Article: Bus drivers battle tight timetables in southeast Queensland

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Bus drivers battle tight timetables in southeast Queensland

Bus drivers battle tight timetables in southeast Queensland

    * by Ursula Heger
    * From: The Courier-Mail
    * May 25, 2010 12:00AM

TIMETABLES for the southeast's buses are almost impossible to meet as TransLink squeezes running times to improve efficiency, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union has claimed.

The union said drivers were battling increasing road congestion and being forced to take shorter meal breaks to meet tighter running times.

Drivers said congestion points on some routes flared up in peak hours, causing knock-on delays throughout the day.

Figures released to The Courier-Mail print edition show the worst buses for on-time running are from the Westside Bus Company, which operates in Ipswich, Redbank and Goodna, where only 83.26 per cent of services arrived on time last financial year.

"The whole system is geared towards efficiency as opposed to customer service," RBTU acting secretary Glenn Anderson said.

"There is no contingency time in the run.

"It is all built around efficiency and around an ideal that drivers can go from A to B in 30 minutes – if everyone has their ticket ready, every mother has her pram organised, every elderly person can get up there at the same speed.

"They see any downtime as a cost to the business."

Drivers also said yesterday they were pressured to take shorter meal breaks to make up the lost time, and time when workers could use the bathroom or check the bus for lost property was also tight.

Last year Surfside Buslines on the Gold Coast recorded an average of 85.63 per cent of services arriving as scheduled, while Park Ridge Transit, which services Beaudesert and Browns Plains recorded 90.06 per cent on time. Brisbane Transport buses, which include Brisbane City Council services, ran 89.76 per cent on time.

The figures show most bus companies continue to improve on-time running, with the majority showing only 5 per cent of buses did not meet schedules.

But the union yesterday disputed the on-time figures, saying that in Brisbane about one in every four buses were not meeting the schedule.

The union wanted bus lanes reinstated along major corridors to ensure buses could move freely through peak-hour congestion.

A TransLink spokesman said they set "high expectations" for operators to meet current timetables, but the data showed timetables could be met.

[ozbob]

From letters to the editor published   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=86.msg12698#msg12698

Published Courier Mail August 10, 2009

The TransLink Tracker report states on-time bus performance is approaching 96 per cent.  How can that be?  Any regular bus user can tell you on-time performance is nowhere near that.

We have long suggested the published bus on time performance figures are not an accurate representation.  Seems the RTBU is of the same view.

[ozbob]

Media Release 25 May 2010

SEQ:  Bus on time performance and reality

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 said that the official bus on time performance does not correlate with bus users perceptions.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Reports in the media today (1) suggest that bus on time performance may actually be on average around 75%.  RAIL Back On Track has long queried the published bus ontime performance figures in the TransLink Tracker.  The figures do not correlate with users experience."

"Bus timetables need to have an allowance for traffic delays and other contingencies.  The target for bus rail interchange needs to be generous as missed rail connections lead to excessive delays, partly because of the very poor train frequency."

"On August 10, 2009 the following letter to the editor was published in the Courier Mail. 'The TransLink Tracker report states on-time bus performance is approaching 96 per cent.  How can that be?  Any regular bus user can tell you on-time performance is nowhere near that.'  Author Robert Dow, Darra."

"Late running and no shows for buses are not recent phenomena!"

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/bus-drivers-battle-tight-timetables-in-southeast-queensland/story-e6freoof-1225870756734

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Media Release 2 April 2010

SEQ:  TransLink Tracker - only part of the story

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 welcomes the publication of the TransLink tracker.  The TransLink tracker is a snap shot of activity on the public transport and is published quarterly (1).  The second quarter information for the current financial year was released yesterday.  What the TransLink tracker confirms in a broad sense is the urgent action needed to be taken by TransLink and Government to address the poor service frequency and problems with the go card system.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The TransLink Tracker lacks explanations on how the data is actually determined, that is the methodology. For example how is bus on time performance really measured?  The reported data does not fit the community's  experience of bus performance.  It is nowhere near 95% on time as reported in the Tracker, even if with the generous limits of ontime performance for bus.  Rail is accurately accessed and has much tighter performance standards, and simply presenting the two as broadly comparable is misleading in the extreme in our opinion."

"The failure to put in place a proper rail frequency and the failure to fix timetable gaps is clearly resulting in declining satisfaction as reported in the Tracker. But with respect to these surveys what are the sample sizes?  What are the questions? Is the survey methodology robust?  Without the detail it makes the interpretation of the data in terms of validity difficult."

"Highlighting the government subsidy for fares is only part of the picture.  It fails to capture the broader savings that public transport makes in terms of reduced congestion, reduced environmental impacts and a reduction in health care costs.  Is this an attempt to further justify the recent and projected fare increases?"

"The definition of overloading of trains, passengers standing for more than 20 minutes means that some lines, although often overloaded at peak, will never be reported as overloaded.  The Ferny Grove line is an example of this.  Surely a more meaningful assessment of overloading can be put in place as go card usage increases? This 20 minute methodology leads us to suspect that the data presented is really not an accurate picture. In future a break up of a more detailed performance for each individual rail line and bus route would give a more realistic snapshot of performance.  Other states do this, why not Queensland?"

"Go card use fell in the quarter reported.  Patronage dropped slightly, and a lot of feedback we received indicated that some go card users reverted back to paper.  The rate of fixed fares increased however, this must be a worry as it reflects ongoing issues with the ticketing system.  With the punitive fare increases for paper relative to go card on the 4th January 2010, go card use will now increase again, but it will be interesting to see how the number of fixed fares goes in the third quarter."

"A more timely release of the TransLink tracker would help avoid data 'staleness' from the public perspective. We are now in 4th quarter of the financial year, surely the Tracker can be made available within a month of each closed quarter?"

References:

1.  http://download.translink.com.au/about/0910q2_tracker.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Jon Bryant]

Bus lanes on all major roads especially those badly congested is the answer.  What is the point of having a more efficient mode of transport stuck behind the least efficient. Why can this not happen?  Blind stubboness by our Lord Mayor is the only answer!

[ozbob]

From 612 ABC Brisbane radio breakfast

Interview with TransLink click --> here!

How can we get buses to run on time?

25 May 2010 , 8:24 AM by Spencer Howson

When was the last time you caught a bus that was on time?

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union claims bus timetables are unrealistic and impossible to meet.

Translink's Andrew Berkman says buses are no more than six minutes late 90% of the time:

[somebody]

I'd have to say out my way the buses are reasonably reliable.  Although heading inbound if one bus ran late, a different run would soon arrive.  Heading outbound the bus has just had its recovery time, so one would expect reliability.  The only real issue is that the journey times along Coro mean that it often doesn't arrive on time.

[STB]

Out my way the buses are quite reliable, the only exception would be some of the peak expresses where they all have different run times yet may depart within only a few minutes of each other.  The ones I find very reliable out my way ie: observed to run on time at least 98% of the time would be routes 250, 270, 271 and most of the local routes with exception to routes 253, 264, 272 and 274, especially during the school peak, where school kids can take up to 5 minutes to board while they chit chat with each other, wrangle school bags, get rid of food by the direction of the driver and ask for paper tickets then not having the correct change.

I do think sometimes there can be a subjective perception with passengers of a bus running late which contradicts the actual on time running, as (and it has been researched) that different people view time in different ways.  In the above routes, I was once on board a 250 which was running 1 minute early and the passenger had a go at the driver accusing him of running late!

[Golliwog]

Out my way, the bus can be a bit hit and miss. The 362, is a long winding feeder loop between Brookside and The Gap, which is used as a school run in the mornings. That 1 run in particular is usually anywhere between 5-10 minutes late as the timetable doesn't allow for the bus to be stopping at every single stop. Other runs however are usually on time, but the problem is as its the only route in the area, if you miss it or it doesn't show, you can end up waiting at least an hour for the next one. However the 385 is usually fairly good. Even if it does come a little late, I find it sometimes ends with 2 buses traveling together, which end up leap-frogging bus stops so generally increasing how fast the route runs.

[Jon Bryant]

Buses are a more efficient mode of transport than single motor vehicles so should be gven priority. Changing a timetable to reflect worsening traffic congestion is not the solution.  That is just ignoring the elephant in the room.  Congestion is getting worse not better.   

[ozbob]

I regularly get feedback from a variety of bus travellers at uni.  They have said constantly that outside the busways ontime performance and no shows are a major issue.  When pressed for an estimate of ontime they generally suggest 70 to 80%, which correlates well with the RBTUs estimate.
I noted that the original Trackers had a 100% result for  no cancellations of buses, this was challenged and removed from subsequent trackers.  The considerable number of no shows confirmed this figure as flawed. This morning TL said on ABC radio that bus on time performance was 90%.  So it is a moving field by the looks of things.  It is difficult to reliably assess ontime bus performance, fact.  So the figures are much less robust than the ontime train performance.  The blog on the Courier Mail article today is not very complimentary either.   A break up of all bus routes and rail lines would be a welcome addition to the tracker.



For example, these are real user experiences, CM Blog

Joanne of The Gap  Posted at 10:16 AM Today

    I catch a bus in The Gap with my 6 and 2 year old kids each morning to school and childcare and then into the city for work, and then the reverse each afternoon. It is a nightmare. Buses simply don't show up at The Gap, both in- and out-bound - after three years living there, I estimate about one in three services listed on the stop telemetry or timetable actually appears, and fewer than 1 in 4 of those that appears, does so within five minutes of the stated time. No service is reliable from day to day and the wait for the next bus of 20 minutes+ can throw out all plans, while minding bored waiting kids is very hard. There is no service that goes past my kid's school - despite there being bus stops constructed there! - which means 15 minutes walking either way as well - and inevitably the buses in peak hour are jammed, leaving passengers standing and crowded for the entire trip - often up to 45 minutes long. I'm trying NOT to add to congestion and car dependence, and to encourage the kids in outdoor activities and quality time with mum, but Translink and Brisbane Transport are not helping in any way with the unreliable, late and/or nonexistent service the west side has.

Comment 53 of 78

[Golliwog]

I dont really think presenting a breakdown of buses that are late/not turning up by each route would be very meaningful. It could be done, but given the number of routes the shear number of lines/graphs needed would make interpretation difficult.

But I agree, the problem is not with the routes that are on busways, or the frequent routes (BUZ routes and some others) as even if a bus is late, its not a big deal as the next bus is going to turn up soon anyway. The problems are definitely on those less frequent routes where your bus being late or not turning up is a real inconvenience.

[ozbob]

Other jurisdictions provide breakups, it helps identify in the publics mind what are the issues are and adds momentum for improvement.  At the moment it is just broad data with little meaning or relevance.  At least give the breakup in regions and major routes.  And the farce of fining QR passenger for largely matters beyond their control is just another sad aspect.  At least to TL's credit they have said that they do intend to sort that. 

[ozbob]

I managed to catch an interview on the Drive show on 612ABC Radio this evening with a Union Rep from the RTBU.  The interview was highlighting RTBU's concerns with a briefing given by TransLink a few weeks ago on possible private operation of a number of bus routes in BT areas of operations.  The view put forward was this would further lead the fall to the bottom, with even tighter time requirements, and less time for customer service and recovery ...   the government has clearly indicated that QR Passenger operations will remain in public ownership, so maybe the privatisation and franchise focus has moved on to the buses?

[dwb]

@jonno

Bus lanes on all major roads especially those badly congested is the answer.  What is the point of having a more efficient mode of transport stuck behind the least efficient. Why can this not happen?

Buses are a more efficient mode of transport than single motor vehicles so should be gven priority. Changing a timetable to reflect worsening traffic congestion is not the solution.  That is just ignoring the elephant in the room.  Congestion is getting worse not better.   

I wholeheartedly agree Jonno. Implementation of bus priority is not within the power or current responsibilities of Translink. It is however within both the powers and responsibility of the local governments. Translink should not lose out bc of the stubbornness of local politics against the provision of bus priority.


@stb

I do think sometimes there can be a subjective perception with passengers of a bus running late which contradicts the actual on time running, as (and it has been researched) that different people view time in different ways.  In the above routes, I was once on board a 250 which was running 1 minute early and the passenger had a go at the driver accusing him of running late!

Absolutely a big issue, huge in fact. And the little information that is available via electronic signs at the moment which aren't realtime are further exacerbating the issue by heightening the expectation, then failing to deliver. However, this is balance by the fact that quite easily the guy in your example could have been having a go at that driver because the previous service never turned up!

@golliqog

I dont really think presenting a breakdown of buses that are late/not turning up by each route would be very meaningful. It could be done, but given the number of routes the shear number of lines/graphs needed would make interpretation difficult.

But I agree, the problem is not with the routes that are on busways, or the frequent routes (BUZ routes and some others) as even if a bus is late, its not a big deal as the next bus is going to turn up soon anyway. The problems are definitely on those less frequent routes where your bus being late or not turning up is a real inconvenience.

I disagree I think this could prove useful for the reasons given by Bob. It lets for instance a westsider compare their service to a northsider, or a Gold Coaster.

@ozbob

...privatisation and franchise focus has moved on to the buses?

I don't catch your drift Bob, they all are already private and have been for many years (including BT which is run as a BUSINESS unit of BCC). If you read the CSO (community service obligation) which is the framework under which the current regime operates, it clearly articulates government's desire to achieve outcomes not through direct provision, but through regulation and enforced private monopolies of private companies.

Link available http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/file/eb9f3f038e57d09/Pdf_rpf_cso_framework_for_public_transport_in_seq.pdf

[Jon Bryant]

...the government has clearly indicated that QR Passenger operations will remain in public ownership, so maybe the privatisation and franchise focus has moved on to the buses?

I still think they can and should look at allow alternative rail operators in addition to QR to a (1) provide competition to QR (good for all involved) but also (2) maximise the ability to rapidly ramp up services...assuming Translink actually want to achieve that.

[#Metro]

Why not Translink get privatised? Ha ha!  

On a more serious note, I think cheapest is not always best- there should look at all sorts of mutli-criteria things rather than just price.
Like track record, operations in other areas overseas, environmental record, labour issues, fair wages paid etc. And the most important: how many more extra services can be put on and responses to complaints!

I've heard in other places the bids get submitted to the department, which then can be altered using the department's own figures to ensure that "low balling" does not occur.  I think it was Transport for London which did this...

This Bus Australia thread contains some interesting views:
http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=49833&start=25

[ozbob]

@dwb, just reflecting what the RTBU put forward on ABC radio.  The new twist is routes previously BT being taken over by privates.  That is different ...   

[dwb]

I haven't heard the radio interview, however the whole point of the current system is that if one operator is not meeting its contractual arrangements, and doesn't take steps to remedy the behaviour, then Translink can tender certain areas or routes to other operators.

BT is just like any other operator. Besides the money BCC chips in it is a commercial operation. BT themselves considered selling off CityGlider at one stage (or at least said they were - although I'm not sure how much money it would have been worth if Translink could have taken the new owner to court to get them to cease operations for illegitimately operating within Translink's area without approval).

The whole sell the buses thing wasn't really a sale offer, it was a way to highlight the fact that BCC contributes money to the operation of BT, that for instance GCCC or Ipswich don't. And for those who say that Sunshine Coast does, well that is a puny contribution compared to Brisbane's.

I have proposed before that perhaps it would be better if the state implemented a public transport levy. It could be variable based on your local level of service and your land use code (eg residential owners/renters, commercial, industrial etc).  BCC then could reduce its rates by its current PT subsidy level and it would be an even playing field!

Further, in relation to Translink handing over BT contracts, well I personally just think they won't do it, at least soon, and that they're just trying to play hardball. That is the way these things (business negotiation) work.

[#Metro]

The whole sell the buses thing wasn't really a sale offer, it was a way to highlight the fact that BCC contributes money to the operation of BT, that for instance GCCC or Ipswich don't. And for those who say that Sunshine Coast does, well that is a puny contribution compared to Brisbane's.

BCC buses and ferries (the vehicles) have already been sold off. They are owned by the Queensland Treasury Corporation IIRC.

[somebody]

The whole sell the buses thing wasn't really a sale offer, it was a way to highlight the fact that BCC contributes money to the operation of BT, that for instance GCCC or Ipswich don't. And for those who say that Sunshine Coast does, well that is a puny contribution compared to Brisbane's.

I thought GCCC did?

Sunshine Coast's contribution may be puny, but the service is pretty puny too.

[Arnz]

Sunshine Coast Council's contribution is more based towards the hinterland areas.

However, the Maleny hinterland bus service (and the Maleny-Landsborough-Beerwah service) being under QConnect is a farce.   The sooner those services can take GoCards / is under the Translink zones the better.

Meanwhile the mainline bus service on the Sunshine Coast (Sunbus) is owned by the same company (Transit Australia) that owns Surfside on the Gold Coast.  Mainline service is every 15-30 minutes.  Milk runs are hourly.

[#Metro]

Milk runs are hourly.

What's a milk run?

[MaxHeadway]

A milk run is a route that makes numerous twists and turns through back streets (e.g. 232). Such services are usually infrequent, and feared towards increasing coverage, as opposed to routes geared towards higher ridership, such as the BUZ routes.

[dwb]

Sorry Tramtrain I should have said "sell off the operations", not buses... as indeed I'm talking about the staff, the rights to run services, the leases to those very same buses (which are in themselves a right over that property, even if it is owned by the State).... plus, Council is building them in partnership with Volgren to sell to the state to lease back to run services they are paid for, in a contract area, so it is all rather complicated and not described accurately in the public domain. I've only pieced that all together from various sources!!