7 July 2007: It?s Friday - trains cancelled again!

[ozbob]

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 7 July 2007

It?s Friday - trains cancelled again!

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has called for more rail crews to be employed to maintain timetabled Citytrain services.

Robert Dow said:

?For the second week in a row, yet more ?operational issues? have forced a number of cancellations on Brisbane?s Citytrain network on a Friday.  It is one thing to be highlighting the features of the new suburban trains, but if there are not  enough train drivers and guards to maintain services, what?s the point??

?At a time when it is important to maximise the use of public transport in to help alleviate the chronic road chaos  in ?Congestion Capital?, ?operational issues? are causing much disruption and inconvenience to the travelling public. It is strange that these 'operational issues' with Citytrain services seem to reach a peak on Friday afternoons.?

?RAIL Back On Track calls on the Minister of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Rail to take urgent action to ensure that timetabled services are maintained.?

Contact:

Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track

http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

I was interviewed on radio ABC 612 Brisbane this morning concerning these cancellations.
Was also able to mention the BCC Mass Transit Forum. (see --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=142.0)

Thanks ABC Radio 612 Brisbane and morning host Spencer Howson for your interest in community issues.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

Brisbane times have posted a followup story on their site.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/

click here for the story Brisbane trains cancelled in 'driver shortage'

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

And more ...

Another interesting article at the Brisbane times http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/
click here for Brisbane times story
--------------------------------------------
New drivers being trained up
July 11, 2007 - 6:12AM

Seventy additional train drivers are being trained for Brisbane's stretched Citytrain network, it was revealed yesterday.

Queensland Rail announced the figure after public transport lobby group "Rail: Back on Track" said the lack of drivers led to services being cancelled on two consecutive Fridays.

According to Queensland Rail there are now 440 train drivers available to work on the network, 62 more than in February of last year.

The 70 additional drivers will be ready by March 2008 when a new Citytrain timetable comes into effect, a QR spokeswoman said.

It takes nine months to fully train a driver.

Each train has a driver and a guard, and there are approximately 400 rail guards on network.

Queensland Rail cancelled 14 peak hour train services on Friday July 6, and replaced 11 train services with buses on the Shorncliffe/Doomben line.

On the previous Friday, June 29, five trains were cancelled because there was not enough drivers.

Queensland's Rail, Tram and Bus union state secretary Owen Doogan said it would take time to recruit the extra rail drivers needed for the Brisbane network.

See Brisbane times for more
--------------------------------------

[ozbob]

Thanks to the Brisbane times for running with this story.  It is great that we can get answers.  Thanks to the Minister of Transport and Main Roads and QR, and the Rail Bus and Tram Union for their responses.  Roll on rail!!

Best wishes
Ozbob

[ozbob]

As luck would have it today Friday the 13th    track problem between Darra and Oxley this morning.
Trains ran single line between Darra and Oxley, some delays. 
Well done on keeping the trains moving today though.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

There were some cancellations Friday afternoon last (13th July).  Not as many as the two previous Fridays but enough to again cause inconvenience to the travelling public.  Been a few letters in mX from displeased passengers!!

How about refunds when services cancelled?  Free trips for the following week, that will cheer us all up 

[ozbob]

Tonights mX (Brisbane July 25) has another letter highlighting yet more cancellations on the Shorncliffe line Friday last (July 20).

It does seem that the Shorncliffe is a particular target for cancellations, although all lines are not immune to cancellations due to 'operational reasons'.  Football nights also seem to increase cancellations during peak (because of the extra services for the football).

Again this is highlighting the shortage of crews.  It is time the Minister came clean with an apology to the travelling public, and outline what is going to be done in the immediate, short and long term.

There are a lot of very frustrated passengers out there.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=83.msg388#msg388

[ozbob]

When I arrived at Roma St Station this evening (July 27) the first thing I heard was that the train to Manly was cancelled due to 'operational reasons'.  Not sure if any other services were cancelled tonight.
Again letters in today's mX about these issues of cancellations particularly the Shorncliffe line.

[ozbob]

The 4.12pm Central to Redbank was cancelled too (July 27th).  This is one of the services that RAIL Back On Track has written to QR about.  This should be re-timetabled to leave at 4.30pm.  Cancelling the 4.12pm Central to Redbank has little affect as it is virtually empty.  Slotting it in at 4.30pm will take pressure off the 4.38pm Central to Ipswich, now very congested.  I was on it last Thursday, last carriage.  The congestion was so heavy that three Transit Officers gave up any idea of checking tickets as no one could really move !!   

[ozbob]

A press release from the Shadow Public Transport spokesman Tim Nicholls  --> click here! further highlighting service cancellations.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

There were some interruptions last evening (1st Aug) due to a train failing near Brunswick St, this caused some disruptions to services on the Beenleigh and Cleveland line. The train was cleared and services continued.  Genuine operational problems do occur from time to time.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

Friday 3rd August, more cancellations.  I was on the 4.38 Central to Ipswich.  Squeezed on at Roma Street, it would appear the earlier service being cancelled.  Train grossly overloaded, passengers left behind at Roma Street and Milton and Toowong.

One wonders what is going happen during Ekka.  There is not enough room for normal commuters let alone Ekka crowds too!  Figures released today also show a 23% increase in the number of full buses during July cf. June.  No doubt related to the resumption of the academic semesters, but simply not good enough.

It is time the Minister of Transport explained what is going to be done to fix this chronic shortage of transport in Brisbane.  The roads are a congestion gridlock, time for some action!

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

See this post for some more information on this topic -- > http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=83.msg431#msg431

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

Derailment at Corinda on Saturday 4 August see --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=181.0
Bus between Darra - Sherwood for all of Saturday.

Delays on the Ipswich line this morning (6 August) due to a track fault at Goodna.

Also a service cancelled this morning (6 August) on the Ferny Grove line.

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

At least one Ipswich service cancelled afternoon peak (6 August 2007).  Seems problems continuing in terms of cancelled services. 

[ozbob]

Published Courier Mail August 5 Letter to Ed.

The Courier Mail has highlighted the number of bus passengers left stranded and the present disruptions to TransLink Citytrain services (Nasty dose strains state's workplaces, C-M August 4).  Flu spin aside, again this is highlighting the abysmal nature of public transport in South East Queensland to cope with peak loadings.  Citytrain cancellations have been occurring regularly now for weeks and weeks.  To spin this as flu is not doing the travelling public any real service all, it is just contempt.  This flu is magical.  It seems to exert it's worse effects weekly on Friday's peak times, and when major sporting/entertainment events put additional strains on services.

I am a medical scientist.  This might be a great research project to explore this unique periodicity of this flu! It is time that the Minister of Transport and TransLink actually acknowledged the true nature of the problems.

These being years of neglect, a failure to keep pace with timetables that match changing work and social pressures (last major review over ten years ago), and the systemic failures to keep infrastructure and staff levels able to meet satisfactory operational services.  We await in stunned bemusement for the probable meltdowns that will occur during the Brisbane Ekka.

Robert Dow
Darra

[ozbob]

Some feedback received re cancellations 6 August. This is very representative of how many commuters feel.
This correspondent travels on the Ferny Grove line.

I'd not yet been caught out by the train cancellations, well that was until this a.m.

I rose nice and early so I could get my weekly ticket, which has just increased in cost, and comfortably wait for the train which would deliver me to work early.

It was important as a new staff member was starting and it was my charge to introduce her to procedures. Bosses never take kindly to the "train was late" excuse - no matter how sincere it is.

We were crammed in like sardines and I couldn't read my book.

I'm absolutely livid when I read about Newman spending $1.5billion on tunnels when a mere fraction of that improving the public transport would do a world of good.

[ozbob]

Brisbane mX tonight (7 August) had a front page article 'New flu strains trains'.

Point made that there is not enough trains or crew to maintain timetable services, and QR themselves have admitted it might be necessary to cancel some of the specials for the Ekka due to staff shortfalls.  The Shadow Spokesperson for Public Transport Mr. Tim Nicholls also was quoted as saying that more trains and staff are needed.

RAIL Back On Track has been consistently highlighting the problems of cancellations to the Minister of Transport and Main Roads.  That is where the buck stops.  QR staff are doing a great job under the circumstances. 

More Citytrain staff are being trained. Hopefully things will be improved as the newly trained staff are qualified and new trains are progressively rolled out.  Brisbane will have a first rate service.  Time to expand lines now. 

Regards
Ozbob

[ozbob]

The Ipswich line was closed between Sherwood and Darra to allow track repairs to proceed following the derailment from about 8.15pm to 1am (August 7/8).  Unfortunately passengers were not notified in advance of the closure, causing some further frustration. 

See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=83.msg458#msg458

[ozbob]

Ekka over, looks like the 'flu' has returned.

Cancellations Monday (20th August) peak and tonight! (21st August)

Lots of fed up passengers left stranded once again. 

[ozbob]

QLD Train crew leaves 700 on station

Gold Coast Bulletin, 04Sep07

QUEENSLAND Rail has formally apologised to a Gold Coast couple who, along with 700 other passengers, were left stranded for 90 minutes on a Beenleigh rail platform on Saturday night -- and then the train crew went home.

They were returning from the Riverfire Festival in Brisbane when an electrical fault at Ormeau delayed the service from 10pm.

Adrian Martin, with his partner Pat Flynn, caught the 9.25pm train back to Nerang but passengers were ushered off the train at Beenleigh.

"At the time we weren't even told what the problem was, we were just told to leave," said Mr Martin.

"Then they told us we would be delayed for 40 minutes but we soon figured out the wait was going to be a lot longer.

"We were stuck on that platform for 90 minutes."

Mr Martin said the agitated commuters were told buses would take them to their Gold Coast stations.

"That's what they said, but it never happened," he said. "They kept changing their story because they told us the buses wouldn't be coming ...

More click here!

[ozbob]

Some cancellations this evening peak, 4.31pm Roma St to Mitchelton and 4.40pm Roma St to Ipswich.  I was on the following 4.50pm service which was very congested of course. 

Probably no relief until new crew and trains rolled out?

[ozbob]

Cancellations this afternoon peak Caboolture line (17th Sept).  Seems more than a few problems on the Caboolture line of late.  Once we had railways that ran to timetables, one day we might have them again.

[ozbob]

Cancellations still occurring, today for example the 4.09 Roma St to Beenleigh didn't turn out, yesterday the 4.36 Roma St to Mitchelton had a day off as well.

[ozbob]

Feedback received, thanks Noel.


I was a victim of the cancelled train syndrome last night.  At about 5.14pm they cancelled the 5.16pm (ex Roma Street) Petrie all stations and then made my train the 5.21pm (ex Roma Street) (Express Bowen Hills to EJ then Exp to Northgate then express to Petrie) all stations to Caboolture.  On top of this, the train was about 9 minutes late from Roma Street and then delayed about 4 minutes at Bowen Hills (I think crew problems). I finally got to Burpengary at 6.33pm (26 minutes late and then had double running to get my son to an activity because I was late.

While at Roma Street at 5.28pm an announcement was made that the 5.35 to Rosewood was cancelled and then the 5.42 would continue to Rosewood.

Noel Haynes

[ozbob]

Cancellations still occurring at peak, particularly afternoon evening.

The short haul runs seem to be the first to go eg. Darra, Mitchelton runs.

[ozbob]

A post on a blog at news com (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22574073-3102,00.html ) suggests that many trains have faults and crew shortages are resulting in many staff working additional shifts.

We are are always supportive of the excellent efforts QR Staff, our bus and ferry drivers make, despite the managerial failings in providing adequate staffing levels and equipment.   The flu excuse is not resonating with anyone except the Minister and the bureaucrats.

[ozbob]

Interesting trip home tonight. 

I arrived at Roma St platform 8 and 4.29pm, to catch the 4.40pm Ipswich service. As I started up the stairs to platform 8, there was an announcement "The 4.40pm service to Ipswich is cancelled."  No apology, nothing other than the 4.40 is cancelled.  Ok,  I thought.  This is going to be chaos, the last service would have been the 4.23, the next would be 4.50pm.  A gap of 27 minutes at peak!
So I headed straight over to platform 7 to catch the Ferny Grove train which leaves Roma St at about 4.32pm.  My plan to go to Bowen Hills (Remember Brunswick St station not able to catch Ipswich service due to the reconstruction work) and catch the Ipswich service there. By doing that I could a:  actually get on the train, and b:  get  a seat. 

On arrival at Bowen Hills I moved over to the Ipswich line platform and was able to catch the service that would be the 4.50pm service to Ipswich from Roma St with about 30 seconds to spare. 

On arrival at Central the crowd waiting was far too many to hop on the train, many folks left behind.  The train was packed.

At Roma St, a few more hardy souls pushed on but the majority were left behind.
The train was still full at Oxley, where I detrained.  The train was running about 8 minutes late at that point due to the heavy congestion and delays at stations.  One minute behind of course was the Rosewood service.

Queensland is no doubt the Smart State.  To go forwards one must go backwards!

There is a public transport crisis in Brisbane.

[ozbob]

Shorncliffe line is still suffering cancellations and no shows. 

A lot of very frustrated commuters, some being forced to resume car travel because of the failures by Citytrain to provide a reliable service, peak and off peak!

[ozbob]

More cancellations all lines this week. 

Going home tonight on the 4.40pm Ipswich from Roma St (following on from a cancelled 4.23pm) with gross overloading, a few comments from the passengers.  Most folks have had enough of the ongoing problems. 

Still silence from the Minister and Translink. 

See Media Release --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=274.0

Regards
Admin

[ozbob]

Cancellations still continuing.  Much grief for Citytrain passengers, communication has not been impressive either.

See -->  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=295.msg1009
for a report on tonight's efforts.

[ozbob]

Scrambled timetables at Toowong Station evening of 22 Nov 2007.  The time in yellow is reading 6.25:13



Photograph: R Dow  22 Nov 2007

[ozbob]

There is a light ... yes it is a train!   

--->  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=360.msg1314#msg1314