58 more three car sets - YES!!

[ozbob]

Official, there will be a further 58 three urban/suburban car sets additional to the 44 presently being rolled out.

Well done Queensland!

[ozbob]

This will ensure continuity of delivery of new units as rail capacity is increased. For example the Darra - Richlands - Springfield, the quadruplication from Corinda to Darra, the upgrades on the North coast line.
There will be a progressive ramp up of frequency of service on all lines hopefully.

Some additional stabling yards, and increases in maintenance capacity will have to be developed as the network expands.

Exciting times!!

[ozbob]

Media Release 3 June 2008

SEQ:  58 further three car trains very welcome!

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 congratulated the Queensland State Government on the budget announcement today of a commitment to a further 58 three car trains for the QR urban and interurban network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?It is clear that there is a massive shift under way in the major cities of Australia to public transport.  This is being driven by the relentless price rise of oil which will only continue as this commodity becomes exhausted. Rail will be critical in coping with the huge demands that will be placed on our public transport resources.?

?The announcement today of a further 58 three car trains is very welcome news, and will position QR Limited with the rolling stock capacity to introduce increased frequency on all lines of the urban and interurban network, particularly as the track capacity is increased.?

?We still need to act pro-actively in further rail network expansion. Build the railway line from Petrie to Kippa Ring whilst we still can. The line from Darra to Richlands has started, stop messing around and push it through to Springfield now rather than wait till 2015.?

?Build the present triplication/quadruplication between Darra and Corinda as a quadruplication right from the outset. The main western line needs capacity, a quadruplication project from Darra to Ipswich will give that capacity.?

?Rail ? light and heavy, is the sustainable bulk people mover.  By ramping up the QR urban and interurban system to a high capacity frequent service this will take the pressure off the radial bus network. More lateral bus routes and feeder services will complement the high frequency rail commuter services.?

?Well done Queensland!?

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[Zoiks]

So will any current QR sets be retired or will we have a much larger system?

[ozbob]

The EMUs will be around for a while yet.
Increased capacity, progressive ramp up of frequency.

Also more services on Ipswich, Caboolture, Springfield, Varsity Lakes, North Coast, as well as the other lines.

It is very clear as fuel price rises, so will the passenger loadings.

[Zoiks]

Brilliant news. Now we just need for those trains to come to us faster.

[Otto]

That is indeed good news !
However, to have a 15 minute frequency to Cleveland, the track will need to be upgraded between Manly and Cleveland to double track, or at least, track duplication at Birkdale and Ormiston stations to allow passing.

[stephenk]

This is good news, and the resulting 29 extra 6-car trains will certainly be needed!