On the Buses

[verbatim9]

Jumped on one of the new Translink branded buses (7162) and noticed they are fitted out with several Hikvision cameras. No security concerns on buses I suppose.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-64577641

I saw some articles a while back where the Qld Government will still use Chinese imported security cameras where it doesn't impose a sovereign risk. Yet, it can still be controversial.

[ozbob]

🚌 The National Bus and Coach Show 2024 is at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre today and tomorrow. ⚡It's been...

Posted by Cr Ryan Murphy on Monday 16 September 2024

"Brisbane Metro Bus" = Bertie!   

[SurfRail]

There is a hydrogen bus at the show in a new TransLink livery - cyan front and back instead of the previous green, otherwise similar to the new TMR diesels.  It looks a lot more coherent than previous efforts.

[SilverChased]

Does anyone know if the 320 has always had these services departing 2 minutes apart in the afternoon peak? It seems awfully bizarre to me, and I don't remember seeing it in the past.

The same thing happened on the 310, on the week of or before that 50c fares were introduced. I confirmed that 2 minutes later a completely empty bus went past.

I suppose it is for the closed train lines, but making it every 15 minutes may be a better use.

[Paul B]

Makes sense they had sweepers on the 310. There are some horrible hourly gaps in the timetable, and not even half hourly at the very peak of peak hour.

[ozbob]

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101489

Miles Government delivers wage lift for school bus drivers

26th September 2024

. School bus drivers are set to benefit from a Queensland Government funding package to improve wages.

. The funding eases cost-of-living pressures on school bus drivers and assists in attracting and retaining drivers.

. Bus service delivery partners contracted by Translink to deliver school services will be eligible for the funding.

The Miles Government is expanding a funding package to boost school bus driver wages across the state.

The funding package will support bus service delivery partners, who are the employer of drivers, to improve the conditions of their school bus drivers.

The wage uplift for school bus drivers follows the Queensland Government's investment in boosting wages for South East Queensland and Regional Urban bus drivers.

The increase ensures that school bus driver wages maintain relativity in pay rates with urban bus drivers.

More --> https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101489

[achiruel]

I wonder if Bus Qld will refuse to implement this, like they did for the urban drivers?

[Gazza]

^Literally the first thing that popped into my head too.

[verbatim9]

Since recently using KGS station,  I like the changes that they have made with the routes 444, 450, 460 and 430 all leaving from the stop at the station. It now reduces overcrowding on the 444, as well as provides additional capacity and frequency across 7 days to Toowong and Indooroopilly.

[achiruel]

Does 435 also use the same stop? Would be helpful if it did.

[tazzer9]

I've noticed recently alot of BCC routes being operated by Translink green liveried buses. 

Is the new normal for bus orders not to have the classic BCC yellow and blue livery?

[SurfRail]

There are 18 of those vehicles in question - these are owned by DTMR and are "on loan" due to expected additional demand due to 50c fares.

BCC hasn't put a new bus of its own into service for about 3 years now, which will not change until the 60 x biarticulated buses come online.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Man seriously injured after being hit by bus in Brisbane CBD $

A pedestrian has been hit by a bus in the Brisbane CBD.

The man, believed to be in his 20s, was struck at the intersection of Adelaide and George streets about 3.30pm.

It was understood he sustained serious leg injuries and was being worked on by paramedics.

The intersection was blocked to traffic.

It is the third accident involving a council bus and pedestrian in Brisbane in seven months. ...

[RowBro]

This is more of an Urban Planning issue than a bus issue IMO. The pathways in the city aren't wide enough for the amount of foot traffic in the area. I strongly believe in introducing a congestion toll to enter the city to discourage people from driving into the city in the first place. With less cars, it would then be possible to downsize a lot of these streets and reclaim the area for pedestrians.

[verbatim9]

I have been seeing a lot more of those 50 new Translink branded buses allocated to Brisbane transport ging around.



For example on the 196 route


https://www.busnews.com.au/50-additional-buses-set-to-roll-out-in-brisbane-for-50-cent-fares/

[achiruel]

I have been seeing a lot more of those 50 new Translink branded buses allocated to Brisbane transport ging around.



For example on the 196 route


https://www.busnews.com.au/50-additional-buses-set-to-roll-out-in-brisbane-for-50-cent-fares/

I'm not sure how you concluded from that article that they've all been allocated to TfB.

Brisbane City Council will receive 18 of the buses, with four each provided to Caboolture Bus Lines, Clarks and Transdev, three to Thompsons, two to Hornibrook Bus Lines and one each to Park Ridge Transit and Westside Bus Company.

[SurfRail]

^ It's literally in my post a few above as well.

The buses in question bear Council fleet numbers 3001-3018 and they are all based at Sherwood, so will be found on any service that runs out of there.

[verbatim9]

^ It's literally in my post a few above as well.

The buses in question bear Council fleet numbers 3001-3018 and they are all based at Sherwood, so will be found on any service that runs out of there.

Missed the previous posts, but just noticed more around lately doing BCC routes.

[verbatim9]

This is more of an Urban Planning issue than a bus issue IMO. The pathways in the city aren't wide enough for the amount of foot traffic in the area. I strongly believe in introducing a congestion toll to enter the city to discourage people from driving into the city in the first place. With less cars, it would then be possible to downsize a lot of these streets and reclaim the area for pedestrians.

And along Merivale and Cordelia streets as well as the REX. The funds could go towards new PT and active transport  initiatives as well as a new tunnel from Buranda to Toowong.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1853228029969092643?t=ke38MM7XubzGzi_4nC2_eg&s=19

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1853219928041783747?t=8-_gcgzZxBZ4_tY-kEDYXw&s=19

[ozbob]

The missus is doing examination invigilation at QUT.  Today Kelvin Grove campus.

Went to board 333 at Roma St Station this morning at 6:16am and asked if the bus stops at QUT KG.

The driver said "NO, catch the 66". 

Oh dear ...

 

[verbatim9]

That's why we need onboard PIDs as well as dynamic real time signage at inner city stops and stations. Providing this  electronically can prevent misinformation.

[Jonno]

This is why we need to get rid of duplication. Busway sound have 1-2 routes. Max 3

[tazzer9]

Many busway routes like the 333 should be pick up/set down only between RBWH and roma street and Buranda and Griffith uni with routes like the 66, 111 (metro services) being frequent enough that it won't make a difference to journey times for those going to those busway stations.   The 150 already does this but no others apart from some peak hour rockets where there first stop is the outer suburbs.

Of the skipped stations, only QUT kelvin grove is a significant enough stop that most buses will be stopping at every time. 

[nathandavid88]

I am currently sitting on one of Clarks newest buses, a Volvo B8 RLE chassis paired with the Custom Denning Endeavour body.

Custom Denning delivered the first 2 of a 20 bus order at the very end of September, with "8 more scheduled for delivery over the next week or two" thereafter.

I guess this answers the question of where future Clarks buses are being sourced from, since Bustech's apparent collapse.

I'll try and get some photos.

https://www.customdenning.com.au/post/empowering-generations-through-innovation-and-service-the-clark-family-story

[RowBro]

Why on earth are they still using the old Translink Logo on one of the busses??? Has Translink not sent them the updated graphic files?

[nathandavid88]

Why on earth are they still using the old Translink Logo on one of the busses??? Has Translink not sent them the updated graphic files?

Maybe Translink hasn't updated that livery?

[SurfRail]

TransLink's current palette is a mess.

Green on buses, with blue and pink.

White and blue at standard bus stops, but orange at stations.

QR red still prominent.  BCC blue and yellow still prominent.  G:link yellow (albeit that is a nice livery).

They need to work this stuff out before spending big on the new electric fleet.

[verbatim9]

I don't mind the teal blue and the special liveries as well as some with the indigenous art work. Those new Clark buses with the special indigenous livery look pretty good. Trains should also go teal blue and white with the new Translink logo on the front and rear carriages.

I also like the themed liveries like they do on the ferries. They should also have some trains with that as well.

[ozbob]

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1855453829850124598

[nathandavid88]

Some photos on Clark's new buses. Didn't manage to get a front view, but the Custom Denning article has that covered.

The backwards facing seats in the front wheel arches is a little bit novel.



Nice to have a screen and audio announcements:



The back as it pulled away:

[verbatim9]

Nice and equipped with PIDs

[ozbob]

Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards

https://translink.com.au/news-and-media/competitions-and-offers/bus-driver-awards

Say thanks and nominate a bus driver
for your chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards!
The 2024 Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards have arrived, and nominating a bus driver is as easy as sharing a smile and saying thanks.

It's time to show your appreciation for bus drivers' outstanding customer service and dedication to keeping our communities connected. Plus, you'll have the chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards!

Nominating a bus driver is easy:

1. Fill out the nomination form and nominate a driver in one of three categories: South East Queensland, Regional and School Bus Driver of the Year.
2. Share a short story that highlights their outstanding service.
3. Submit your nomination.

Hurry, nominations close Monday 2 December 2024.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 'Vulture Street is hilly for starters': Passengers put out as free bus ride nearly over $

The axing of one of Brisbane's free inner-city bus loops has sparked community outcry, with a petition quickly attracting 1200 signatures from passengers and critics.

The South Brisbane Bus loop – route 86 – ran in an extended trial from the beginning of 2024 but in late October the city council revealed it would stop funding the route by the end of the year.

Despite a petition launched by Gabba Ward councillor Trina Massey, Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said the service had been intended as a temporary stand-in while the city's Metro was under development. ...