Interim rail timetables

[tazzer9]

We need a royal commission into this.   This is totally unacceptable.   The amount of lies being told on both sides of government need to be sorted and the truth needs to be revealed.
Stirling Hinchcliffe should be going to jail for lying to key stake holders and the public.  (remember if it was a private enterpirse he would be faceing charges) How many times did we hear in october last year about how there would be no more cancellations due to diver shoratges.  Well 14 months of cancellations would mean that is one of the largest lies ever told by a politician.

I repeat, This needs a royal commission.

[ozbob]

30 minute peak gap on the Ferny Grove Line this afternoon between Mitchelton and Ferny Grove. F***ing useless QR!

Operational issues!   

[tazzer9]

journey planner has to be wrong.  There are two consecutive hour long gaps on the caboolture line right after the peak?   Can they not even maintain 30 minute frequency on a major line. 

This might to be time just to accept Metro's offer of free train drivers and just risk safety.   
Hire drivers from pacnat and aurizon and isolate them to lines like the gold coast, rosewood and sunny coast during the day.  ie no shunting and moving in and out of yards, leave that to qr drivers.   

[#Metro]

We need a royal commission into this.   This is totally unacceptable.   The amount of lies being told on both sides of government need to be sorted and the truth needs to be revealed.

Stirling Hinchcliffe should be going to jail for lying to key stake holders and the public.  (remember if it was a private enterpirse he would be faceing charges) How many times did we hear in october last year about how there would be no more cancellations due to diver shoratges.  Well 14 months of cancellations would mean that is one of the largest lies ever told by a politician.

Enjoy your commute!

#FleeQLD

[ozbob]

As the Commission of Inquiry is due for completion soon I think it is best to see what that delivers before consideration of a Royal Commission - although this is a ' royal ' stuff up of course ..
   
I hope the Inquiry Report is made available publicly after the appropriate deliberations.  {Who to fire?}

Does anyone know if it has to be tabled in Parliament?

[tazzer9]

I say royal commission because it has far more power.   And the current line of inquiry I wouldn't expect to extend to the current 14 month "interim timetable".   
I don't want something that says who to fire.   I want something that says who has committed a crime, and stuff ups of this proportions, I would find it unlikely that no crime has been committed.

Could be worse.  I could be using metro's pakenham line service.   

[red dragin]

Will they perhaps add extra services as sets and crews become available?

Deliver what can be delivered reliably from Day 1, and increase services when possible.

[ozbob]

Will they perhaps add extra services as sets and crews become available?

Deliver what can be delivered reliably from Day 1, and increase services when possible.

Hope so ... otherwise we face meltdown ....

I am not convinced they are as short of crews as they are making out to be frank.

The job rules have been changed and a lot more crew (if not all) should now be route qualified for Petri RPL etc.

They may be trying to cut overtime etc. and sacrificing services too.  I don't think we (public) or even the Government is being told the full details IMHO.

I am not sure there is criminal intent, just gross incompetence and mismanagement.

[ozbob]

Could be worse.  I could be using metro's pakenham line service.

I was last week .. 

[#Metro]

I don't want something that says who to fire.   I want something that says who has committed a crime, and stuff ups of this proportions, I would find it unlikely that no crime has been committed.

As per Courier Mail articles:

1. LNP got in
2. LNP transfers Mr Dawe from QR Board to QR CEO, using OVERRIDE to make the choice over recruitment list
3. Promotions of ' old guard ' within QR occur
4. Gluer (ex BCC) moves into QR CEO
5. QR converted from "independent GOC" to gov't authority so that cuts program can be applied
6. Alarm is raised by Indec and Paul Pluta re RPL
7. Minister off in la la land, alarms ignored
8. RPL opening delayed due to signal system incompatibility
9. Other changes to QR work practices occur (20 min breaks etc, in addition to long standing "backfill" approach to timetabling
10. RPL opens
11. First cancellation wave begins
12. Second wave of cancellations
13. SHTT timetable
14. Christmas day rail fail - backfill practices that have always worked before now fail
15. Announcement that interim timetable will continue for whole of 2017

The thing is, the CEO has already departed. Can't re-fire them.

You can see there are multiple sources of fault all acting together. If, for example, the minister listened to the alarm, the RPL opening could be delayed and problems perhaps avoided.

[tazzer9]

It seems pretty clear that they are taking the cost-cutting option.    This timetable would likely remove all dependence on overtime to deliver the timetable and overtime only needed to cover leave and sick days.   I hope they make use of this and promote and train as many driver trainers, tutors and inspectors as possible so they can triple training quotas within the next year.   No more of the "driver school is full", make it so "this is everyone who passed our selection criteria".

[ozbob]

3 months after I first told @StirlHinchliffe of https://t.co/JU2j5n6Gef, finally see @QLDLabor Pollie slam own Minister's #railfail #qldpol pic.twitter.com/XborvaL3wv

— Tim Nicholls MP (@TimNichollsMP) January 17, 2017

[tazzer9]

What I am really afraid of is I believe this timetable will last until April 2018 albeit with a few extra's added.  Until it is then replaced by the "commonwealth games timetable" which will likely be every line but the Gold Coast getting shafted.   and only after that will the 'October 4 2016" be implemented.

[ozbob]

I am going to continue to push for the implementation of the 4 Oct 2016 timetable by mid year at the latest.

I believe it is well within the capability of Queensland Rail to do that.

I am not going to standby and watch the community being shafted to be blunt.  I don't care what it takes ..

I am also certain that the release of the Commission of Inquiry is going to further concentrate a few minds and lead to some action!

[ozbob]

 

Hey Premier @AnnastaciaMP ask about the Cleveland line and Inner North
Don't mention NGR though ...#youarewelcome#qldpol https://t.co/fn95M0IEUN

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) January 17, 2017

[ozbob]

The PDFs for the new timetable appear to ' be delayed for operational reasons '

still no sign of them > https://translink.com.au/service-updates/112836

[Arnz]

A suggestion is use the Friday's Interim Mk2 timetable as a baseline for a consistent (MONDAY to FRIDAY timetable) and run it as all 6-cars, plus slots added in on top of that Friday timetable where necessary using the go-card data. 

Yes it would mean less services, but at the same would also reduce staffing requirements allowing for ongoing training, plus basically eliminate the "ZOMG MY TRAIN IS 3-CARS" overnight.

[ozbob]

Completely different attitude over in the West ... 

No fuss - it just happens ....

The team smashed it over the weekend on the Armadale Line. Hows the new track feeling? We're nearly there guys. #5daystogo #workworkwork pic.twitter.com/DwoN0px4PD

— Transperth (@Transperth) January 17, 2017

[ozbob]

A suggestion is use the Friday's Interim Mk2 timetable as a baseline for a consistent (MONDAY to FRIDAY timetable) and run it as all 6-cars, plus slots added in on top of that Friday timetable where necessary using the go-card data. 

Yes it would mean less services, but at the same would also reduce staffing requirements allowing for ongoing training, plus basically eliminate the "ZOMG MY TRAIN IS 3-CARS" overnight.

I think there would be problems in just managing to get the services all 6 car.

No, the bed is made for now.  They will not change it from here for the start next week.

[BrizCommuter]

What I am really afraid of is I believe this timetable will last until April 2018 albeit with a few extra's added.  Until it is then replaced by the "commonwealth games timetable" which will likely be every line but the Gold Coast getting shafted.   and only after that will the 'October 4 2016" be implemented.

That is pretty much what BrizCommuter is expecting.

[Arnz]

Arnz also expects more problems with the long winding NGR drama when they finally start entering service in late 2017/early 2018 prior to the Comm Games, with the opposition yet again starting the blame game by "rushing them in too early" and linking the NGR drama to Safety and "Zero Charm".

[Gazza]

How to delay the demand for CRR

Increase fares
✓ Interim timetable.

[James]

The PDFs for the new timetable appear to ' be delayed for operational reasons '

still no sign of them > https://translink.com.au/service-updates/112836

Did anybody download Interim Timetable Mk 2's timetables? Perhaps we could do QR a favour and upload the timetables for them?

Simply incompetent. This is astounding. I didn't think it'd get worse, but it has. It's like a horror film.

[ozbob]

Yes, I have a full set of 7 Nov 2016 timetables ...   

Meanwhile CM resumes the bash ..

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

Couriermail --> Queensland releases 'new' timetable – the same one that caused mass cancellations in 2016

THE same timetable that saw almost 600 trains cancelled in less than two months at the end of last year is to be reinstated as Premier ­Annastacia Palaszczuk finally sits down with her Transport Minister to discuss the mess.

But she will also have to deal with a looming internal revolt as a Labor backbencher last night launched a petition that invites her constituents to voice their displeasure.

Nudgee MP Leanne Linard took to Facebook to complain that Queensland Rail had "significantly reduced" services at Nundah and Toombul stations thanks to an increased number of express services bypassing the busy stations.

"An amended timetable ­released on the 16th January 2017 fails to address this issue," she wrote. "Accordingly, I have launched a petition to show Queensland Rail unequivoc­ally that our local community wants this issue fixed."

It comes as the Opposition said the "new timetable" would deliver 16,000 fewer services over the next year.

Ms Palaszczuk, Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and QR's acting chief executive Neil Scales will meet today as the Premier seeks assurances the new timetable will not end in hundreds more rolling cancellations.

QR announced late on Monday the holiday schedule would be replaced on January 23 with the previous Nov­ember 7 timetable – despite analysis by The Courier-Mail calculating about 580 services were cancelled from November 7 to December 27, including 235 on Christmas Day.

QR yesterday said it did not know how many can­cellations had been made after the replacement of October's failed itinerary.

"I want to sit down with the Minister and the acting CEO because I need an assurance this rail timetable is going to work," Ms Palaszczuk said from Roma.

When asked why Mr Hinchliffe had her support when other people had been sacked over the fiasco, Ms ­Palaszczuk said it was because she wanted him to "fix this up" as she again blasted QR for its "appalling" failure to notify the Government about the driver shortage.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls again called for Mr Hinchliffe's sacking and criticised Ms Palaszczuk's regional trip as the issue dragged on, saying: "She has run away to far western Queensland ... and then says she'll have a cup of tea and a biscuit and a friendly chat with Stirling Hinchliffe when she gets around to it."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

18th January 2017

Re Queensland Rail Timetable from 23rd January 2017

Good Morning,

I believe that Queensland Rail will be capable of delivering the full 4th October 2016 timetable by April 2017.

Queensland Rail has had months now to complete route training for train crew on the new track sections at Petrie - Lawnton - RPL.

Job rules have been changed, particularly to eliminate the very problematical 20 minute comfort break every 3 hours.

We are being conned.  It is not acceptable to run with the interim timetable #2 in effect for the rest of this year.  Absolutely unacceptable.

If the present Executive Leadership Team cannot manage to do this, that is get the full 4 October 2016 timetable running, get rid of them and replace with people that will.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

17th January 2017

Re: Queensland Rail Timetable from 23rd January 2017

Good Morning,

It appears the acting CEO of Queensland Rail has commented that the mediocre reduced service timetable to be implemented on the SEQ Queensland Rail network from the 23rd January 2017 is to be in place for at least the remainder of 2017.

This is not acceptable.  Goodbye Government Labor.

Might be time to find a rail operator than can deliver frequent reliable service for our rail network.  Queensland Rail and its over paid Executive Leadership Team (complete with performance cash bonuses) should be fired, today.  And get rid of the Queensland Rail Board as well. Clearly a complete waste of money as well.

There needs to be a complete reorganisation of public transport for SEQ.  Queensland Rail, TransLink (which is a collection of desks now at TMR) and TMR are failures! Look no further than the failed Redcliffe Peninsula Line - still with major issues, and the botched New Generation Rollingstock project.

We need a proper authority, Public Transport Queensland, with various divisions within that authority including a rail division.

We have also lost confidence in TransLink and TMR.  They are hopeless.  Queensland Rail and Brisbane Transport need to be relegated to operators as for the rest of the private public transport operators.   Public transport in SEQ is a disaster at present.  We warned for years this mess was manifesting and we were ignored.

If the hat fits wear it!

Yours in transport failure SEQ.

Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th January 2017

Queensland Rail Timetable from 23rd January 2017

Greetings,

As we feared Queensland Rail has announced that the timetable for the SEQ rail network will be the timetables that were operating from the 7 Nov 2016 are to be re-introduced from the 23rd January 2017.

This was in the fact the Interim Timetable # 2 (See below).

It is a confusing timetable with many service reductions and a different timetable on Fridays, from the consistent Monday to Thursday timetable. There are many gaps and it is a very poor outcome to be honest.  We were assured that with the passing of time the issues and job rule problems would be resolved and we could look forward to proper service levels.

I have checked the TransLink Journey Planner and according to that the Rosewood weekend rail services will be running.

We are very disappointed in Queensland Rail.  Serious questions must be asked of the Executive Leadership Team (who have pocketed cash bonuses to deliver this rubbish) and the Queensland Rail Board.  Might be time for them to de-train, such is the level of their incompetence.

Enjoy the rail fail!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

QR's Interim Timetable Mk2 - Summer of Misery
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2016/11/qrs-interim-timetable-mk2-summer-of.html

[ozbob]

Media: @QueenslandRail Timetable from 23rd Jan 2017
> https://t.co/LO1AqaIGpO#qldpol #farce@AnnastaciaMP @StirlHinchliffe @Curtis_Pitt_MP pic.twitter.com/77mJkwJT2S

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) January 17, 2017

FYI  the above painting is " Farce Actors Dancing " - Pieter Jansz   

[#Metro]

I suspect that it's just a " budget equalisation " measure. Given that QR burnt a tonne of money 💰 💰 💰 due to this fiasco, this cut down timetable will help keep QR within budget.

Note; I am not endorsing this at all.

I don't believe in protecting monopolies, or continuing to support politicians power to " manage " QR. There is no need for them to make HR decisions, like CEO, board appointments or dictate staff allocation or levels.

Privatise & Sell. Create a new competitor to METRO.

Once this is done, Translink can fire bad operators and seek business elsewhere. A power it must have.

Bankruptcy awaits those who cannot perform. As it should be.

[techblitz]

on facebook they just copped 3 * 1 star ratings in 21 minutes...

[BrizCommuter]

on facebook they just copped 3 * 1 star ratings in 21 minutes...

Hence this blog post from December - http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2016/12/queensland-fail-forces-facebook-to.html

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 18th January 2017 page 15

Rail leadership team didn't earn bonuses

[ozbob]

Queensland Times 18th January 2017 pages 1 & 7

Commuters packed in like sardines

[ozbob]

" Commuters packed in like sardines "
> https://t.co/5DS9LgLbr1#qldpol@AnnastaciaMP @StirlHinchliffe @Curtis_Pitt_MP #railfail pic.twitter.com/njHhZ84k93

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) January 17, 2017

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/112836

PDFs still not available - hot weather track has buckled .. 

[ozbob]

Brisbane train services: Labor MP criticises 'QR timetable fail'https://t.co/TnwPXKow5u pic.twitter.com/w06MaLbOi9

— Brisbane Times (@brisbanetimes) January 18, 2017

[James]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/112836

PDFs still not available - hot weather track has buckled .. 

Perhaps it is worth uploading the timetables somewhere? A dropbox account, perhaps?

Astounding that it is taking this long...

[ozbob]

I would but there were changes made to them later, and I expect that the timetables next week will not be the same in all respects.

Perhaps best to wait.

[ozbob]

9 News --> Premier wants proof trains are on track

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will demand tangible proof from Queensland Rail that they can avoid any more rostering bungles into the future.

The Premier is meeting with QR executives and the Transport minister Stirling Hinchliffe this afternoon, following a series of rostering errors which resulted in hundreds of train services needing to be cancelled.

"I want an assurance, and the Queensland public want an assurance that this new timetable, which is similar to the one introduced in November will meet the reliability standards that the government expects," Ms Palaszczuk told reporters at Logan on Wednesday.

The Premier also again defended embattled Transport Minister, saying Stirling Hinchliffe had been "working his guts out" to ensure the timetable was introduced smoothly.

It comes as the Government faces dissent in the ranks over the issue, with member for Nudgee Leanne Linard voicing her disappointment with the new timetable on her Facebook page.

"These are legitimate concerns, and I'm confident they can be addressed," Ms Palaszczuk said.

The new timetable is scheduled to start next Monday, January 23.

Read more at http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/01/18/10/08/government-under-fire-from-own-mp-over-qr#PfGQgLDx77JS9ZF7.99

[ozbob]

[techblitz]

some social media poetry between a ferny grove commuter and QLD rail

Commuter:

Over the years, I have come to consider you as my friend, QLD Rail. You have been so inviting and welcoming. In Summer, I look forward to the cool air inside your air conditioned carriages, kissing my skin. I used to delight in meeting some of your more colorful passengers but my favourite part of my daily journey is crossing Breakfast Creek and watching the sky being illuminated by those gorgeously vivid Queensland sunsets through your big glass windows. Although lately, I feel you have grown so distant. Some days, you're so busy you barely have any room for me. You force me to stand in a sea of suits, with no room to move. When you're not suffocating me, you shun me. One time you flew straight past me without even stopping, it's like I don't exist to you anymore. Sure, every now and then you throw me a bone and send me your ugly cousin, the 3-car carriage train but I think I deserve more than that. I have been your faithful commuter for 15+ years and as much as it hurts me to say this, I think it's time we take a break. It's not me, it's you. You need to work on yourself – A bitter Ferny Grove line commuter.

QR:

Dear faithful Ferny Grove line commuter please give us one more chance. We are sorry we have let you down in so many ways and have not met your expectations recently. You deserve the best treatment for your loyalty and honestly and it truly hurts us to hear of your disappointment
Alas from Monday you should experience less crowding with more personal space, where the only sea you experience is in your holiday dreams, six car services (that don't shun your smiling face) and the beautiful sunsets that light up your night. Please faithful commuter, just one more chance is all we ask...

[ozbob]

. @AnnastaciaMP @StirlHinchliffe
I doubt you are being told the real facts re #railfail #theyhaveform#qldpol
> https://t.co/LO1AqaIGpO pic.twitter.com/aaSRdvP8id

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) January 18, 2017