4 Apr 2011: SEQ: Clapham stabling required now

[ozbob]

Media release 4 April 2011

SEQ: Clapham stabling required now

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 said that the proposed implementation of train stabling in Clapham yards needs to be done now.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Inner City Rail Capacity Study (1) recommended Clapham stabling to be implemented by 2015.  However, it is the opinion of RAIL Back On Track members that it should be implemented now (2).  This is because it is the only real solution to the conflicts caused by trains from the Ferny Grove, Doomben, Airport and Shorncliffe line which need to return to Mayne yard via Roma St platform number 7.  These conflicts reduce capacity over the Merivale bridge, and reduce capacity and/or reliability for most trains."

"It really isn't possible to draft a decent peak hour timetable while restricting the AM peak capacity through Bowen Hills platform number 1 to 3 minute headways.  Clapham stabling is the only hard infrastructure needed to allow 2.5 minute headways.  The other move which could be needed is to move the crew changeovers on Bowen Hills platforms 1 and 2 to Central 1-4 or Roma St."

"An other point is that the stabling would be of assistance in increasing counter peak rail frequency to South Brisbane, South Bank and Park Rd.  This is important as the current system gives significant incentive to use less efficient bus services to the Ecosciences Precinct, South Bank and a larger part of the trip to UQ.  The busway system is already approaching capacity with serious bus congestion issues."

"Clapham stabling may well be achievable in the term of the current government and yield the benefits of higher peak capacity and reliability before the election. Construction needs to allow for the simple addition of Cross River Rail track infrastructure in the future."

References:

1. Inner City Rail Capacity Study, Rail Operations Review, Stage 3, September 2008, p125

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5727.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5727.0