1 Apr 2011: SEQ: UQ Lakes bus routes require an upgrade

[ozbob]

Media release 1 April 2011

SEQ: UQ Lakes bus routes require an upgrade

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has highlighted the need for additional bus routes to serve UQ Lakes, especially in peak hour.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It has come to the attention of RAIL Back on Track that Translink is considering a UQ Lakes - Buranda bus route.  While this is better than nothing, it is considerably less than what is required.  There are a number of  issues with a UQ Lakes - Buranda service. Buranda is already feeling congestion, and this is sure to increase when the Eastern Busway opens and there is also no turnaround facility.  A UQ Lakes  - Buranda bus will also not be of direct assistance to the large numbers of people who use the 130/135/140/150 corridor services as these do not serve Buranda."  

"As previously highlighted by RAIL Back on Track (1), the major missing link is the lack of a 159 UQ-Warrigal Rd service, probably extending to Stretton.  Currently, these people need to interchange at Griffith University or Garden City.  This is reasonable heading inbound, but heading outbound to Nemies Rd or Gowan Rd north of Compton Rd, one needs to decide to interchange at Griffith University for the 153, or try for the 156 at Garden City.  While the 150 services both, why is it so confusing?"

"A secondary need is for the addition of a 239 UQ-Bulimba route.  This should allow for interchange to Wynnum Rd services such as the P221 and P216 routes with the addition of stops on those routes.  This would allow for the 209 to be removed from Woolloongabba while that station retaining a service.  The current 209 is a bit of a milk run and makes little sense if the Woolloongabba service can be provided in another way.  Moving the 209 to run via Buranda instead would be faster that the current route and also increase service between UQ Lakes and Buranda in a more useful way.  It is presumed that the 209 will go this way once the Eastern Busway opens in any case."

"It is said that there is a hold up with the planned upgrade of UQ Lakes station (2).  While this upgrade needs to be done as soon as possible, there are some best practice initiatives which would help with capacity issues at UQ Lakes bus station.  Obviously, pre-paid only at UQ Lakes bus station especially in the evening peak would be of assistance.  There is also a possibility of rear door boarding, which would be especially useful on the 109, which most users are interchanging anyway so should result in minimal fare box leakage."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4484.0

2. http://westside-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/storm-over-bus-shelter

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org