24 Oct 2007: Citytrain Cancellation Congestion Chaos Continues

[ozbob]

Media Release 24 October 2007

Brisbane: Citytrain Cancellation Congestion Chaos Continues

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail has said another bout of ?flu? has returned on the QR Citytrain system, but passengers are laughing at official excuses.

Robert Dow said:

"Travelling home tonight on the 4.40pm Ipswich service from Roma St, which was the first train following the cancelled 4.23pm Ipswich service many comments were made re the ?flu?.  In the grossly congested throng many people said that the official excuse of ?flu? for the ongoing problems with cancellation of services in peak times is nothing short of deceit.?

"Why not come clean and tell the truth to the public?  There have been many cancellations again this week already.  We wait with expectant bemusement for the shambles which will no doubt be foisted on the public tomorrow, Thursday, and then Friday.  Friday is always good for the ?flu?!"

"Years of gross mismanagement and Government neglect in ensuring adequate staff and trains are now taking its toll.  A minor problem with sick leave is now greatly magnified in terms of a failure to provide timetabled services."

"Hiding behind a wall of denial and silence just demonstrates how distant the Labor State Government has become from the community.  Translink has been written off by most commuters years ago.  Many commuters are being forced back on to the congested gridlocked roads because of the constant problems with cancellations.  The Shorncliffe line is particularly hard hit with cancellations. Bus is not an option for many, as the buses are also overloaded and unreliable."

"We again extend an invitation to the Hon. John Mickel MP, Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations to join us for a ride on the 6.44am Citytrain service from Oxley to Central Station on any weekday that may be suitable."

"The Minister will see first-hand what congestion means and get some feedback on ways to improve our public transport.  The experts have clearly failed!" 

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

Seems a truck collided with a boom gate yesterday afternoon at Woodridge.  This caused major disruptions on the GC line, with flow on to FG.  Doesn't explain the cancellations on other lines that have been occurring for weeks.

Hang on for March 2008!

[ozbob]

Here is a plan to trial.

Trains from Ipswich / Rosewood  in morning peak should run express from Darra to Roma St with stops at Corinda and Toowong.  Shuttle services should run at 10 minute intervals all stations from Darra to Central and hence via Exhibition loop all stations to Darra.  These shuttles could be 3 car units.  This would also provide a service to the Exhibition loop.  The addition of a station at Normanby would be very convenient and also help relieve pressure on the inner city buses.

In the afternoon / evening peak just reverse this.

People coming in from Stations past Darra would have a convenient congestion free trip to the CBD.  Folks on the inner stations would have a frequent service, and not have the congestion issues as of now.

Smart state?

[ozbob]

Problems at Ebbw Vale this morning, some delays on the Ipswich line.