23 Feb 2011: SEQ: Doomben Line upgrade required

[ozbob]

Media release 23 February 2011

SEQ:  Doomben Line upgrade required

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org), a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers, again calls for the Doomben Line to be upgraded such that it can provide a 15 minute service frequency (1, 2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Having a train line which ends less than 10km from the CBD being unable to provide a peak direction 15 minute frequency service is something of an embarrassment.  RAIL Back on Track suggests that a minor upgrade including the duplication of the section from Ascot to Doomben and returning the second platform to Ascot into service would be sufficient to have an all day 15 minute frequency without preventing freight from also accessing the line.  This could be done on a modest budget and would also not require a precision cross such as still occurs on the Cleveland line single track.  Another reason is that the current system presents timetabling constraints in peak hour, and the service provided is only moderately useful.  Far better to have a more useful service which can absorb some of the patronage of Albion, Wooloowin and Eagle Junction station."

"While full duplication would improve reliability and remove timetabling constraints, the proposed investment could be done without risking a stranded investment in the future if full duplication is proceeded with."

"Also the current practice of every second Cleveland line train terminating at Bowen Hills seems a waste of time and all of these could run through to Doomben.  Doomben station already has a run around track which any freight trains could use, so freight isn't really a reason not to do this."

"One of the major transport policy failings in south-east Queensland is a failure to properly utilise the assets and the investment all ready made.  Time get transport policy back on track!"

References:

1. 29 Dec 2010: SEQ: "Car rapid transit" is NOT the only option for Kingsford Smith   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5166.0

2. 16 Nov 2010: SEQ: The next station ... is North Shore   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4857.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4852.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th February 2011

Greetings,

Looks like the Clem 7 road tunnel is is trouble according to media reports today.  I have enjoyed my rides in the 77 bus though :-)

Why are we not using the transport infrastructure we all ready have?   The Doomben line is a ready made solution as an alternate to Kingsford Smith Drive extensions in the Brisbane River for example (not now a serious option considering the 2011 floods, seems the so called planners forgot about the 1974 floods as well).  The Doomben line with an extension into Hamilton North Shore is a sustainable transport solution for the future.

Oil prices are surging folks.  Time to get a grip.  Rail tunnels not road tunnels is what is needed.  Time is running out ...

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Media release 23 February 2011

SEQ:  Doomben Line upgrade required
 
RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org), a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers, again calls for the Doomben Line to be upgraded such that it can provide a 15 minute service frequency (1, 2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Having a train line which ends less than 10km from the CBD being unable to provide a peak direction 15 minute frequency service is something of an embarrassment.  RAIL Back on Track suggests that a minor upgrade including the duplication of the section from Ascot to Doomben and returning the second platform to Ascot into service would be sufficient to have an all day 15 minute frequency without preventing freight from also accessing the line.  This could be done on a modest budget and would also not require a precision cross such as still occurs on the Cleveland line single track.  Another reason is that the current system presents timetabling constraints in peak hour, and the service provided is only moderately useful.  Far better to have a more useful service which can absorb some of the patronage of Albion, Wooloowin and Eagle Junction station."

"While full duplication would improve reliability and remove timetabling constraints, the proposed investment could be done without risking a stranded investment in the future if full duplication is proceeded with."

"Also the current practice of every second Cleveland line train terminating at Bowen Hills seems a waste of time and all of these could run through to Doomben.  Doomben station already has a run around track which any freight trains could use, so freight isn't really a reason not to do this."

"One of the major transport policy failings in south-east Queensland is a failure to properly utilise the assets and the investment all ready made.  Time get transport policy back on track!"

References:

1. 29 Dec 2010: SEQ: "Car rapid transit" is NOT the only option for Kingsford Smith   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5166.0

2. 16 Nov 2010: SEQ: The next station ... is North Shore   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4857.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org