19 Feb 2011: SEQ: Confirmation of Sunshine Coast timetable review is welcomed

[ozbob]

Media release 19 February 2011

SEQ:  Confirmation of Sunshine Coast timetable review is welcomed

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org), a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers, has welcomed confirmation that Queensland Rail and TransLink are working on a review of their proposed new timetable for the Sunshine Coast Line in the face of strong and overwhelming commuter criticism.

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The recent floods and cyclone that damaged Queensland's rail track network and posed operational difficulties for Queensland Rail has, we are informed, diverted resources away from finalisation of the much anticipated new timetable for the Ipswich-Caboolture Line and the Sunshine Coast Line north to Nambour.  While an increase in service frequency between Darra and the City, flagged in an earlier timetable revision, is welcomed those scheduling Citytrain services for the Sunshine Coast Line came under sustained criticism for the inconvenience of proposed train arrival and departure times at Central.  These times would have inconvenienced workers particularly and resulted in a longer train journey for many.

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes news that a summary of the community feedback and a revised timetable that addresses the concerns raised is being prepared and is nearing finalisation (1).

"A petition protesting the original proposed draft  timetable was presented to parliament this week (2), while an estimated 2000 protest letters, calls and other contacts were recorded by QR, TransLink and at the office of the Minister for Transport, Ms Rachel Nolan, who directed her department to reconsider the timetable changes.

"The latest advice from TransLink is that all the issues raised have been investigated, with a view to improving outcomes in a further revised timetable, which TransLink hopes to release shortly."

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5401.0

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5422.msg47992#msg47992

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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