4 Nov 2010: SEQ: Queensland Rail's improved maintenance shut-down plan ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 4 November 2010

SEQ:  Queensland Rail's improved maintenance shut-down plan - comment

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 improved maintenance track closure plan by Queensland Rail.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Early this week there was some public confusion on the plan for track closures to be more intensive but less frequent (1)."

"Clarification by Queensland Rail has now confirmed that a closure for a particular rail corridor will be essentially a full weekend and this then allows intensive maintenance activities in one hit, rather than being spaced out with closures of smaller duration. This makes sense as start up and start up times for the maintenance activities become a smaller part of the overall maintenance window period, and hence this makes the shut down more productive in terms of the maintenance outcomes and cost."

"Having in place a more systematic approach to line maintenance means that closures will be notified well in advance and publicly, at least two years.  This allows community event organisers to plan well in advance so that they can choose to avoid a track closure weekend as applicable for their activity and location.  Construction closures do need occur more frequently and those will be notified as soon as practical in advance.  If a clash with a significant event is absolutely unavoidable extra support will be provided as needed."

"RAIL Back On Track has raised concerns with communication and support during the actual track closures. Assurances have been received that these aspects will be reviewed, and increased staff support will be made available to help and guide passengers at railway stations and the associated bus arrival and departure locations during actual rail shut downs."

"Under the new maintenance plan we have been advised that it is unlikely that maintenance closures for a particular line would happen no more frequently than 3 monthly. Clearly, issues can arise with any complex infrastructure and some closures may need be implemented with short notice, although we would expect this to be a rare occurrence, particularly as the track infrastructure benefits from a more concentrated maintenance program. This will flow through to improved reliability and on time performance of the trains."

"Minor maintenance tasks are undertaken routinely around the clock. For example, where there is a quadruple railway line, during off peak times two lines can be taken out of service for simple track maintenance and so forth. In many cases it is only necessary for a partial line closure at weekend, for example Corinda to Rosewood. Trains can still run between Corinda and the rest of network.  Importantly now though there will be a clear advance notice of track closures and this then allows everyone to better plan their activities, whilst gaining improved quality and performance of the rail network."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4755.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4755.0