16 Jan 2011: SEQ: Queensland Rail First Class! Richlands rail to open early!

[ozbob]

Media Release 16 January 2011

SEQ:  Queensland Rail First Class!  Richlands rail to open early!

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 thanked Queensland Rail, the Queensland Government and TransLink for bringing forward the commencement of regular passenger rail services on the Richland line (1,2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Exceptional dire circumstances demand extraordinary actions.  Queensland Rail has stamped itself with class, with the obvious forward thinking  that has gone into the preparation for recovery from the floods. Queensland Rail was able to keep most of the suburban and interurban network operating till the late in the flood development, and was then able to recommence services on most lines as soon as flood peaks passed."

"The suburban/interurban rail network has proved to be very resilient and has continued to provide an important transport communication link independent of the road network. This is not chance and is the result of very careful planning and management."

"The commencement of rail services to and from Richlands tomorrow means passengers will be able to access convenient rail transport more directly from suburbs such as Inala, Ellen Grove, Forest Lake as well as Richlands and Springfield.  Bringing the opening forward just highlights how organised Queensland Rail is to allow this occur, and also for the support from TransLink and the bus operators for the necessary associated bus arrangements."

"Richlands station is a superb railway station and the early commencement of services will be welcomed by the community (3). Thank you!"

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295072148

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5232.0

3.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=639.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

The history of the construction of Darra to Richlands --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=639.0

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
16/01/2011

Rail link and station opening brought forward to help with flood recovery

Queensland's latest piece of transport infrastructure will be opened early to help flood recovery efforts.

Premier Anna Bligh said Ipswich and the western suburbs were some of the worst hit by flooding and opening the new station at Richlands and rail link to Darra would assist recovery efforts.

The Premier said trains would begin running from Richland station tomorrow - one week early - with a link into the city.

"The station is finished and the drivers have been trained," Ms Bligh said.

"Ipswich and the western suburbs were some of the worst hit by flooding this week, and the opening of the new station will help get people on the road to recovery

"As flood waters begin to subside, our focus turns to the mammoth task of rebuilding and recovery.

"That's one of the reasons we're providing free public transport to the residents of South East Queensland and why we're opening this station early.

"Many residents in this area of Brisbane have lost everything and our public transport network is vital in getting them back on their feet again.

"The Ipswich line is the only rail link still not operating fully, with Goodna and Gailes stations badly flooded.

"The early opening of Richlands Station will provide another option for local residents to access the CBD."

The project which includes 4.5 kilometres of new rail line between Darra and Richlands plus the new Richlands station and upgrade to the Centenary Highway has been built at a cost of $800 million.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the new station included a bus interchange for up to four buses at a time, a park 'n' ride with 650 car parks, secure storage for 88 bicycles and 32 bike racks, 15 kiss 'n' ride bays and three taxi zones.

"I think the 650 car parks are going to be particularly important in helping cut non-essential car travel into the city," Ms Nolan said.

"This link is part of a vital new rail corridor to service one of Brisbane's fastest growing regions and ultimately extend to Springfield by 2013.

"Our priority at the moment is ensuring services are up and running where they are needed most. I'm pleased we were able to open Richlands a week ahead of schedule by reprioritising work using a 24/7 roster.

"We encourage local residents to make use of the station from tomorrow, where it is safe to do so, by driving and parking at the station or taking local bus services from Forest Lakes," she said.

"As a result of the early opening, trains will operate from Richlands on a limited hourly timetable until 24 January when the planned timetable is implemented.

"Opening early means the proposed 24 January timetable is not possible due to traincrew and rollingstock availability. However, in the circumstances we were determined to put this great new asset to use earlier than planned.

"Customers will notice minor works still being completed, including the installation of fare gates and ticket machines, and we ask for patience while the finishing touches are made to this new station."

Member for Inala Annastascia Palaszczuk said the opening of the station and rail link couldn't come at a better time for commuters struggling to get back on their feet.

"Our community has been greatly looking forward to the station opening and residents can now start using this line," she said.

"It's part of a vital new rail corridor that will service one of Brisbane's fastest growing regions and ultimately extend to Springfield by 2013."

Full details of the timetable and connecting services will be available on the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au

Ms Nolan said a community day being planned to mark the Richlands station opening on 23 January would be postponed while the flood recovery effort is underway.

==============================================================

[ozbob]

First services on the 17th January 2011 --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=639.msg45322#msg45322