Bad PT systems

[#Metro]

Just came across this blog: Auckland probably has the worst rail system I can think of.
Things in common with "worst"-class rail systems I wonder? Could be a diagnostic tool:

* High Subsidy (due to potential passengers being turned off by the bad frequency/service)
* Low patronage (see above)
* Lots of Gimmicks
* High rate of media releases

Meanwhile, back in Auckland, it's arguable that we suffer (on a smaller scale, but far more frequently) significantly more problems with our rail network. As I have mentioned in previous posts, there were 406 signal or points failures on the Auckland rail network in the last year alone, and in January only 36% of Western Line trains reached the destination less than 5 minutes late, while 10% didn't even reach their destination at all. And yet what have we heard from ARTA or KiwiRail about these horrific problems in Auckland?

Zilch.

Instead, we get bombarded with media releases about fun, nice to have, events and promotions that ARTA's running. Like tomorrow's Walk2Work promotion, which I'm sure is a good idea, but how about we sort those trains out? Or a "one-stop-shop" calendar for finding out about sustainable travel events, or some promotion with the Blues rugby team, or the refurbishment of the Maxx Website (without actually updating the horrifically outdated mapping system behind the scenes) or the bizarre "Make a Change" campaign. These are all "nice", but once again please can we get the basics right first? Can we get more than two out of five trains running on time on the Western Line, can we ensure that 10% of trains don't fail to make it to their destination? Can we get some progress updates on how integrated ticketing is coming along? Can we start implementing a paper-based integrated fare system like was promised "within a few months" back in 2008?

[#Metro]

Auckland Transport Blog --->http://transportblog.co.nz/tag/wellington/

[colinw]

Just came across this blog: Auckland probably has the worst rail system I can think of.

Not for much longer.

Onehunga line re-opened recently (closed to pax services since 1973).
Mankau spur under construction.
Western line duplications & grade separations underway.
Major station modernisations underway.
Re-signalling & ERTMS Level 1 underway
25KV AC wires going up soon.

Post electrification, the planned service frequency is 15 minutes or better all day, every day.

Auckland 2010 = Perth 1990.  Big things about to happen.

cheers,
Colin