Station Upgrades

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1033143905280188416

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1033145275303387137

[ozbob]

An analysis of station infrastructure design to improve accessibility between the platform and suburban train
carriages. Vincent Moug, Selby Coxon

> https://backontrack.org/docs/dda/2013_moug_coxon.pdf

[not_available]

Strathpine: Temporary Edition is open

[verbatim9]

When are they going to start on Southbank station? Surely it can't be too far away?

[JustSomeTrainGuy]

Central? ahahahaha

[kram0]

Central? ahahahaha

While they said back in May there was no delay, I am calling BS on this statement. We are another 6 months on and still nothing. It might be worth a follow up Ozbob to these lying politicians, to see what sh%t comes out of there mouth now.

[ozbob]

Central? ahahahaha

While they said back in May there was no delay, I am calling BS on this statement. We are another 6 months on and still nothing. It might be worth a follow up Ozbob to these lying politicians, to see what sh%t comes out of there mouth now.

Good point!   

I have sent this email today to the advertised contact email address centralstation@qr.com.au

=======================

29th October 2018

Central station upgrade - progress

Good Morning,

Has there been any update on the Central station upgrade please?

We are interested if design and planning is complete, and when works might commence.  There does not appear to have been any recent updates on the web page https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Central-station-upgrade.aspx

Thank you.

Regards

Robert

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

[JustSomeTrainGuy]

Is it possible they are waiting for the Breakfast Ck bridge upgrade over Christmas (and subsequent major track closure) to commence major works?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1063626514695143424

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1063630270170103811

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Upgrades to improve accessibility to Morayfield train station

MORAYFIELD train station will be demolished in the coming weeks and replaced by a modern station complex with lifts and facilities to improve access.

State ALP MP for Morayfield Mark Ryan said once the work was complete the station would be transformed for those with disabilities, users of mobility aids, seniors, parents with prams and travellers with luggage.

"It is a major upgrade that will support around 250 jobs for contractors and suppliers from the construction industry, including electrical, carpentry, painting, plumbing, labouring, roofing, glazing and traffic control," Mr Ryan said.

"This includes the demolition of the old station building which will be replaced with more modern facilities, including accessible toilets, in line with the new station aesthetic.

"Already, early works have seen the installation of safety fencing, minor platform works including vegetation removal and the relocation of ticketing equipment, and the return of student artwork originally installed by Morayfield East State School in 2006."

Mr Ryan said work would ramp up in the coming weeks and passengers would notice changes to some station access points and pathways, in addition to the realignment of the footbridge stairs to enable construction work on platform 1.

"From early 2019, platform raising at the assisted boarding points will commence and a new pedestrian footbridge with lifts will be installed later in the year," he said

"The project will also deliver a range of other improvements including hearing aid loops and tactile surfaces, upgraded security cameras and lighting and improved platform signage in the raised area."

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade was part of a $300 million investment by the State Government to improve accessibility at stations across the South East Queensland train network.

"While this project may impose some temporary disruptions, it is important we put in place improvements now that will ensure the Morayfield community is well-connected and accessible into the future," Mr Bailey said.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1067197255466119168

[ozbob]

Central? ahahahaha

While they said back in May there was no delay, I am calling BS on this statement. We are another 6 months on and still nothing. It might be worth a follow up Ozbob to these lying politicians, to see what sh%t comes out of there mouth now.

Good point!   

I have sent this email today to the advertised contact email address centralstation@qr.com.au

=======================

29th October 2018

Central station upgrade - progress

Good Morning,

Has there been any update on the Central station upgrade please?

We are interested if design and planning is complete, and when works might commence.  There does not appear to have been any recent updates on the web page https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Central-station-upgrade.aspx

Thank you.

Regards

Robert

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

I followed up with another email on the 18th November 2018, no response.  So I emailed the CEO of Queensland Rail yesterday who indicated he would follow up.  Queensland Rail publishes things like its ' Customer Charter ' and then just ignores them.

[kram0]

Thanks for the update, let's hope you get a honest response from them. We all know it is delayed, we just want to know why.

[ozbob]

Central? ahahahaha

While they said back in May there was no delay, I am calling BS on this statement. We are another 6 months on and still nothing. It might be worth a follow up Ozbob to these lying politicians, to see what sh%t comes out of there mouth now.

Good point!   

I have sent this email today to the advertised contact email address centralstation@qr.com.au

=======================

29th October 2018

Central station upgrade - progress

Good Morning,

Has there been any update on the Central station upgrade please?

We are interested if design and planning is complete, and when works might commence.  There does not appear to have been any recent updates on the web page https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Central-station-upgrade.aspx

Thank you.

Regards

Robert

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

I followed up with another email on the 18th November 2018, no response.  So I emailed the CEO of Queensland Rail yesterday who indicated he would follow up.  Queensland Rail publishes things like its ' Customer Charter ' and then just ignores them.

I received correspondence from QR Community Engagement on the 27 Nov 2018 that a response would be provided shortly.

Still nothing so I have emailed again today asking what is going on.  If nothing heard by early January 2019, will go RTI.   

[Stillwater]

In the way that QR and TMR celebrates these things Ozbob, they would argue that QR has:

- Consulted with the stakeholder group represented and ascertained fully the nature of the issues and the parameters in which they are to be considered
- Conducted internal consultation to the highest levels to ensure an appropriate answer is made
- We consider all engagement with customers as important and we value feedback
-While there may be unfortunate short delays due to staff unavailability or other genuine reason, nonetheless, QR will endeavour always to provide timely and accurate advice
-Customers remain the focus of all that we do at QR

Oh, what's that!  You haven't got an answer?  But look at all that we are doing for you ingrates.  (See above.)   

[JustSomeTrainGuy]

^ Oh, maybe the answer is simply delayed by a "force majeure" event

[verbatim9]

I saw contract workers today measuring the height of platform 1-2 today 7.50am @ Central. Could be a sign?

[ozbob]

Received this response today from Community Engagement Queensland Rail re Central Station upgrade queries:

" Regarding the Central station program, the first stage of the refurbishment was completed in April 2017 and involved works to the back of house facilities including offices, customer communication and first aid areas.

To ensure Central station was fully operational during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, a range of front of house works were delivered ahead of the Games in April.

These works included cleaning, painting, new lighting and fans, tile repairs, column cladding, lift and escalator maintenance, as well as replacement of roof sheeting on the outer concourse.

The planning for the remainder of the upgrade work is now progressing, which will include major works such as platform raising, and upgraded lifts and escalators.

We will ensure our customers and key stakeholders are kept informed of delivery timeframes as this planning work progresses. "

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/mcberkman/status/1087224621240205314

[kram0]

And he still continues with radio silence on Central station. The Commonwealth Games were nearly 12 months ago. When will he come up with a new story or the truth?

[verbatim9]

I still think the concourse level needs to be redesigned to meet community expectations. Retail needs to be reshuffled a bit. The Whistle Stop bar should go or be relocated and allow for a Coles Central or Woolies Metro 1200sqm to be built on the concourse level. The QR Travel Centre can be repositioned somewhere else allowing for extra space for the small format supermarket of 1200 to 1500sqm. A new retail design will revitalise the concourse that reflects what is happening overseas and interstate.

[SurfRail]

It's laughable that Indooroopilly can be considered an "accessible" station.  On what possible basis - that it has lifts?  Great if you don't need to actually climb up into a train I suppose.

[techblitz]

I still think the concourse level needs to be redesigned to meet community expectations. Retail needs to be reshuffled a bit. The Whistle Stop bar should go or be relocated and allow for a Coles Central or Woolies Metro 1200sqm to be built on the concourse level. The QR Travel Centre can be repositioned somewhere else allowing for extra space for the small format supermarket of 1200 to 1500sqm. A new retail design will revitalise the concourse that reflects what is happening overseas and interstate.

those two pubs sit empty most of the day...only a handful of people at best....add in the grand central downstairs and it is absolute pub overkill @ central....yet if someone needs to pick up a few decently priced groceries they have to walk half way across the CBD to macarthur central.....unless ive missed somethings that's closer........if they were to setup a supermarket @ central it would be extremely busy.....nevertheless the southbank woolies seems to be handling itself pretty well......so I think it should be looked at for central....

[kram0]

I just spoke to someone working on the central upgrade project. They mentioned there has been some delays but to expect an announcement in the next 2 months. They still say the scope of works are just as major as before, but there have been some changes. I also pressed them on full height platforms and while they paused before answering, said this should not change. Works are expected to commence in 2019.

Might be worth hitting the useless minister Mark Bailey up for more information Ozbob.

[ozbob]

I just spoke to someone working on the central upgrade project. They mentioned there has been some delays but to expect an announcement in the next 2 months. They still say the scope of works are just as major as before, but there have been some changes. I also pressed them on full height platforms and while they paused before answering, said this should not change. Works are expected to commence in 2019.

Might be worth hitting the useless minister Mark Bailey up for more information Ozbob.

Thanks. I have a meeting with QR in a week or so, I will ask if any further updates.

[not_available]

Anyone know how much progress has been made on the upgrades at Strathpine, Fairfield, Boondall et cetera?

[brissypete]

Well Fairfield is just pretty pictures on display. Seems it's classed as part of Cross River Rail project and is to happen with that so probably sometime before anything actually starts.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

Anyone know how much progress has been made on the upgrades at Strathpine, Fairfield, Boondall et cetera?

See > https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Pages/Stationaccessibilityupgradeprogram.aspx

[InclusionMoves]

Its funny I asked about Boondall over the weekend cause I had a couple of customers enquire.

@QueenslandRail a number of my cutomers are confused by the * and coming soon Mid-2020 regarding Boondall Station in the Station Access Guide given the Keith Urban concert tonight. Can you please provide an update of the accessibiity as it stands right now? #transparency

Slightly dodgy of them to have this * stuff in my opinion. Means on a cursory look they are doing better than they actually are.

Geoff

Anyone know how much progress has been made on the upgrades at Strathpine, Fairfield, Boondall et cetera?

[ozbob]

They certainly don't like to mention the actual % of stations that are independently accessible, they prefer to spin ' Patronage statistics show 78 per cent of Queensland Rail's customers travel to and from independently accessible stations in South East Queensland. '

Only around 58% or so of the stations are actually compliant from memory.

We might have do another count IM ...

[InclusionMoves]

Even the language 'independantly accessible' is problematic. Under the dsapt there is compliant and non compliant. How hard is it to stick to that?

Geoff

They certainly don't like to mention the actual % of stations that are independently accessible, they prefer to spin ' Patronage statistics show 78 per cent of Queensland Rail's customers travel to and from independently accessible stations in South East Queensland. '

Only around 58% or so of the stations are actually compliant from memory.

We might have do another count IM ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1100291553937870848

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Disabled locked out of dozens of train stations

Fewer than two-thirds of Queensland's 152 train stations will be accessible to disabled people by the Federal Government's 2022 deadline.

There is also still no clear timeline for upgrades to some stations, such as Auchenflower in Brisbane's inner west, and nearby Taringa's station has yet to even be reviewed.

State Greens MP for Maiwar, Michael Berkman, said the Government was also refusing to commit to the 2022 deadline for accessibility outlined in the Federal Disability Discrimination Act.

"Across Queensland, even once currently scheduled upgrades are completed, less than 60 per cent of stations will comply with federal disability standards,'' Mr Berkman said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has previously said Taringa would be reviewed for an upgrade based on patronage, existing access and nearby facilities. Indooroopilly and Toowong, on each side of it, are accessible.

It is one of just 20 stations in Queensland with no scheduled upgrades where platforms are only accessible via stairs, but has 46,000 visits a month — more than almost all other stations scheduled for upgrades.

Mr Berkman said it also had just one ticket machine, meaning patrons might need to traverse several flights of stairs to buy a ticket and get to the correct platform.

"I do not believe that anything less than a commitment to 100 per cent accessibility at our train stations by 2022 is adequate,'' Mr Berkman said.

In his letter, he asked Mr Bailey to also consider upgrades around Taringa station, near Morrow St and the shops on Moggill Rd, as the hilly terrain — particularly in the north side of the station — made it hard even to get to the station.

Mr Bailey said modernising stations was an enormous undertaking and upgrading them to meet the 2022 deadline "will be a challenge for most governments ''.

"Every upgrade requires significant investment and time because we generally need to keep the station operating during construction, as well as deal with the constraints and issues each site presents,'' he said.

"Work is happening right across the southeast to make stations more accessible under our government, typically including installation of lifts, raised platforms to assist boarding, pedestrian overpasses, tactile flooring, ramps, hearing aid loops and accessible toilets.''

Ms Queensland said it was disappointing the federal target would not be met by 2022.

"It is concerning that, reportedly, less than two-thirds of Queensland's train stations will be
accessible by 2022, when it was intended for 100 per cent of stations to be accessible by
2022 as recommended by the Federal Disability Discrimination Act,'' an MS Queensland spokeswoman said.

"We will continue to work with the government alongside other disability advocates as part of
the Queensland Rail Accessibility Reference Group to ensure that our public transport
system does not discriminate against people living with a disability.

"MS Queensland encourages those who live within communities without accessible train
stations to write to their State MPs to apply pressure on the government to ensure the
deadline is reached.

"It is important that resolving this issue is made a priority as accessible public transport is
essential in promoting an inclusive community.''

But Mr Bailey said Queensland Rail's $300 million Station Accessibility Upgrade Program had already delivered accessibility improvements at Graceville, Dinmore, Nambour, Alderley and Newmarket.

"Construction is underway at Morayfield, Boondall and Strathpine and upgrades are fully funded and scheduled for Auchenflower, Buranda and Fairfield stations as well as East Ipswich, Dakabin, Albion, Cannon Hill and Loganlea,'' he said.

"The Auchenflower, Buranda and Fairfield station upgrades are fully funded and will be delivered as previously announced, with public consultation already done in 2018.

"When these upgrades are completed, 83 per cent of rail customers in southeast Queensland will travel to and from accessible stations as accessibility upgrades have targeted higher commuter volume stations first.''

Mr Bailey also said the Government's new NGR trains would be some of the most accessible in the country, following consultation with disability groups on their design.

He said the Government worked with many disabilities groups on upgrades to station designs, through its Accessibility Reference Group which included representatives from Guide Dogs QLD, Vision Australian, Queenslanders with Disability Network, MS Society, Spinal Life, Arthritis QLD and Better Hearing Australia.

Stations with limited access and no scheduled upgrades:

Bindha

Riverview

Rocklea

Salisbury

Sherwood

Thomas St

Bundamba

Chelmer

Ebbw Vale

Gailes

Gaythorne

Moorooka

North Boondall

Traveston

Taringa

Trinder Park

Wilston

Wynnum

Yandina

Yeronga

Coorparoo, Morningside and Norman Park aren't compliant with the federal disability access standards but don't have any upgrades planned.

Stations that are not fully compliant but have no upgrades scheduled:

Ascot

Banyo

Bethania

Booval

Bray Park

Burpengary

Clayfield

Cooran

Cooroy

Coorparoo

Deagon

Doomben

Dutton Park

Eden's Landing

Enoggera

Eudlo

Exhibition

Holmview

Karrabin

Keperra

Lindum

Lota

Mooloolah

Morayfield

Morningside

Murarrie

Norman Park

Northgate

Nudgee

Ormiston

Palmwoods

Pomona

Sunshine

Thagoona

Thorneside

Wacol

Walloon

Wellington Point

Windsor

[tazzer9]

Stations with limited access and no scheduled upgrades:
Bindha  - leave, not may use it anyway and there is a nearby alternative
Riverview - fix
Rocklea - fix, make it one of the first since it would be super easy to do
Salisbury - fix
Sherwood - fix urgently
Thomas St - fix, but due to pax and service numbers, i'm okay with it being one of the last to be fixed (but should have been done when the platform was extended)
Bundamba - fix
Chelmer -fix
Ebbw Vale - fix, but may prove difficult to do
Gailes - okay with leaving, close by alternative and only accessible by car anyway
Gaythorne - fix, but may prove difficult to do
Moorooka - fix
North Boondall - fix, would be one of the easiest to do as well, should be near the top of the list
Traveston - extend platform to full height and 9 car length for future CRR service, along with having a 2nd platfom to same standards on the loop
Taringa - fix
Trinder Park - Should be fixed but with a project to extend the triplication from kuraby with some realignment
Wilston - fix
Wynnum - fix
Yandina - just make sure the platform has step free access. 
Yeronga - fix
Coorparoo - should be fixed as part of a project to put it in a trench to enable elimination of the LX.
Morningside - fix
Norman Park - fix

Stations that are not fully compliant but have no upgrades scheduled:
Ascot - just make sure the platform is step free access, patronage doesn't warrant full upgrade
Banyo - in an ideal world banyo would be rebuilt as part of an LX removal, ideally with 3 platforms to allow extension of northgate terminators.
Bethania - fix
Booval - fix
Bray Park - I thought it was already accessible so it must not be that bad
Burpengary - fix, super easy to do
Clayfield - patronage doesn't warrant it
Cooran - just make sure the 6 car proper platform is step free
Cooroy - proper upgrade, ideally 2 platforms since it see's long distance trains
Deagon  fix, easy to do
Doomben - patronage doesn't warrant it and its nearly always attended along with it being a terminaing station, train staff helping isn't difficult
Dutton Park - fix
Eden's Landing - make it step free platform access, not sure if patronage warrants a proper upgrade
Enoggera - fix
Eudlo - should be left alone, no upgrades, so be fully rebuilt as part of a high speed duplicated NCL
Exhibition - leave, doesn't get used enough to warrant an upgrade and the current humps are fine.  Whenever its used there is always plently of staff
Holmview - leave, the ramp doesn't look steep, station and train staff can handle the rest
Karrabin - leave
Keperra - leave
Lindum - fix
Lota - leave, should be upgraded as part of greater cleveland line upgrade
Mooloolah - leave, should be left alone, no upgrades, so be fully rebuilt as part of a high speed duplicated NCL
Morayfield - fix, easy to do
Murarrie - should be rebuilt as part of an LX removal, ideally with 3 platforms to allow for better terminating movements.
Northgate - fix
Nudgee - fix
Ormiston - should be rebuilt as part of cleveland line duplication
Palmwoods - should be left alone, no upgrades, so be fully rebuilt as part of a high speed duplicated NCL
Pomona - should be left alone, no upgrades, so be fully rebuilt as part of a high speed duplicated NCL ( i know this is north of nambour, but this section is pretty bad)
Sunshine - fix
Thagoona - leave, patronage doesn't warrant it
Thorneside - fix, but should be done as part of wider cleveland line upgrades
Wacol - fix, but needs to be done in a way that allows for track amplications
Walloon - fix
Wellington Point - fix, but should be done as part of wider cleveland line upgrades
Windsor - fix

Gympie North - Add a nambour style 6 car long bay platform to the southern end, should be easy to do.  Would be really good for when things go a bit pear shaped with the travel trains

[timh]

Exhibition - leave, doesn't get used enough to warrant an upgrade and the current humps are fine.  Whenever its used there is always plently of staff

As far as i'm aware exhibition station is getting fully rebuilt as part of the CRR project. Correct me if i'm wrong...

[ozbob]

Cooran - full height full length now.  Shelter minimal but if Cooran can done with proper full length full height platforms why not the much busier suburban stations? 

There is something wrong with their thought processes IMHO .. 

















Photographs R Dow 1st March 2019

[ozbob]

Pomona - under construction.  On a curve but the platform will be full length and full height when completed.













These two photographs below show something quite unique for Queensland ( and possibly Australia ).  These warning lights are on a major roundabout in the town centre.  When the level crossing is activated, they show red to alert motorists.  This allows motorists to take an alternate route that has a subway under the railway line.  These lights have been known to confuse visitors to the area, and it is not unknown for motorists to stop on the roundabout when the red light is activated!





Photographs R Dow 1st March 2019

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1101565610176069632

[not_available]

Stations with limited access and no scheduled upgrades:
Coorparoo - should be fixed as part of a project to put it in a trench to enable elimination of the LX.

Isn't Coorparoo in a low-lying area though?

[ozbob]

Cannon Hill station concept.

Still only partial platform raising ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1102822071816482816