23 Feb 2012: SEQ: Weekend and Evening Ferny Grove line services

[ozbob]

Media release 23 February 2012

SEQ: Weekend and Evening Ferny Grove line services

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 calls for both sides of politics to commit to increased weekend and evening Ferny Grove line services.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track applauds the LNP's Ferny Grove line upgrade policy to increase weekday between the peak services from two to four per hour, as well as the ALP's inference  that they would also now do so (1, 2)."

"What is lacking from both of these plans though is a commitment to upgrade weekend and evening frequencies as well.  BUZ services achieved their most significant patronage increases at these times in percentage terms (3).  RAIL Back On Track is not aware that the raw patronage figures are publicly available."

"It should be noted that RAIL Back On Track is of the understanding that 15 minute frequencies could have been delivered on the Ferny Grove line from the completion of the Mitchelton to Keperra duplication by utilising both platforms at Ferny Grove.  Similarly they could have been and still could be delivered on the Caboolture and Richlands lines quite easily, as well as an all express service to Ipswich."

"Additionally, 15 minute frequency services to Manly or Coopers Plains presents no real challenges.  Shorncliffe can also be done but the reliability margin is low."

"Many extra rail services can be added quite easily with the political will to do so."

References:

1.   http://lnp.org.au/news/leader-of-the-lnp/lnp-train-plan-means-no-need-for-timetables

2.   http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=78772

3.   http://www.thredbo-conference-series.org/downloads/thredbo10_papers/thredbo10-themeA-Warren.pdf

Contact:

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