6 Aug 2012: SEQ: Exhibition services good, but why not have more trains?

[ozbob]

Media release 6 August 2012

SEQ: Exhibition services good, but why not have more trains?

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 supports the service increase for this year's Ekka as compared to last year's, but wants more trains.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Overcrowding is nothing new on Ekka rail services, even according to a Translink spokesman (1).  It is good that additional bus services are planned (2).  However, the question has to be asked, what is so hard about running additional trains, increasing to 8 per hour between the peaks?  That would only be 12 trains per hour through Roma St platform 9, a clearly achievable outcome."

"While peak hour is less easy to handle, solutions are possible to fit in Ekka services such as by starting Roma St starters at Exhibition instead and running selected Bowen Hills platform #4 terminators to Exhibition instead of Bowen Hills."

"It seems that an indirect solution is preferred.  Which is very odd."

"It is disappointing that opportunities to increase rail travel are not taken. This is a good time to use the mass capacity of rail to great effect."

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/train-ticket-queue-chaos-at-ekka-forces-translink-to-change-system/story-e6freoof-1226114983698

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/event-transport/details/721

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Dicussion thread 2012 Ekka --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8762.msg106275#msg106275