11 Apr 2011: SEQ: Final rail timetables for June 6 can be improved

[ozbob]

Media release 11 April 2011

SEQ: Final rail timetables for June 6 can be improved

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 suggests the final timetables for the Ipswich and Caboolture lines can be further improved. Feedback has been received on a number of issues and there is a need for a comprehensive public explanation of the timetable structure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A particular disappointment raised is the 15 minute counter peak frequency to Milton, Toowong and Indooroopilly (1). Equivalent locations in other cities would see no worse than an 8 minute frequency.  North Sydney, for example, sees no worse than a 6 minute gap 6:25am-9:20am departing Central, with mostly a 3 minute service (2).  There is  only a 30 minute frequency to Ipswich, which is not supporting the employment decentralisation push."

"The timetable review did result in some improvements for the Sunshine Coast.  This is commended. However, it is difficult to improve services here without compromising on the Caboolture line service.  This is additionally a problem because the Caboolture line has now assumed virtually full responsibility for serving passengers at Albion, Wooloowin, Nundah and Toombul. There is still concern with the number of rail bus services in lieu of actual rail services north of Caboolture as well. Further track amplifications will also be needed not only north of Beerburrum, but also between Caboolture and Northgate."

"The lack of a 15 minute peak frequency at Shorncliffe is disappointing.  Such a timetable could have freed the Caboolture line trains from serving Nundah and Toombul at least (3).  RAIL Back on Track has called for improved frequency to Shorncliffe too many times to list and we look forward to a full review of the Shorncliffe timetable, which may have flow on benefits for the Caboolture line particularly."

"For Ipswich to Rosewood a good point is that there are an additional two through services in the AM peak.  It is confusing as to why this was not extended to the services starting from Rosewood at 5:05am and 6:05am, with the outbound trains to Rosewood merely locking the front 3 cars and opening the rear 3 cars to avoid fouling the level crossings at Thagoona and Karrabin.  The 7:05am train may need to remain as a 3 car shuttle service."

"Many have queried that fact the large amount of extra time in the timetable is to remain. This needs to be explained."

"RAIL Back on Track has highlighted these issues previously (4,5).  It is disappointing that only a few of the limitations were addressed."

"Thirteen years between timetable rewrites suggests greater level of improvement can be achieved.  The rationale behind the final timetables for the 6th June implementation needs further explanation, and how this is positioning for the future.  Without this background it is difficult for many to understand why certain issues remain unaddressed.  The time line for further timetable upgrades for other lines needs to be spelt out as well."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/services-and-timetables/timetables/110606-ipswich-line.pdf

2. http://cityrail.info/

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5739.msg52049#msg52049

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4894.0

5. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5457.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5739.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th May 2011

Greetings,

Check out  --> http://destinationbetter.metrotrains.com.au/

Here is the information related to the changes in south east Queensland on the TransLink web site --> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/change-is-coming

Properly explaining the changes and rationale will help the change over.  The will be many upset with the bypassing of Toowong and Strathpine stations with the new express patterns for example, and increased journey times overall for many services.  Explaining the bases will help people to actually understand why, and will therefore assist everyone to accommodate change.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 11 April 2011 re-released 19 May 2011

SEQ: Final rail timetables for June 6 can be improved

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 suggests the final timetables for the Ipswich and Caboolture lines can be further improved. Feedback has been received on a number of issues and there is a need for a comprehensive public explanation of the timetable structure.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A particular disappointment raised is the 15 minute counter peak frequency to Milton, Toowong and Indooroopilly (1). Equivalent locations in other cities would see no worse than an 8 minute frequency.  North Sydney, for example, sees no worse than a 6 minute gap 6:25am-9:20am departing Central, with mostly a 3 minute service (2).  There is  only a 30 minute frequency to Ipswich, which is not supporting the employment decentralisation push."

"The timetable review did result in some improvements for the Sunshine Coast.  This is commended. However, it is difficult to improve services here without compromising on the Caboolture line service.  This is additionally a problem because the Caboolture line has now assumed virtually full responsibility for serving passengers at Albion, Wooloowin, Nundah and Toombul. There is still concern with the number of rail bus services in lieu of actual rail services north of Caboolture as well. Further track amplifications will also be needed not only north of Beerburrum, but also between Caboolture and Northgate."

"The lack of a 15 minute peak frequency at Shorncliffe is disappointing.  Such a timetable could have freed the Caboolture line trains from serving Nundah and Toombul at least (3).  RAIL Back on Track has called for improved frequency to Shorncliffe too many times to list and we look forward to a full review of the Shorncliffe timetable, which may have flow on benefits for the Caboolture line particularly."

"For Ipswich to Rosewood a good point is that there are an additional two through services in the AM peak.  It is confusing as to why this was not extended to the services starting from Rosewood at 5:05am and 6:05am, with the outbound trains to Rosewood merely locking the front 3 cars and opening the rear 3 cars to avoid fouling the level crossings at Thagoona and Karrabin.  The 7:05am train may need to remain as a 3 car shuttle service."

"Many have queried that fact the large amount of extra time in the timetable is to remain. This needs to be explained."

"RAIL Back on Track has highlighted these issues previously (4,5).  It is disappointing that only a few of the limitations were addressed."

"Thirteen years between timetable rewrites suggests greater level of improvement can be achieved.  The rationale behind the final timetables for the 6th June implementation needs further explanation, and how this is positioning for the future.  Without this background it is difficult for many to understand why certain issues remain unaddressed.  The time line for further timetable upgrades for other lines needs to be spelt out as well."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/services-and-timetables/timetables/110606-ipswich-line.pdf

2. http://cityrail.info/

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5739.msg52049#msg52049

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4894.0

5. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5457.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org