4 Jul 2011:SEQ: Bus 'empty running' reduced. Time to reduce train 'empty running

[ozbob]

Media release 4 July 2011

SEQ: Bus 'empty running' reduced.  Time to reduce train 'empty running'

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 calls for empty running services to be put in to service.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Empty running occurs when buses and trains are returned to locations such as depots and don't carry passengers. Some of these movements are necessary to maintain timetables and for positioning, but it would appear than it some situations the empty running movements could be turned into revenue services."

"Recently, TransLink claimed that bus empty running had been reduced by 600,000km per year (1).  While this improvement is welcome, RAIL Back On Track calls for more to be done to minimise rail empty running.  There is good opportunity to do this on the Ipswich line for example by introducing an express counter peak service to and from Ipswich (2)."

"Another opportunity for improvement is the establishment of train stabling at Clapham (3).  It is frustrating to see trains running out of service past scrums of intending passengers.  If there were improved counter peak services to Milton, Toowong, South Brisbane, South Bank and Park Rd, they would be very well patronised.  It is odd that numerous out of service trains run past intending passengers presumably to cover the distance more quickly."

"The 600,000km per year reduction in Brisbane Transport bus service empty running is less than 1% of the total bus service kms (4).  While there remains work to be done on the bus system, that is not a reason to ignore the train system."

"In peak hour counter-peak services must also be frequent, utilisation of some empty running services may help to achieve this and in so doing boost the fare-box."

References:

1.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-running-empty-20110608-1fs25.html

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6208.0

3.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5728.0

4.  http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2009-10-annual-report.pdf

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org