31 May 2011: SEQ: Counter peak services - the weak link

[ozbob]

Media release 31st May 2011

SEQ: Counter peak services - the weak link

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 suggests that counter peak public transport services are lacking and need improvement.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Counter peak services are those that run opposite the main radial peak flows at peak times.

"On the Ipswich line passengers, can be forced to wait 14 minutes for a connecting train to Milton from the CBD stations when they change trains in the morning peak.  Many people drive to work in Milton due to this poor service and so increase traffic congestion across Brisbane.

"It is similar for Toowong, where numerous people would use rail services to connect to UQ St Lucia for example, but the poor counter peak service prevents them from doing so.  This in turn requires extra buses to run along the rail line (1) to make up for the service shortfall. Which in these circumstances is the least efficient form of public transport on a cost per passenger space per km criteria.  The bus solution is further worsened by the lack of bus priority in either direction along Coronation Drive."

Counter peak services should have no gaps greater than 8 minutes, and preferably even more frequent than that.  For comparison, similar services in Sydney from the city to North Sydney run every 3 minutes, and nearly as frequent to Bondi Junction.  A comparable interchange service in Melbourne operates every 3 minutes at Richmond for City Loop stations.

"A final point for the Ipswich line is that the counter peak services west of Darra to Ipswich only have a 30 minute frequency and users must endure an all stopping service.  There is a need for no worse than a 15 minute frequency, which should also run on a similar express pattern to the peak direction trains but with the addition of a stop at Toowong for above mentioned reasons.  The traffic congestion on the Ipswich motorway inbound in the PM peak shows that there is demand for such trips, but the rail service is not meeting the latent demand, forcing these people to drive."

"Another example is the inadequate counter peak services between Roma Street Railway Station and Park Road Railway Station. This is quite disappointing with interchange for UQ and the PA Hospital available at Park Road and also the EcoSciences Precinct situated approximately 150m from the train station.  Griffith University also has a campus in South Bank and there are other destinations around South Brisbane and South Bank, so one would think there would be a better service.  The worst gap in the timetable is from 8:31am to 8:51am from Roma St towards South Brisbane.  In the PM counter peak, there are still gaps between 16:26 and 16:43, 17:02 and 17:21, departing Park Road and some other gaps.  The services which do run are often standing room only, so it would seem intuitive that there is a need for extra services which are also likely to improve patronage on the peak direction services. The passenger experience would be improved also.  Again, the lack of a respectable train service increases the need for bus services on route 109 in particular."

"Poor counter peak service is embedded on the Northern Busway. The busway is often touted as a success but from a counter peak perspective it is an abject failure.  There have been numerous reports of obscene waiting times of up to 50 minutes (2, 3) ever since the 393 was truncated at Normanby from 19 May 2008, which coincided with King George Square Bus Station opening.  The extension of the route 66 bus 9 months later temporarily resolved this problem, but at a significantly higher operating cost than what was required.  A number of out of service buses especially from routes 331, 332 and 341 pass the 'scrums of intending passengers' or route around them.  The additional cost of putting these buses into service between Roma St and Royal Brisbane Hospital is minimal and should be implemented without delay."

"Integration of the public transport network means using all modes optimally.  It actually improves network efficiency and is a more effective use of the funds that are available, as well as driving an increased fare-box, and leading to broader economic benefits for the community such as reduced congestion costs, lessened environmental impacts and reduction in road trauma costs."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/services-and-timetables/timetables/110606-109,402,412,N412.pdf
Between 7:14am - 9:44am there is a 5 minute frequency service on the 412 leaving Adelaide St
2:58pm - 6:08pm there is a 5 minute frequency heading inbound on the 412 from Toowong

2. http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/02/inner-northern-busway-can-it-get-any.html

3. http://backontrack.org/docs/mx/mx_18sep09_p4.jpg

[ozbob]

Feedback received, thanks:

Experience shows that trains terminating in the CBD actually cause some of the congestion problems as they have to crossover the incoming peak services.

Roma Street - they have to sit and wait at a platform to crossover the incoming Ipswich trains.

At Bowen Hills, it is a little better as they have the flyover from No 2 platform or from number 4 platform they can go via the balloon. If they come from Ipswich and have to go to the flyover, they then have to crossover after leaving Fortitude Valley and so block incoming trains for number 3 platform at the Valley.

Yes they may have to use some extra crews, but if they can keep some of them moving, it allows quicker clearance from the CBD. 

[#Metro]

Would train turnbacks help placed somewhere??

[ozbob]

Exactly.  One of the reasons why crossovers between the mains between Milton and Auchenflower would be handy.  Not only for some peak turnbacks but useful for special events as well.  For example some Roma St terminators could travel through to Milton, others through to Darra and Ipswich.

[Jonno]

or even better stil. Keep the trains running all day and they may find more people using the trains. Only a small number need to be kept out of service for maintenance.

[#Metro]

Why not? Metro trains Melbourne is apparently building turnbacks so trains can do multiple runs.

Is it just me- I sometimes get the impression QR is asleep on the sofa...
Do they actually care about train frequency?

[somebody]

Why not? Metro trains Melbourne is apparently building turnbacks so trains can do multiple runs.

Is it just me- I sometimes get the impression QR is asleep on the sofa...
Do they actually care about train frequency?

Yes.

They want to keep it low in off peak times so they don't have to worry about buses for trackwork etc so much.

[Stillwater]

The target set for them is to increase the number of PT SEATS.  They obey and provide seats (Route 88).  The targets need to re reset to BUMS ON SEATS; the target for decreasing the government's subsidy PERCENTAGE of fares needs to be refocussed to a percentage INCREASE in overall fares and FARE REVENUE GAIN through increased patronage.

[mufreight]

Once again Stillwater you are right on the money. 
With Translink and the Government it is more about being seen to be doing something rather than actualy doing something.
More reason for a change not only of culture but also of those responsible for the present hot air and spin but do nothin present methology.   

[DayboroStation]

From Monday, there will be no less than 14 trains stopping at Roma Street platform #8 within a 39 minute period during the AM peak, with only 2 progressing onto the Ipswich line. Let's hope that none of the terminating trains get delayed at Roma Street, as there is bound to be a domino effect.
Perhaps Translink/QR should run some of these terminating Roma Street services as far as Corinda. This will also alleviate the congestion that will occur with passengers waiting at Roma Street for up to 15 minutes for counterpeak services on the Ipswich line.

[Golliwog]

They could be dead running to somewhere on the Ipswich line (Richlands?) so wouldn't cause delays.

[somebody]

They could be dead running to somewhere on the Ipswich line (Richlands?) so wouldn't cause delays.

There most certainly will be.  Some to Ipswich also, at least before the Redbank stabling comes on line.

Some trains, such as IMUs from Nambour would turn towards Exhibition though.

[Arnz]

Some morning peak trains from Nambour turns back at Richlands, so at least a few IMUs will still be running down the Ipswich line.

[DayboroStation]

From Monday, there will be no less than 14 trains stopping at Roma Street platform #8 within a 39 minute period during the AM peak, with only 2 progressing onto the Ipswich line. Let's hope that none of the terminating trains get delayed at Roma Street, as there is bound to be a domino effect.
Perhaps Translink/QR should run some of these terminating Roma Street services as far as Corinda. This will also alleviate the congestion that will occur with passengers waiting at Roma Street for up to 15 minutes for counterpeak services on the Ipswich line.

I have finally received some feedback from Translink regarding the issue of AM trains from Bowen Hills - Roma Street running at least 5 minutes late on a daily basis during AM peak, and the suggestion that some of the terminating Roma Street trains could convey passengers beyond Roma Street on the Ipswich line (eg Milton, Toowong etc). Their response is as follows:
"Thank customer for their feedback, this has been forwarded to the relevant department for consideration with planning and schedules pending approval and funding."
Not sure what this actually means, but hopefully some progress? We shall see.