28 Sep 2010: SEQ: Counter peak empty runs should be in service runs

[ozbob]

Media Release 28 September 2010

SEQ: Counter peak empty runs should be in service runs

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 called for returning peak buses to be put into service between Roma St and Royal Brisbane Hospital at least.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It has been noticed by RAIL Back On Track members that a lot of 331/332/341 runs terminate at Parliament and then must turn around empty for another run."

"Wouldn't it be better for these buses to be put into revenue service to provide counter peak capacity on the northern busway?"

"Dead running, be it bus or rail is a waste."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

I thinks Somebody is on to something!

If we assume that a counter-peak service is not running urgently back (it may be) then it should pick up passengers because they will pay a fare and that is more money for the fare box. Otherwise it will just run empty- wasted opportunity. It's going to have to run back to the CBD anyway, even if that means a rocket or express trip to the CBD in counter peak, so be it!

The same could be done with trains returning. I don't know how much dead running there is on the rail system, a few new services at zero additional cost would be very welcome! Even if they are counter-peak expresses!

Time to think smart!

[ozbob]

There is an an effort being made to reduce dead running, particularly for bus. Some new bus routes of late have been counter-peak to reduce dead running mileage.  I think the INB is a case where some more outbound capacity during the AM peak would be advantageous. Sometimes it is not practical but in this case may well be.  Just pushes out the cycle (out and back).  Rail - it is necessary to move empties anti-peak but sometimes with a bit of planning it might well be possible to reduce some of the dead running.  The last TransLink Tracker showed a reduction in route mileage for trains which no doubt reflects some progress in this regard.

[somebody]

One of my first suggestions!

This would no doubt reduce loads on the 66, so I wonder what BT will think.

[#Metro]

What about ghost services? Ad hoc services that run but are not officially timetabled in?
Melbourne's trams do this!

http://www.theage.com.au/national/on-our-tramways-secret-service-20080913-4fye.html?page=-1

THEY don't show up in timetables and cannot be seen on maps.

Like the supernatural creatures after which they are named, they can be tricky to find and, on paper at least, their existence is difficult to prove.

They are Melbourne's ghost trams, secret services that slash waiting times for passengers in the know.

[#Metro]

One of my first suggestions!

This would no doubt reduce loads on the 66, so I wonder what BT will think.

This is a very good idea!

[somebody]

There is an an effort being made to reduce dead running, particularly for bus. Some new bus routes of late have been counter-peak to reduce dead running mileage.  I think the INB is a case where some more outbound capacity during the AM peak would be advantageous. Sometimes it is not practical but in this case may well be.  Just pushes out the cycle (out and back).  Rail - it is necessary to move empties anti-peak but sometimes with a bit of planning it might well be possible to reduce some of the dead running.  The last TransLink Tracker showed a reduction in route mileage for trains which no doubt reflects some progress in this regard.

I think it is possible.  The easiest and most logical thing would be to re-instate parking trains at Shorncliffe, which is a more significant advantage as it's apparently a crew base.  You could also park trains on the platforms at Ferny Grove, perhaps a third in the over-run area, but that would need to be a crew base for that to work out.

A lot of the dead and diseased (like early morning Gold Coast bound trains) running is due to the inadequacy of the stabling.  You would need to get tricky to reduce anti peak train running but I believe it is possible by having Ipswich starting crews looking after Shorncliffe trains in between the peaks for example.