Article: Passengers stranded by full buses

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Passengers stranded by full buses

Passengers stranded by full buses
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

September 14, 2009 12:00am

MORE than 2380 buses were too full to pick up passengers in Brisbane last month, with overcrowding problems nearly doubling over the past two months.

Figures released by Brisbane City Council showed last month, more than 595 Brisbane City Council buses each week left waiting passengers by the side of the road because they were too full to take on more commuters.

The overcrowding issues have almost doubled since June this year, when 1259 buses reported that they were too packed to pick up passengers.

Last month most commuters were forced to wait up to 20 minutes for another ride, with 76 per cent of full loads recorded on the city's express or frequent routes.

Public and Active Transport chairwoman Jane Prentice attributed the overcrowding issues to the increasing popularity of buses.

"Buses never used to be that attractive for commuters, but since Campbell Newman was elected Lord Mayor in 2004, buses were a very attractive option for commuters," she said.

She said Council was determined to meet the growing popularity of the city's buses.

"The Lord Mayor has made a record investment that has meant more comfortable and reliable buses for commuters, making them the preferred mode of public transport in Brisbane."

But she said last financial year a record 72.5 million passenger trips were made on Brisbane Transport's buses, up from 67.6 million the previous year.

August was the worst month for overcrowded buses since March this year, when 3295 buses reported being too full.

[stephenk]

No surprise on this article.

Tonight I has to use the Northern Busway again from RCH Herston to King George Square just after 4pm. The first bus, a 330 passed through RCH Herston full. The second bus, a 333 only had limited space, and left many passengers behind including myself. The third bus managed to pick up all remaining passengers (but only just).

Another passenger told me that either Translink or BCC don't have enough funds to extend the 66 to RBWH. Absolute disgrace!

[#Metro]

  I have a joke: Guess where the funds went? Down a tunnel! 

[somebody]

No surprise on this article.

Tonight I has to use the Northern Busway again from RCH Herston to King George Square just after 4pm. The first bus, a 330 passed through RCH Herston full. The second bus, a 333 only had limited space, and left many passengers behind including myself. The third bus managed to pick up all remaining passengers (but only just).

Another passenger told me that either Translink or BCC don't have enough funds to extend the 66 to RBWH. Absolute disgrace!

But you would only have waited 10 mins or so then.

The stupid part is running empty buses more or less past waiting passengers so consistently.  If you stopped doing that, you probably could REDUCE the frequency of the 66 and save money.

[#Metro]

AM: When passengers get off at the city, the UQ kids jump on.
PM: When the UQ kids jump off at the city, the city people jump on.

It makes perfect sense. Less transporting air, more efficiency, better use.
66 + 109 why don't they just get it?

PT to the MAX!!

[somebody]

AM: When passengers get off at the city, the UQ kids jump on.
PM: When the UQ kids jump off at the city, the city people jump on.

It makes perfect sense. Less transporting air, more efficiency, better use.
66 + 109 why don't they just get it?

PT to the MAX!!

If the trips to Woollongabba are replaced by extension of existing services which are now terminating at the Cultural Centre, you would only be saving the part between the Cultural Centre & Adelaide St for the 109.  But you would achieve:
(1) Reduction in congestion at the Cultural Centre
(2) A better City stop location for the 109
(3) Connecting the 109 to Roma St station, if that is an advantage.

In reality, while you could replace some of the lost service to Woollongabba, you wouldn't replace it all, so you are saving some of the costs.

I'm not sure why the planners don't get this and several other things either.  Perhaps they do, but they aren't allowed to put these ideas into practice.

[dwb]

I squeezed on to a 385 again this morning, standing well into the red zone where passengers aren't meant to stand. I was the last passenger at the stop and the driver moved off. "Bus full" was not reported because the bus driver did not actually leave any visible passengers behind. I asked the driver and was informed this is proceedure - only report if passengers are on curb, not if bus is overfull. This happens to 2/3 of every bus at this particular stop every morning and often in the afternoons as well. Yet none of these buses are reported as full. So therefore Council doesn't seem to actually know which routes need upgrading the most, nor do they understand where their fascination with the outer suburbs actually denies inner suburbs passengers any service. I recently wrote to Council and TTA about this route and was informed more or less that I should count myself lucky having such a frequent bus service.  Problem is, I don't feel all that privileged watching full buses that you can't get on go past? How many passengers are sick of tired at waiting for three buses to pass full so actually just stick with their cars? I have no problem standing, especially for short rides, so why don't they have some short haul inner city buses with three doors, very little seats that run on the through the city by combining the inner 3km portion of all the city's buz routes? The services would make heaps of money, reduce congestion, improve outer suburbs services and support the development of the inner city!!

[somebody]

I squeezed on to a 385 again this morning, standing well into the red zone where passengers aren't meant to stand. I was the last passenger at the stop and the driver moved off. "Bus full" was not reported because the bus driver did not actually leave any visible passengers behind. I asked the driver and was informed this is proceedure - only report if passengers are on curb, not if bus is overfull. This happens to 2/3 of every bus at this particular stop every morning and often in the afternoons as well. Yet none of these buses are reported as full. So therefore Council doesn't seem to actually know which routes need upgrading the most, nor do they understand where their fascination with the outer suburbs actually denies inner suburbs passengers any service. I recently wrote to Council and TTA about this route and was informed more or less that I should count myself lucky having such a frequent bus service.  Problem is, I don't feel all that privileged watching full buses that you can't get on go past? How many passengers are sick of tired at waiting for three buses to pass full so actually just stick with their cars? I have no problem standing, especially for short rides, so why don't they have some short haul inner city buses with three doors, very little seats that run on the through the city by combining the inner 3km portion of all the city's buz routes? The services would make heaps of money, reduce congestion, improve outer suburbs services and support the development of the inner city!!

Services to The Gap are wierd.  There's the 380/381/385 full time runs, which add up to 8/hour.  I would have thought that most people would rather abolish the 380 & 381 and up the frequency of the 385 to 6/hour.  The 380 & 381 are unusual in Brisbane in that they actually co-ordinate with each other (i.e. when they are each coming half hourly they combine to give a 15 minute frequency), but I'm not sure why they exist except to service Musgrave Rd/Waterworks Rd east of Coopers Camp Rd.  Yet they extend all the way to The Gap, but come from a different location in the CBD. 

And wouldn't the transit lane be more useful if it followed Coopers Camp Rd like most of the buses do?

[beauyboy]

Lets face facts BT & translink are doing stupid things.
RBWH is the best example both the
393 - could be extended to Roma St of KGBS and would easily carry a full load in afternoon peak into the city instead of running almost completely empty
66 - could be extended to RBWH with there being that roundabout at the RBWH to turn the bus.

My main aim would be to get the 393 extended as this service is losing the most money with the greatest gains to be made if it was extended.

Donald

[dwb]

And wouldn't the transit lane be more useful if it followed Coopers Camp Rd like most of the buses do?
Services to The Gap are weird

- You said it!! Totally agree, not to even mention the 382/3/4 which all have different variations at both ends of the routes... as are many of the Ashgrove routes.

I strongly believe routes need to be simplified... just this morning on the service I was just mentioning I overheard the girl whose 'space' I was standing in say to one woman who was trying to get off the 385 at a non serviced stop that she'd caught the 375 for 6 months all the while able to catch the 385 cos she was asking people waiting at the stop if the 385 stopped in Adelaide St... to which people replied 'no', rather than 'no it stops under Adelaide st'!

Still BT and TTA seem absolutely unable to "listen" to their customers who keep telling them simple things like this.  I was recently told there was no desire to review the 374 as it acted as a 375 overflow.... which may have been the case several years ago when it was introduced, but it isn't anymore now that the 385 services Paddington... in reality for most passengers in Paddington their main service is the 385 with the 375 as an overflow, and the 374 as nothing - it just goes by empty... albeit only 7-8 times in the morning and 7-8 times in the afternoon.

What transit lane are you talking about? I'd like one on Given/Caxton, and certainly Musgrave makes sense too (and was part of WBTNI - http://wbtni.net.au/index.php?mod=Dynamic&id=68)

In relation to 393, 66, 109 etc, well obviously this is a pain in the &* and is presumably only due to politics... so I recommend agitation as the only action that might achieve something....

[somebody]

What transit lane are you talking about? I'd like one on Given/Caxton, and certainly Musgrave makes sense too (and was part of WBTNI - http://wbtni.net.au/index.php?mod=Dynamic&id=68)

I'm talking about the transit lane (T2) which runs along Waterworks Rd from Enoggera Tce to somewhere in The Gap.  Or is it not there anymore?

66 - could be extended to RBWH with there being that roundabout at the RBWH to turn the bus.

Is that how the 66 turns around now?  Or is there a closer way of doing it.

Still BT and TTA seem absolutely unable to "listen" to their customers who keep telling them simple things like this.  I was recently told there was no desire to review the 374 as it acted as a 375 overflow.... which may have been the case several years ago when it was introduced, but it isn't anymore now that the 385 services Paddington... in reality for most passengers in Paddington their main service is the 385 with the 375 as an overflow, and the 374 as nothing - it just goes by empty... albeit only 7-8 times in the morning and 7-8 times in the afternoon.

Lets face facts BT & translink are doing stupid things.

Exactly right.  There's no politically correct way of saying it, but they are startlingly inept.  I'm not really sure how to lobby them to become competent.  You'd just sound like a whinger.

I complained a year or so ago about the N464 not picking up on Milton Rd, and they as much as said: "That's they way it is, I can't defend it, but tough titties"

With the Paddington services, a lot of the problem is caused by them putting all the BUZ services in the KGSBS, and no others except for the 330 & 340.  All the Caxton St services (374, 375, 377, 378, 385, probably 382 & 383) should be coming from the same stop.  Otherwise everyone's going to just go to the stop with the most frequent service.  That would be what's crowding the 385, I expect.

I personally aren't fussed about the 393.  It's a drop in the ocean.

[stephenk]

No surprise on this article.

Tonight I has to use the Northern Busway again from RCH Herston to King George Square just after 4pm. The first bus, a 330 passed through RCH Herston full. The second bus, a 333 only had limited space, and left many passengers behind including myself. The third bus managed to pick up all remaining passengers (but only just).

Another passenger told me that either Translink or BCC don't have enough funds to extend the 66 to RBWH. Absolute disgrace!

But you would only have waited 10 mins or so then.  It's a bit of an exaggeration to call that a disgrace.

The stupid part is running empty buses more or less past waiting passengers so consistently.  If you stopped doing that, you probably could REDUCE the frequency of the 66 and save money.

I waited 21 minutes on this occasion. The average waiting time at this time of day theoretically should be 5mins.

I'm not exaggerating when I call the situation a disgrace. I actually find your comment offensive. Maybe you should work at the RCH and have to catch the busway daily? Thankfully I only have to catch it occasionally!

The overcrowding situation on the Northern Busway is a disgrace because:
1) This has been happening for over a year, and despite many complaints (which Translink admit), Translink have done nothing.
2) Despite the overcrowding, the bus service was not increased when the RBWH busway station opened which was expected to increase patronage. Spend millions on building the busway, but not increase the service - doh!
3) Passengers have been known to have to wait up to 50mins to board a bus on numerous occasions inbound in the pm peak, despite buses timetabled at least every 10mins.
4) It is forcing passengers off public transport, and making public transport unattractive.
5) It is making some public transport users to travel by alternative and less convenient routes.
6) Due to the RBWH's poor parking situation, improving the busway could have converted some drivers to public transport, but it hasn't.

[#Metro]

Services to The Gap are wierd.  There's the 380/381/385 full time runs, which add up to 8/hour.

Sometimes I wonder.
Why have three numbers when you can have one? When the only difference is a few meters at the end or the start of the trip?
Why have different routes when the difference is so tiny?

Are there any Rockets to Chermside? These could pick up at all busway stops and then run non-stop there. Might reduce overcrowding.

When a bus gets too full, the effective frequency drops. People get annoyed because they have to wait longer than they expected.

[#Metro]

The Mass Transit Report (BCC) only looked into inner city areas. Hence the three recommendations:
1. Hamilton-W'Gabba line
2. Newstead-W/End line
3. Inner City orbital service

But what did is say about the busways?

Introduce high-frequency services with a far-side terminus along the busways using
distinctive high capacity vehicles. These should be easily distinguished from other
services using the busway to increase the legibility of these line-haul services. In the
short term, high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit vehicles should be introduced.

In the long term a higher capacity vehicle may need to be implemented on the busways
to achieve the capacity required to service demand. The high-capacity vehicle
technology should be chosen based on the service capacity and performance
requirements and light rail options may be worthy of reconsideration subject to available
funding and a review of the impacts of commissioning and operating the system.

Allow all-door boarding with no on-board ticket sales or validation by the operator to
decrease dwell time at stops, and increase station capacity and journey speed.

I've heard that there will be some megabus down the busway. What is happening with that?
I think we need to look at LRT options. Hopefully one can take their bicycles into the vehicle and take them to the city.
Paper and goCard ticketing at busway stations should be left to vending machines. There should be automatic fare gates.

It's going to be slow. 

[somebody]

I'm not exaggerating when I call the situation a disgrace. I actually find your comment offensive.

Now, now.  I thought you meant it was a disgrace to only get on the third bus which came by.  Of course, it's still a bit annoying.

21 minutes just after 4pm and only 3 buses means that they aren't running to time.  Should be a 333 every 10 mins, 330 every 30 mins and a 340 every 20mins.  Translink/BCC are good at scheduling buses to arrive at the same time but even then you should have at least 2 333s and a 340 before the bus you got on.

Allow all-door boarding with no on-board ticket sales or validation by the operator to
decrease dwell time at stops, and increase station capacity and journey speed.

[/quote]
I understand that to allow no on-board validation would require a significant software change.

[WTN]

Allow all-door boarding with no on-board ticket sales or validation by the operator to
decrease dwell time at stops, and increase station capacity and journey speed.

So how is this going to work?  Fare gates at bus stations and touchpads at other stops, like train stations?  Or touchpads on each bus entrance?

[O_128]

Allow all-door boarding with no on-board ticket sales or validation by the operator to
decrease dwell time at stops, and increase station capacity and journey speed.

So how is this going to work?  Fare gates at bus stations and touchpads at other stops, like train stations?  Or touchpads on each bus entrance?

would work busway station are similar to a train. just make busway buses prepaid/pre touch

[#Metro]

1. Just like a train station. Touch on to open the gate, touch off to exit. The trick is to make the readers on the actual bus unresponsive/not deduct cash when pulling up at a gated busway station. Given all the GoCard reader breakdowns, this shouldn't be to hard to arrange!

or

2. Have people touch on to open the fare gate, but don't actually charge them anything to open it. No software change required.


Bus drivers would sell daily tickets at all other non-busway stops. Translink could remotely leave gates open if the ticket machine failed.

GoCards are pieces of plastic. Plastic is cheap. Why do you have to pay $5-10 and get all these excess instructions/paper/forms just to use it? Buying chocolate cookies from the vend machine at busway stops is easier than getting GoCard...

Other buses (137) are pre-paid. Though they do speed things up, I would only be for pre-paid at major stations. People are disorganised things, the last thing they want is to have small change and be late for the bus and then realise that they have to make a trip to the newsagent first before they can catch it.

[ozbob]

18th September 2009

Sent to the Minister and all contacts

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

Greetings,

There are major problems on the INB.  Patrons are unable to board buses in a timely manner.  Our members have reported many instances of long waits.

As one of our members has commented;

The overcrowding situation on the Northern Busway is a disgrace because:
1) This has been happening for over a year, and despite many complaints (which Translink admit), Translink have done nothing.
2) Despite the overcrowding, the bus service was not increased when the RBWH busway station opened which was expected to increase patronage. Spend millions on building the busway, but not increase the service - doh!
3) Passengers have been known to have to wait up to 50mins to board a bus on numerous occasions inbound in the pm peak, despite buses timetabled at least every 10mins.
4) It is forcing passengers off public transport, and making public transport unattractive.
5) It is making some public transport users to travel by alternative and less convenient routes.
> 6) Due to the RBWH's poor parking situation, improving the busway could have converted some drivers to public transport, but it hasn't.

http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2739.msg13928#msg13928

We have suggested some obvious solutions to the problems.  Increase frequency of the 66 extend to RBWH  and introduce a new route based on a combined 109 and 66.  Extend the 393 into Roma St.
See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2709.0

Why are we not utilising the massive investment in busways properly?   What on earth is going on?

Commuters have reached breaking point.
If TransLink is unable to manage our public transport please shift control back to the operators so that we can move forwards.

There are major congestion bottlenecks on rail as well. 

Where are the new fares for the go card?  This was promised mid year.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2165.0
Go card equipment is unreliable and clumsy. Something positive has to be done to drive uptake.

My own personal view is that we have a crisis looming on our public transport system unless something is done now to sort out the mess.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

[somebody]

2. Have people touch on to open the fare gate, but don't actually charge them anything to open it. No software change required.

The problem with this is how do you stop them from then not touching on or off on the bus and getting a free ride, if they board from the back door?  I think all door boarding is some way off for Brisbane.

We could increase the usage of pre-pay at bus stations, but the near city ones already have it in the peak.

One thing that is lacking is no ticket machines at the Cultural Centre or KGSBS.  Probably should have them at QSBS as well.

[ozbob]

We have been informed that AVVMs will be placed in the major bus stations early 2010.  Time will tell ..

[stephenk]

18th September 2009

Sent to the Minister and all contacts

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

Greetings,

There are major problems on the INB.  Patrons are unable to board buses in a timely manner.  Our members have reported many instances of long waits.

As one of our members has commented;

The overcrowding situation on the Northern Busway is a disgrace because:
1) This has been happening for over a year, and despite many complaints (which Translink admit), Translink have done nothing.
2) Despite the overcrowding, the bus service was not increased when the RBWH busway station opened which was expected to increase patronage. Spend millions on building the busway, but not increase the service - doh!
3) Passengers have been known to have to wait up to 50mins to board a bus on numerous occasions inbound in the pm peak, despite buses timetabled at least every 10mins.
4) It is forcing passengers off public transport, and making public transport unattractive.
5) It is making some public transport users to travel by alternative and less convenient routes.
> 6) Due to the RBWH's poor parking situation, improving the busway could have converted some drivers to public transport, but it hasn't.

http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2739.msg13928#msg13928

We have suggested some obvious solutions to the problems.  Increase frequency of the 66 extend to RBWH  and introduce a new route based on a combined 109 and 66.  Extend the 393 into Roma St.
See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2709.0

Why are we not utilising the massive investment in busways properly?   What on earth is going on?

Commuters have reached breaking point.
If TransLink is unable to manage our public transport please shift control back to the operators so that we can move forwards.

There are major congestion bottlenecks on rail as well. 

Where are the new fares for the go card?  This was promised mid year.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2165.0
Go card equipment is unreliable and clumsy. Something positive has to be done to drive uptake.

My own personal view is that we have a crisis looming on our public transport system unless something is done now to sort out the mess.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track

Thanks Ozbob. I'm off to China for a few weeks (including traveling on a 430kph Maglev). I hope that the INB situation has improved by the time I'm back, however I'm not holding my breath!

[somebody]

By the way, Ozbob, how come you didn't like the idea of putting the returning 332/331/341s on a run between RB&WH and Roma St?  it's almost free.  Extending the 66 would cost more money.

[ozbob]

It is another option.  I understand there is a plan to extend the 66 and is currently on hold.   It needs to be a constant service both directions. 

I am sure the planners will look at all options. 

[somebody]

It needs to be a constant service both directions. 

This point I strongly disagree with.  It's like saying that we should can the 332 because it doesn't run in the counter-peak direction.  Just like the PM peak has the 332 outbound to supplement the 333, so there needs to be an inbound busway service in the PM peak to supplement the existing services.  Running it outbound also would mostly be for positioning purposes.

I am sure the planners will look at all options. 

Is this a joke?  It would be a new idea for them.

[ozbob]

I am sure it will be noted, no joke. 

[#Metro]

We have been informed that AVVMs will be placed in the major bus stations early 2010.  Time will tell ..

Great. Ha Ha. Them machines might be obsolete by then...
The ones at train stations aren't too good because if you want to transfer to a bus or ferry, you have to know what the nearest rail station is...

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 18th September page 4

Full of bus frustration

[#Metro]

So, TransLink basically said "BUZ off!"

[ozbob]

You could say that  LOL!

Just the usual spin.  TransLink are in this constant state of public denial.   Not the first time nor will it be the last.  

TransLink have a budget, this in turn results in limitations for operators.  The base problem is that there is not enough money being directed to public transport by Government.  It is going to roads.  Might be time for a change of Government, or perhaps a new political force -  The PTP  Public Transport Party !

[O_128]

I am excited about petrol eventually gettin to 2$ a litre wait till the courier mail articles come out there will be aa picture of an angry working class family compaling that they cannot affor to go anywhere or work out of there suburb because the govermnet didnt spend money on public transport .I will be laughing

[ozbob]

If you buying a house, make sure it is close to public transport is the best advice, second bit of advice make sure it is not on a flood plain either!  For those of us in Brisbane in 1974 during the floods, only know too well the problems.

[#Metro]

I am excited about petrol eventually gettin to 2$ a litre wait till the courier mail articles come out there will be aa picture of an angry working class family compaling that they cannot affor to go anywhere or work out of there suburb because the govermnet didnt spend money on public transport .I will be laughing

Petrol is an interesting good. People are not that sensitive to changes in petrol prices (I have read this in a gov't report somewhere about why they tax petrol and not vehicle mileage) because to them it is "an essential". Sure they will complain a lot, but regardless of whether petrol is $2, $4, $20 a litre, the majority of people will still go out and fill up their car. The Gateway is tolled, ($3 is it?) but thousands happily use it. City parking is $20-$30 but every day the carparks are full. There is a large petrol tax (38c/litre) as well as GST on petrol too.

Of course, when petrol does hit $2/litre, they won't be asking for PT (people can not experience loss in a "what if PT" scenario), but:

(a) A reduction in fuel tax
(b) Subsidy of some kind
(c) GST Exemption
(d) Clamping down on outlets or price control of petrol prices
(e) Reductions in rego, tolls, fines, parking permits
(f) Concessions to particular groups

All of (a)-(d) would be popular ways to attract votes, but IMHO bad in practice.

[WTN]

I'm entirely with tramtrain's comments about petrol.  It's to do with the entrenchment in the car culture.  Almost everyone I know seems to regard a car as an absolute necessity, and the same goes for petrol that fuels them.  There's signs of it everywhere - most people learn to drive as soon as the authorities allow, then some follow up with a car "purchase" and driving everywhere.  With most people I know going somewhere, it's almost always by car, as if it's the only mode of transport.  They tend to avoid public transport and even walking unless absolutely necessary.  On TV, there are motor finance ads that offer loans to bankrupt or unemployed people.  Not to mention others who will happily shell out thousands of dollars on a car, then just as happily pay for all the ongoing costs (registration, insurance, maintenance, parking, fuel) without much thought. 

Petrol is the one cost that stands out more than most because it's regularly bought and is directly related to usage levels.  And because it is perceived to be a necessity like bread and milk, it's price tends to get media attention.  But watch as people continue to buy it despite the increased prices and lobbying for "action".

I'm one of the few people who buck this trend and remain carless.  Probably not exactly carless, since I sometimes drive someone else's car for their purpose.  But I'm not allowed to do the same for my personal travel.

[ozbob]

Follow up, sent to the Minister and all contacts

=======================

19th September 2009


Greetings once again,

The response by TransLink in yesterdays mX was interesting.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2709.msg13966#msg13966

Wouldn't it be better to just come clean and explain the reason why we are seeing public transport not able to cope is due to a lack of operating funds?

The massive funding announcements yesterday for the Road Infrastructure Program just further highlights the serious situation with respect to long term transport sustainability.

It is unfortunate that the acronym for the Road Infrastructure Program is R. I. P.  So freely quoted in the myriad of statements.  RIP means Rest In Peace to many, perhaps a true indictment on the most unsafe transport mode human kind has created.  The cost of the road toll in ongoing injuries and deaths to our community is horrendous.

Road users are generally irresponsible and selfish fools.  Government has a duty of care to ensure safe modes of transport are accessible, frequent and affordable.  Monies need to be redirected from roads into sustainable safe public transport. Rail is the safest transport mode, build it up.

Take care.

Best wishes
Robert

[beauyboy]

This is what drives me nuts about what the 393 not being extended. I understand that Translink has a tight budget at the moment but if it was extended the patronage they would get on it would recover to cost of extending it. Surely atm this would be near the worst bus service in the inner city for loss of cost recovery.

Ah translink just doesn't think alot of the time.

Donald

[#Metro]

It seems to me that there are two main languages the government understands well: votes and money.  

How important/patronised is that link between Tennerife-Bowen Hills-Herston?
Do ferry passengers from Bulimba really transfer and use it? The limiting factor might be that Tenerrife is not a CityCat stop, despite having a very regular cross river service.

It seems like the intention of this route is to transfer passengers off the Ferry at Tennerife, and the rail line at Bowen Hills; And give them access to Nth Busway stations (hospitals, QUT etc) without going via the CBD. I also know from the Mass Transit Report that this route will form part of a "Big Circle" around the inner suburbs. The problem is that the synergies which make such an idea work might not eventuate if only bits of the circle is delivered, but don't connect.

The missing link appears to be a green bridge (Bulimba-Tennerife), and a BUZ on the Eastside, possibly originating at UQ Lakes (BCC MT Report).

There is the potential for a near-city orbital public transport service connecting the radial
lines close to the CBD. A high-frequency orbital service is proposed within 5 km of the
CBD. The service could connect an improved 393 bus route and rail lines at Bowen Hills
and Roma Street and with the ferry and the proposed new Mass Transit services at
Teneriffe. The proposed new underground rail line could complete the loop. Until the
new rail line is built the loop could be completed by a new BUZ service operating from
Park Road Station via Woolloongabba station, Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley and
Bowen Hills Station. Figure 9-3 is a conceptual diagram of the proposed system. The
system would increase integration between modes and would reduce the number of
transfers occurring in the CBD.

I think the loop can be done by bus for now. 'Somebody' suggested extending 333 to W/Gabba. Perhaps it should be 393? This would then travel over the Story Bridge to Bowen Hills. This loop idea seems a bit strange though, given that it might be better to pick up at South Bank rather than Park Rd. 

[somebody]

I'm one of the few people who buck this trend and remain carless.  Probably not exactly carless, since I sometimes drive someone else's car for their purpose.  But I'm not allowed to do the same for my personal travel.

Me too. The other day one of my bosses was commenting on how unusual that is.  Where I live, it isn't exactly the hardest way of doing it, but for the majority of Brisbane, it's not that attractive.

[WTN]

I think tramtrain is onto some good ideas about the inner city loop.  Parts of it are covered by existing services, but not coordinated.  And since the INB is being involved, there's more reason to alleviate overcrowded services.

It is quite possible to do without a car if one lives close enough to frequent public transport and amenities needed.  But it does take a little effort.  Relatively quick transfers and multi-seat journeys should be expected, not just one-seat journeys to/from town.  When services become frequent and/or coordinated, there's very little excuse.

[beauyboy]

I have lived without a car for the 6 years I have been back in Brisbane. I have always said

Public transport is for the smart person
Cars are for the lazy.

Donald