1 Nov 2009: SEQ: Go Between Bridge construction chaos for commuters ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 1 November 2009

SEQ:  Go Between Bridge construction chaos for commuters, a constructive call for commonsense

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 called for more rail services between Corinda/Darra and the CBD to be put in place for the duration of the construction works associated with the Go Between bridge.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The transport plan that has been put forward a few days prior to the disruption on the western approaches to the city only goes part of the way (1).  TransLink has indicated that there will be delays on the bus of at least 50 minutes with the plan to run shuttle buses from Indooroopilly to the City.  Shuttles buses are only going to add to the congestion chaos and we would suggest that delays of only up to 50 minutes is very optimistic."

"It takes 13 minutes, by rail stopping all stations to travel from Indooroopilly railway station to Roma St station.  This avoids the massive road delays and is a lot safer than the chaotic roads.  It follows then that commuters should be actively encouraged to use the rail service for their commute rather than add to the congestion crisis. To do this there must be some more capacity added to the both the morning and afternoon peak on rail."

"Despite TransLink's advice (2) there is some capacity on some services arriving at the CBD after 7am on the Ipswich line. The services which originate from Corinda at 7:39am and 7:49am have some capacity.  An extra service departing Corinda at 7:21am would also assist. In the PM peak situation, an extra service to Darra at 4:28pm from Central for example would do wonders for the 4.35pm Ipswich service which is a chronic congestion sardine can. A number of well placed services will assist greatly."

"Further more at the Indooroopilly bus interchange offer everyone the chance to head down to Indooroopilly rail station, with  signs at the bus station telling them when the next train departs, and when they can expect to arrive at the City. Have some shuttle services to Indooroopilly rail station for those who prefer not to walk."

"Target the Centenary suburbs. Put on more feeder services to Darra/Oxley station, make them frequent and provide them with the comparison to driving/catching a bus to the City - 'expect delays of 1 hour GUARANTEED'. Extend the 7:49am ex Corinda to originate at Darra. Provide people with information as to which services are the lighter loading ones, and strongly suggest that they use those services. Change the timetables for the bus routes 451, 452 and 462 so that the bus-rail connections are better."

"Place some warning signs before the Walter Taylor Bridge - probably around the Graceville area - something like 'expect 1.5 hours delay'. Then, have signs saying - catch a train - arrive in the City in 15 minutes!'"

"RAIL Back On Track has been suggesting commonsense transport solutions for this chaos since 2007 (3).  We again make an urgent request on behalf of commuters for commonsense, please put aside the politics and act in the community's best interests."

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=209

2.   http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=213

3.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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