5 Nov 2011: SEQ: Richlands service neither Thornlie or Cronulla class

[ozbob]

Media release 5 November 2011

SEQ: Richlands service neither Thornlie or Cronulla class

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 a 15 minute frequency rail service to Richlands station.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Anecdotal evidence is that Richlands station is well patronised even outside peak.  Similarly, it has several bus connections.  Richlands station is 20.1km from Central.  The single station branch to Thornlie station in Perth can receive a 15 minute frequency service in the daytimes (1) 17km from the city, and similarly the six station branch to Cronulla in Sydney 34.8km from the city can sustain a 4 per hour service until the evening (2).

"In Perth, Armadale trains are able to run limited stops as the all stopping service is provided by the Thornlie trains.  This helps to make the Armadale service fast and therefore more attractive to prospective passengers.  Similarly, the handful of bus connections at Thornlie station receive a better connecting train service."

"It is unclear why Richlands needs to have a second best service, also requiring Ipswich services to stop at all stations outside of the peak direction services.  There is no freight on the Richlands line, and there was a massive track amplification project which allows freight to be moved more easily between Darra and Corinda so the additional passenger services which would need to traverse this section should be able to be done easily enough."

"Expresslink promised an express service to Ipswich until 9pm and Urbanlink promised a 15 minute frequency service on the Richlands/Springfield line.  There is no excuse as to why these services could not be introduced before the next election."

References:

1. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?TabName=Train%20Timetables

2. http://cityrail.info/timetables/

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org