Article: Coffee vendors to set up at Brisbane train stations

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Coffee vendors to set up at Brisbane train stations

Coffee carts could soon be popping up at southeast Queensland train stations, but commuters will have to drink fast because hot beverages will not be allowed on public transport.

QR is seeking tenders for coffee cart operators keen to provide a morning caffeine hit to commuters at 39 stations in Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich.

However, it will not bend its food or drink ban in carriages.

''To ensure we provide our customers with a clean, tidy and safe environment, we currently have rules in place which prevent commuters from consuming food or drink onboard our trains,'' a QR spokeswoman said.

She said QR had received a number of complaints from commuters dobbing in fellow passengers for eating or drinking on trains.

''While we haven't received any feedback requesting to change this rule, we're keen to hear any thoughts our customers may have on this topic,'' she said.

The tender has called for ''coffee solutions'' in the form of coffee carts, coffee vans or coffee kiosks.

Contractors or licensees may apply to operate at a single station or a number of stations.

QR has also asked potential vendors to consider cashless options and how they might allow customers to pre-order their coffee.

Vendors will be allowed to sell coffee, tea, cold drinks, reusable ''keep cups'', mugs and coffee beans, as well as a ''range of breakfast options''.

The coffee will be sold outside the fare gates at the majority of stations, but there is scope for vendors to set up shop on the concourse at Roma Street station.

''The minimum hours of operation are expected to be between 6.30am to 9.30am, Monday to Friday,'' QR said.

The 39 stations available for tender include:

Albion, Boondall, Bowen Hills, Beenleigh, Carseldine, Central, Cleveland, Coomera, Coorparoo, Corinda, Darra, Dinmore, Doomben, Eagle Junction, Enoggera, Goodna, Indooroopilly, Landsborough, Lawnton, Loganlea, Manly, Mitchelton, Morningside, Nambour, Northgate, Nundah, Oxley, Park Road, Roma Street, Sandgate, South Brisbane, Sunnybank, Toombul, Varsity Lakes, Wacol, Wilston, Windsor, Wooloowin, and Wynnum Central.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/coffee-vendors-to-set-up-at-brisbane-train-stations-20140408-36b1u.html

[ozbob]

A coffee cart at Goodna rail?  I would like to see that ..   

[aldonius]

Central & Roma St but no Ferny Grove?

I suppose there's at least some sense to FG - in peak most have timed their commute to arrive, walk through station, get on train less than 4 minutes prior to departure. And of course there's no 'wait on the platform' stage.

Central & Roma St is just braindead; the stations are full of food/beverage concessions as it is.

[SurfRail]

Coomera has a kiosk already, I'm sure the tenant will be happy...

Varsity is sensible, there is nothing else there at present, or within a comfortable walking distance.

[Cam]

It seems that QR doesn't think that those commuting on the Beenleigh Line drink coffee. Sunnybank & Loganlea are the only stations for tender between Beenleigh & Park Road.

If buses feed stations along the Beenleigh Line rather than running all the way to the city, there would be a massive demand for coffee at Altandi. There is plenty of standing room on the Gold Coast services with the new timetable.

[dancingmongoose]

Does anyone actually follow the no food and drink rules?

[Stillwater]

The kiosk at Caboolture makes a good cup of coffee and has good pies etc.  Commuters make good use of it, including those waiting for Tilt Train and Sunlander services.

[Derwan]

I've heard of bus drivers enforcing the "no food or drinks" rule - which is one reason why I wouldn't consider grabbing a coffee at Roma St (or South Bank) before the bus leg of my journey.

People might not obey the rule on the trains - but will having kiosks at 39 station test the rule?  Will there be complaints by commuters?  Will guards and transit officers be obliged to enforce the rule?

If I were looking at submitting a tender, I'd think twice while the rule is still in place.

[ozbob]

Both Melbourne and Sydney trains allow passengers to eat and drink on board (no alcohol of course). 

Buses no.

http://www.transportnsw.info/en/travelling-with-us/eat-drink-smoke-rules.page

Transperth no  --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/TicketsandFares/Infringements/Prohibiteditems.aspx

Adelaide no --> http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/Using-Adelaide-Metro/Safety-Behaviour

Maybe it is time, in line with this coffee push to allow beverages (non alcoholic) on board trains in SEQ, with the same conditions as Sydney, you take your rubbish off the train and place in a suitable bin.

[Arnz]

Just to add, there is already a coffee van outside Landsborough rail each weekday morning. 

He is usually parked opposite the station building around the park area, and has a council permit.  Not to mention the 2 bakeries nearby also sell coffee. I would hope for the vendor's sake he'd (assumably) apply for the QR permit (so to move closer outside the entrance or onto the platform).

[James]

I've heard of bus drivers enforcing the "no food or drinks" rule - which is one reason why I wouldn't consider grabbing a coffee at Roma St (or South Bank) before the bus leg of my journey.

People might not obey the rule on the trains - but will having kiosks at 39 station test the rule?  Will there be complaints by commuters?  Will guards and transit officers be obliged to enforce the rule?

If I were looking at submitting a tender, I'd think twice while the rule is still in place.

People already do not obey the rules on trains. I have seen many people eating, drinking (water, non-alcoholic and alcoholic), spitting and in one case, someone washing their hair (without a source of flowing water, mind you) on the train.

I personally think the ban is excessive. People can still litter on trains even without food stuffs. On longer distance trips, I do think it is unreasonable to expect one not to eat or drink (especially ones from Varsity Lakes/Landsbourough and beyond). Buses I can understand due to it being in their nature to break suddenly, go up steep hills and so forth and hence, cause things to spill. Trains just don't face those extremes.

[BrizCommuter]

Better have toilets on trains that serve passengers from stations that sell diuretic drinks!

[aldonius]

If you look, the sign clearly shows a burger and shake. The rules are clear: no Maccas' on the trains, everything else is fair game 

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 10th April 2014 page 5

Get your coffee to go

[ozbob]

Just as a sidenote,  embarrassing that pax loadings are 2012 figures.

Come clean with the real data! --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10641.0

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Train station coffee carts a great idea, except...

[Old Northern Road]

Surely the most obvious stations to get this would be Petrie and Ferny Grove yet they are not mentioned. Also Roma St and Central already have coffee places.

[ozbob]

V/Line are quite enlightened ..

https://www.vline.com.au/journey/onboard/foodanddrinks.html

Bring your own
You're welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but please be mindful of other passengers and:

    avoid strong smelling food;
    ensure drinks are in suitable containers to minimise risk of spillage, preferably with a screw top lid;
    ensure children are supervised when eating/drinking and avoid milk drinks which cause bad smells if spilled

Note: hot food and drinks are not permitted on buses.

[p858snake]

Surely the most obvious stations to get this would be Petrie and Ferny Grove yet they are not mentioned. Also Roma St and Central already have coffee places.

Ferny does have a kiosk area, and it has finally seen some action in there (paint cans removed, phone krone block terminator install, exterior GPO installed) but no idea what is going in there? Coffee? The old newsagent?

Enoggera did also have a space for what did appear to be a newsagent but was closed for manny years but was turned into a unisex bathrooms last year or so.

[SteelPan]

Looking to GC/Sunshine Coast Units/Next Gen Trains - this what we could seriously do

http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/on-the-train/rail-catering/starbucks.html?WT.ac=hometeaser_Starbucks_takes_to_the_rails._pos3

[achiruel]

V/Line are quite enlightened ..

V/Line is long distance though right? Not Metro services.

[ozbob]

You can eat and drink on Metro Melbourne (suburban) as well.  Pets also permitted.

Yes V/Line is the inter-urban, country passenger services. 

[achiruel]

You can eat and drink on Metro Melbourne (suburban) as well.  Pets also permitted.

I hope the animals (unless assistance dogs or similar) are required to be kept in a crate!

[ozbob]

^ http://ptv.vic.gov.au/getting-around/luggage-bikes-and-animals/animals-on-public-transport/

Animals can travel subject to the following conditions:
Metropolitan services

Dogs on leads are permitted on metropolitan trains, but only if they are muzzled.

It is strongly advised that passengers with dogs do not travel during weekdays between 7am and 9am and between 4pm and 6pm.

Dogs are not allowed on seats, are not allowed to block doorways or gangways and must be controlled by their owner at all times.

Owners must clean up any mess created by their dogs.

Small animals can travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses, but they must be in a suitable container.
V/Line services

Small animals, including cats and dogs, are allowed on V/Line trains.

The following conditions apply:

    Small animals must be carried in an approved animal container that is suitable for cats and small dogs, within the size specifications (56cm long / 30cm wide / 38cm high) and a maximum weight of 15kg (including pet).
    Small animals must be able to stand up straight, lie down without being cramped and turn around within the approved container.
    Only one approved container is allowed per adult ticket.
    Small animals in approved animal containers can be carried on Loco-Hauled services (in the luggage van), VLocity fleet (inside the passenger cabin, in the designated bike/luggage storage area) and Sprinters (inside the passenger cabin, in the designated luggage storage area).
    Owners must clean up any mess created by their animal.
    Owners are advised to travel outside peak times.
    Dangerous dogs are not permitted to travel on V/Line services.
    V/Line conductors will determine whether there is enough space for small animals.

Animals are not permitted on V/Line bus services (including rail replacement bus services) with the exception of guide dogs and assistance animals.

I grew up in Melbourne and dogs on trains was just a part of life.  I still see the odd dog on trains when I visit Melbourne.

Everything and anything is just too hard in Queensland ... 

[ozbob]

[Mozz]

I think I know what the three dedicated coffee shops - zaraffas, coffee on cook and black milk - all within 70metres of the Oxley train station are going to think about this latest proposal ...    ... ok feeling mischievous .. maybe they could setup on the spanking new platform 3 and greet the commuters who get dropped off in the kiss and ride zone so they can then sip their coffee while waiting for the train to arrive.... except the kiss and ride zone got deleted as did parking outside of platform 3..... and spanking new platform 3 isn't used for peak commuting times ... so it sits there unloved.... and unused.. with the PIDS wantonly displaying train arrivals and departures..... without anyone to appreciate.. ..until outside of peak....

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 10th April 2014 page 5

Get your coffee to go

Article online here! --> To go, or not to go ... that is QR coffee