7 Apr 2011: SEQ: New rail timetables, beginning of a new paradigm?

[ozbob]

Media release 7 April 2011

SEQ:  New rail timetables, beginning of a new paradigm?

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 said that the implementation for the new train timetables for the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Ipswich, Rosewood and Richlands lines from the 6th June is a welcome development (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"This is the first major re-structure of the train timetable for well over ten years.  It is the beginning of a complete rewrite of timetables for the entire network.  Overall there is an increase in capacity, more peak services and some off peak services increases, and simplification of express stopping patterns."

"Some journey times have been increased, but this is offset by the potential of improved reliability and more balanced passenger loading."

"With major timetable changes it is not possible to keep everyone happy.  Some outer suburban stations do have a slight reduction in frequency. Additionally more needs to be done for extending hours of operation of services, more counter peak services, and consideration for an earlier service on the Ipswich line."

"One of the most significant gains is essentially around the clock 15 minute out of peak frequency between Darra and the CBD on the Western line, and through services to and from Richlands and the CBD and connecting stations.  A failure to incorporate a bus-interchange when Indooroopilly Railway station was upgraded a couple of years ago means it is difficult for TransLink to feed Indooroopilly railway station properly with bus and capitalise on the excellent train frequency.  Instead, western bus commuters are left to languish in the congestion chaos that is Coronation Drive and associated roads. Is this integration or failure?"

"It is important that the momentum now established with the first round of timetable changes is maintained and carried on to all lines of the network.  Frequency  and reliability of services are the most important determinants in driving patronage uptake.  TransLink must ensure that bus timetables do actually provide seamless connections to new the rail services.  The new pocket rail timetables for the public would be improved if details of connecting bus services were listed for each station."

Reference:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/queensland-rail-timetable-changes

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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