10 Nov 2010: SEQ: UrbanLink and ExpressLink plans commended

[ozbob]

Media release 10 November 2010

SEQ: UrbanLink and ExpressLink plans commended

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 wishes to commend the Government, Transport Minister and Translink for putting forward plans for improved frequency and operational patterns for rail services (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is essential that frequency on the south east Queensland rail network be improved.  Plans to increase frequency as flagged in the Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 plan are very welcome, and will be needed to support the transport needs of the community."

"However no time frame is given for implementation of the UrbanLink plans which are largely doable now, with the exception of the plans for the Beenleigh line.  Plans for a 15 minute service to Manly, Ferny Grove, Shorncliffe, Ipswich and the Caboolture Line should present no real difficulty, although it may be preferred to change line pairings most notably to pair Ferny Grove and Manly/Cleveland."

"It is also achievable, with minor infrastructure improvements, to get a 15 minute service to Kuraby."

"To drive an increase in public transport use may take some time. It would be better to act sooner and exceed the target than to act later and miss the target.  It is unclear what is holding back these changes from being implemented."

Reference:

1. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/C/Connecting-SEQ-2031.aspx

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion Connecting SEQ 2031 --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4338.0

[johnnigh]

I remain deeply pessimistic about major timetable renovation. I have two reasons, one is the history of timid and extremely marginal change that we have seen, in part supported by the 'nearly announced' radical new timetable that was denied within days of hints of its existence; the second is my observation of the extreme conservatism and long-entrenched railway culture that is by nature opposed to change. Whether this is merely 'opposed to doing more work because a job on the railways is a great haven for lurks that have survived since the days of steam' or a deep suspicion of doing anything for the first time, which characterises all long established organisations that have not had any strong pressures to change (like competition in a market), I do not know.

We do know that the two unions that have to be onside before any changes can be made are pretty strong and will fight anything seen as threats to working conditions - and I cannot imagine that major timetable renovation would not inherently change working conditions, and change is always a threat to someone. 

[Stillwater]

Has anyone heard about the timing for the public consultation about new Ippy-Caboolture rail timetable?  It was supposed to occur in November and practically half the month has gone.  We are about to go into the pre-Christmas 'silly season' before we all scoot off to the beach for some R and R.  Maybe the government is hoping the public will be distracted when it finally reveals its planning.  Will there be much room to alter what the government proposes, given the complex nature of train timetables?

[ozbob]

I expect public consultation to commence in a week or so.

[O_128]

Does RBoT have an official stance that will be proposed if the consulting occurs? Correct me please but would something like trainsfrom ipwish to do all stops to darra and then express to milton with stops at indro and Toowong every 10 min while all stopper trains originating every 7 mins from darra ( or richlands)

[ozbob]

It will be the overall community feedback that should be taken on board, not only our specific point of view.

Frankly, if you stop and think about what will happen when Richlands opens and things are finalised.  There will be an increased frequency around the clock Darra to CBD.

Express patterns will be rationalised (this has been stated publicly before).  As a community we need to accept that single seat journeys are not always going to possible as the demands surge.  For this reason the only express pattern on the Ipswich will I expect be true express. Darra - Indooroopilly, CBD would be one option. Another would be Darra, Indooroopilly, Toowong, Milton, CBD, but no more than that.   Stations between Darra and CBD will gain considerably, around the clock 15 minute or better at peak, and the trains will be less congested. Long haul will gain as quicker trip.

Put the cynicism away, and lets just take what comes up on merit and move with it (and critique as desired).  

This is going to be the beginning of the complete change on the network.

There will be increased opportunity to feed bus into Darra and Indooroopilly rail particularly (hopefully details of bus will be made available as well soon, although past form suggests we might be struggling in that regard ...) .  Richlands also offers an interesting dynamic in terms of bus feeder roles, although in some sense interim.  We need to keep pushing for Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes stations.  

[johnnigh]

Put the cynicism away, and lets just take what comes up on merit and move with it (and critique as desired).

I don't feel cynical, just a bit realistic. However, remember that the pessimist is always open to being pleasantly surprised while the optimist risks disappointment, and the development of cynicism .

[somebody]

As a community we need to accept that single seat journeys are not always going to possible as the demands surge.  For this reason the only express pattern on the Ipswich will I expect be true express. Darra - Indooroopilly, CBD would be one option. Another would be Darra, Indooroopilly, Toowong, Milton, CBD, but no more than that.   Stations between Darra and CBD will gain considerably, around the clock 15 minute or better at peak, and the trains will be less congested. Long haul will gain as quicker trip.

I agree with this, but then why retain the all stoppers during peak hour?  Or are you not saying that.  Seems like typical QLD reluctance to change.

[ozbob]

All stoppers will be needed from Darra to CBD obviously if other expresses are bypassing most of stations on the long haul run in ...  during peak.

It will I expect be a  true tier timetable, guess we will find out soon ... 

[somebody]

Obviously you need something serving Darra-city all stops, but some have argued for a retention of the Ipswich-city all stoppers through the peak.  Not a good option IMO.  For a start has poor rolling stock utilisation.

In fact, I do not think there should be all stoppers all the way to Ipswich at pretty much any time, but that's just my radical opinion.

[Cam]

In fact, I do not think there should be all stoppers all the way to Ipswich at pretty much any time

I agree. The only all stations service to Ipswich should be the last service of the day if it runs later than the last service to Richlands.

[ozbob]

The only all stations service to Ipswich should be the last service of the day if it runs later than the last service to Richlands.

Don't think that will happen for a while yet, not enough frequency.  Melbourne does do a similar thing though between Melbourne and Caulfield between the Pakenham and Frankston lines, but the frequency is 6 times or there about ours ...

Can see it happening when the triple is through to Redbank and/or Springfield was on a 15 minute out of peak frequency ..

[somebody]

Can see it happening when the triple is through to Redbank and/or Springfield was on a 15 minute out of peak frequency ..

I don't see any excuse for the Springfield line NOT having 15 minute off peak frequency once it extends past Richlands, and I don't see too much excuse even with the Richlands terminus, even though it is only a 1 station branch.