19 Nov 2010: SEQ: Rail timetable change consultation cosmetic?

[ozbob]

Media release 19 November 2010

SEQ: Rail timetable change consultation cosmetic?

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 seeks urgent clarification on the bona fides of the extensive consultation process being undertaken in response to the release of the draft rail timetable changes for the Caboolture, Sunshine Coast and Ipswich - Rosewood railway lines.

"Yesterday, one of our members was told by TransLink staff during the Western region launch  ' .. that it was highly unlikely that they will change any (rail) timetables despite the consultation.'" (1)

"This is NOT what we have been previously informed.  We were under the impression that the consultation was genuine and where there were major impacts some consideration would be given to the public's view point."

"RAIL Back On Track is generally supportive of the rail timetable changes (2). Not withstanding that there are some aspects that need closer attention. For example the failure to plug some gaps on the Sunshine Coast line and the alteration of running patterns to further extend journey time on the long haul from Nambour is causing some concern to those commuters.  The failure to guarantee trains with toilets on the long haul runs is also a major issue. Why are all trains on the Caboolture line running all stations Northgate to Bowen Hills?"

"Other commuters are concerned with the decision to by pass Toowong with the express pattern on the Ipswich line.  Others are concerned with the reduction in terminating services at Redbank for example."

"It is essential that the public have faith in the consultation process and we seek assurances that this consultation is not a sham.  It is important that all TransLink and QR staff are truly reading from the same timetable!"

"The rationale for the changes in the new rail timetables also needs to be clearly spelt out.  The public is not a railway timetable mind reader.  This might help in the public gaining an appreciation of why certain aspects have been changed and what the longer term positive impacts of the changes actually are."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4867.msg39775#msg39775

2. 17 Nov 2010: SEQ: Timetable consultations commence http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4868.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4867.0

[ozbob]

Is the consultation process just a delaying tactic?  Vague commitments for the new timetable implementation sometime in the first half of next year are not acceptable.  Surely now the true modus operandus has been revealed, the changes should all be done when Richlands commences operation in January.

[ozbob]

We have been contacted by a TransLink representative who has confirmed that the rail timetable consultation is  important and that is why a date for implementation has not yet been set.

As we said, we were happy that consultation was to be properly considered and were somewhat taken back with the comments made to the member yesterday.  

We welcome the assurances again this morning that the advice given yesterday was in error. 

Thanks for the prompt response.

[Fares_Fair]

As an aside,

I couldn't help but notice that the glossy A3 paper on which the Draft Timetable is printed on is of a far better quality than the current timetables. 

They are impressive, albeit very unfortunate for sunshine coasters.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th November 2010

Greetings,

We have been contacted by a TransLink representative who has confirmed that the rail timetable consultation is  important and that is why a date for implementation has not yet been set.

As we said, we were happy that consultation was to be properly considered and were somewhat taken back with the comments made to the member yesterday. 

We welcome the assurances again this morning that the advice given yesterday was in error. 

Thanks for the prompt response.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org