Ipswich/Richlands Line Capacity

[#Metro]

Hi

Perhaps this is a question best dealt with by RRT_rules, Nikko, Brizcommuter or MuFreight

Just a question re: Ipswich/Richlands Line Capacity. Did the last timetable upgrade allow space for more train services in the peak/off peak to be allotted to the Ips/Rch line? If the BUM is in use (taking away GC and BNL trains from the Merivale Bridge), will this allow more slots for Richlands and Ips trains in the peak and off peak? If so, how many?

The reason why I ask is that I want to know if extra peak capacity can be put on these lines in the distant future.

[SurfRail]

The real constraint is the lack of the fourth electrified track and platform at Oxley, and the merging that has to happen around the length of the line.  Fixing the Oxley issue means the problem is isolated to Milton to Roma Street.  Not sure how that would be fixed without some form of flying junction to link the down sub to the down main without crossing over the up main, and with reconfiguration of the other tracks.  The up sub and main can split apart easily with this in place and turnouts relocated a bit.

If you have this, you basically have Ipswich trains using the mains full time and Springfield trains using the subs full time.  Still limited to about 24tph through the city though even with best case upgrades.

[ozbob]

Yes LD, there are slots for additional services.  Not enough trains and the CBD restrictions not withstanding.

[BrizCommuter]

Hi

Perhaps this is a question best dealt with by RRT_rules, Nikko, Brizcommuter or MuFreight

Just a question re: Ipswich/Richlands Line Capacity. Did the last timetable upgrade allow space for more train services in the peak/off peak to be allotted to the Ips/Rch line? If the BUM is in use (taking away GC and BNL trains from the Merivale Bridge), will this allow more slots for Richlands and Ips trains in the peak and off peak? If so, how many?

The reason why I ask is that I want to know if extra peak capacity can be put on these lines in the distant future.

There is some capacity. Trains can run every 3 mins (20tph) through the core on the "mains" - thus a Richland's or Ipswich train every 6 mins in the am peak. However, at the moment, there are quite a few spare gaps in the am peak, resulting in some 12 min gaps for each branch. Currently, there are 4 spare gaps between Roma St arrivals in the 7:30 to 8:30am period. 

In the evening, there is potential for doubling of service as both lines run every 12mins.

As mentioned by others, major peak improvements cannot occur until there are more trains, and at the moment I'm not aware that any improvements are required.

[#Metro]

Sure. Thanks for this BC.
May need extra trains for symbolic purposes rather than capacity on this line in the am if changes to a connected network go through.

[#Metro]

Meant to ask, any impact on peak capacity from the removal of the GC/BNL trains for the Merivale Bridge? Or are they on a different pair of lines?

[petey3801]

Meant to ask, any impact on peak capacity from the removal of the GC/BNL trains for the Merivale Bridge? Or are they on a different pair of lines?

No impact to the IPS/SFD lines, as they use the Mains through the City while the GC/BNH/CVN lines use the Suburban lines through the City.