24 Apr 2010: SEQ: More Citytrain services, is the paradigm changing? ...

[ozbob]

Media Release 24 April 2010

SEQ:  More Citytrain services, is the paradigm changing?  Go for the trifecta!

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 announcements this past week of new Citytrain rail services on the Gold Coast and Ipswich/Rosewood lines (1,2,3,4).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The announcements of additional rail services on the Gold Coast and Rosewood lines has been welcomed by rail commuters."

"One of the most important factors for encouraging public transport use, and hence gaining the considerable economic benefit in terms of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and a reduction in the massive costs associated with road trauma is that services must be frequent; first and foremost!  Public transport must be there to use of course and it needs to be relatively affordable."

"From our perspective, the service additions this week are an important turning point. They are an example of the placement of services to address frequency and lead patronage increase and support, rather than just reactive 'congestion busters'.  Something we have not seen on rail for some time. Well done TransLink, QR Passenger and the Minister for Transport. Lets continue to improve the gaps on all lines."

"A priority to complete the trifecta for the week would be the addition of a service from Central to Nambour to reduce the present two hour week night gap between 7.27pm and 9.28pm. A service leaving Central at 8.27pm  for Nambour would be of considerable benefit to Sunshine Coast line commuters and would further encourage public transport utilisation."

"Train frequency in south-east Queensland, particularly off peak needs significant improvement (5).  In time this will be possible as track amplifications and new trains and crew are placed in service. It is important though to promptly address the major disincentives for travel that exist on all lines, to keep the momentum gained this week moving forward!"

References:

1.  21 Apr 2010: SEQ: Gold Coast hits the jackpot yet again http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3739.0

2.  http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=529

3.  23 Apr 2010: SEQ: Ipswich Rosewood railway gains an important afternoon peak service http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3747.0

4.  http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=535

5.  18 April 2010 SEQ:  Train timetable gaps and service frequency needs urgent improvement http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3727.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[#Metro]

Come on Brisbane, we can't wait to see a roll out those promised trains. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3776.0

[somebody]

Noticed that a services has, in fact been delivered here: http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?14776

Albeit a railbus, but it is better than nothing.  Did we say anything about them finally filling this timetable gap?

[ozbob]

Yes, and we even had an acknowledgement in parliament for our representations on this.

[Stillwater]

Did anyone else receive inside their free community newspaper this week a four-page glossy lift-out extolling the virtues of the Connecting SEQ 2031 document?  My local freebie newspaper had it.  The headline reads: 'Rail revolution centre of transport vision for 2031'.  The pictures include artists' representations of the proposed Albert Street staion and the Gold Coast Light Rail.  Here are some other headlines: 'No need for timetables with "turn-up-and-go".  lots of maps showing future network extensions and 'Did You Know' information boxes.  The whole impressions is that the plan will go ahead -- no ifs or maybes.  I looked for the fine print, such as:  'This plan is a concept only and has not been funded for construction.'  Couldn't find it.  I wonder what would be the cost of printing and inserting a four-page glossy tabloid liftout into every community weekly newspaper in the South-East.

[ozbob]

Yes, was about to post this myself.  I receive two local community newspapers, both very worthwhile too.  The South West News (quest stable) and The Satellite  (connected to Fairfax).  Both had the RAIL REVOLUTION glossy.   

Cost a little for sure but good the word is spreading.

[WTN]

I received the glossy liftout too. Front page shows the Rail revolution. There's ambitious public and active transport plans inside, but looks too ambitious if you consider state funding issues. On the back there's still motorway projects - Port of Brisbane Motorway upgrade, Bruce Highway upgrade, Toowong-Everton Park, Everton Park-Bruce Highway, Northern Link, Airport Link, motorway west of Ipswich, motorways to Flagstone and Yarrabilba. YUCK! Why do we need more motorways? Oh wait, maybe that explains the dismal mode share targets.

Yarrabilba has only a bus corridor (no rail) within the plan. Flagstone has both.