20 Mar 2012: SEQ: Cross River Rail: Release Cross River Rail plans today!

[ozbob]

Media release 20 March 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail: Release Cross River Rail plans today!

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 on all media outlets to scrutinise the LNP's gaping silence on Cross River Rail.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With few days left to go, there is still zero certainty about exactly what will happen to Queensland's largest public work's project - Cross River Rail - under an LNP Government. RAIL Back On Track calls for the full and detailed release of the LNP's solution to the Rail Capacity Crisis.

"In 2016 the number of slots on the Merivale Bridge available for trains to cross into the Brisbane CBD from the Gold Coast, Cleveland and Beenleigh lines will be exhausted. New developments in Logan and Yarrabilba also depend on Cross River Rail. Rail capacity on the core between Roma St and Bowen Hills will be in rail gridlock, further restricting trains from the north of Brisbane.

"Does the LNP support Cross River Rail or not? If they don't they should release their alternative plans for public scrutiny to the media. 'It's coming tomorrow' is no longer acceptable days out from the state election. What is there to hide from voters?

"Melbourne and Sydney have their own rail tunnel capacity projects in the pipeline - delay, indecision and flip-flapping to avoid solid committment to this state-building project that will benefit the entire South-East Queensland region and make the rail system more reliable risks losing the project and funds to competing proposals from the Southern states.

"Cross River Rail is a truly transformational project that will unblock the congestion within the core of the train network. It will pave the way for frequent, reliable train services across the entire region. Perth, Western Australia has undertaken a similar project, which included two bored tunnels underneath the Perth CBD.

"If Perth can do it, why can't we? The LNP must release its Cross River Rail plans, today."

References:

1. Perth to Mandurah Railway overview http://youtu.be/Gvx0Tk5oEow

2. Channel Nine Feature on the Mandurah Railway - 1

3. Channel Nine Feature on the Mandurah Railway - 2 http://youtu.be/d9yQKIrE5Yg

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2034.msg91471#msg91471

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21st March 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail: Release Cross River Rail plans today!

Greetings,

The LNP have not explained their position on Cross River Rail or plans for the rail network.  This ongoing silence can only mean that reality has dawned and they now see the need for Cross River Rail and they must accept it is the solution to driving capacity improvements on the entire rail network.

Mr Newman has made these recent commitments:

"We will be announcing a specific policy to do with the rail capacity issues in Southeast Queensland during this campaign, so just wait and see."
- brisbanetimes.com.au, 23 February 2012

"We'll be talking about our plan for the cross-river rail capacity issue in the upcoming days''.
- brisbanetimes.com.au, 9 March 2012

"Watch this space. We'll be talking about cross river rail in the coming days."
brisbanetimes.com.au, 19 March 2012

Cross River Rail is now at a critical stage.  Having now reached the ' ready to proceed' status with Infrastructure Australia, the Queensland Government has submitted a request for funding.

To now turn around and not proceed with Cross River Rail would consign south-east Queensland to transport failure.

The silence can also mean that the LNP are not willing to put forward their plans have them publicly scrutinised.    Is this in line with their stated position on transparency and accountability?

Treating the electors with contempt does not auger well for the future.  Come clean and submit your solutions to public scrutiny Mr Newman or properly declare bi-partisan support for this transforming project.  Cross River Rail has had years of exhaustive rigorous workup.   Stop gap solutions drawn up on the back of beer-coasters are not acceptable.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 20 March 2012

SEQ: Cross River Rail: Release Cross River Rail plans today!

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 on all media outlets to scrutinise the LNP's gaping silence on Cross River Rail.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With few days left to go, there is still zero certainty about exactly what will happen to Queensland's largest public work's project - Cross River Rail - under an LNP Government. RAIL Back On Track calls for the full and detailed release of the LNP's solution to the Rail Capacity Crisis.

"In 2016 the number of slots on the Merivale Bridge available for trains to cross into the Brisbane CBD from the Gold Coast, Cleveland and Beenleigh lines will be exhausted. New developments in Logan and Yarrabilba also depend on Cross River Rail. Rail capacity on the core between Roma St and Bowen Hills will be in rail gridlock, further restricting trains from the north of Brisbane.

"Does the LNP support Cross River Rail or not? If they don't they should release their alternative plans for public scrutiny to the media. 'It's coming tomorrow' is no longer acceptable days out from the state election. What is there to hide from voters?

"Melbourne and Sydney have their own rail tunnel capacity projects in the pipeline - delay, indecision and flip-flapping to avoid solid committment to this state-building project that will benefit the entire South-East Queensland region and make the rail system more reliable risks losing the project and funds to competing proposals from the Southern states.

"Cross River Rail is a truly transformational project that will unblock the congestion within the core of the train network. It will pave the way for frequent, reliable train services across the entire region. Perth, Western Australia has undertaken a similar project, which included two bored tunnels underneath the Perth CBD.

"If Perth can do it, why can't we? The LNP must release its Cross River Rail plans, today."

References:

1. Perth to Mandurah Railway overview http://youtu.be/Gvx0Tk5oEow

2. Channel Nine Feature on the Mandurah Railway - 1

3. Channel Nine Feature on the Mandurah Railway - 2 http://youtu.be/d9yQKIrE5Yg

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

LNP's u-turn on cross-river rail

LNP's u-turn on cross-river rail
March 21, 2012 - 12:02PM

The Liberal National Party has retreated from its pledge to release a detailed policy on Brisbane's Cross River Rail project to voters before they head to the polls, saying today it would examine alternatives to the $6.4 billion plan after the election.

Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman has promised to pursue a more affordable alternative to the government's underground rail project, and during the campaign has repeated a specific policy on the rail capacity issues would be unveiled during the campaign.

"We will be announcing a specific policy to do with the rail capacity issues in southeast Queensland during this campaign, so wait and see," Mr Newman told reporters on February 23.

On March 9, Mr Newman said: "We'll be talking about our plan for the cross-river rail capacity issue in the upcoming days."

And when asked about the issue during a video interview with brisbanetimes.com.au last Friday, Mr Newman advised "watch this space''.

"We'll be talking about cross-river rail in the coming days. I only say, as I always do, that we have a plan to get the cross-river rail capacity issue sorted out,'' he said.

However, LNP parliamentary leader Jeff Seeney confirmed today the party would not spell out its specific long-term plan before Saturday's election.

Mr Seeney said the LNP was focused on first dealing with the "choke point" looming in 2016, when the Merivale Rail Bridge across the Brisbane River was due to reach capacity.

He said the Labor government's expensive Cross River Rail project – involving construction of a new underground rail tunnel with stations – would not be completed until at least 2020 four years after the capacity bottleneck would emerge.

Mr Seeney repeated Mr Newman's previous comments in December that the LNP would improve signalling systems to ensure trains could run closer together, and would build extra platforms at South Bank and South Brisbane stations to help address looming problems on the network.

Mr Seeney confirmed the LNP would not yet detail its long-term plan for the network, saying the LNP government would examine options in a "measured, well planned" way.

"We need to look at all these options in a much more detailed way than the resources available to an opposition allow you to do," he told brisbanetimes.com.au today.

Mr Seeney said the options could include a metro system, a light rail tunnel, a heavy rail tunnel and another bridge across the river.

He did not think there was currently "a clear option" to tackle the long-term capacity issues but it would "almost certainly" require the construction of a new river crossing.

Mr Seeney insisted the LNP policy was very clear

"If anybody wants our position clarified, I'm happy to do it," he said.


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/lnps-uturn-on-crossriver-rail-20120321-1vj94.htm

[ozbob]

When they examine the alternatives, it will be clear which way to proceed - Cross River Rail!

[somebody]

Is that like "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help".

[#Metro]

"We need to look at all these options in a much more detailed way than the resources available to an opposition allow you to do," he told brisbanetimes.com.au today.

Mr Seeney said the options could include a metro system, a light rail tunnel, a heavy rail tunnel and another bridge across the river.


Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/state-election-2012/lnps-uturn-on-crossriver-rail-20120321-1vj94.html#ixzz1piIEKk00

So all they are going to do is repeat the ICRCS REPORT AND THE CRR REPORT AGAIN!!!

Aaaaaaargghgh!

[Stillwater]

It is interesting that the statement came from Mr Seeney and not Mr Newman, who has been stringing us out for days.

So is this it?  The LNP transport policy is a string of individual announcements about overpasses and fare restructuring, with 15 mins off-peak on the FG line thrown in; no 'helicopter view' document that pulls all the fundamentals together into a strategic policy narrative?

[SurfRail]

Pathetic bunch of lying tools.

[Jonno]

Is that the first broken promise?  Campbell will want it spent on completing TransApex.   Mark my words. He will come out with a study (written on the back of an napkin by an engineering/road construction firm) showing that an investment in TransApex will solve all traffic problems and be a much better outcome than rail.  MARK MY WORDS!!

[achiruel]

an investment in TransApex will solve all traffic problems and be a much better outcome than rail.

How can anyone possibly believe this?

Using QR SMU260 rollingstock as an example, with 2 minute headways dual track rail (one per direction) can carry 27480 pphd.

A 4-lane motorway (2 lanes each way) can carry 4320 pphd assuming 1.2 pax per vehicle.

A 2-lane busway with 30-second headways and 85 pax buses (artics) can carry 10,200pphd.

In what world is the motorway more effective? To compare with rail the motorway would need to be 24 lanes!

[#Metro]

Using QR SMU260 rollingstock as an example, with 2 minute headways dual track rail (one per direction) can carry 27480 pphd.

Add freight, lots of wiggles and speed restrictions, curved platforms, flat junctions, a single track section and split the frequency with multiple lines with spurs all hanging off it at the cost of $200 million / kilometre so that you have lots of concrete but no money left over for actual services, and voila - you have a *bleep* network and watch the capacity plumment!

[Stillwater]

It is not enough for Mr Seeney to say that the LNP's position on CRR will now be examined in government.  The party's plan for the first 100 days in government must now be amended to include a decision on CRR.

Reason, the federal budget is brought down mid-May and is locked in place largely by Anzac Day, April 25th.  Frantic financial argy-bargy involving state and federal officials occur in the lead-up to the end of April.  If the new LNP government hasn't settled its position by then, including its financial contribution to CRR, then there is a real possibility that a decision on CRR will be delayed a further 12 months.

The CRR solution must become a top priority for an incoming LNP government.

And where are the LNP election promise costings?  Mr Newman said they would be released 'in plenty of time for people to scrutinise the figures'.  It could be argued that this point has passed.

[Jonno]

an investment in TransApex will solve all traffic problems and be a much better outcome than rail.

How can anyone possibly believe this?

Using QR SMU260 rollingstock as an example, with 2 minute headways dual track rail (one per direction) can carry 27480 pphd.

A 4-lane motorway (2 lanes each way) can carry 4320 pphd assuming 1.2 pax per vehicle.

A 2-lane busway with 30-second headways and 85 pax buses (artics) can carry 10,200pphd.

In what world is the motorway more effective? To compare with rail the motorway would need to be 24 lanes!

A road-biased engineers world!!!

[Golliwog]

Mr Seeney confirmed the LNP would not yet detail its long-term plan for the network, saying the LNP government would examine options in a "measured, well planned" way.

Is he trying to imply that CRR, which has been judged by Infrastructure Australia, the national infrastructure advisory body, as ready to proceed, has not been examined and developed in a measured and well planned fashion? And him pointing out that the ALP's solution wouldn't be operating until 2020, so the LNP was going to focus on the short term solutions to the 2016 capacity crisis first, as if the ALP are completely ignoring those. It is possible to do two things at once.

I do think they will probably support CRR post election, but more than likely don't want to be seen supporting something 'created' by the Labor party. Heavon forbid we have a little bipartisanship...

[Stillwater]

I wonder what Mr Ian Scales, of Translink, would make of this?  The combination time lock on the bunker probably unlocks at 6pm on Saturday.

[somebody]

I wonder what Mr Ian Scales, of Translink, would make of this?  The combination time lock on the bunker probably unlocks at 6pm on Saturday.

Neil.

Can't imagine that will be the first act of the LNP.

Mr Seeney confirmed the LNP would not yet detail its long-term plan for the network, saying the LNP government would examine options in a "measured, well planned" way.

Is he trying to imply that CRR, which has been judged by Infrastructure Australia, the national infrastructure advisory body, as ready to proceed, has not been examined and developed in a measured and well planned fashion? And him pointing out that the ALP's solution wouldn't be operating until 2020, so the LNP was going to focus on the short term solutions to the 2016 capacity crisis first, as if the ALP are completely ignoring those. It is possible to do two things at once.

I do think they will probably support CRR post election, but more than likely don't want to be seen supporting something 'created' by the Labor party. Heavon forbid we have a little bipartisanship...

I don't think that they are trying to imply anything, just to minimise the issue.

[Stillwater]

Imagine being part of the team that has worked on CRR for the past five years -- go to the bottom drawer, drag out your past homework and trudge to the new minister's office.

[somebody]

Imagine being part of the team that has worked on CRR for the past five years -- go to the bottom drawer, drag out your past homework and trudge to the new minister's office.

Yeah, but it comes with the territory, I guess.

[WTN]

What's in the combination time lock?

an investment in TransApex will solve all traffic problems and be a much better outcome than rail.

How can anyone possibly believe this?

Using QR SMU260 rollingstock as an example, with 2 minute headways dual track rail (one per direction) can carry 27480 pphd.

A 4-lane motorway (2 lanes each way) can carry 4320 pphd assuming 1.2 pax per vehicle.

A 2-lane busway with 30-second headways and 85 pax buses (artics) can carry 10,200pphd.

In what world is the motorway more effective? To compare with rail the motorway would need to be 24 lanes!

And yet we build an extra 2 lanes here, another 4 lanes there thinking it would have an impact on congestion. Why not 8, 12, or 16 lanes for the ultimate capacity upgrade? Oh wait, that'd cost too much to do it all at once.

I'm keen to know what LNP will make of CRR but I fear anything transport related will largely be grim. Hopefully not more piecemeal 2-4 extra road lanes scattered here and there.

[Jonno]

And yet we build an extra 2 lanes here, another 4 lanes there thinking it would have an impact on congestion. Why not 8, 12, or 16 lanes for the ultimate capacity upgrade? Oh wait, that'd cost too much to do it all at once.

Either way you WILL NEVER out build congestion beacuse the upgrade itself CREATES the congestion.

[WTN]

And yet we build an extra 2 lanes here, another 4 lanes there thinking it would have an impact on congestion. Why not 8, 12, or 16 lanes for the ultimate capacity upgrade? Oh wait, that'd cost too much to do it all at once.

Either way you WILL NEVER out build congestion beacuse the upgrade itself CREATES the congestion.

So even if we had 100 lane roads (if it was possible) all over the city it will still be congested?

[Jonno]

As theoretical as that question is then theoretically Yes.  I would assume we would have all moved the Melbourne before this anyway!

[Stillwater]

It is true that a new freeway solves a traffic congestion problem in that the problem is relocated somewhere else.  It doesn't go away.

[WTN]

Ah yes, in a network, there's always a bottleneck somewhere. Explains why.

[Jonno]

Bit more to it than that.  The new road capacity encourages people to make employment, living and recreational decision that ultimately fill the capacity.  By building the capacity you generate the demand.

[WTN]

Bit more to it than that.  The new road capacity encourages people to make employment, living and recreational decision that ultimately fill the capacity.  By building the capacity you generate the demand.

Nicely said