27 May 2007: New Trains On Track

[ozbob]

RAIL Back On Track - Media Release 27 May 2007

New Trains On Track

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has congratulated EDI Rail and Bombardier Transportation, Queensland Rail, Translink and the Queensland Government on the first revenue service of the new passenger trains for the Brisbane Translink Rail network.

Robert Dow said that:

?The Premier of Queensland and the Minister of Transport and Main Roads have indicated the first revenue service with one of the new trains will be the 7.38am service from Robina on May 28th. Some relief will now be afforded to commuters on that line. It will be sometime however before other new trains are ready for services.  None the less, it is pleasing that some progress has been made.?

?Half of the new trains are earmarked for the Gold Coast railway line, but there are urgent needs on most suburban commuter lines in Brisbane today.  The new trains will free up some units on the Gold Coast line for other services. RAIL Back On Track has previously suggested some timetable improvements within existing crew and train resources, hopefully these will be implemented in the near future.?

?By maximising rail travel this will help ease the chronic overloading of buses, ferries and catamarans. It will also help reduce the chronic traffic congestion that is now almost normal for some parts of Brisbane. Contingent on the proper uptake of rail is the requirement of having adequate trains and crew to provide cost effective, reliable and timely services.  Serious consideration should be given to ordering an additional 22 units to add to the already 44 sets ordered.  Let?s hope we are not caught short again!?

Contact:


Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track

http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Thanks to ABC Radio 612 and Spencer Howson (Breakfast show host) for highlighting the the new suburban trains on Monday 28th.

I was able to say a few words on the breakfast show on behalf of RAIL Back On Track.

More details here -- > http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1935325.htm

Best wishes
Ozbob
Admin RAIL Back On Track