Article: Gold Coast tops state for train delays

[ozbob]

From the Gold Coast Bulletin click here!

Gold Coast tops state for train delays

Gold Coast tops state for train delays

Matthew Killoran   |  March 5th, 2010

GOLD Coast trains have had more delays than any other service in the state this year, with another adding to the total yesterday morning.

Delays of up to an hour were experienced by travellers heading into Brisbane about 10am.

There have been 20 TransLink alerts since January 4 due to major delays on the Gold Coast line, followed by Ipswich with 18.

The delays were between 10 minutes and an hour-and-a-half, with causes ranging from signal failure to severe weather conditions.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the Coast had the newest railway line and should have no reason for suffering the highest number of failures.

"In theory the Gold Coast should be performing better because it's the newest," he said.

He said 'gremlins in the system' could be behind delays caused by signal and track faults.

"It could be a reflection on the newness of the upgrade work and that they're still having problems in finalising it with signal and track failures," he said.

Signal failures and delays caused by storms were the most common reasons given for delays on TransLink's Twitter site, though often no reason was specified.

Mr Dow said the Gold Coast railway line was potentially susceptible to severe weather, which it had endured in the past month.

A TransLink spokesman said train delays were often caused by factors outside the control of TransLink and Queensland Rail, including wet weather and medical emergencies.

[ozbob]

Be nice to have the break up for all lines ...

[#Metro]

A TransLink spokesman said train delays were often caused by factors outside the control of TransLink and Queensland Rail, including wet weather and medical emergencies.

This is a non-answer with a no solution specified.
Sure, but it is also true that train delays were often caused by factors within the control of Translink and Queensland Rail- including signalling, track maintainence and devices to stop bridge strikes.

Why did SCADA shut down 3 times in the last 6 months?

[stephenk]

It doesn't surprise me that the Gold Coast Line has lower reliability than other lines. Off-peak, one of the directions has to share a track with Beenleigh trains. Thus if a Beenleigh train is delayed, the Gold Coast service may also be delayed, and vice versa. If a track is closed in the peak direction due to a fault, then Gold Coast trains cannot overtake Beenleigh trains, and will thus be delayed. The line is also relatively long, which may increases the chance of delays. However there is plenty of dwell time at Varsity Lakes which should decrease the number of late Gold Coast bound services turning into late running Brisbane bound services.