21 Sep 2011: SEQ: Ipswich line timetable review

[ozbob]

Media release 21 September 2011

SEQ: Ipswich line timetable review

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 called for a further review of the new Ipswich timetable, before moving on to other timetables.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Ipswich timetable still has two burning issues which need to be addressed.  Firstly, too much waiting time has been added to the timetable.  It is annoying for morning Ipswich line commuters to have to wait at Indooroopilly and Darra for the timetable to catch up.  RAIL Back On Track members feel that two to four minutes can be trimmed off current running times, in both peak and off peak times."

"Secondly, there is an unsatisfactory counter peak service.  Counter peak services are those that run opposite the main radial peak flows at peak times.  Milton, Toowong, and Ipswich all have a sizeable counter peak market, however it is not be met very well with the recent timetable changes."

"At a minimum, there should be a 15 minute express service to Ipswich and a six to nine minute frequency at Milton and Toowong.  The latter definitely needs to be included in counter peak stopping patterns.  The major reason assumed to cause the poor service is the restricted availability of rolling stock.  RAIL Back On Track members have noted that two 6 car trains have entered service since the 6 June 2011 timetable started operating (1), and at least one more is coming.  It should also be noted that the excessive waiting times in the timetable referred to above ties up more rolling stock than would otherwise be needed.  It is assumed that the combination of the additional rolling stock plus the removal of the waiting times would free up rolling stock to allow this service to operate."

"It is quite frustrating when several out of service trains pass numerous intending passengers.  Counter peak congestion on the Ipswich motorway also shows there is a sizeable market for an improved counter peak rail service at Ipswich, as do the crowds which build at Milton and the on the 412 bus along Coronation Drive."

"It should also be noted that the PM peak Nambour trains which run express from Northgate to Petrie have loads which still violate the service standard of 20 minutes standing by quite a margin, even after the new services from 11 July 2011.  RAIL Back On Track members report that enough seats for standees is occurring usually at Petrie to Burpengary, which is 35 to 47 minutes after leaving Central. RAIL Back On Track is not aware of any plans to do anything to resolve this problem."

"RAIL Back On Track also notes recent comments by Translink regarding improved service on the Ipswich line (3).  These comments are disappointing, as RAIL Back On Track has been highlighting these issues for some time. Without improved rail services, traffic congestion is likely to rapidly worsen."

"It is time to lift the frequency on the south-east Queensland passenger rail network from 4th class to 1st class, around the clock!

References:

1.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1376.msg59327#msg59327

2.  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6146.240

3.  Queensland Times 17th September 2011 page 12

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Timetable discussion board --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=20.0

[ozbob]

Redbank stabling progress --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5072.msg69101#new

Another opportunity here?