12 Feb 2012: SEQ: Ferny Grove line - turn up and go trains

[ozbob]

Media release 12th February 2012

SEQ: Ferny Grove line - turn up and go trains

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 welcomed the LNP policy announcement of increased train frequency - 15 minutes on the Ferny Grove line weekdays between the peaks (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Public transport must be fast, direct and frequent. The Ferny Grove line is ideally placed to have an increased train frequency (2).  This will drive patronage increases and cuts down on waiting time with bus/rail connections particularly."

"The Ferny Grove line is now in the final stages of being duplicated and will be able to support the increased train frequency.  This is a sound policy and will be welcomed by the community. The fare box will be improved, with broader economic benefits in terms of reduced congestion, lessened environmental impacts and a reduction in road trauma costs for the health sector."

"RAIL Back On Track has long called for improvements in out of peak train frequency on all lines. In time further incremental improvements will need to be made on the rest of the network (3)."

References:

1. Bid to end timetables Sunday Mail 12th February 2012 page 15

2. 10 Jan 2012 SEQ: Trips and frequency? http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7440.0

3. 24 Jan 2012: SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Get Rail Back On Track! http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7530.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

From the Sunday Mail 12th February 2012 page 15

Bid to end timetables

[ozbob]

A significant and welcome policy announcement by the LNP.

Game on!

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7649.0

[ozbob]

Media release 12 February 2012

SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Finally, a policy on core frequency!



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 welcomed the LNP policy announcement of increased train frequency - 15 minutes on the Ferny Grove line weekdays between the peaks (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track members have long argued that the fastest, cheapest way to improve the public transport system in Brisbane is improving the rail service out of peak train frequency as part of a larger 'Core Frequent Network'. South-East Queensland is runs an archaic rail timetable, a timetable that places running world-class rail services like Perth have gotten rid of long ago! The failure to address all day poor rail frequency has been long standing."

"It is a relief to finally see a decent policy on frequent services, rather than expensive 'big ticket' projects which do nothing about adding actual services."

"All day core frequency and a decent span of hours, especially on rail, are central to having a decent transport system. Weekend services are not included in the package, but we strongly suggest upgrades to weekend frequency be included as data from the BUZ initiative shows 150-200 % increases in patronage on weekends (2,3)."

"It is a myth that we have to wait for big ticket, multi-billion dollar construction projects that take decades to deliver before we can get improvements to bus and train service frequency. There are many parts of the bus and rail network that can have more services now, very cheaply with little or no new infrastructure."

"RAIL Back On Track members and the community would be interested to hear what other parties and candidates have on offer with regards to Core Frequency and an overall Core Frequent Network."

"As RAIL Back on Track has always said, services must be frequent, bottom line!"

References:

1. Ferny Grove line - turn up and go trains  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7648.0

2. BUZ Routes, Frequency + Reliability - the winning formula  http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/6058/1/thredbo10-themeA-Warren.pdf

3. Building a Core Frequent Network  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5173.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7649.0

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

13th February 2012



Greetings,

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 welcomed the LNP policy announcement
of increased train frequency - 15 minutes on the Ferny Grove line weekdays between the peaks (1).

Unlike new stations, new busways, new railways or new vehicles, frequency is invisible yet central
to decent transit (public transport). Transit is only useful if it is coming soon. A map showing a station, or a bus stop
tells you nothing about whether that has frequent service or only has one service per day.

Frequency must be visible and advertised. There needs to be a word that captures the concepts
'throw away timetable', 'turn up whenever you want', 'decent service right up until 11pm on Sunday'.

We believe that word is TUZ - Train Upgrade Zones.

RAIL Back on Track calls for the publication of a TransLink Core Frequent Network map across
the network and also formal designation and advertisement of Train Upgrade Zones. We are not asking
for anything expensive or time consuming to do - passengers just want to see where the frequent services
are not where the concrete and steel is.

Indeed, maps are already available online for free under creative commons licensing schemes.
All TransLink would have to do is paste their logo on it, print them and post at busway and rail stations!

As RAIL Back on Track has always said, services must be frequent legible, bottom line!

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. Ferny Grove line - turn up and go trains 
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7648.0

2. Train Upgrade Zone (TUZ)
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5385.0

3. Brisbane Frequent Network Map (Free!)
http://transitmapsetc.blogspot.com.au/