28 May 2011: SEQ: Core Frequent Network - Need for SPEED on BUZ 196 and BUZ 199

[ozbob]

Media release 28 May 2011

SEQ: Core Frequent Network - Need for SPEED on BUZ 196 and BUZ 199

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 has welcomed TransLink's latest service improvements to West End - City - New Farm 196 and 199 BUZ services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to improve the public transport system in Brisbane is a targeted, selective boost of services to create a Core Frequent Network covering Brisbane with a network of selective trunk, high-capacity, high-frequency, traffic-prioritised workhorse rail, ferry and bus routes (1)."

"The speed of a service is directly related to how closely the stops are spaced (2). The BUZ 196 and 199 have excessively close stop spacing which results in a service that at times is rather slow. For example, there are three 196 bus stops within a stone's throw of each other on Browning street, a street that is only around 700 metres in length! Outside St Ita's school at Dutton park, there are two 196 bus stops within stone's throw distance."

"Some of the bus stop locations are where historical tram stops were.  Time has moved on and it is appropriate for some stop rationalisation to improve efficiency."

"Speed matters and people are willing to walk further to higher speed services. It also means a service that is cheaper to run. RAIL Back On Track suggests TransLink consider widening stop spacings on BUZ 199 and BUZ 196 so that services are faster. For example,  a stop every 500 metres or so will result in a faster service while the distance anyone will have to walk between stops will be 250 metres at the very worst (3). Of course local conditions should also be taken into account and stops should only be removed after a  community consultation process."

"RAIL Back On Track welcomes TransLink's recent upgrades to the Brisbane bus network. We look forward to seeing similar improvements to all day train frequency. Public transport must be fast and frequent!"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

References:

1. Building a Core Frequent Network
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0

Stop spacing: the endless, thankless, and essential struggle
2. http://www.humantransit.org/2010/03/stop-spacing-the-endless-thankless-and-essential-struggle.html

3. If two bus stops are spaced 500m apart, the point at which a passenger is at maximum distance from both stops
is exactly half way. So 500 divided by two = 250 m maximum walking distance. People are willing to
walk further to faster and more frequent services.