Article: Brisbane CityCat and ferry services cut back in council $2m savings ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane CityCat and ferry services cut back in council $2m savings drive

OFF-peak CityCat and ferry services will become less frequent from late October, as Brisbane City Council looks to save $2 million.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has this morning announced from October 21 timetables for the river vessels "will be simplified" to run every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during evenings.

The changes mean services during these times are set to become between two and five minutes less frequent.

They come after the Lord Mayor confirmed in June's budget, CityCat and ferry scheduling would be targeted as a means of saving $2 million.

Peak-hour services will remain unchanged and continue to operate every seven to 10 minutes.

More --> here!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th August 2013

Bus review failure - effects worsen

Greetings,

Brisbane City Council's failure to participate in the TransLink bus review now leads to the next step in the collapse of public transport in SEQ.

Cut backs to river CityCats and Ferry services.

Couriermail --> Brisbane CityCat and ferry services cut back in council $2m savings drive

The Minister for Transport should explain why he failed to support TransLink in a review which would have lead to around 20 million extra passenger trips per year, and put the network on track for future growth.  All we have now is worsening failure.

Enjoy the road congestion and mayhem!

Best wishes

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

Sent to all outlets:

15th August 2013

Greetings,

This plot shows the reason why TransLink did the bus review at the Minister's direction.  The failure of both the Minister and BCC then to secure a proper outcome has put back public transport years in SEQ.

The bus patronage data has flat lined, which is even worse when one considers the increases in service kilometres.    What a mess ... BCC's response?  Attack us ... LOL.


http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/tramtrain/BT_SEQ_Boardings_zpsc71a411a.jpg

It is time the fares were sorted, the TransLink bus review implemented and the network put on a secure footing for growth.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

15th August 2014

Re: SEQ: Bus review shambles confirmed by RTI

Greetings,

LOL.  I note BCC is resorting to desperate ways -->  http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9045.msg130171#msg130171

Facts speak for themselves.

Public transport in SEQ is in crisis. BCC are a major factor, failure of leadership by LNP is another.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

13th August 2013

Re: SEQ: Bus review shambles confirmed by RTI

Greetings,

I realise a lot of the Brisbane media is under the control of  distant puppet masters, but here is clear evidence of the incompetence of the bus review process.

Can't upset our mates on George St can we?

Thank goodness for citizen media which is springing up faster than the consumption rate  of strawberry sundaes at the Ekka.

You probably know deep down  that the death warrant of the present form of MSM is being signed right now.

Have a great day.

Cheers
Robert

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

Media release 11th August 2013



SEQ: Bus review shambles confirmed by RTI

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 is calling on the Brisbane Lord Mayor to explain why Brisbane Transport's network planners were instructed not to attend network planning sessions with Translink staff as part of TransLink's review of the entire SEQ bus network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A recent RTI request by the State Opposition has revealed a TMR briefing note on the review which states that under instruction, Brisbane Transport declined to attend strategic network planning sessions with Translink on at least 6 separate occasions (1)."

"We believe the uninformed political interference from BCC Councillors is the main reason for the Minister for Transport's announcement  on the back down and lack of support for TransLink when he said that no changes would be made to Brisbane Transport routes without approval of the council. Is this putting political mates before the real community need?  Is this weak leadership?  Certainly is!"

"Can the Lord Mayor explain why he and his council blocked TransLink from reviewing the network they are charged with organising, and instead had their own insufficient review done which has led to a continuation of the waste and failure the review was meant to help reduce?"

"Further more, can the Minister for Transport also explain why the situation was allowed to arise in the first place, and why more wasn't done to get BCC and Brisbane Transport involved in the review from the start, rather than the haphazard and mis-matched mediocre series of reviews that has now occurred?"

"It is the view of our members that the lack of a proper review of the Brisbane Transport network is leading to ongoing waste and duplication across the public transport network which is limiting patronage growth and the expansion of public transport services across SEQ."

"It is time for Premier to step into this festering mess and sort it.  As the Premier indicated in 2010 when Lord Mayor of Brisbane, in the interests of all citizens the State Government needs to run the buses to stop the failure and position public transport in Brisbane and SEQ for a better future, free from petty self interest from Brisbane Councillors."

Reference:

1.  RTI  http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/aboutus/rti/disclog/rti13501772.pdf

2.  Lord Mayor Campbell Newman wants State Government to run buses
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/campbell-newman-wants-state-government-to-run-buses/story-e6freoof-1225839337936

Contact:

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

[James]

Couriermail --> Brisbane CityCat and ferry services cut back in council $2m savings drive

OFF-peak CityCat and ferry services will become less frequent from late October, as Brisbane City Council looks to save $2 million.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has this morning announced from October 21 timetables for the river vessels "will be simplified" to run every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during evenings.

The changes mean services during these times are set to become between two and five minutes less frequent.

They come after the Lord Mayor confirmed in June's budget, CityCat and ferry scheduling would be targeted as a means of saving $2 million.

Peak-hour services will remain unchanged and continue to operate every seven to 10 minutes.

More --> here!

Timetable simplification was very much necessary. The current timetable is not clockface, is confusing and can in no way be remembered by anyone. The reduction will increase average waiting times by no more than 2.5 minutes.

What I don't like about this, though, is that there will be no service improvements at all. 15 minute frequency could at least be increased to make it 7am - 9pm 15 minute frequency. I've used the CityCat in the past and a legible timetable would help a lot.

[BrizCommuter]

The BrizCommuter word on the CityCat cuts.
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/now-brisbane-city-council-cuts-citycat.html

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest City South News 29 Aug 2013 page 5

Off-peak CityCat services face axe COUNCIL SEEKS BUDGET CUTS

Off-peak CityCat services face axe
COUNCIL SEEKS BUDGET CUTS
Jacinda Tutty

BRISBANE City Council has plans to cut off-peak CityCat services in a bid to claw back public transport savings.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced the plan last week to "simplify" ferry timetables, saving more than $2 million from the council budget.

"The frequency of off-peak trips will change to every 15 minutes in daytime and every 30 minutes in the evening," Cr Quirk said.

"Peak-hour services will stay the same at every seven to 15 minutes.

"I have been endeavouring to find where there might be some efficiencies and savings because it is important that we deliver a cost-effective outcome for public transport services."

"This is about effectively planning for the growth of our network."

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the move was another step towards a "public transport death spiral" and would cause commuters to turn away from ferry services.

"First a bungled bus review, now this," he said.

"Reducing services is not the way to encourage people back on to public transport.

"It's unfair that CityCat commuters miss out because BCC is looking at ways at recovering costs to support its inefficient bus network."

Mr Dow said CityCat commuters were already frustrated with lengthy delays because of work along the river.

"Ferries have been running up to five to 15 minutes behind schedule because of a go-slow limit along the river while work is being completed," he said.

"This parlous state of affairs was entirely predictable and avoidable, its time for a proper review of the network rather than making cuts to save a few quick bucks." The timetable changes will come into effect on Monday, October 21.

[Set in train]

I wonder if BCC's behaviour has nothing to do with the politicians but actually attributable to the council staff? I have noticed a clear pattern whereby elected reps within  council are next to powerless to not follow what proposals are put to them by council staff ie. council staff dictate.

The tail is well and truly wagging the dog, staff have realised that with a weak leader in Quirk, they can fire off as many 'officer recommendations' as desired and they will be accepted. There is no independent thinking by councillors and this exists across all political colours.

[ozbob]

I wonder if BCC's behaviour has nothing to do with the politicians but actually attributable to the council staff? I have noticed a clear pattern whereby elected reps within  council are next to powerless to not follow what proposals are put to them by council staff ie. council staff dictate.

The tail is well and truly wagging the dog, staff have realised that with a weak leader in Quirk, they can fire off as many 'officer recommendations' as desired and they will be accepted. There is no independent thinking by councillors and this exists across all political colours.

Fair comment, the whole place is a mess IMHO.   Councillors are our elected reps, and they really need to look at the broader interests.  Of course though the entire political process is predicated on short term populist policy approach.

It really is time to wrest control of PT from BCC.  I don't have a problem with BT or TransDev Ferry, they are doing what they are told.

[achiruel]

I'd have to say even though the new timetable will be less frequent in the evenings it is actually preferable (every 30 minutes vs every 25, 30 is far easier to remember.

I'm with James though I'd like to see the 15 minute frequency extended to later at night even if only 8pm.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Ferry service cuts increasing traffic congestion: Shayne Sutton

Ferry service cuts increasing traffic congestion: Shayne Sutton
February 13, 2014 Kim Stephens

A Brisbane City councillor has accused the LNP administration of "thumbing their noses" at more than 1700 commuters who requested axed ferry services be reinstated.

Morningside councillor Shayne Sutton said many commuters had given up on city ferries since timetable changes were implemented in October and were now placing further pressure on notorious traffic bottleneck Wynnum Road.

"They keep saying they want to build a new world city but new world cities invest in public transport, they don't cut public transport," she said.

Three petitions requesting the council reverse cuts made to CityCat services in October came before the public and active transport committee during summer recess.
A Brisbane City councillor has accused the LNP administration of "thumbing their noses" at more than 1700 commuters who requested axed ferry services be reinstated.

Morningside councillor Shayne Sutton said many commuters had given up on city ferries since timetable changes were implemented in October and were now placing further pressure on notorious traffic bottleneck Wynnum Road.

"They keep saying they want to build a new world city but new world cities invest in public transport, they don't cut public transport," she said.

Three petitions requesting the council reverse cuts made to CityCat services in October came before the public and active transport committee during summer recess.
Advertisement

Yet the council remains committed to the new timetable, which is budgeted to save $2 million this financial year.

Public and active transport chairman Peter Matic conceded the ferry changes had not been as successful as bus service changes implemented last year, but said some services had been impacted by river construction.

"Council continues to monitor our CityCat and ferry timetabling given the ongoing construction on the river for the new and upgraded ferry terminals to ensure customer satisfaction remains at the highest level of all forms of public transport, and if necessary we will make some tweaks to minimise delays," he said.

Under-utilised late night services were slashed and the frequency of off-peak services was reduced in a move the council labelled "ferry optimisation" last year.

However, Cr Sutton said peak period commuters in Bulimba had been left stranded by a reversal in the docking order of CityCats.

Before the timetable changes, Cr Sutton said, the ferry to the University of Queensland stopped at Bulimba before Teneriffe.

As of October 21, that sequence was reversed, meaning only downstream CityCat services and CityFerries make the crossing.

After investigating the changes, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announced a boost in cross river CityFerry services between Bulimba and Teneriffe but has so far declined to reinstate the previous docking order of CityCats.

"I'm not advocating to go back to the pre October 21 timetable,"," Cr Sutton said.

"I challenged Cr Quirk and Cr Matic to tell me how much extra it will cost to reverse the order of docking and they have declined to do so."

She said the 1700 petition signatories felt ignored.

"Basically they feel they haven't been listened to," she said.

"We once had a world class CityCat service. It has now become a confusing service with service reductions that make it less easy and less convenient."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ferry-service-cuts-increasing-traffic-congestion-shayne-sutton-20140212-32iev.html

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

Greetings,

We have a fare affordability crisis on the TransLink network in SEQ.  The political failure to support the TransLink bus review has now lead to service cuts in all bus regions.  We can add CityCat cuts now too ..  Ferry service cuts increasing traffic congestion: Shayne Sutton  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/ferry-service-cuts-increasing-traffic-congestion-shayne-sutton-20140212-32iev.html

A terrible mediocre outcome, particularly when we have one of the worlds worst fare structures.  An outcome which is fundamentally the fault of BCC and the lack of political courage to stand up to them.  The evidence is clear.

It is time the Premier of Queensland and the Minister for Transport got out of the comfort zone, and directed the responsible authorities to sort out the public transport mess.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Sweeper ferry service to ease congestion on Bulimba-Teneriffe route

[achiruel]

Surely it would be cheaper just to reverse the stopping order again i.e. Bulimba then Tenerrife, than to add yet more cost with additional ferries?

[SurfRail]

That would mean admitting they got it wrong.

[achiruel]

Which they clearly did.

Apparently the change was all about saving Bulimba residents ~3 minutes in travel time to Riverside.  Which is especially surprising considering their local councillor is Labor.

[James]

Which they clearly did.

Apparently the change was all about saving Bulimba residents ~3 minutes in travel time to Riverside.  Which is especially surprising considering their local councillor is Labor.

All it is is:
1. BCC direct services mantra gone mad (transfer? goodness, who would do that?)
2. Cr Shayne Sutton Effect - let's face it, the river is probably the most inefficient way of getting to the majority of places. Its much easier to use the ferry to Teneriffe and the CityGlider from there. It is a very handy connection - I've used it returning from Bulimba, and thanks to transfers lining up well, the trip into the city only took around 20 mins - as fast as a car.

To extend on the Cr Shayne Sutton Effect, it is important to notice that the ferries from Bulimba run express, but aside from Bretts Wharf, avoids all the stops on the northern side of the river! This effectively ruins the connectivity of the route and any purpose for using the CityCat for cross-river travel at all. Pathetic really.

[achiruel]

Which they clearly did.

Apparently the change was all about saving Bulimba residents ~3 minutes in travel time to Riverside.  Which is especially surprising considering their local councillor is Labor.

2. Cr Shayne Sutton Effect - let's face it, the river is probably the most inefficient way of getting to the majority of places.

I wouldn't say that, for some trips the river is very efficient especially where they're on opposite sides of the river with no bridge nearby. e.g. Bretts Wharf (btw, will they rename that now the restaurant has gone) to Bulimba, West End to Toowong, Hawthorne to New Farm.

[red dragin]

Bretts Wharf is the name of the original wharf in that location I believe.

[ozbob]

Bretts Wharf is the name of the original wharf in that location I believe.

Yes, Bretts wharf 1929 .. originally built around 1900 ...



Steamship, Orford docked at Brett's Wharf, Hamilton, Brisbane, ca. 1929

http://bishop.slq.qld.gov.au/view/action/singleViewer.do?dvs=1393653421372~747&locale=en_AU&metadata_object_ratio=10&show_metadata=true&VIEWER_URL=/view/action/singleViewer.do?&DELIVERY_RULE_ID=26&frameId=1&usePid1=true&usePid2=true

[James]

I wouldn't say that, for some trips the river is very efficient especially where they're on opposite sides of the river with no bridge nearby. e.g. Bretts Wharf (btw, will they rename that now the restaurant has gone) to Bulimba, West End to Toowong, Hawthorne to New Farm.

That's why I said 'the majority of places'.

Cross-river trips are efficient for the obvious reason that they cross the river where one may not otherwise be able to by another vehicle. Trips up/down the river, however, are often not. It is quicker for a passenger going UQ - City, New Farm - Riverside and Kangaroo Point - UQ (to name a few examples) to simply use a bus/buses.

I mean, for goodness sake, the 232 is faster than the ferry between Bulimba and Mowbray Park outside peak, and this is a route which goes via Auckland and Oakey (shame about the hourly frequency and lack of Sunday service). I think a lot of ferry users use it partially as a lifestyle choice, or for the convenience to Riverside/QUT. Travelling by CityCat is far nicer than travelling by rail/bus/car.

[ozbob]

Ferry patronage 2012/13 was around 3% of total passenger trips on the TL SEQ network (bus 68% train 29%).

The ferry services are very useful for those who can reasonably access them.  Also the CityCats are great for tours for visitors etc. something I do regularly.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Bulimba ferry timetable decision may be reversed