Interim rail timetables

[ozbob]

Media: ' Weekend Rosewood Rail Returns ! '
> https://t.co/2NkT2UoqCp#qldpol@StirlHinchliffe @JimMaddenMP @QueenslandRail pic.twitter.com/QtSkUZlPyy

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 8, 2016

[darthcaligula666]

yay!!!! 

[ozbob]

        

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> BREAKING: Ipswich-Rosewood rail back this weekend

THERE is great news for long suffering commuters with the Ipswich-Rosewood rail line back up and running this weekend.

Buses had been running on weekends on the line since November 12 and 13 and commuters had been up in arms about the extra time taken to travel.

There were also issues for those with large mobility scooters.

A concerted campaign led by Cr David Pahlke, Ipswich West MP Jim Madden, public transport advocate Robert Dow and residents who contacted the QT has achieved a positive result.

"The great thing is that the rail service is back, not just for a certain period of time, but it will now stay there," Mr Madden told the QT.

"I've been hammering away at QR and emailing the Minister's office after I'd said I was wanting the service back up and running by this weekend at the latest.

"This is a great result for everyone.

"I'd like to thank Robert Dow and (acting editor) Andrew Korner at the QT for backing the campaign.

"Keeping the media attention on this has helped me in my negotiations with QR, Translink and the Minister.

"My understanding from QR has been that this was a staffing issue and that there was a shortage of drivers and guards.

"But now I have been told by the office of the Minister (Stirling Hinchliffe) that service will resume I can only assume they have sorted out the staffing problems."

Cr Pahlke, who had been a prime mover in sticking up for his residents and keeping the heat on the State Government, thanked Mr Madden.

"I congratulate Jim Madden. On this issue he has done what a local member should and gone into bat for the community he represents," Cr Pahlke said.

Mr Hinchliffe has copped plenty of heat for a series of train service debacles in Brisbane and Ipswich, but Mr Madden said he had been supportive of the need to solve the problems on the Ipswich-Rosewood line.

Mr Madden said residents along the line would be relieved their trains were back.

"It means the return of hourly services in both directions of travel just in time for local residents to finish their Christmas shopping and to catch up with family and friends for the festive season," he said.

[ozbob]

BREAKING: Ipswich-Rosewood rail back this weekend > https://t.co/NVn9GvRKz0 via @qld_times #qldpol
Yeee Haaaa !! pic.twitter.com/Ff9Vwy2hZT

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 8, 2016

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/109136

Ipswich-Rosewood weekend train services - update

From Saturday 10 December, weekend and Friday afternoon train services between Ipswich and Rosewood will return to normal.

Since early November, rail replacement bus services have been running instead of trains between Ipswich and Rosewood. These changes were part of the new Queensland Rail timetable which commenced on Monday 7 November.

These changes will be updated in journey planner and on the printed timetables shortly. Please check back later for this information.

We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused over the last month and we thank you for your patience and understanding.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times 10th December 2016 pages 1 & 5

BACK ON TRACK



Ipswich-Rosewood rail returns this weekend

[ozbob]

Some days are just roses hey what?
From @qld_times pages 1 & 5#qldpol@AnnastaciaMP @StirlHinchliffe @N_Scales_TMR @QueenslandRail
Thanks pic.twitter.com/NrSmgbHARs

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 9, 2016

[ozbob]

Queensland Times My Comment 10th December 2016 page 52

Joel Gould

Ipswich rallies, wins on rail line

That has proven to be the case with the Ipswich-Rosewood rail line now back operating on the weekends.

The QT will play our part in holding the State Government to account to ensure that continues into the future.

Ipswich West MP Jim Madden has said in today's newspaper that the commitment of acting QT editor Andrew Korner to the cause has given him great leverage in his discussions with Queensland Rail, Translink and Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe to get a positive result.

This is true, but it has been a team effort. Mr Madden, Cr David Pahlke and public transport advocate Robert Dow have led the charge with Ipswich residents adding their voice to the chorus of those who will not except second best for their city.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stepped in after a visit to Rosewood to ensure the service is now back, and the inconvenience of the buses is no more.

The QT has been highly critical of QR and the Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe throughout a month of pain.

But that pain is hopefully over now. Rail travel is important to Ipswich people.

The bureaucrats have come to understand that this city won't be shafted and will fight for a fair go.

[ozbob]

[BrizCommuter]

...but when are the 300+ other service (most of which have considerably higher patronage than the Rosewood Line) going to be restored?

[ozbob]

...but when are the 300+ other service (most of which have considerably higher patronage than the Rosewood Line) going to be restored?

I understand that question has been asked of the authorities by media.  Watch this space ...

[#Metro]

There must be a fix on the way. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is getting roasted over this.

Only so many times one can repeat the words "furious", "angry", 'unacceptable" before it starts sounding like a broken record.

I have a hunch - back in February is my guess!

[ozbob]

At Goodna about to head to Rosewood then going to Redcliffe with the Mrs for lunch.

[ozbob]

Rosewood

Rosewood pic.twitter.com/CcxWHs543z

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 10, 2016

[ozbob]

On the return journey to Ippy train went bang road Wulkuraka and Thomas Street
Something different

[ozbob]

On the return journey to Ippy train went bang road Wulkuraka and Thomas Street
Something different

Apparently there is a steam excursion coming from the Workshops so that would explain why 

[verbatim9]

Had to go to work and use the Shorncliffe line on Saturday morning thought that Line ran every 20mins 7 days but no every 30mins on Saturdays. Would be good if the trains ran minimum every 20mins Monday - Saturdays 7am-9pm on Shorncliffe Cleveland line and Gold coast Airport line when duplication is finished. (Worked in Melbourne was very convenient). "Less waiting time" Made overall journey times quite competitive with cars.

[ozbob]

Presently outbound near Strathpine
Return will go for 2.57pm 680 for 3.16pm service out of Kippa-Ring 

[ozbob]

Ended up on a 696 clockwise tour and made the 2.46pm Springer..

[Gazza]

Had to go to work and use the Shorncliffe line on Saturday morning thought that Line ran every 20mins 7 days

Why would you think that though? No line in SEQ runs on a 20 min pattern, and that has never been the case.

They run either every 30 or every 15.

[verbatim9]

I knew someone would come back with that. Transkink and QR should aim for 3 trains per hour then work up to 15 mins when needed.

[aldonius]

I knew someone would come back with that. Transkink and QR should aim for 3 trains per hour then work up to 15 mins when needed.

And what about everything else that runs with a half hourly frequency?

[verbatim9]

I knew someone would come back with that. Transkink and QR should aim for 3 trains per hour then work up to 15 mins when needed.

And what about everything else that runs with a half hourly frequency?

Like I suggested start at 20mins then work up to 15mins. Gold Coast Airport Line should be the first then Shorncliffe line Cleveland line. Check out the Sandringham line in Mel it switches from 30 mins to 20mins to 15mins or better all throughout the week and weekend
Remember that "scale" doesn't have to be in even multiples.

[techblitz]

I would envisage decent patronage gains for services stepped up from 30 to 20 and minimal losses from services stepped down only 5 minutes. Lose 5 for a clockface frequency uptick.
Should be looked at for any overserviced buz corridors as well.

[Gazza]

I knew someone would come back with that. Transkink and QR should aim for 3 trains per hour then work up to 15 mins when needed.

No the main point I was saying was, what gave you the impression that Shorncliffe had a 20 min frequency?

"thought that Line ran every 20mins 7 days but no every 30mins on Saturdays"

I thought every member of rail back on track would know what frequencies each line runs at  :conf

[verbatim9]

I knew someone would come back with that. Transkink and QR should aim for 3 trains per hour then work up to 15 mins when needed.

No the main point I was saying was, what gave you the impression that Shorncliffe had a 20 min frequency?

"thought that Line ran every 20mins 7 days but no every 30mins on Saturdays"

I thought every member of rail back on track would know what frequencies each line runs at  :conf

They have a higher frequency duing the week or used too. I don't study every change of timetable. Just use the trains and buses and observe what's going on when I use it.

[Gazza]

No studying needed. Lines as a rule in SEQ run every 30 mins weekends and off peak, except where lines overlap(Namely to Darra and Park Rd and Northgate)
On weekdays of course there are also trains every 15 mins to Coopers Plains, Ferny Grove and Cannon Hill.

As far as I know, no routes in SEQ follow a 20 min / 40 min cycle (bus/train/whatever)

Higher peak frequency of course.

[cartoonbirdhaus]

As far as I know, no routes in SEQ follow a 20 min / 40 min cycle

The 300 and 306/322 bus routes have run every 20 minutes interpeak.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Those 3 routes also have wild multiple route terminus locations depending on what service you happen to board, random express patterns, random frequency gaps and a non unified timetable. A prime example of how f**ked up Brisbane buses and out pt network is.

[#Metro]

Like I suggested start at 20mins then work up to 15mins. Gold Coast Airport Line should be the first then Shorncliffe line Cleveland line. Check out the Sandringham line in Mel it switches from 30 mins to 20mins to 15mins or better all throughout the week and weekend
Remember that "scale" doesn't have to be in even multiples.

Hi Verbatim9,

Yes, I do distinctly remember a proposal that the SEQ network go to 20 minute frequencies on all lines (or as many as possible) as an interim measure (i.e. out of inertia and desparation!).

I know I sound like a broken record, but Perth has 15-minute trains on all lines. A very sad indictment on the poor quality that masquerades as ' service ' here in SEQ.

So yes, I can totally understand where this 20 minute thing has come from.

During the RBOT New Bus Network Proposal I looked at how the bus network could interface with the rail network. The issue is synchronisation and connections. 20-minute frequency is rare because it does not interface well with services running at 15 and 30 minute services. These are the most common frequencies on the bus network.

RBOTs position needs to be reconsidered - due to the MBRL rail crisis, we now have about 100 drivers and 100 guards going through training, so there will be an excess of staff. We also have rail going to be a central election issue next election and a 1-seat government so it is just perfect to do service upgrades on lines to 15 minutes.

Indeed, I have been thinking about that very issue all this weekend.

Keep up the comments and ideas. 

[BrizCommuter]

You can't run 20 minute frequencies on some lines, and 15/30 minute frequencies on other lines that share the same tracks. So it's either 15 or 30. (Or in some cases 7.5 or 60).

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

12th December 2016

Rail cancellations continue

Good Morning,

A lot of rail service cancellations on Saturday and Sunday evenings ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg184920#msg184920 ).

It does appear that the ' staff rostering issues ' continue.  It is sad to see a once very high standard rail operator in terms of ontime performance and service delivery now struggling to maintain a reduced timetable.

What is really going on?  There perhaps was clue in the Sunday Mail (11th December 2016 page 64).

Railways will need debt plan if Pitt has to more more refunds



Are the ongoing issues actually industrial?

In any case, can it please be resolved.  These constant service cancellations are a major problem for all.

Thank you.

Robert

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

[achiruel]

15 minute frequencies on both the Beenleigh and GC lines is not possible with current infrastructure. You might be able to do one or the other, but NOT both. I do believe, though, that 15 minute frequency could be extended from Coopers Plains to Altandi.

[verbatim9]

You can't run 20 minute frequencies on some lines, and 15/30 minute frequencies on other lines that share the same tracks. So it's either 15 or 30. (Or in some cases 7.5 or 60).

Shorncliffe/Cleveland line can go 20mins for sure. Gold Coast line after duplication and improvements. Definitely when CRR comes online. (for Gold Coast line)

[BrizCommuter]

You can't run 20 minute frequencies on some lines, and 15/30 minute frequencies on other lines that share the same tracks. So it's either 15 or 30. (Or in some cases 7.5 or 60).

Shorncliffe/Cleveland line can go 20mins for sure. Gold Coast line after duplication and improvements. Definitely when CRR comes online. (for Gold Coast line)

Both Shorncliffe/Cleveland lines can run 15 min frequencies. They also share tracks with other lines that run 15 minute frequencies. The sector 2 timetables are based around 7.5/15/30 minute frequencies. Thus you will not be seeing 20 minute frequencies, certainly not on the suburban tracks anyway.

[verbatim9]

How come in Melbourne they can do it? Switches from 15 mins to 20 min Frequency especially on weekends

[BrizCommuter]

They don't run 15 minute and 20 minute frequencies on the same tracks at the same time!

[verbatim9]

Sandringham line does switches from 10 to 15 to 20min Frequency. I lived there I experienced it. Its not impossible to do. 20 min Frequency would be a huge improvement on weekends from 7am-9pm to what we have now. People work on the weekends and would help the switch to PT instead of driving.

[James]

Sandringham line does switches from 10 to 15 to 20min Frequency. I lived there I experienced it. Its not impossible to do. 20 min Frequency would be a huge improvement on weekends from 7am-9pm to what we have now. People work on the weekends and would help the switch to PT instead of driving.

You don't get it do you?

All the lines that share tracks with the Sandringham line must also adjust their frequency accordingly from a 15-30-60 cycle to a 10-20-40 cycle. To run Cleveland/Shorncliffe lines at 20 minute frequency would require running the rest of the trains on the suburbans on the 10-20-40 cycle, or else you'd have times when two trains are scheduled to run on the same track at the same time, especially when they close one track pair through the CBD due to maintenance.

Further, the entire network is timed around a 15-30-60 cycle - in particular, a lot of buses run half-hourly in order to connect with trains. For example, the Sandgate feeder buses. The 325's connection at Boondall. Feeder buses out in the Redlands. 20 minute frequency on those lines would require you to either upgrade all these services to 20 minute frequency, let every second bus misconnect with a train, or have a bus with 40 minute service gaps despite running 2bph.

And really, how useful is 20 minute frequency? It is almost frequent. It is the "You tried" medal of train frequencies. It is almost high frequency. I'd much rather see 15 minute frequency rolled out to a smaller audience (say Manly to Shorncliffe) than 20 minute frequency all the way out to Cleveland, and I think that is QR's mindset also.