18 Feb 2012: SEQ: Core Frequent Network - Beenleigh Line Train Upgrade Zone

[ozbob]

Media release 18 February 2012

SEQ: Core Frequent Network - Beenleigh Line Train Upgrade Zone



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 the recent LNP policy announcement of increased train frequency - 15 minutes on the Ferny Grove line weekdays between the peaks.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members have been discussing how frequent services can be introduced in stages to the train network. A member's recent trip to Perth just confirms how backwards our rail services are in terms of speed and service frequency (1).

"On the Beenleigh line we believe that it is possible to operate services every 15 minutes, for the better part of the day to Kuraby and Beenleigh if the timetables were re-organised (2)."

"The next government should conduct a core frequency audit to see where all day frequent services (Train Upgrade Zones - TUZ) are possible on current infrastructure (i.e. possible with no new infrastructure) and stage a plan to introduce frequent services to the entire rail network (3)."

"It is a myth that we have to wait for big ticket, multi-billion dollar construction projects that take decades to deliver before we can get improvements to bus and train service frequency. There are many parts of the bus and rail network that can have more services now, very cheaply with little or no new infrastructure."

"As RAIL Back On Track has always said, services must be frequent, bottom line!"

References:

1. Back from Perth, Some thoughts: http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7686.0

2. Model timetables for 15 minute service on Beenleigh Line http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7649.msg87685#msg87685

3. SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Don't sacrifice network quality http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7573.0

Contact:

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