11 Jan 2011: SEQ: Richlands railway station opening ...

[ozbob]

Media release 11 January 2011

SEQ: Richlands railway station opening, two important things missing

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 opening of the Richlands rail station on the 23rd of January 2011, with the regular rail services commencing on the 24th January 2011 (1).

"The opening of the Richlands railway station will mark the beginning of a rail extension to Springfield."

"Rail Back on Track has previously called for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) feeder buses to Richlands station to make public transport a real option for residents of Forest Lake, Doodanella, Ellen Grove and Inala (2). High frequency buses to rail have been shown to be critically important in collecting patronage, such as in Perth (3) and also supports Transit Oriented Development (TOD) (4).  Without these, we believe patronage will be lower than it could be. The new bus routes to feed Richlands railway station from nearby suburbs are very welcome."

"It is disappointing that a track closure from Corinda to Rosewood coincides with the open day at Richlands railway station on the 23rd January 2011 and which means rail services will not be running for the opening. The arrangements for shuttle bus on the day will however allow access to the new station."

"The lack of a direct bus service from Springfield to Richlands railway station is of concern however.  A bus route replicating the Springfield railway line would allow a much more direct access for residents of the greater Springfield area into the rest of the public transport network at Richlands railway station, rather than bus via Goodna railway station."

"We have been close observers of the Darra to Richlands railway project for many years, and congratulate all at the construction team on a job very well done!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5228.0

2. SEQ: Feed rail when Richlands opens!
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4805.0

3. Rockingham City Centre Transit System
http://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Projects/CompletedProjects/RockinghamCityCentreTransitSystem/tabid/81/Default.aspx

4. SEQ: Richlands rich in Transit Oriented Development potential
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4805.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5228.0

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Minister backs station with no trains

Minister backs station with no trains
Daniel Hurst
January 11, 2011 - 5:48AM

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan has backed a decision to open southeast Queensland's newest railway station on a day when no trains are running.

brisbanetimes.com.au last week highlighted how visitors to the new Richlands railway station would not be able to catch a train at the official opening on January 23, due to a track maintenance clash.

The community open day will take place on the same weekend major upkeep is scheduled for the Ipswich Rosewood line, with services to be replaced by buses.

A resident who complained about the issue said he received a response from Queensland Rail on Friday suggesting either the maintenance or the opening date might be shifted.

"This issue [the scheduled track maintenance] was communicated to several key persons who requested the opening be on that date," said the email, quoted on an online forum hosted by commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track.

"Queensland Rail has made representations to the Minister's office requesting the date was to be reviewed [sic]. This review is still taking place and we hope to have a definitive answer very soon."

However, Ms Nolan yesterday confirmed the opening day would go ahead as planned on Sunday, January 23, with the first service from Richlands due to begin the next day at 5.40am.

"There is no review of the Richlands station opening date," she said.

"The station will be officially opened 23 January and I hope local residents and train enthusiasts can come along for a look.

"Finishing touches on the line won't interfere with the station opening.

"Similar to the openings of the Gateway Bridge and Clem7, people will be able to take their time, walk through the station and inspect this new state of the art facility in safety."

A state opposition spokesman last night questioned how the scheduling clash could have happened.

"Let's hope their organisation of the commuter services is a little bit better than their organisation of the opening, which clashes with track maintenance work," he said.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said he was delighted to hear services would soon commence, but was "frankly a bit disappointed" about the lack of trains at the open day.

"It would have been appropriate to have trains there, but due to circumstances beyond the control of everyone by the look of it it's not to be," he said.

Comment about the scheduling clash was sought yesterday from local State Labor Member for Inala Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was on leave.

"The local community is looking forward to the opening of Richlands train station," her spokesman said in a one-line written response.

Ms Nolan said the Richlands to Darra line was part of a vital new rail corridor that would service one of Brisbane's fastest growing regions and ultimately extend to Springfield by 2013.

"The new Richlands train station includes a bus interchange for up to four buses at a time, a park 'n' ride with 650 car parks, secure storage for 88 bicycles and 32 bike racks, 15 kiss 'n' ride bays and three taxi zones," she said.

Ms Nolan said an interim timetable would include 10 morning peak and 12 afternoon peak trains, with some all-stations trains between Richlands and the CBD, and some shuttle services between Richlands and Darra.

More details are available at www.translink.com.au or on 13 12 30.