Interim rail timetables

[ozbob]

Yes.  I think we are all somewhat concerned with the ongoing saga.

[ozbob]

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/queensland-rail-chief-executive-and-chairman-resign-20161027-gscd9v.html

... There were more than 100 cancellations last Friday due to the staffing shortage and an interim timetable came into effect on Tuesday, which saw 30 daily services cancelled.

QR acting chief operations officer Martin Ryan said commuters could expect further service alterations on Friday.

"On Tuesday, Queensland Rail moved to an interim timetable to deliver greater certainty for our customers and alleviate the strain until our driver training on the new Redcliffe Peninsula line is completed and we have new train crew commence work as part of our recruitment program," he said.

"This has gone well with improved on time running the last two days, but I want to prepare customers that we may face further service alterations tomorrow.

"In the event of a higher than usual level of unplanned leave on Friday, there may be extensive impacts on service delivery."

Mr Ryan said QR had planned alternative bus services across parts of the network if that scenario played out.

"We will be advising our customers as soon as possible of any extra changes, but there may be delays or last minute changes and we would urge people to check the Translink website to plan their journey," he said.

[BrizCommuter]

TransLink have admitted in their website that they are expecting "crowding" on the Ferny Grove Line this morning.

[BrizCommuter]

Enoggera platform eerily quiet. Looks like many commuters are seeking alternative forms of transport.

[BrizCommuter]

7:17 ex Ferny Grove is much quieter than usual (for a Friday) despite axed services before and after it. Estimated 33% drop in patronage! No photos for CM today!

[BrizCommuter]

07:32 ex Ferny Grove observed to be a "sardine fest" at Fortitude Valley.

[ozbob]

Off the train and into the office with @QueenslandRail A/CEO. #qldpol pic.twitter.com/B4OTuvtnqU

— Stirling Hinchliffe (@StirlHinchliffe) October 27, 2016

[Monster]

I don't want to sound troll-ish, but what purpose does it serve when the Minister tweets a photo like that? That the Minister and acting CEO understand the problem? That they share our pain? Worse still, that they want to hear about the experiences first hand??!!

(not a go at you at all for re-tweeting Bob, in fact it goes to highlight my point)

For goodness sake the problem is there in black and white! Just give the apology and fix the problem!!! Don't use it as a publicity stunt, stop the "it's their fault"...... "no it's their fault"........

If the effort went from playing political games into actually doing the job, we, as a taxpayer and customer of govt services, would accept any bad news a little easier because we know they'd be trying to solve the issue.

The Minster taking a photo like that with that caption has probably done himself more harm then good IMHO.

What's the bet he won't be catching one home!! 

[ozbob]

It reflects the mindset of politics today which is why I posted it.  Staffers are running the  ' p r ' war. 

No wonder it is a circus ... it is not only state it's the Feds as well.

[Monster]

Thanks Bob, agree totally.

Last comment on this from me (but one that increasingly intruges me)........

Do the staffers (or the Ministers themselves) actually believe their own spin? More importantly do they honestly believe the public buy it? They see a photo op and think "Oh this is a great idea, this should placate the public over a stuff up."

I mean there's such a level of cynicism to Politicians and Politics in general, surely the penny has to drop at some point.

[BrizCommuter]

Thanks Bob, agree totally.

Last comment on this from me (but one that increasingly intruges me)........

Do the staffers (or the Ministers themselves) actually believe their own spin? More importantly do they honestly believe the public buy it? They see a photo op and think "Oh this is a great idea, this should placate the public over a stuff up."

I mean there's such a level of cynicism to Politicians and Politics in general, surely the penny has to drop at some point.

The politicians really are that stupid. The public aren't, hence Newman's wipeout in 2015.

[tazzer9]

Think is getting out of hand.    More cancellations ontop of the interim timetable cuts.
I say we need mass bustitution on the weekend.   Only caboolture-Ipswich and kippa ring-springfield trains should be running.   Get as much crew available for training and for availability during the week.

[ozbob]

I think it will stabilise and improve from here.  With the ' interim timetable ' this has allowed no doubt for the hours worked and so forth to come back to manageable levels.  A few more cancellations than planned today, but that happens randomly most days.

I am waiting to see what the acting QR CEO has to say.  I think the bus incident has deflected things for now.

[Even with the interim timetable there are more services than what there was in September under the pre-RPL timetable ...

Patronage overall this week has actually been higher than the previous week according to a brief grab I heard]

[James]

Do the staffers (or the Ministers themselves) actually believe their own spin? More importantly do they honestly believe the public buy it? They see a photo op and think "Oh this is a great idea, this should placate the public over a stuff up."

Yes, eventually people get involved enough in politics that they get deluded and think anything they come up with is gold and even if they lose/stuff up, will refuse to accept responsibility and blame anything else even remotely responsible for the issue.

I think it is a shame Gluer had to lose her job - this crisis was the result of negligence from both sides of government. Firstly Emerson, then a lazy minister in the form of Trad. Hinchliffe came too late to really do anything about it. But that's politics for you.

[ozbob]

Trains are running smoothly despite the cut to services this week. @PhilWillmington #9News https://t.co/S3TgKvDLbm

— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) October 28, 2016

[ozbob]

... I think it is a shame Gluer had to lose her job - this crisis was the result of negligence from both sides of government. Firstly Emerson, then a lazy minister in the form of Trad. Hinchliffe came too late to really do anything about it. But that's politics for you. ...

That sums it up well James. Ms Trad had too much on the plate.  Mr Hinchliffe has had a very big deficit to comes to term with.  Maybe too much with the Games and that.  Might be time to consider a dedicated Minister for Public Transport -  it is not only rail, it is buses, and major infrastructure issues. 

The rot started under the LNP, and the ALP were too late in turning it around. 

The very survival of the Government is now on line.  I think we will see some results from here, and better staff resources for QR.

The fact that the NGR initial order was setup for DOO, is something that is working its way out into the public domain.  Part of the so called 5 point plan for recovery is the fact that they mention pointedly that guards will be trained for the NGR trains. 

Just no one has spelt how it will work with some guards at the end of the trains (NGR) other sets as is ...

Shoddy shoddy politics >> a great big cluster-fuk

Both LNP and ALP are responsible.

[wbj]

I don't want to sound troll-ish, but what purpose does it serve when the Minister tweets a photo like that? That the Minister and acting CEO understand the problem? That they share our pain? Worse still, that they want to hear about the experiences first hand??!!

(not a go at you at all for re-tweeting Bob, in fact it goes to highlight my point)

For goodness sake the problem is there in black and white! Just give the apology and fix the problem!!! Don't use it as a publicity stunt, stop the "it's their fault"...... "no it's their fault"........

If the effort went from playing political games into actually doing the job, we, as a taxpayer and customer of govt services, would accept any bad news a little easier because we know they'd be trying to solve the issue.

The Minster taking a photo like that with that caption has probably done himself more harm then good IMHO.

What's the bet he won't be catching one home!! 

Have you noticed the exaggerations and beat up stories from the media (shock, horror) around this issue?  Unfortunately a gpvernment will take the PR and publicity stunt route to try and neutralise such a media campaign.  Obviously facts and logical analysis don't capture the majority of the public's attention and even some of the comments in this blog seem more to have a political axe to grind than a dispassionate examination of a complex situation.  And of course there is no instantaneous magic bullet which will solve the problem to provide some people's need for instant gratification.
The risks of this situation occurring should have been reccognised early and some contingencies put in place, even if it resulted in a face losing outcome of not starting the new timetable at the beginning of October.  Either risks have been badly misjudged and not provided for or have been callously disregarded.  Either explanation calls into question the decision makers who get paid the big bucks to make or advise on such big decisions.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th October 2016

Time to sort public transport for SEQ

Good Morning,

Now that the ' interim rail timetable ' has been operating successfully for the week we believe it is time some compensation for the travelling public be offered.  Many public transport commuters have had constant disruption with out of pocket costs for additional childcare, late job starts , missed appointments, taxis and so forth.

A period of free travel on our public transport network in SEQ is warranted in our opinion, to at last acknowledge the considerable impacts of late and help restore some confidence with public for the network. Please consider this an an urgent priority Minister Hinchliffe.

The Premier has said recently that she hopes there are no more hidden issues with the rail.  Sorry Premier there are.

1. The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains were ordered without guard compartments by the Newman Government.  This means in effect that guards on these new trains when deployed will be at the end of the train which is different from the present central position on existing rollingstock.  The rail network in SEQ is set up for assistance to mobility impaired at the centre areas of the rail platforms.  How will this situation be managed when the NGR trains are rolled out?  Will extra staff have to be deployed?  Will guards have to travel from the rear of the train to the centre to assist passengers?  This is not a simple issue to solve.

2. Apart from train crew problems there are simply not enough trains at present.  The number of 3 car services (with constant overloading issues) has had to be increased on the network during peak.  The original order for NGR trains was to be 100 six car train sets, this was cut back to 75 six car trains under the Newman Government.  Is this really enough trains?  This needs urgent review and consideration be given to exercising an option to increase the order for NGR trains (once these are proven).

It is also our view that the problems with public transport, rail, bus and infrastructure issues are such that a dedicated Minister for Public Transport is needed to focus and retrieve the situation. Ministers with multi-portfolios are not able to remain across all the issues. Politicised and poor public transport policy under a succession of Governments has now finally impacted in the mess we have today.

We and others have highlighted the issues for years, only to be ignored in the main.  It is now time to act, and act decisively.

Thank you.

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

[ozbob]

Latest media: ' Time to sort public transport for SEQ '
> https://t.co/VyNwSlfuEN#qldpol@AnnastaciaMP @TimNichollsMP @StirlHinchliffe pic.twitter.com/NB6upDg8o5

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 28, 2016

[ozbob]

TransLink tweeted earlier today that there will be some changes (minor) to the normal timetable tomorrow (Sunday).
There is also a track closure Northgate <> Shorncliffe

Details are not yet available.  Expect more service cancellations.

[BrizCommuter]

TransLink tweeted earlier today that there will be some changes (minor) to the normal timetable tomorrow (Sunday).
There is also a track closure Northgate <> Shorncliffe

Details are not yet available.  Expect more service cancellations.

Which can only mean 60 minute service gaps on a Sunday!

[James]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/102746

Essentially, all of the Roma St - Northgate services have been cancelled, with a few other cancellations to Kippa-Ring, the airport and Varsity Lakes thrown in for good measure.

Hopeless! The Minister should resign. He said that the 'revised timetable' would be it, but it is getting even worse now.

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/102746

Queensland Rail has advised there will be a number of service changes for Sunday. This is to ensure they have adequate staffing to deliver their interim Monday-Thursday timetable with the reliability you expect – especially during the critical peak periods.

There are around 70 service cancellations or changes compared to the regular timetable. We've listed them all below. These changes are currently being updated in the journey planner, and we encourage you to plan your journey tomorrow before you travel to see the best option for you.

We apologise for the inconvenience. As always, we will keep you updated as soon as we receive further information. Check this page for the latest updates.

From Monday, the Queensland Rail interim train timetable will again be in place and we encourage you to plan your journey in advance.

Roma Street to Northgate

    5.09am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 5.39am (will be a bus replacement service)
    6.09am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 6.39am
    6.24am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 6.39am
    6.54am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 7.09am
    7.24am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 7.39am
    7.54am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 8.09am
    8.24am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 8.39am
    8.54am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 9.09am
    9.24am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 9.39am
    9.54am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.09am
    10.24am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.39am
    10.54am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11.09am
    11.24am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11.39am
    11.54am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 12.09pm
    12.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 12.39pm
    12.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 1.09pm
    1.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 1.39pm
    1:54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 2.09pm
    2.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 2.09pm
    2.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 3.09pm
    3.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 3.39pm
    3.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 4.09pm
    4.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 4.39pm
    4.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 5.09pm
    5.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 5.39pm
    5.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 6.09pm
    6.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 6.39pm
    6.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 7.09pm
    7.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 7.39pm
    7.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 8.09pm
    8.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 8.39pm
    8.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 9.09pm
    9.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 9.39pm
    9.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.09pm
    10.24pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.39pm
    10.54pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11.09pm

Northgate to Roma Street

    9.45am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10am
    10.15am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.30am
    10.45am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11am
    11.15am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11.30am
    11.45am service is cancelled. Next service departs at 12pm
    12.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 12pm
    12.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 1pm
    1.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 1.30pm
    1.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 2pm
    2.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 2.30pm
    2.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 3pm
    3.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 3.30pm
    3.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 4pm
    4.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 4.30pm
    4.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 5pm
    5.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 5.30pm
    5.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 6pm
    6.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 6.30pm
    6.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 7pm
    7.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 7.30pm
    7.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 8pm
    8.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 8.30pm
    8.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 9pm
    9.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 9.30pm
    9.45pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10pm
    10.15pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.30pm
    10.46pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11pm
    11.57pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 11.30pm

Northgate to Cleveland

    10.50am service is cancelled from Roma Street to Cleveland

Cleveland to Northgate

    12.09pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 12.39pm

Kippa-Ring to Roma Street

    11.57am service is cancelled from Northgate to Roma Street

Domestic Airport to Varsity Lakes

    8.32pm service is cancelled from Roma Street to Varsity Lakes.

Varsity Lakes to Bowen Hills

    10.10pm service is cancelled. Next service departs at 10.22pm

Queensland Rail has made changes to timetables across the network to manage driver shortages and deliver the reliability you expect.

These changes include cancellations or changes to stopping patterns for around 40 of the 1,300+ services Queensland Rail run each weekday. They've been carefully selected to ensure minimal impact to customers based on patronage and time until next service.

We've listed the changes to timetables below. However, we encourage you to use our journey planner which has been updated with the interim train timetables. This will give you your best travel options, including connecting bus services. You can also use the MyTransLink app.

Queensland Rail has advised that some further alterations may be required over the next two weeks as they transition to this interim timetable. We'll let you know as soon as we're advised of any further changes.

Queensland Rail is working hard to restore confidence in their service reliability. We appreciate your patience and we'll keep you updated.

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/102746

Essentially, all of the Roma St - Northgate services have been cancelled, with a few other cancellations to Kippa-Ring, the airport and Varsity Lakes thrown in for good measure.

Hopeless! The Minister should resign. He said that the 'revised timetable' would be it, but it is getting even worse now.

Crazy.  They have always said the interim timetables could and probably will change.  Clearly Mr Hinchliffe is not going anywhere, or is anyone else at this time by the looks of things.

Ms Gluer and Mr Klug have walked.  They were both appointed during the LNP era by the way.  Ms Gluer was a former Treasury Under Sectretary and was a strategic placement by Newman et al to facilitate the franchise and break up of QR - that didn't happen in the end due to the defeat of the Newman Government.  Ms Gluer also worked at BCC with Lord Mayor Newman in the past as well.

The present Government seems incapable of coming out and actually detailing the full circumstances or at least attempting an interim explanation as to why it all went turtle. 

[ozbob]

Getting feedback on the ' train-pain '

this is typical:

... People are driving again as they can't afford to lose $$$ when they turn up late or have to leave early. This was more so with working mothers.

Also many said they find it difficult re internet and just sit at the station waiting for the next train. They were all angry at the govt. ...

Goodna rail station has no PIDs.  Dependent on haphazard voice announcements, if you can hear them ..

Goodna is the busiest station west of Darra, hopeless ...

[Stillwater]

No doubt, the excuse that Mr Hinchliffe will use is: 'I await the review of this matter, which will reveal all the facts and will provide a way forward.'  Not good enough, as there continues to be chaos with the interim timetable.  What is the level of timetabling at which the system becomes stable, without change?  This issue is eroding people's confidence in PT and also the government.

[BrizCommuter]

Way to go QR on annoying Nundah and Toombul commuters even more!

[tazzer9]

They can't even be bothered getting a replacement bus for these services as well.   People would be more understanding if they had another alternative. 
I'm more concerned about how fine the timetable and rosters were being run before RPL opened.    Its a relatively short branch.  Wwith the poor frequency and increased speed and efficiency of sunny coast and caboolture services.   They were already running on the edge of a cliff for years.

[ozbob]

"We&#39;re running more services now than we were as a network in September" -Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Transport, addressing #ALPQconf pic.twitter.com/AILbVttEjW

— Queensland Labor (@QLDLabor) October 30, 2016

[ozbob]

.@stirlhinchliffe: &#39;I&#39;m not going anywhere until it&#39;s fixed&#39; on Queensland Rail mess & calls to resign @9NewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/82vPZhT5WA

— Sam Cucchiara (@SamCucchiara9) October 30, 2016

[Stillwater]

Once the government gets a handle on the issues, it would be good to know:

the steps that will be taken, together with an indication of a timeline
the costs (costs of extra training, extra wages for new/more drivers, cost of extra trains etc.)
the source of funding

Governments spruik about the problem, and readily assign the blame to their political opponents, but are less ardent about solutions and costs.

[BrizCommuter]

Queensland Rail's Cancellation Catastrophe - Analysis
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/qrs-cancellation-catastrophe-analysis.html

...and BrizCommuter's recommendation for a knowledgable commuter or public transport advocate on QR's board is serious!

[Stillwater]

Finally, even the PR spin doctors are disavowed of the term 'world class' when referring to Queensland's public transport network.  Everyone has gulped a dose of reality.  All except for the Opposition, whose members turn a blind eye to their part in the mess.  Within government, there must be those who still regard PT as a drain on the public purse (Treasury and finance).  They would still view every additional passenger as an extra subsidy to pay -- failing all the while to comprehend the worth of an efficient PT network in the proper functioning of a modern 'new millennium city' (to use another term favoured by the PR set).  Brisbane will be impacted economically by traffic congestion more than any other Australian capital city.  Will QR meet its patronage growth targets?

It's time the Premier showed leadership (because it is not going to come from Mr Hinchliffe) and adopt a whole of government approach to this issue.  It is not confined to QR or the transport portfolio.  Coordinator-General, State Development, Treasury, Human Services have a part to play.  Politicians stick to populist notions of 'no new taxes', but this government must identify funding streams that will be created or tapped to address the issue of too few trained drivers and a lack of rolling stock.  Why must there be so many commissions of inquiry or expert panels formed after the event when we have administrative structures in place to monitor these things, such as the QR board?

Maybe its time to examine the structure and membership of government boards right across the spectrum.  This not a 'PR issue' to be managed and contained.  It goes far deeper than that.

[ozbob]

BrizCommuter: &#38;#39; QR&#38;#39;s Cancellation Catastrophe - Analysis &#38;#39;
> https://t.co/zVmPKdYSrH#qldpol pic.twitter.com/3x5uRyIp9n

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 30, 2016

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

. @StirlHinchliffe @AnnastaciaMP @jackietrad @TimNichollsMP @QLDLabor @LNPQLD @QldGreens @couriermail @brisbanetimes #qldpol
O_O https://t.co/SuICIUHbCV

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 30, 2016

[ozbob]

Some points from radio interview 612 ABC Brisbane now:

Prior to new timetable 4 Oct 2016 1218 services daily

New timetable post RPL  services 1306 daily

New interim (Mon - Thu) 1276 services daily

OT being worked around 30%

No firm committment as to when issues resolved ...

[tazzer9]

Although its only around 80 extra services a day.   That doesn't take into account that most RPL services aren't new.  They are extensions of petrie or bowen hills terminators.

[ozbob]

Of course.  The facts are as above.  There is a net gain in services with the new/interim timetables.

[BrizCommuter]

Of course.  The facts are as above.  There is a net gain in services with the new/interim timetables.

All of the net gain is on the Redcliffe Line. Most other lines have a net loss due to the interim timetables. Thus the government spin of there being more services doesn't rub off on the majority of commuters who have only seen their train service get worse.

Lots of "expressing" this morning and reports of overcrowding on Inner North services again.

[ozbob]

I just completed an interview on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane where I highlighted the issues big time, including crew and train shortage.

Also the NGR problems.

Pointed out that we have been highlighting the issues for years ... and that anyone can check out our forum and see that is the case.

#youarewelcome

[tazzer9]

How many extra services are on the Springfield/Ipswich/caboolture and sunny coast lines?

I know its there is a few extra on all of them.    Especially the few extra rosewood trains, i know one of these is now a revenue service when it was a dead run.