March Timetable Change

[Zoiks]

Does anyone have any details or exciting parts of this new timetable?
Is this still a major change or is it now a minor one and the major one coming at the end of the year.

Can we expect 15min offpeak on all major lines yet?
Im really proud of perth and their developing system... listen up QLD Gov and Translink!

[ozbob]

Hi Zoiks,

As far as we are aware at this time, March 2008 changes are mainly to do with increased services on the Gold Coast, with some other minor changes eg. Ferny Grove.

Major improvements are expected from September 2008.  QR Citytrain have been seeking feedback on suggestions too eg. the Meet the Managers last week was for that in the main.  We have put forward a number of suggestions over the last year or so. 

I am not sure if 15 minute frequency generally will be achieved outside the inner city this year.  Twenty minutes might be a more realistic initial target from the 30 minute.  Then further ramp up as resources expand.

Although I would love to see 15 minute frequency.

Cheers

Ozbob

[Derwan]

Can we expect 15min offpeak on all major lines yet?

We don't even have 15min peak on all lines, let alone off-peak! 

In my letter to the QR Managers, I called for 20-minute peak services for the Shorncliffe line - as this would be a significant improvement!

[mrciclismo]

I agree Zoiks, Perth has an excellent transport system having been there myself last year.  They also have a much fairer fare structure that actually gives the public an incentive to use the public transport system.  They have embraced the concept of putting rail underground and they are even looking at introducing light rail (they have a progressive Minister for Infrastructure Alannah MacTiernan).  All the while we have people coming out and saying that light rail will interfere with the traffic flow, duh.....the idea is to reduce traffic by having efficient public transport!!  Our local government candidates all talk about more buses (except for the Greens), 500 more buses!!  Buses contribute to congestion, they should only be used to feed heavy rail and light rail.

If we are really serious about making our city more liveable, then we need to invest billions over the next decade (ie. a short period of time) and build the light rail system in the higher density areas (Newstead, Teneriffe, New Farm, Bowen Hills, Herston, CBD, South Brisbane, West End, Milton, Toowong, UQ, Woolloongabba).  We need to build an underground metro around CBD to South Brisbane and Woolongabba.  This investment needs to happen in a short period of time.  We can't keep building tunnels for cars, we need to get cars off the road for trips that could be accommodated by an efficient public transport system.

This needs the collaboration of all levels of government federal, state and local.

Are you listening out there all our elected representatives???  Make the hard decisions and go down in history, leave a lasting legacy of an efficient public transport system!!!

[david]

I don't think that Ipswich Line commuters should expect much from the March 2008 timetable upgrade due to the ongoing works at Indooroopilly. It would be a planning nightmare with only two lines available for the whole line (from Roma Street to Ipswich). Unless they creatively use passing loops for express trains at Corinda and maybe Chelmer, I can't see too many changes. Maybe a couple of 3 to 6 car upgrades and one or two extra trains but nothing much. Perhaps September 2008 or maybe even next year, I expect to see major improvements in the timetable for the Ipswich Line.

[ozbob]

The announced improvements so far (Gold Coast and Ferny Grove essentially account for the resource improvements that we are aware of - trains and crew). And as these lines are nearing completion in terms of the infrastructure improvements it does seem logical that they would want to use the increased capacity the track duplication and triplications give as a priority.

Yes I don't expect any significant timetable changes on the Ipswich / Caboolture line in March too, this may be due to the building works and simply not enough resources.  This is disappointing as this line has the greatest growth and demand.  Maybe September?  I regularly travel on the 6.44am service from Oxley and it is now very heavily loaded most days (Mon to Fri).  We have consistently advanced calls for improved services on this line, particularly in view of the basket case that is Ipswich Highway.  There is much property development and new residents north of Brisbane putting a lot of pressure on the Caboolture line.  Both the Caboolture line and Ipswich have very significant freight traffic.  This is a factor too no doubt and will require some very deft timetable management in the years to come, if not further realistic track upgrades.

The problem was well demonstrated yesterday when operational issue with coal trains caused delays between Rosewood and Bundamba in the morning peak, and a few months ago with the derailment at Petrie.

Possibly some minor improvements to Ferny Grove (already announced) and Cleveland lines.

The Shorncliffe line will probably have to wait too.  We and others have made calls for increased services on this line but we might just have to wait 

[Arnz]

With the recent training on the IMU160s of late from Caboolture and Nambour crews according to railpage sources, some minor EMU > IMU rollingstock replacements for a few services may also occur on the Nambour line in March as well.  Apart from that Nambour/Gympie timetable will pretty much remain the same for March.

[Derwan]

With the recent training on the IMU160s of late from Caboolture and Nambour crews according to railpage sources, some minor EMU > IMU rollingstock replacements for a few services may also occur on the Nambour line in March as well.

Yeah I think that's how they're getting the additional EMU/SMU's to run on the Ferny Grove line. 

There were four 100 series IMU's in for servicing when we visited Mayne in January.  I'd say they took the opportunity to give them a good service while the new trains replaced them on the current timetable.

[david]

Saw this at http://www.citytrain.com.au/about/overview/meet_the_managers.asp:

...A new timetable, set for release on 31 March 2008...

This date was probably chosen to coincide with the opening of platforms 3 & 4 and closure of platforms 1 & 2 at Brunswick Street

Not too long to go...

[Derwan]

This is the bit that interested me....

This new timetable will include additional services during peak periods, as well as make way for the progressive introduction of additional trains as they are delivered.

Looks like the new timetable will allow for extra services to be added as the new trains are delivered - rather than having to wait until September for additional services.  Good idea.

[david]

Just wondering when Translink/QR plan on releasing the new March 31 timetable. Since they have not released it today, the next possible date for release is on Tuesday 25th. This would only give people 6 days notice! There will be some very confused people come March 31 (if they end up changing the timetable then).

[Mozz]

The intel thus far suggests only a couple of new services on the gold coast line and pretty much nothing else unfortunately (but am happy to be wrong on this count)

[Arnz]

From what I read, the timetable changes will mainly focus on the Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Ferny Grove lines in line with the completion of their track duplication/triplication works. 

The changes on the remainder of the lines will be minor if not minimal.

As for the extra trains needed for the Beenleigh/Ferny Grove lines in peak, iirc they are coming from the North Coast Line, with surplus IMUs being available to replace EMUs on the NCL in peak.

[ozbob]

Just wondering when Translink/QR plan on releasing the new March 31 timetable. Since they have not released it today, the next possible date for release is on Tuesday 25th. This would only give people 6 days notice! There will be some very confused people come March 31 (if they end up changing the timetable then).

Yes, that seems to be the day, this coming Tuesday the 25th March.

Cheers
Ozbob

[Derwan]

Saw a sign at Central today.  Timetables available from tomorrow.

[ozbob]

Thanks Derwan.  I just checked the Translink site (0857am), no sign of new timetables online yet either.

[ozbob]

Timetables will be handed out from tomorrow (March 26).  Ferny Grove, Beenleigh/Gold Coast and Cleveland lines will have some extra services from the 31st March 2008.

That is good news for those lines but concerns remain for the Caboolture/Ipswich line, major congestion issues and Shorncliffe lack of adequate peak services.

[ozbob]

Media Release 25 March 2008

SEQ:  RAIL Back On Track welcomes the increased QR Interurban Rail services

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the increased services on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh, Ferny Grove and Cleveland lines.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

?It is welcome news for rail commuters on the Gold Coast, Beenleigh, Ferny Grove and Cleveland lines that there will be new timetables and extra services from the 31st March.?

?RAIL Back On Track congratulates QR, the track contractors and the Queensland Government on the successful completion of track upgrades on the Beenleigh and Ferny Grove lines, and welcomes the progressive acquisition of new trains and more train crew that have the facilitated increased services.?

?It is essential to continue the upgrade momentum to all lines.  The Caboolture and Ipswich lines are suffering severe congestion problems at peak. With the increasing road congestion north of Brisbane, and as a result of the Ipswich Highway road works further pressure will be put on the rail services on these lines.?

?The Shorncliffe line still has significant gaps in the peak timetables.?

?Increased services on the Doomben line would also be very welcome.?

?Hopefully some relief for commuters on the Caboolture, Ipswich and Shorncliffe lines will be forthcoming in the next timetable changes in September.?

?Until then, rail commuters should aim to travel during early or late peak times if possible. Some discount fares to act as an incentive should be considered.?

?It is also essential that should there be occasions when it is necessary to cancel services that those lines already under great stress are the last to lose services.?

Contact:

Robert  Dow

Administration
admin@backontrack.org RAIL Back On Track
http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Timetables will be handed out by QR staff at Roma St, Central and Brunswick from tomorrow.

Timetables will be available on the web from March 31 according to the Brisbane mX.

[ozbob]

Unconfirmed.

But I have heard ...

Ferny Grove

Two additional morning peak services and one additional afternoon peak service added.
All services in both peaks worked with six car trains.


Beenleigh

One additional service provided from Beenleigh created by splitting a 6 car train into two 3 car trains.
There are now ten peak services up from nine.

Gold Coast

The introduction of a 15 minute peak service frequency. Fifteen minute services will arrive Central in the morning from 7:39am to 8:41am and  in the afternoon depart Central from 4:24pm to 5:27pm. Some other timetable changes too, with possibility of stops at Coopers Plains instead of Yeerongpilly.

Cleveland

Three car services upgraded to six car services.

------------

All this is unconfirmed at this time but would be close to the mark.

[Mozz]

From a public transport perspective the unconfirmed information provided above leaves me quite cold, not lukewarm, not hot, but cold.

I can't really be bothered to waste time researching but I suspect the new March 2008 timetable has been touted for a year or so. The last time there was any actual additional train services on the city train network was probably well before this.

Still not one additional service for the recognised most heavily congested citytrain rail line

I am now waiting for the announcement of the trials of the new super trains ala buses to appease the public transport public 

There needs to be more funding directed at better rail public transport services right now to address the coming waves which will be caused by the current deteriorating australian economic situation, petrol crashing through the $1.50 and then soon after then $2.00 barrier 

Peak rail services on the heavily congested rail lines have less than 10% ability to carry additional passengers and with yearly growth on average around 10% it does not take a math expert to work out what this means.

Trains on the Ipswich line regularly run 1000-1200 passengers where the maximum safe number, as articulated by those who actually designed the trains, is 900. Having regularly travelled on such trains I can attest that anything more than 900 passengers on a 6 car unit is dangerous and unsafe for commuters.

Seriously those people in public office (and those aspiring) need to travel regularly on the public transport of queensland to fully appreciate the issues faced by the regular commuter.

Significant funding where it is required is needed NOW!

[ozbob]

We are observing a desperate catch up game for sure Mozz. 750 passengers on a six car train is the real safe working load Mozz by the way.  You and I both have seen 1200 pax or more crammed into Ipswich line services, I have seen the same on the Caboolture line.

The Government has failed to resource QR passenger services properly for years.  The present 44 three car trains order is no where near enough. Time for another 50 now!!

I am very very concerned about the congestion problems on the Ipswich and Caboolture lines.  The timing of the Indooroopilly station upgrade, and then the Hale St Link project, compounded by Brunswick Street and then the basket case that is the Ipswich Highway upgrade is just heading for stagnation!!  Don't forget the plan is to upgrade Milton whilst the Hale St link project is underway too  .  The impacts on the Ipswich line are going to be very very significant.  The Caboolture line is under very heavy pressure, as much as Ipswich if not more.

The federal government should fund a western freight bypass line. Freight must be moved out of the CBD axis if we are to have any hope of managing the loads that QR suburban/interurban services will be required to move.  Buses will be in a state of bus lock on the busways.   The roads, forget them ...

[ozbob]

Unconfirmed.

But I have heard ...

Ferny Grove

Two additional morning peak services and one additional afternoon peak service added.
All services in both peaks worked with six car trains.


Beenleigh

One additional service provided from Beenleigh created by splitting a 6 car train into two 3 car trains.
There are now ten peak services up from nine.

Gold Coast

The introduction of a 15 minute peak service frequency. Fifteen minute services will arrive Central in the morning from 7:39am to 8:41am and  in the afternoon depart Central from 4:24pm to 5:27pm. Some other timetable changes too, with possibility of stops at Coopers Plains instead of Yeerongpilly.

Cleveland

Three car services upgraded to six car services.

------------

Picked up the new timetables this morning at Roma St.

The above is now confirmed!

[Derwan]

Minor changes for the Shorncliffe Line.  Two morning peak services are departing 3 minutes later, closing the 27-minute gap to 24 minutes.  No additional peak services as previously mentioned.

There are, however, additional late night services.

[ozbob]

Changes Ipswich line.

The 7.30am Corinda to Doomben via Tennyson is no more.
There is a Corinda to Moorooka leaving Corinda at 7.27am  Change at Moorooka to Ferny Grove service to town.

The 8.07 am Corinda to Bowen Hills now runs 8.07am Corinda to Bowen Hills via Tennyson South Brisbane.

The 8.37 am Corinda to Doomben via Tennyson is now 8.27am Corinda to BNE airport via Tennyson.

Few other minor tweaks to times.

[ozbob]

Yesterday afternoon (March 26) volunteers from QR Heritage were assisting with the distribution of the new timetables to passengers at Central station.

Well done!

Here is a photograph of the set up for handing out timetables at Central this morning (27 March 2008).



Photograph R Dow 27 March 2008

[david]

Some major changes that I have noticed with the new timetables:

1- Dwelling time increased at Roma St by 1 minute - Central dwelling time cut by 1 minute
2- Ipswich bound trains wait at Bowen Hills for 2 minutes
3- Complete rework of Beenleigh inbound off-peak timetable - trains now arrive at Central at 1 past the hour/half-hour (Beenleigh bound trains now leave Central 4 minutes earlier at 1 past the hour/half-hour)
4- Major changes to Cleveland and Gold Coast peak timetables
5- Change to Cleveland departure time at Central - 4 minutes earlier at 18 past the hour/half-hour
6- Change to Airport departure time at Central to 11 minutes past the hour/half-hour

I am very impressed with QR/Translink with regards to the improvements made on these lines. The sheer number of changes is slightly overwhelming for me. It's a shame that commuters will only have 5 days to readjust to the new times. I believe that the completion of the Brunswick St and Indooroopilly upgrades will signal more timetable changes! Cannot wait for the September changes for the Ipswich and Caboolture lines!

[ozbob]

Yes a lot of tweaks David!! 

The Translink site now has new timetables.

Click --> here!

"stay connected with TransLink - effective 31 March 2008

From Monday, 31 March 2008, QR timetables are changing.

To support the changes, some bus routes servicing train stations are changing.

Stay connected by checking the updated timetables ..."

-----------------------------------------------------------

Train timetables also available now on the QR Citytrain web site!

[brad C]

Grab a Ferny Grove timetable and peruse the PM peak trains.
It is surely the most over-serviced line on the network.
PM peak commences at 3.58, then 4.04,4.25, 4.37, 4.39,4.57(Mctn), 5.03, 5.17, 5.27, 5.31(Mctn), 5.35, 5.47, 5.57, 6.04, 6.26, 6.34, 7.14 (almost 3/4 hr gap), then 7.32.
There appears no pattern to the services but certainly a saturation of services, particularly in the latter part of the evening peak.
It will be interesting to see the congestion on the remaining single line section of this Branch with such an increase in services and no stabling yards at FG.
I sympathise with commuters on the Shorncliffe line where PM peak is a couple of services more than off peak.
With these additional services for the Ferny Grove line it will be difficult for timetablers to squeeze many more services to the other northern lines if this is their strategy for September.
A most disappointing outcome for both Caboolture and Shorncliffe commuters who have similarly struggled with over-crowded services in recent years.
Brad C

[Arnz]

Relatively minor change for Nambour/Gympie (Sunshine Coast) timetable.  Some fat added into a few services (crossings of other trains) by a few minutes, and a few EMU > IMU rollingstock changes.

The changes

*The morning Beenleigh to Nambour Express (via City) is no-more, and is replaced by the Redbank to Nambour (via City) Express.  This service leaves around 8am from Roma Street.

*ALL morning peak Nambour-City services are now operated by either the IMU or ICE
The 5:26am Nambour - Roma St service gets changed from a 3-car EMU to a 3-Car IMU.  This puts this service in line with the other morning Nambour-City peak services which are operated by 6-car ICEs or 3/6-car IMUs.

* The 12:46pm Roma St - Nambour service has been upgraded from a 3-car EMU/SMU to a 6-car EMU/SMU
* The 9:28pm Roma St- Nambour service changed from 3-car EMU to 3-Car IMU.

[david]

Found this on the QR Citytrain website
http://www.citytrain.com.au/Images/rosewood_ipswich_line_extra_tcm17-22394.pdf

Ipswich Timetable Alteration Effective 31 March 2008
Please note an additional Inbound service will run Monday to Friday from Corinda station departing at 8:05am arriving Central station at 8:28am platform 6.

Station am
Corinda 8:05
Sherwood 8:07
Graceville 8:09
Chelmer 8:11
Indooroopilly 8:13
Taringa 8:15
Toowong 8:18
Auchenflower 8:20
Milton 8:22
Roma Street 8:26
Central arrive 8:28
Central platform #6
Central depart 8:30
Brunswick St 8:32
Bowen Hills 8:34

Timetable has already been altered on Translink website: http://www.translink.com.au/qt/translin.nsf/ReferenceLookup/080331_qr_ipswich.pdf/$file/080331_qr_ipswich.pdf

[ozbob]

Thanks folks for posting the changes.    Keep them coming ..

Makes for easy review by all!

Bring on Monday!