6 Jul 2008: SEQ - Call for more rail services in early peak times

[ozbob]

Media Release 6 July 2008

SEQ:  Call for more rail services in early peak times

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has called for more early peak rail services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?Due to changing demographics there are increased passenger loadings on the longer haul lines in early peak periods. Changing work patterns and modern life styles are also contributing to wider peak demand and in particular heaver loading in the early peak periods where service frequency is not high.?

?The train timetables have not kept pace with these demographic changes and demands.  The gaps between services are too great. For example services leave Ipswich in the early morning at 4.36, 5.09, 5.41, 6.14am.  The 6.14am service is generally overloaded by Indooroopilly and inner city passengers struggle to board the train at times.  An additional service to leave Ipswich at around 5.59am is urgently needed.  In the afternoon there is too big a gap between the 4.20 and 4.37 pm services from Central to Ipswich.  The 4.37pm service is often overloaded. Another service at around 4.28pm would be very helpful.

?On the Caboolture line the gap between the 5.38 and 6.11am services is too wide. An additional service at around 5.55am is needed.  Similar gaps can be demonstrated on the Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines.?

?By broadening the peak periods of higher frequency services this will help spread the congestion loadings. It gives commuters more choices.  Linking these changes to some form of incentive ticketing using the go card, and also providing a further incentive for off peak travel by the introduction of off peak fares on the go card (1), more passengers can be accommodated, and in so doing help ease some of the environmental and road congestion burden.?

?Our bus system has a limited capacity for increased sustained peak loadings. We must continue to ramp up rail services as this is where the bulk capacity can be developed independent of the congestion on the roads, and use buses where possible as integrated feeder services to high frequency high capacity rail services.?

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1109.0

Contact:
Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Today's Queensland Times (8 July 2008 page 14)  Street talk question: Are more rail services needed between Ipswich and Brisbane during peak hours?  Has met with strong support from citizens for more services, especially peak.

Well done QT!