see it on the other mornings - it'd be like double sardines, I reckon.

"It was quite an uncomfortable experience."

Mr Springborg said commuters were having difficulty using their Go Cards because condensation, caused by Brisbane's spate of wet weather, had rendered the terminal screens unreadable.

He said the LNP's transport policy will be released soon.

"(It) will have ways of reducing rail congestion, making sure that people can get on a train at the right time and not be standing shoulder-to-shoulder," Mr Springborg said.

"It will include a range of options to ensure appropriate rolling stock to be able to deal with the congestion at those particular peak times.

"Commuters in the Brisbane rail network have been let down very badly by this Government."

[ozbob]

From this thread --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1464.0

Media Release 30 October 2008

SEQ:  Call for an urgently needed Citytrain service on the Ipswich Railway line in early peak and an invitation to the Transport Minister to come for a ride

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 consistently highlighted the continuing increase in passenger congestion on the Ipswich railway line during peak times.  There is now a major overcrowding issue on the service that leaves Ipswich at 6.14am.  An additional service leaving Ipswich at 5.59am, or failing that a service from Darra at around 6.32am, would go a long way in relieving this unsafe overloading.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Myself and other RAIL Back On Track members regularly travel on the Ipswich railway line and particularly on the 6.14am service from Ipswich to the CBD, Monday to Fridays. From Indooroopilly onwards, this service is on most days seriously overloaded; many passengers are left behind at the further inbound stations as the train reaches over 1200 passengers on board.  These trains in a 6 car configuration are only meant to be carry around 998 at a maximum for short periods only, and should be operating at around 750 passengers maximum loading as a practical comfortable safe working limit."

"As we approach oppressive summer conditions were are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of passengers. It is interesting to note that in Melbourne, a 6 car set is considered to be overloaded if 798 passengers is exceeded and the operator Connex is then breached. Note that the railway gauge in Melbourne is 5'3' and the trains are a lot more roomy.  The railway gauge for Citytrain is 3'6". This highlights just how serious the congestion on Citytrain is becoming."

"We have been pointing out this particular problem for over two years. It seems no one is actually concerned about railway lines other than the Gold Coast in a meaningful pro-active way.  Besides the Ipswich line, serious overloading problems are also occurring on the Caboolture line.  Immediate additional services on both lines during the pre-peak and early peak are needed."

"We extend an invitation to the Minister for Transport, Mr John Mickel, to join with us on the 6.14am service from Ipswich to see what crush congestion is all about.  We can board at Oxley railway station any weekday morning at 6.44am."

Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

This thread will be of interest too --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1506.0

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 18th November 2008 page 9

Pollies feel the squeeze on the Ipswich line

[#Metro]

With a state election coming up, I'm sure the politicians will take their regular interest in transport issues more closely...
I think it may be a good time to hold discussions, or send feedback, to all players and parties so that we can have better Public Transport.