Brisbane - bus network proposal

[#Metro]

Good Coverage in local paper ----> http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/rail-back-on-track-to-share-plans-for-centenary-cityglider-bus-service/story-fni9r0hy-1227130734330

[ozbob]

 

From Couriermail Quest --> RAIL Back on Track to share plans for Centenary CityGlider bus service

Brisbane's peak transport lobby group will share plans for better public transport in the Centenary area — including a high-frequency CityGlider bus service — at two community events.

RAIL Back on Track's bus network proposal was recently released after more than 12 months analysing the Brisbane City Council bus network. Spokesman Robert Dow said the Centenary suburbs were among Brisbane's worst public transport black-spot areas.

"Despite there being 15 different bus routes that service the area, not a single one of these is a high-quality, frequent service," he said. Mr Dow said the proposed Centenary Glider would begin at Darra station, run through Riverhills, Jamboree Heights, Westlake, Middle Park, Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre, Jindalee and Indooroopilly Shopping Centre and then go down Coronation Drive directly into the CBD.

RAIL Back on Track will speak about the plan at the ALP Candidate Transport Forum at the Oxley Bowls Club at 7.30pm on November 19 and The South West Greens Branch launch event at the Centenary Community Hub at 2pm on November 22. For details, email admin@backontrack.org.

[ozbob]

Media release 23rd November 2014

Brisbane Bus Reform: BulimbaGlider - More Buses, More Often, for Bulimba Electorate

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 on BCC councillors and Bulimba electorate candidates to support a 230 BulimbaGlider and bus reform.

Proposed 230 bus route



Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The neglect has gone on for far too long. The voters in Bulimba electorate deserve a 230 BulimbaGlider. It is an embarrassment that after two bus reviews conducted by two different levels of government, bus services in Bulimba are just as bad and hugely expensive as ever. Our New Bus Network Proposal will allow Bulimba electorate voters unprecedented freedom to use public transport to travel to more places, more often, without a car. By amalgamating existing routes, bus reform means more buses more often while keeping a lid on fares."

"Our 230 BulimbaGlider begins at Morningside train station, travels along Thynne Road to Oxford street, Riding Road, Wynnum Road, and then into the busway at Woolloongabba for a direct trip to the CBD and Roma Street. By connecting Roma Street and Morningside rail station, the rail access problem is solved at both ends. With a bus every 15 minutes all day, and every 10 minutes or better in peak hour, time savings will flow from higher service frequencies dramatically cutting waiting time at the bus stop, and adopting 'CityGlider' style stop spacing. Our proposal can be accessed from our New Bus Network Proposal survey http://tiny.cc/busreform "

"Bulimba is grossly under-serviced compared to similar inner city suburbs such as West End. For example, Bulimba's 230 bus runs approximately 60 services per day, while West End BUZ 199 which runs approximately 200 services per day. West End residents are getting about three times more service which explains why Bulimba residents suffer chronic car parking congestion issues."

"The New Zealanders in Auckland can manage to do a proper bus review, why can't we? The local member for Bulimba electorate, Aaron Dillaway MP currently has a petition for more car parking at train stations, as does candidate Di Farmer. Car parks easily cost around $40,000 each. 300 car parks x $40 000 each = $12 million to fill 30% of just one QR train! Doesn't it make more sense to reform the bus network so people can catch buses to the train station and leave the car at home?"

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

Contact:

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


References:

The Principles Of Bus Network Reform, Frequency is Freedom
http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/bus_reform.pdf

RBoT New Bus Network Proposal Survey Flyer
http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/RBOTSurveyPromo.pdf

New Bus Network Proposal survey
http://tiny.cc/busreform

Park and Ride facilities at Murarrie Train Station
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2318

Parking around Cannon Hill Railway Station
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2278

Price Reference - The Gap Park and Ride
$6 million dollars (A) for 85 car parking spaces (B) (2013$)
Divide (A) into (B): That is $70 000+ per car parking space. : The cost is likely to be even higher for multistory
car park because The Gap facility is all on the ground level.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/west/park-n-ride-on-waterworks-rd-to-help-commuters-use-public-transport/story-fn8m0u4y-1226581344469

[bagbuffy]

The Bulimba Glider from Morningside station is a great idea, though there are no Interchange facilities at Morningside Train Station.

[ozbob]

That would have to be done of course.  There is room for a couple of bus bays ..

[James]

The Bulimba Glider from Morningside station is a great idea, though there are no Interchange facilities at Morningside Train Station.

A fancy interchange with lots of sexy concrete, pretty TransLink colours and other things is not necessary to provide an interchange. Solution is easy - simply put in a bus stop closer to the train station (probably where the merging lane runs out). Other upgrades (proper layover facilities etc.) can be provided when money becomes available.

Interchange - it does not require lots of concrete and some fancy name like 'Morningside Complex Key Bus and Train Interchange station'.

[Gazza]

Hey, just something I just noticed on the Hi Quality bus network map, but why do both the 209 and 222 run along OCR?

Wouldn't it make sense to have the 209 run along Chatsworth Rd?

Basically, switch the 205 and 209 around in terms of frequency. Then you'd basically have the "perfect" high frequency grid happening in the quadrant of Brisbane from Garden City to Mt Gravatt.

Demand on the 222 would drop because the 200 and 209 would "suck away" some pax, rather than just everyone automatically flocking to Old Cleveland Rd, so the 222 would still cope.

Finally, something which seems like a bit of a missed opportunity. But in forest lake, you propose to run trains every 15 mins to Richlands, yet there isn't a high frequency route taking advantage of this.
I'd have thought the 460 would have been a prime candidate for this.

Is there a way of shuffling around frequency and so forth to allow for this?

[#Metro]

A fancy interchange with lots of sexy concrete, pretty TransLink colours and other things is not necessary to provide an interchange. Solution is easy - simply put in a bus stop closer to the train station (probably where the merging lane runs out). Other upgrades (proper layover facilities etc.) can be provided when money becomes available.

Interchange - it does not require lots of concrete and some fancy name like 'Morningside Complex Key Bus and Train Interchange station'.

When I was in Berlin earlier this year, this is what is done. The bus pulls up on the road opposite the station, people get off at a normal bus stop and cross the road using traffic lights and into the U-bahn.

[SurfRail]

^ Most of Melbourne's tram to train and tram to tram interchanges are exactly the same.  Bus interchanges tend to be more built up outside the inner area, especially at train stations, but are still fairly restrained when compared to something like Richlands.

[#Metro]

Hey, just something I just noticed on the Hi Quality bus network map, but why do both the 209 and 222 run along OCR?

Expediency. 209 does very well along OCR, hence a separate route was created for Chatsworth. I expect some minor competition between the two at Carindale, but after that both routes are quite separate. You could possibly transition one to the other by the substitution method where an old route is replaced by running a new and competing route and boosting it so that it draws pax away from the old service, and when established, remove the old service.

Wouldn't it make sense to have the 209 run along Chatsworth Rd?

Yes and No. I suspect Chatsworth Rd option would be slower, hence retention on OCR, and a separate 205 for Chatsworth. But no hard positions either way.

Finally, something which seems like a bit of a missed opportunity. But in forest lake, you propose to run trains every 15 mins to Richlands, yet there isn't a high frequency route taking advantage of this.
I'd have thought the 460 would have been a prime candidate for this.

Yes, well not everyone can get everything. Cr Milton Dick had insisted in the media that he wanted 100 to be kept BUZ so as a result there is no high frequency connector to rail in his area because the funds are being spent to send 100 to the CBD at 4 buses/hour. HOWEVER the 909 and 460 overlap each other strategically between Inala---Richlands (was very detailed in the thinking through of all this!) it would be possible to make it such that you had 15 minute frequency between Inala-Richlands by co-ordinating the timings of this overlap and making the buses leave from the same bus stop at Inala. The 909 would be set and then the 460 would be made to fit.

Is there a way of shuffling around frequency and so forth to allow for this?

The model has already been publicly released and submitted to both TL and BCC already and is currently under public comment. However, if you have submitted to the survey, you and anyone else can write in there (and also change previous responses) what you want changed. There may/may not be scope for a minor update in the new year as the results of the survey are announced. I would also suggest demonstration of support by running a poll or similar as the model is a RBoT collaborative work. If the bus 222 is a superbus there is no problem as the bus is 3x the size of current buses so having 222 + former 209 pax in the same bus is not an issue. However if it is not a superbus, then you have a capacity issue and you'd need separate buses (bus size is an efficiency problem with the current BCC network as well).


http://web.archive.org/web/20130411002627/http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review/Route-209.png

[Gazza]

See, I think the Original TL review had it right, with the 14 and 15, though I would have made it stay on Chatsworth rd for longer.
In terms of expediency, I think uni students would be more receptive to change than regular commuters.
Plus it looks better on the map if there are more red lines 

[#Metro]

See, I think the Original TL review had it right, with the 14 and 15, though I would have made it stay on Chatsworth rd for longer.
In terms of expediency, I think uni students would be more receptive to change than regular commuters.
Plus it looks better on the map if there are more red lines 

I think I was very conservative, and one has to be initially so it can be practical and adopted. A technically 'perfect' plan that has no chance of being implemented is quite useless.

The set up is such that TL faces very low risk in putting on 2 buses/hour to UQ along Chatsworth Rd. If patronage starts to build then that can be increased up to 4 buses/hour along Chatsworth Rd as a trial, then TL can do a deal - if you want to keep it high frequency then 209 needs to go. Now it doesn't have to be this way, one could end up with both a 205 and 209. But there are options.

The 2013 TL review proposal was not perfect. Students were rightly asking 'why is the 209 now slower and more indirect?'. That is a perfectly valid question. In our RBoT model, such a question does not arise.

[ozbob]

Interesting ..

perth: a frequent network map  --> http://www.humantransit.org/2014/11/perth-a-frequent-network-map.html

[ozbob]

Interesting ..

perth: a frequent network map  --> http://www.humantransit.org/2014/11/perth-a-frequent-network-map.html

... Although the definition does not include weekends, when Perth service levels drop sharply, the map is remarkable nonetheless.  Greater Perth is a young and mostly car-oriented area with a population of around 2 million, but it has a lot of frequent bus service -- more than Brisbane, its closest peer in both geography and economics, and far more than almost any US city of similar size. 

The bus service is also intended for more than going downtown, indeed, you can also see disciplined efforts to construct a high-frequency grid against overwhelming geographical obstacles: downtown is at the convergence of two squiggly rivers that make it difficult.  (Again, a dramatic contrast to Brisbane, the only big Aussie city with no orbital frequent transit service at all.) ...

[kazzac]

Like the idea of the proposed BulimbaGlider.hope it happens one day

[ozbob]

Media release 27th November 2014



Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often for Everton Electorate

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 Everton electorate candidates Tim Mander MP and Jeff Frew to support bus reform for an upgraded hi frequency 359 Albany Creek bus service.


http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/bus359.png

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The neglect has gone on for far too long. The voters in Everton electorate deserve a 359 High Frequency bus service coming every 15 minutes from 6am to 9pm at night, 7 days a week. Albany Creek and Eatons Hill is grossly under-serviced compared to similar outer city suburbs such as Bracken Ridge. Bracken Ridge residents get approximately 150 services per day on hi frequency BUZ 330, while Albany Creek residents get just 34 services per day on the 359. Bracken Ridge residents are getting almost five times more bus service than residents at Albany Creek and Eatons Hill."

"Under bus reform, the current hourly 359 would feed into the Ferny Grove Line at Mitchelton Rail station and stop at Brookside Shopping Centre. This new, upgraded 359 service would begin at Eatons Hill (Queen Elizabeth Drive), stop at Albany Creek Village, travel through Albany Creek, along Old Northern Road, stop at Brookside Shopping Centre and then feed into Mitchelton Rail. By not running the service all the way into the CBD,  funds can be raised to go towards upgrading the 359 bus to high frequency service, coming every 15 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes or better in peak times. By serving Brookside Shopping Centre, residents have the opportunity to do their shopping at Brookside during the day or after work, boosting patronage on the service. Connections to frequent trains at Mitchelton station means a reliable and congestion free trip directly into the Brisbane CBD in the morning and afternoon peak hours."

"It is an embarrassment that after two bus reviews conducted by two different levels of government, bus services in Albany Creek, Eatons Hill, McDowall and Everton Park are just as bad and expensive as ever. Our New Bus Network Proposal will allow Everton electorate voters unprecedented freedom to use public transport to travel to more places, more often, without a car. By amalgamating feeding the hourly 359 bus service into Mitchelton Rail more buses more often can be put on, while keeping a lid on fares."

"The New Zealanders in Auckland can manage to do a proper bus review, so why can't we? Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

Contact:

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

References:

*Services were counted by adding inbound and outbound services for the selected routes over the entire weekday.

Auckland Transport New Bus Network


Bus Reform Survey
http://tiny.cc/busreform

The Principles Of Bus Network Reform, Frequency is Freedom
http://backontrack.org/docs/bus/reform/bus_reform.pdf

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th November 2014

BCC Bus Reform Failure to Seal Newman Government's Fate?

The Victorian Napthine Government administration has lost office after just one term. Will the same fate await the current Newman Government administration? The Age writes:

"Mr Andrews will lead the new Victorian government after voters rejected Dr Napthine's $27 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects, a triple-A credit rated economy and budget surplus."

Queenslanders, like Victorians will be asking what the Newman Government has done for Public Transport. RAIL Back on Track's opinion is that Brisbane City Council's hi-waste bus network design has led to a cost explosion in fares which has hit minimum wage workers, refugees, the unemployed and those dependant on Centrelink payments, while also causing passengers to shift off public transport into cars. Ordinary workers and families have been engulfed by the cost explosion as well. Entire suburbs such as Centenary, Yeronga, Albany Creek and Bulimba  lack decent, frequent bus services.

Bus services are being run like its still Expo 88. The solution is bus reform- It's smart and it's affordable.

The Newman Government failed to deliver a new bus network for Brisbane. It has failed, in our opinion, to  deal with the root cause: Brisbane City Council. It has failed to properly reform the fare system, instead resorting to hi-waste gimmicks like the 9-then-waste scheme to patch up the broken fare system. Ordinary families and workers are shouldering the extremely high fares for this, and undeniably, patronage and affordability has gone through the floor.

Voters over such a wide area covering so many state electoral seats have been affected by the lack of bus reform and the high, cost-explosive fares. A very large potential for an election featuring public transport as a key election issue has been put into motion. Our New Bus Network Reform Proposal (http://tiny.cc/newnetwork) affects 30% of the seats in Queensland Parliament (approximately 26 electoral districts out of the 89 in Queensland).

RAIL Back on Track's New Bus Network reform for specific electorates can be found in the links below, and more will be added.

Bulimba Electorate - Hi 230 BulimbaGlider
Everton Electorate - Hi 359 Albany Creek
Mt Ommaney Electorate - Hi 400 CentenaryGlider
Ashgrove Electorate - Hi 380 The Gap, 911 UQ CityConnector

In particular, there is very strong community support for 400 CentenaryGlider in the Mt Ommaney Electorate.

What an embarrassment it is that after two bus reviews conducted by two different levels of government, bus services in Brisbane are just as bad and expensive as ever. New Zealanders in Auckland can manage to do a proper bus review, why can't we?

Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all.

Don't miss the bus!

Best wishes
Robert

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

References
Victoria election 2014: Labor wins power as Coalition dumped after one term
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victoria-state-election-2014/victoria-election-2014-labor-wins-power-as-coalition-dumped-after-one-term-20141129-11wuso.html

Victoria votes 2014 live: Labor wins election
http://www.abc.net.au/news/vic-election-2014/

Bus reform - our proposal media releases grouped
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11099.0

RAIL Back on Track New Bus Network Proposal
http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

[ozbob]

Media release 4th December 2014

Brisbane Bus Reform: Bus Network Survey - have your say!

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 invited citizens to participate in our bus network survey.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Following the successful launch of our integrated bus network reform proposal (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), we are asking the public for their thoughts, ideas and feedback. Unlike previous government consultations, our consultation puts no restriction on what route(s) may be commented on and we show the entire bus network, not just isolated routes."

"The public can also zoom into their suburb, their house, their workplace and see the strength and weakness of the Brisbane City Council bus network both currently and what it would be like under our proposed bus reform."

"If you want more bus services to your area, you must take our survey! ----> http://tiny.cc/busreform

"We have also prepared a banner for sharing across facebook and #BusReform for use on twitter as well."

The Bus Reform Survey



References:

1. Brisbane Bus Reform: RAIL Back on Track Launches New Bus Network Proposal
--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11047.0

2. Brisbane buses: Call for CityGlider in Centenary suburbs
--> http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-call-for-cityglider-in-centenary-suburbs-20141105-11gxl3.html

3. Brisbane Bus Reform: BulimbaGlider - More Buses, More Often, for Bulimba Electorate
--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11089.0

4. Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often for Everton Electorate
--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11098.0

5. Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often For Ashgrove Electorate
--> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11072.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Brisbane Bus Reform: How to fund concessions for the disadvantaged with bus reform

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 again calls for bipartisan bus reform support.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Bus reform will allow major upgrades to bus services across the entire city of Brisbane while keeping a lid on fares.

"RAIL Back on Track has released its New Bus Network Proposal and blueprints for bus and rail reform in the electorates of Ipswich, Bundamba, Everton, Bulimba and Ashgrove in time for the 2015 Queensland Election (1).

"Under bus reform, residents of these electorates will enjoy unprecedented freedom to use public transport to travel to more places, more often, without a car.

"Bus reform savings can also fund extending concessions to the most vulnerable and needy in our society.

"Brisbane is not the first city to undertake bus reform. New Zealand is doing it now and Perth did it in the 1990s. Bus reform means both competitive contracting and bus route network reform."

WA Auditor General documents detailing Perth's bus reforms (2, 3, 4) to contracting show:

* The former monopoly public bus authority in Perth, the Metropolitan Transport Trust (MTT), was operating inefficiently and failing to meet changing commuter needs. Transperth's bus system was thus split into contract franchise areas and put to competitive tender.

* The cost of providing a similar level of Transperth bus services was estimated, in real terms, to be $30.9 million less in 1996-97 than it was in 1992-93. This represented a cost reduction of about 20% in four years as a result of bus reform.

* Transperth provided more bus services, for less cost, in financial year 1998-99 than it did prior to Bus Reform in financial year 1992-93. Bus Reform halted a long-term trend of increasing annual bus expenditure.

* A 40% increase in patronage was achieved using existing resources on three bus routes in the Rockingham area. A modest redesigning of existing  bus services, using freed-up resources, achieved this.

* The efficiency of delivering a bus service per kilometre remained steady for the first four years of Bus Reform, but improved significantly when the services were contracted to the private sector.

"Every dollar saved from bus reform should fund concession public transport for the unemployed and those on centrelink payments as well as fund more services, more often for residents stuck in the black hole areas of Centenary, Yeronga, Albany Creek and Bulimba."

"If the opposition does not support bus reform, in our opinion, it risks repeating the same failure that caused it to lose office last election after they were forced to raise fares by 15% and 20%, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees, the unemployed and Centrelink recipients, because they were engulfed by Brisbane City Council's bus cost explosion."

"What is the Government's and Opposition parties' policy? Rising, unaffordable fare increases and a broken fare structure or genuine bus network reform and fixing the fare failure for the longer term?  Knee-jerk fare cuts and fare freeze gimmicks do not sort the underlying systemic issues. Just means more massive fare cost increases and bus service cuts down the track after the election."

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11099.0

2. Competition Reform of Transperth Bus Services Report No 3 – June 1997 Performance Examination https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report97_03.pdf

3. Bus Reform: Further down the road A follow-on examination into competition reform of Transperth bus services Performance Examination Report No. 6 June 2000 https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2000_06.pdf

4. Bus Reform: Competition Reform of Transperth Bus Services, Report 3 – June 1997 https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1997-Insert-BusReform.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

7th December 2014

Re: Brisbane Bus Reform: How to fund concessions for the disadvantaged with bus reform

Greetings,

Melbourne is also on the bus, has Brisbane missed the bus?

Transdev Melbourne --> 2015 PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES
http://www.transdevmelbourne.com.au/travel-information/2015-proposed-service-changes/

HELP US BUILD A NEW BUS NETWORK

    There are changes planned to occur in the Bayside, Brimbank, Manningham, Maribyrnong and Whitehorse areas in 2015, with smaller changes to occur across other Melbourne council areas.

    We have prepared information about these proposed changes below and invite you to provide your feedback by completing an online survey after you have read through the changes.

    The survey will be open from Monday 1 December until Monday 22 December 2014.
     
    Why is a new network proposed for these areas?

    As part of our contractual commitment to PTV and to continue to provide good service to our customers, Transdev regularly reviews the services we provide with the aim of creating a better network that is more suited to modern demands. This includes more high frequency routes that run over a longer time span, fed by connector and local routes that serve local areas and link to the high frequency network.

    The 2015 changes build on the changes already introduced in July 2014. Most routes that changed in July 2014 will remain unchanged in 2015, other than the adjustment of timetables to improve punctuality and connectivity ...

Best wishes
Robert

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

Brisbane Bus Reform: How to fund concessions for the disadvantaged with bus reform

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 again calls for bipartisan bus reform support.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Bus reform will allow major upgrades to bus services across the entire city of Brisbane while keeping a lid on fares.

"RAIL Back on Track has released its New Bus Network Proposal and blueprints for bus and rail reform in the electorates of Ipswich, Bundamba, Everton, Bulimba and Ashgrove in time for the 2015 Queensland Election (1).

"Under bus reform, residents of these electorates will enjoy unprecedented freedom to use public transport to travel to more places, more often, without a car.

"Bus reform savings can also fund extending concessions to the most vulnerable and needy in our society.

"Brisbane is not the first city to undertake bus reform. New Zealand is doing it now and Perth did it in the 1990s. Bus reform means both competitive contracting and bus route network reform."

WA Auditor General documents detailing Perth's bus reforms (2, 3, 4) to contracting show:

* The former monopoly public bus authority in Perth, the Metropolitan Transport Trust (MTT), was operating inefficiently and failing to meet changing commuter needs. Transperth's bus system was thus split into contract franchise areas and put to competitive tender.

* The cost of providing a similar level of Transperth bus services was estimated, in real terms, to be $30.9 million less in 1996-97 than it was in 1992-93. This represented a cost reduction of about 20% in four years as a result of bus reform.

* Transperth provided more bus services, for less cost, in financial year 1998-99 than it did prior to Bus Reform in financial year 1992-93. Bus Reform halted a long-term trend of increasing annual bus expenditure.

* A 40% increase in patronage was achieved using existing resources on three bus routes in the Rockingham area. A modest redesigning of existing  bus services, using freed-up resources, achieved this.

* The efficiency of delivering a bus service per kilometre remained steady for the first four years of Bus Reform, but improved significantly when the services were contracted to the private sector.

"Every dollar saved from bus reform should fund concession public transport for the unemployed and those on centrelink payments as well as fund more services, more often for residents stuck in the black hole areas of Centenary, Yeronga, Albany Creek and Bulimba."

"If the opposition does not support bus reform, in our opinion, it risks repeating the same failure that caused it to lose office last election after they were forced to raise fares by 15% and 20%, slamming minimum wage workers, refugees, the unemployed and Centrelink recipients, because they were engulfed by Brisbane City Council's bus cost explosion."

"What is the Government's and Opposition parties' policy? Rising, unaffordable fare increases and a broken fare structure or genuine bus network reform and fixing the fare failure for the longer term?  Knee-jerk fare cuts and fare freeze gimmicks do not sort the underlying systemic issues. Just means more massive fare cost increases and bus service cuts down the track after the election."

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11099.0

2. Competition Reform of Transperth Bus Services Report No 3 – June 1997 Performance Examination https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report97_03.pdf

3. Bus Reform: Further down the road A follow-on examination into competition reform of Transperth bus services Performance Examination Report No. 6 June 2000 https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/report2000_06.pdf

4. Bus Reform: Competition Reform of Transperth Bus Services, Report 3 – June 1997 https://audit.wa.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1997-Insert-BusReform.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Media release 8th December 2014

Brisbane Bus Reform: Even More Buses For Ashgrove Electorate

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 on Ashgrove Electorate candidates Campbell Newman and Kate Jones to support more buses more often for The Gap.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Our research shows that Brisbane City Council's bus services do not match the distribution of residents within The Gap. As part of our New Bus Network Proposal, we are now pleased to release blueprints for more buses to The Gap and Ashgrove Electorate. Recycling existing waste and inefficiency within the current BCC bus network funds our reforms while keeping a lid on fares and growing farebox revenue. That's good news for passengers and government."


Image: Route BUZ 380 The Gap via Payne Rd Bus Reform Proposal. Image credit: Aldonius.



New Bus Network Proposal > http://tiny.cc/newnetwork
New Bus Network Proposal Survey > http://tiny.cc/busreform
Current BCC Bus Network > http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

"The current BUZ 385 misses a large part of The Gap; a BUZ 385 realignment along Settlement, Kaloma and Hilder roads places all residents north of Enoggera Creek within walking distance of a hi-frequency bus service. The very modest costs to make this change would be offset by increased fare revenue from more passengers, who are now placed within walking distance of the bus service."

"Services along Payne Rd are abysmal. By eliminating bus route network waste, duplication and inefficiency, a new Hi frequency 380 The Gap via Payne Rd can be created. This service travels from The Gap (Payne Rd) through Ashgrove Village, along Waterworks Road, Red Hill and through Roma Street Busway to the CBD. With a bus service every 15 minutes from 6 am - 11 pm, 7 days, residents of Ashgrove and The Gap can consider selling their cars."

"The benefits of bus reform are enormous. Perth bus reform saw a 20% cost saving from introducing competitive contracting alone. Bus route redesign using existing resources in the Rockingham area saw a 40% patronage increase. By combining both organisational reform (contracting) with network reform (New Bus Network Proposal) patronage and revenue falls can be sharply reversed. Bus driver jobs will also be protected by growing patronage."

"Bus reform means more buses more often. What is the Government's and Opposition parties' policy? Rising, unaffordable fare increases or genuine bus network reform?"

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

References:

1. Brisbane Bus Reform: More Buses, More Often For Ashgrove Electorate
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11072.0

2. Brisbane Bus Reform: How to fund concessions for the disadvantaged with bus reform
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=11123.0

3. Premier Campbell Newman in fight for survival in Ashgrove, poll reveals
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/premier-campbell-newman-in-fight-for-survival-in-ashgrove-poll-reveals/story-fnn8dlfs-1227147167541

Contact:

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

[#Metro]

Just a bit of history repeating...
I strongly suspect the plan Turner is referring to is the Wilbur Smith Plan 1969 or 1970, which covered both road and PT.
However, the plan is better known for the road component.


http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec058/15_03_Turner.pdf

'... the Lord Mayor of Brisbane is pivotal in all decisions affecting the
functioning of the city. As BCC also operates the municipal bus service, the extent of its
influence on road-based transportation investment and operation becomes readily apparent. With
BCC's preference for undertaking transport planning activities within its boundaries, any
unaligned overlap between state and BCC planning activities can require vigorous negotiations. '

'Early Development

Soon after the removal of the last Brisbane tram, the state government commissioned
Queensland's first major study of public transport for the region. Key recommendations from
that study included an upgraded heavy rail system with a comprehensive system of park-and-ride
sites and a heavy emphasis on reorganizing the region's bus services to act as feeder services to a
number of upgraded rail stations. The study also recommended establishing a single coordinating
authority to oversee future government investment in the public transport network and to ensure
the public transport network developed as an integrated system.

In 1975, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act was proclaimed and the Authority became a reality.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) was effective in funding a comprehensive
network of park-and-ride sites at a large number of stations on the heavy rail network, the
electrification of the suburban rail system, limited bus priority treatments and some fleet
acquisitions, and a number of other local public transport initiatives. The relationship between
the MTA and the region's two major public transport operators was, for the most part, cordial, as
long as MTA funding for system capital works continued. On the broader issues of network
planning and integration, the setting of service levels and all operational aspects, both the rail
operator and the municipal bus operator continued to maintain their independence from the MTA
and from each other.

The MTA had a short life, and in 1978 the Act was repealed. Responsibility for planning
and developing the rail and metropolitan bus system remained with the individual operators;
however, the state government retained oversight of the number of private bus operators
servicing the shires surrounding Brisbane. Thus from the beginning, the state government has
provided funds for capital improvements, rolling-stock acquisitions and operating subsidies, but
has had little success in developing a network which reflects an integrated system of bus and rail
services, each working together.'

[STB]

Just a nice little compliment from the Planners who I spoke to yesterday at the BaT consultation.  They said that the maps are very well done and are impressed by them.

[ozbob]

Just a nice little compliment from the Planners who I spoke to yesterday at the BaT consultation.  They said that the maps are very well done and are impressed by them.

  well done to all who have drawn the maps.  Excellent work.  Thanks.

[#Metro]

Christchurch, New Zealand has joined the frequent network revolution, launching their new bus network today. Lots of frequent bus lines and all in a city SMALLER than Brisbane. Also has limited transfer integrated as well.

http://www.metroinfo.co.nz/news/Pages/New-bus-network-delivers-high-frequency-service-across-Christchurch.aspx

Several new high frequency services will be introduced across greater Christchurch as Environment Canterbury changes 75 per cent of the Metro network.

The new Metro bus lines will provide direct access to the City and key destinations across Christchurch, and will run every 10-15 minutes starting from 8 December 2014.

"Our new routes retain full city coverage, as people tell us they want frequent services to key places. While there will be a transfer required for some journeys, this has been designed to be as efficient as possible. With the Metro Lines travelling every 10-15 minutes, the next bus will be along very quickly after the suburban connector arrives," Mr Williams explained.

More nails in the Brisbane hi-waste network design coffin.

[pandmaster]

I was in Christchurch in January and there is no shortage of cheap car parking in the city either. A lot of vacant lots have been turned into car parks as they wait to be developed. Good on them for encouraging PT use. The Labour Party wanted to launch a commuter rail service if they won the election but that of course has been scuttled.

[bagbuffy]

Caught the 230 this morning, the bus stopped at every stop along Riding Rd, by the time we reached the corner of Riding and Wynnum Rds  there was only room for 1 or 2 pax to find a seat, while everyone else would have to stand. But to my supprise, the 230 only stopped once along Wynnum rd. There where people at every stop along Wynnum Rd ( in some cases 5 or more) none of these passengers hailed the 230. I imagine the passangers where waiting for the 227 or the 232? 

Was this just a once off? Or the have passangers who use Wynnum Rd Stops voted that they don't want to travel to the City/Valley Via the Woolloongabba Station, but rather they want the direct/Fastest route into the City via the Storey Bridge?

[#Metro]

Was the bus displaying 'Sorry - Bus Full'?

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/timetables/120220-227,232.pdf
Not sure if it is worth the wait given the spacings...but one may be lucky!

[bagbuffy]

Sorry couldn't tell you  I was on the bus, the 230 picked up the 1 Pax at the last stop along Wynnum Rd before the Nasty bend to Lytton rd while the other 2 pax didn't board. Plus  the 230 picked paxs along Heildelberg street. By the time the 230 arrived at Woolloongabba Station people where standing.

The 227 was scheduled to leave 1 Min &  232 4 min after the 230 near Hawthorne and Wynnum Rds.

[ozbob]

Media release 13th December 2014

Queensland Votes: Bus Reform is now Greens' Election Policy

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 all parties contesting the 2015 Queensland Election to unconditionally support bus reform.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back on Track is a non-partisan organisation. We are more than happy to promote our ideas to anyone willing to listen to us. The Greens have released their 2015 election transport policy (1). "

"The Greens Support Bus Reform. Key features of their 2015 Election policy are:

* Public Transport Concessions extended to Health Care Card Holders (paragraph #21)
* Replace the controversial Tertiary Transport Concession Card with 'live' smartcards (paragraph #22)
* A new fare structure for South East Queensland (paragraph #26)
* Bus Reform (paragraph #27)

"We invite the other parties and independents contesting the 2015 Queensland Election to submit their transport policies to us at RAIL Back on Track."

Bus Reform means:

(1) Competitive Contracting;
(2) Bus Network Reform - routes and stop spacings

"The benefits of bus reform are enormous. Perth bus reform saw a 20% cost saving from introducing competitive contracting alone. Bus route redesign using existing resources in the Rockingham area saw a 40% patronage increase. By combining both organisational reform (contracting) with network reform (New Bus Network Proposal) patronage and revenue falls can be sharply reversed. Bus driver jobs will also be protected by growing patronage."

"Voters over such a wide area covering so many state electoral seats have been affected by the lack of bus reform and the high-cost explosive fares. A very large potential for an election featuring public transport as a key election issue has been put into motion. Our New Bus Network Reform Proposal (http://tiny.cc/newnetwork) affects 30% of the seats in Queensland Parliament (approximately 26 electoral districts out of the 89 in Queensland)."

"Only genuine reform of rail and bus networks, together with fare reform will guarantee abundant and low cost public transport for all."

Reference:

1. Queensland Greens Transport Policy Statement http://qld.greens.org.au/qld/policy/transport

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

[ozbob]

Letter to the editor Queensland Times 1st January 2015
http://www.qt.com.au/news/springfield-central-railway-one-of-the-success-sto/2498797/

Springfield Central one of our success stories

IT IS gratifying to see the Springfield rail line being used by the community (Springfield train stations shine QT Dec 31).

What will further drive more use of our public transport generally is to provide a better feeder bus network.

As was reported, car parks are full or near full now most days. This means people who may want to use the train later in the day cannot because they cannot park.

We need more frequent buses, to and from the stations and operating at hours that are useful. In 2013, as part of the proposed bus review a new high frequency bus route from Mount Ommaney to Oxley, Richlands, Inala and Forest Lake was proposed.

This would have provided an excellent way allowing people to connect to the Springfield railway line, as well as other transport options.

It is time to revisit this bus route, it would be of great benefit to all.

Happy 2015 to all QT readers and staff.

ROBERT DOW, Rail Back On Track, Goodna

[ozbob]

Media release 5th January 2015

Brisbane Bus Reform: Add Moorooka to BUZ 100

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 the realignment of BUZ 100.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The current BUZ 100 should be considered for realignment as part of a New Bus Network Proposal for Brisbane, and implemented by whoever the new bus operators will be for Brisbane in late 2015. Rail services on the Beenleigh line were upgraded in January 2014 so that Moorooka station now has trains coming every 15 minutes all day. In addition, this part of Moorooka is also serviced by the route 116 Rocklea bus."

New Bus Network Proposal > http://tiny.cc/newnetwork
New Bus Network Proposal Survey > http://tiny.cc/busreform
Current BCC Bus Network > http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

"The current BUZ 100 does not match the distribution of residents within the Moorooka area. Instead, it prioritises supplying expensive high frequency bus service to new and used car yards over Moorooka residents."

"Realigning the BUZ 100 along Granard and Beaudesert roads would open up high frequency bus services to the Moorooka shopping precinct, the suburbs of Rocklea and give access to Bunnings. Realignment would significantly increase patronage by matching services with residents and areas with passenger demand. By using CityGlider-style stop spacing, bus service speed can be kept high for Inala passengers."

"These changes will also allow future changes to the 125 Sunnybank service and other network reforms to proceed more easily within this area as part of a larger New Bus Network Proposal for Brisbane."

"The sooner Brisbane gets new bus operators that are willing and able to undertake the difficult task of bus network reform, the sooner fares can come down and patronage falls reversed."

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

References:

1. City's public transport will never improve while run by opposing sides Couriermail 11th April 2012 pages 18-19

http://backontrack.org/docs/cm/cm_11apr12_p18.jpg
http://backontrack.org/docs/cm/cm_11apr12_p19.jpg

2. New Bus Network Proposal > http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

3. New Bus Network Proposal Survey > http://tiny.cc/busreform

4. Current BCC Bus Network > http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

[Andrew]

See it's media releases like this that get you guys a bad name.  It's obvious to anyone who is regularly on 100's that the author of this media release doesn't use them. 

The 100BUZ is the most patronised route in the South West area of the BT network.  In fact it does so well that when school and uni are both in session, BT has had to utilise HCV buses because the 5 minute frequency in the AM peak was still causing people to be left behind along Blunder Road! Moorooka Station stop is also well untilised and serves as a connection point between the bus and the train.  It is unusual during the daytime to not have to service this stop on a 100. There is an old adage: If it's not broken, don't fix it.

Having the 100 service Moorooka Station is EXACTLY the type of thing you guys have lobbied for: A frequent, connected network! And Tram Train err I mean Lapdog, obviously hasn't looked at Google Maps to see that behind said car yards on the eastern side of Ipswich Road, there are houses! There are town houses and units up some of the side streets coming off Ipswich Rd that are within acceptable walking distance from the Moorooka Station.  You guys have missed the boat on this one!

Seriously, you guys here at Rail Back On Track need to concentrate your efforts FIRST on the rail.  We need 15 min service on ALL lines (perhaps bar Doomben) between 7am & 7pm every day as a minimum starting point.  It is pointless to lobby for frequent bus services that connect onto a 30 min train service.  Increase the train services FIRST, then there will be more pressure to change the buses to suit.  The more you guys keep putting the cart before the horse, the more stupid you will look and the less credibility you will have.

[ozbob]

Thanks for your comments.  Needs to be considered in the context of wider bus network changes.

[#Metro]

New Bus Network Proposal  http://tiny.cc/newnetwork
Current BCC Bus Network  http://tiny.cc/checkyourbus

Current BCC


Proposed - New Bus Network
Connection between BUZ100 - RAIL still possible at Salisbury.


Yep. Gotta love our bad reputation/bad publicity. Viz: Front page news.

Brisbane buses: Call for CityGlider in Centenary suburbs
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-call-for-cityglider-in-centenary-suburbs-20141104-11gxl3.html

RBOT members worked hard to make this proposal. Its something we can be proud of. Still yet to see a network map from either TL or BCC.

[techblitz]

The only real issue with the current 100 is its questionable late evening(after 9pm  and counter peak numbers )....especially between forest lake/inala <<<< this is what is chewing into its value for money


One thing with this route is its ability to pull big loads in both directions between 10am and 4pm (intra-peak)...virtually everyday..this would no doubt be as a result of high student use to/from qsbs and southbank/mater...and annerley junction/ inala markets...all this even with well loaded 110's which is essentially a competing route.....

Had a yak yesterday to a 100 user who lives in those houses behind the moorooka mile (halfway between ipswich/beaudesert rds...he usually either gets the 100(moorooka rail) or up hill to 110 stop....however he wont use train because he works near the queen st mall bus station.....much easier access for him......

Used the route yesterday 4pm outbound...full load...on a sunday...buses were also packed going inbound due to cricket...

[#Metro]

Good points Techblitz. TL did do a diagram in the 2013 Bus Review report comparing 199 BUZ with 100 BUZ regarding the late night pax numbers. Their point was the point you made - pax falls off a bit.

Their solution was to suggest downgrading the BUZ 100 and perhaps upgrade the 125 instead. Obviously this was not supported or implemented.

The alternative is to identify the problem (low patronage after hours) and fix it. This is what the proposal suggests to do - Moorooka has a decent local shopping centre, and a high street with restaurants that will likely improve pax figures during the daytime hours and also a little later at night.

As one can see from the images comparing the BCC against the New Network Proposal, a simpler network results that is in walking distance to more people and connects a decent local activity centre.

[#Metro]

When people say the bus has high patronage, what they're really saying is the bus we're using isn't big enough.
With a larger bus, these "full" buses (read: don't touch, sacred cow!) become 50% "empty".

150+ pax superbuses. Bring them on

[SurfRail]

Seriously, you guys here at Rail Back On Track need to concentrate your efforts FIRST on the rail.  We need 15 min service on ALL lines (perhaps bar Doomben) between 7am & 7pm every day as a minimum starting point.  It is pointless to lobby for frequent bus services that connect onto a 30 min train service.  Increase the train services FIRST, then there will be more pressure to change the buses to suit.  The more you guys keep putting the cart before the horse, the more stupid you will look and the less credibility you will have.

I don't particularly support this announcement of LD's, but given that there are no new trains due into service until probably the last quarter of 2016 what point is there lobbying for timetable upgrades of the nature you have mentioned now?  Nothing CAN happen for at least 2 years.  The best rail improvement I can see happening until then is that they consider running Doomben services on Sundays, and there are 3 things which militate against that:

- Rollingstock and maintenance allocation is already exceedingly high
- LNP doesn't want to pay for anything
- The electorates are blue-ribbon and could have services absolutely gutted and would still vote for the LNP

Bus service upgrades are cheaper and deliver much more bang for buck in the short-term.

Personally, I think the only way to get a high frequency service to Moorvale and the immediate surrounds is to upgrade what is currently the 12# series routes.  Sadly Brisbane is too parochial to understand the clear benefits of simplifying route structures and so we are stuck with this high street precinct having no frequent services after around 7pm despite being flanked on 2 sides by frequent services on the 100 and the 120.  Running the Durack to Forest Lake bit of the 100 to Darra would have solved this, but nobody agreed with it and our local transit agency is under the thumb of a reactionary populist government that doesn't believe in evidence-based decision-making of the kind that even the Kiwis are now experts at.

[#Metro]

Bus service upgrades are cheaper and deliver much more bang for buck in the short-term.

Personally, I think the only way to get a high frequency service to Moorvale and the immediate surrounds is to upgrade what is currently the 12# series routes.  Sadly Brisbane is too parochial to understand the clear benefits of simplifying route structures and so we are stuck with this high street precinct having no frequent services after around 7pm despite being flanked on 2 sides by frequent services on the 100 and the 120.  Running the Durack to Forest Lake bit of the 100 to Darra would have solved this, but nobody agreed with it and our local transit agency is under the thumb of a reactionary populist government that doesn't believe in evidence-based decision-making of the kind that even the Kiwis are now experts at.

TL Proposed 12X series upgrades in exchange for a BUZ 100 downgrade (not doing this would mean cost increase due to duplication, taking this approach across the city - fares escalation again). BCC Cr Milton Dick had a problem with this and also the high frequency feeder proposed.

Hence those options are off the table now.

But as an alternative, you could still get a decent outcome with small adjustments to the 100 (set via Moorooka) and 120 (set via Coopers Plains) and turn the 125 into a crosstown.