Statement: End of Labor’s on-time charade

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

End of Labor's on-time charade

Public transport users can properly monitor the peak performance of their train network for the first time ever.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson announced the overhaul of on-time running reporting to provide actual data as part of the government's commitment to building a more reliable train network.

"To get people back on to public transport we need to improve the reliability of our train network and by providing more relevant data passengers can better monitor their individual line daily," Mr Emerson said.

"For the first time ever, the actual peak on-time running results will be published rather than the adjusted, or force majeure, figures used by Labor.

"Whether you live on the Gold Coast-Beenleigh, Ipswich-Rosewood-Richlands, Cleveland, Ferny Grove, Sunshine Coast-Caboolture, Doomben or Shorncliffe lines you'll have access to real daily peak performance details.

"This is part of our government's commitment to being open and accountable."

Even using the inflated adjusted data, peak rail reliability fell to 90 per cent in the final months under Labor – its lowest point in almost three years.

Mr Emerson said Queensland Rail had also implemented 10 of the 26 recommendations identified as part of the independent audit into rail reliability.

"One of my first tasks when coming to government was to audit the city rail network following major disruptions on February 28 and March 14 that impacted 297 services, including 124 cancellations," he said.

"This audit highlighted Labor's 'piecemeal approach' to maintaining rail assets."

Recommendations completed include reviewing signalling data links, inspection processes, staff roles and responsibilities, scheduling of rolling stock overhauls, and the frequency of warranty repairs.

All recommendations are on target to be completed by the end of 2013.

On-time running information is at http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx and the rail reliability report is available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Rail/Audit-of-SEQ-Rail-Network

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th November 2012

Don't miss the bus ...

Greetings,

Lets hope that the real bus ontime performance and reliability is actually presented too.  Being an open and accountable Government we would reasonably expect that too of course.

The present ontime data made available in the TransLink Tracker for bus is fantasy. Reliability for bus stopped being published when I queried why it was always 100% ... lol

See here for why bus ontime performance as reported is nonsense -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8060.msg94505#msg94505

How about the full  accurate ontime profiles for rail and bus, peak and off peak?  There are a lot of disruptions outside peak that also have significant impacts.

Transperth shows how it should be done -->   http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Portals/0/docs/Train%20on%20time%20running%20stats/Transperth%20trains%20on%20time%20running%20Ocober%202012.pdf

Best wishes
Robert

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

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

End of Labor's on-time charade

Public transport users can properly monitor the peak performance of their train network for the first time ever.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson announced the overhaul of on-time running reporting to provide actual data as part of the government's commitment to building a more reliable train network.

"To get people back on to public transport we need to improve the reliability of our train network and by providing more relevant data passengers can better monitor their individual line daily," Mr Emerson said.

"For the first time ever, the actual peak on-time running results will be published rather than the adjusted, or force majeure, figures used by Labor.

"Whether you live on the Gold Coast-Beenleigh, Ipswich-Rosewood-Richlands, Cleveland, Ferny Grove, Sunshine Coast-Caboolture, Doomben or Shorncliffe lines you'll have access to real daily peak performance details.

"This is part of our government's commitment to being open and accountable."

Even using the inflated adjusted data, peak rail reliability fell to 90 per cent in the final months under Labor – its lowest point in almost three years.

Mr Emerson said Queensland Rail had also implemented 10 of the 26 recommendations identified as part of the independent audit into rail reliability.

"One of my first tasks when coming to government was to audit the city rail network following major disruptions on February 28 and March 14 that impacted 297 services, including 124 cancellations," he said.

"This audit highlighted Labor's 'piecemeal approach' to maintaining rail assets."

Recommendations completed include reviewing signalling data links, inspection processes, staff roles and responsibilities, scheduling of rolling stock overhauls, and the frequency of warranty repairs.

All recommendations are on target to be completed by the end of 2013.

On-time running information is at http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx and the rail reliability report is available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Rail/Audit-of-SEQ-Rail-Network

[somebody]

Three cheers for supplying the before force-majeure statistics.

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx

Sometimes incidents beyond Queensland Rail's control may delay our services (force majeure). Such incidents may include onboard medical emergencies, security incidents, vehicles striking level crossing boom gates or severe weather activity. Because these incidents are out of Queensland Rail's control, they are not included in the contractural results. However Queensland Rail recognises delays, regardless of their cause, affect customers, and this is reflected in the customer impact figures below.

Data presented is for the morning and afternoon peak periods over the past five days.

The information provided is correct at the time of posting. However, as further information about the causes of any delay are collated the data may change, particularly to reflect differences between force majeure and non force majeure incidents.

It is reasonable to exclude the force majeure events from the contractural results.  All we need now is off peak.

[Fares_Fair]

+1

It's a very good move for transparency.
Bring on the off-peak too.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport about to be interviewed on 612 ABC Brisbane Drive with Tim Cox on this  ...

[#Metro]

It is reasonable to exclude the force majeure events from the contractural results.  All we need now is off peak.

There is no reason why both can't be presented. That said, passengers are more interested in the real world data, WITH force majure because (a) there will always be some force majure and (b) if a passenger turns up at a platform, they need to know what the liklihood of not being able to get the train is, regardless of whose fault it is.

Off peak should also be published as well - on a 30 minute train frequency, one cancellation can mean an HOUR wait.

[somebody]

That is what is happening, TT, except for the off peak.

[ozbob]

Yep both, unadjusted (=Customer Impact data columns) and adjusted (=Contractural data columns).

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx

[ozbob]

The new data format copies ok into a spread sheet, so easy to keep a copy.

[somebody]

Minister for Transport about to be interviewed on 612 ABC Brisbane Drive with Tim Cox on this  ...

Couldn't find the download on the ABC website.  Bummer.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport about to be interviewed on 612 ABC Brisbane Drive with Tim Cox on this  ...

Couldn't find the download on the ABC website.  Bummer.

Didn't make it ... there was not a great deal in the interview that has not been covered in statements.

[ozbob]

Interesting, feedback to the TransLink bus review has indicated reliability is a major concern.

...   The majority of respondents (19%) had comments relating to the reliability of services ...

Again more evidence for the fact that the published bus performance data is fantasy ....

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1346370543

SEQ Bus Network Review

Last updated: 12.42pm Thursday 15 November 2012
Help us build a better network

In July this year, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads announced a review of TransLink's South East Queensland bus network to improve service frequency, reliability and affordability.

From Monday 10 September to Sunday 23 September, we asked passengers to get involved in the review by completing a Service Review Form.
Passenger Participation Results

We received 4016 responses from passengers, relating to approximately 80 per cent of all routes operating in South East Queensland.

This feedback has been reviewed and we are continuing to work with our delivery partners to provide some suggested options. These options will soon be available on this website for passengers to review and provide further input.

In the meantime, here's a snapshot of the results:

    The majority of responses were for high frequency routes operating in Brisbane including routes 333, 222, 444, 385, 150, 330, 88, 100, 66 and 111.
    Brisbane Transport routes received the highest number of responses (2902) however local operators Mt Gravatt Bus Services, Thompson Bus Services, Veolia Transport, Logan City Bus Services and Bribie Island Coaches also received a very high response rate, indicating a good spread of comments across the network.
    The majority of respondents (19%) had comments relating to the reliability of services.
    More than 15% of respondents said frequency was important to them and 13% had comments relating to the 'span of hours' of services, for example off-peak or weekend services.  Other comments were relating to overcrowding issues, transfer connectivity, route design, timetable design and passenger environment.

We'll continue to keep you updated about the SEQ bus network review via this website and TransLink staff out on the network.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail 16th November 2012 page 20

Trains' on-time figures online

Trains' on-time figures online

FOR the first time commuters will know which train lines have the most reliable services
under on-time performance data made available online.

The statistics break down the morning and afternoon peak services and include delays
previously overlooked by Queensland Rail because they were beyound its control.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the figures were a true reflection of
on-time performance. There is a four minute compliance margin.

In the past, incidents such as medical emergencies, police activities and boom gate and
bridge strikes were not included despite having a dramatic effect on train delays.

Tuesday's performance results showed a woeful morning run for the Caboolture line
passengers, with 7.69 per cent of trains on time.

On the Shorncliffe line 50 per cent ran on time but every train on trhe Ipswich line
delivered.

Commuter advocacy group Back On Track welcomed the improved data delivery and urged for
similar transparency for bus timetables.

The data is available on the QR website.

Robyn Ironside

[Jonno]

Overlooked? Or simply Not Previouy Reported?

[DayboroStation]

Do these statistics include counterpeak (or outbound) services during peak times, or is it just peak services running into the city?

[ozbob]

Do these statistics include counterpeak (or outbound) services during peak times, or is it just peak services running into the city?

Peak services inbound for morning peak, peak services outbound for afternoon peak.

Would like to see full profile for all lines.

[DayboroStation]

Thanks for that clarification. Yes, counterpeak on the Ipswich line, especially AM, would have dragged the stats down quite considerably I would think. Virtually all the trains that run between 8-8:30 outbound on the Richlands/Ipswich line during AM peak run at least 3-4 minutes late due to congestion through the city. This is mainly due to a combination of terminating Roma Street trains that need to be cleared of passengers, as well as the high volume of passengers boarding at Roma Street onto the Richlands/Ipswich trains that only run at 15 minute intervals during this busy time.

[somebody]

Thanks for that clarification. Yes, counterpeak on the Ipswich line, especially AM, would have dragged the stats down quite considerably I would think. Virtually all the trains that run between 8-8:30 outbound on the Richlands/Ipswich line during AM peak run at least 3-4 minutes late due to congestion through the city. This is mainly due to a combination of terminating Roma Street trains that need to be cleared of passengers, as well as the high volume of passengers boarding at Roma Street onto the Richlands/Ipswich trains that only run at 15 minute intervals during this busy time.

A further argument for increased frequency counter peak on the Ipswich Line.

FMD, why is this not already present?  Why is it not receiving greater attention, or even support?

[ozbob]

FMD, why is this not already present?  Why is it not receiving greater attention, or even support?

What does FMD mean Simon, sorry don't understand that line.  We constantly raise deficiencies with counter peak. 

Nice go card queues platform one Milton west in the AM peak ...

[somebody]

F*** me dead.  Feel free to edit it out if deemed gratuitous.

Some posters have commented in the past that they run trains out of service counter peak for good reasons  And the moon is made of green cheese.

I agree that we have raised it, but we haven't gotten any traction on it.

[ozbob]

Gotcha, no worries.  I have done the counter peak thing from Roma St a few times over the last year  and it is not good.  What DayboroStation has observed is what I have noted as well.  They are generally 4 to 5 minutes late and very heavy loading through to Toowong.  I have thought that a couple of extra services could be manufactured easily from the Roma St Terminators just run them through to Sherwood and than bring them back via Tennyson either in/out of service.

[DayboroStation]

I have raised this issue with Translink in the past (re: counter peak on Richlands/Ipswich line) - they always say that they will look into the issue further, but nothing ever changes. I agree - extend a couple of the Roma Street terminators through to at least Toowong (if not further).

Regarding the Go Card issue at Milton, yes I would hate to get off there too - the queue is sometimes as long as the first carriage. Mind you, Toowong is not much better. The queues at Toowong are often back as far as the steps, making it quite dangerous and congested at times, both for passengers entering and exiting the concourse.

Of course, if they ran more counter peak trains this would not be such an issue.

[somebody]

I wouldn't loop around via Tennyson.  There is still a need to position trains to Richlands, so a tiered service in both directions in both peaks is what is needed IMO.

Although the suggestion of running via Tennyson is interesting in the sense of allowing the Richlands trains to have a stopping pattern Milton/Toowong/Indro/Sherwood all to Richlands.  That would reduce the degree that Ipswich trains stopping Milton/Toowong/Indro/Darra all to Ipswich would catch up to them, perhaps.  Not sure this would work out well in practice.

[somebody]

I'd have to say that most posters on this board (colinw being a notable exception) do not seem to think increasing the counter peak to Milton above 15 minute frequency is important.  I think this is a real shame.

[Gazza]

I'd have to say that most posters on this board (colinw being a notable exception) do not seem to think increasing the counter peak to Milton above 15 minute frequency is important.  I think this is a real shame.

Just because we haven't posted specifically on the matter doesn't give you the right to assume we don't want to see improvements.

[somebody]

I call it like I see it.

A couple of posters have stated that they do it for a (good) reason. *cough* trolls *cough*

[Jonno]

Lack of counter peak and services terminating in CBD are key contributors to non-CBD traffic congestion!

[ozbob]

For interest, peak ontime results since the change over to the new reporting ..

click --> here!

[somebody]

Used to be the Ippy that was the most unreliable line.  Now it's the Caboolture/NCL line.  Perhaps it could be level crossings?  Surely not.

[ozbob]

Used to be the Ippy that was the most unreliable line.  Now it's the Caboolture/NCL line.  Perhaps it could be level crossings?  Surely not.

There has been the 'Strathpine Signalling Issue'  which is now resolved but took a lot of work apparently to sort properly.  Complicated issues with the interlocking system and cards and stuff.

Also there was a track buckle, and the odd level crossing issue.  The poor old Sunny Coast Line is just 'waltzing' along as usual ..

Performance on the Ipswich line has been a lot better of late. Even the coalies have been largely behaving too!  Bridge strikes are always the wild card on the Ippy, as level crossings are on the Caboolture line ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

The problem at Strathpine was that they couldn't find what was causing the fault in the system (the points outside of Bald Hills to the singaling before/after Bray Park IIRC which then impacted on the singaling and how trains operated at Petrie). As a result Strathpine's level crossing went into its failsafe along with the track singaling going into its fail safe turning all the signals to red. They managed to get a temp system going but that failed the next morning just before morning peak hour.

Level crossings have always been an issue. If the boom arms aren't bent out of shape they are usually damaged and fail later on. Geebung and Bald Hills are set to go in a few years. Sunshine.... it will be there for some time. Carseldine has a proposal in place with the ULDA but no dates listed as such. MBRC wants to get rid of the Strathpine level crossing and build a connecting overpass to the south but there are a whole set of other issues with that such as the redevelopment of alot of areas and the NWTC. Lawnton will still be around for a short time but its on the cards to go once some key works in the area are done (The new bridge being built after the 2011 floods, the rail overpass at Bray Park, bus network redesign, Gympie Road mods etc).

Not related to the peak running but there has also been tresspassers in the corridor of recent. Virginia went to the extreme of installing barbed razor wire on the rail bridge there due to the risk of someone getting decapated.

[Fares_Fair]

For interest, peak ontime results since the change over to the new reporting ..

click --> here!

I am impressed and very pleased that these statistics are being released.
It's what we have been calling for for a long time now.
It's a huge win in my opinion.

Breakdowns for force majeure (non-contractual events) are shown alongside contractual (QR preventable) events.
The Government is to be applauded in this respect.

However, the Sunshine Coast line results are outstanding - for all the wrong reasons.
Needless to say it was what I expected.

Next step is to include statistics for ALL services, not just peak times. and I know RBoT have issued a MR on this point.

Still, a BIG thank you to Queensland Rail and the Government for this move into openess and transparency.   
Well done.

[Stillwater]

Agree, it is the rail equivalent of the educational NAPLAN ranking.  The state and federal governments use the NAPLAN testing to show where additional resources are required to bring the children at under-performing schools to the average (or above) of comparable schools.

It results in an efficient use of funding and resources.

Oh, that is the education system ... the same principle does not apply to an under-performing railway line.  And the one with the greatest revenue-raising potential at that.  And the one where SEQ's next growth spurt is being planned.

No siree, so shocked is our LNP government with the size of the ALP 'fiscal black hole' that it is rigid with inaction for 20 years, even when presented with the poor on-time running stats.  Ironically, among the LNP members, the biggest advocates of action for fixing the Sunshine Coast line single-track bottleneck have a personal political plan to be in the Parliament until 2031 while continuing to claim that are trying to influence the system to bring about a better railway line.  Yeah, right.

That is like someone slitting your throat while telling you they are acting in your best interests to relieve high blood pressure.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 24th November 2012 page 14

City rail users can buy tickets with confidence

[somebody]

I guess the other thing would be to show the cancellations.  Not that cancellations are rampant as they are in Vic.

[ozbob]

I guess the other thing would be to show the cancellations.  Not that cancellations are rampant as they are in Vic.

Good point, we do get that summary in the Tracker for rail, but not bus, but a daily count of cancellations would be nice I agree ..