Brisbane: Bus Electric Rapid Transit (' Brisbane Metro ')

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cyclists stage Victoria Bridge 'die-in' to protest loss of bike lanes

CYCLISTS in Brisbane have staged a "die-in" on one of the city's busiest bridges to protest the proposed removal of dedicated bike lanes.

About 100 riders gathered at South Bank on Saturday morning before rolling onto Victoria Bridge's two car lanes to the strains of the Bee Gees' Stayin Alive. They then held a minute's silence for cyclists who had been killed or injured on the roads before lying across the tarmac for the so-called "die-in". Brisbane City Greens councillor Jonathan Sri said the protest was a "last resort" and stemmed from fears the proposed changes would lead to more conflict between pedestrians and cyclists.

"Everyone hates it when bikes and pedestrians get in each other's ways, he said. "We're worried that by reducing cyclists' access on this bridge, that will force more along the South Bank riverfront and along the footpaths in the CBD." While he didn't know the exact figures for 2017, Mr Sri said too many cyclists were dying or being injured on Brisbane roads.

Police and state government were also not accurately collecting data about the number of crashes involving cyclists, he claimed.

Before making their way onto the bridge, the Gabba Ward representative told protesters Brisbane had become too "car-centric" and was lagging behind other developed cities when it came to cyclist-friendly infrastructure. Rider Dan Barnett, 27, said he sometimes struggled to feel safe on the roads. "I'm just sick of being beeped at and yelled at, just feeling unsafe," the research assistant said.

After briefly lying on the bridge, the protesting riders dinged their bells at bemused pedestrians as they were escorted by police on a mass bike ride through Brisbane's CBD.

[James]

Is there any reason cyclists could not use the bus only lanes on the outside?

What I'd suggest is a slight concept shift. Have a small concrete barrier (like exists between the bus/car areas currently) on the southern half, with the northern half left open to allow buses to merge in to/out of the metro lanes. Then allow bikes to use the bus lanes to cross the Victoria Bridge and continue to West End. If you needed some extra width for the little barriers, you could take out some of the pedestrian path width.

You're only going to have about 60-70bph using the outside lanes assuming there are three BUZes going every 3 minutes plus a few extra services. That's a bus every 50 seconds, plenty of room for bikes to slot in there in your average light cycle. I think council is being very closed minded with the options for the non-metro lanes on the bridge. My impression was the purpose of making those car-free is to stop buses getting caught in car congestion.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane cyclists protest council's plans for shared pedestrian lane

Brisbane cyclists "died" for a few minutes on the Victoria Bridge during Saturday morning, in protest against Brisbane City Council's plans to create a shared cyclist-pedestrian lane on the bridge.

About a hundred pedal-powered protesters closed the general traffic lanes of the bridge, as they held a minute silence for fallen cyclists and a temporary "die-in" by mimicking the carnage of a major crash, which they believe will happen more often under proposed changes.

The future of one of Brisbane's main river crossings is unclear as buses, cyclists, pedestrians, green cabs and the planned Brisbane Metro compete for space within the bridge's proposed new design.

The $944 million Brisbane Metro project would change the use of the bridge, with Brisbane City Council proposing to turn the bridge "green", which would remove general traffic and double public transport capacity.

Under this plan, green cabs, cyclists and food delivery riders would be forced into a single shared pedestrian path on the upstream side of the river, while the downstream pedestrian path would be widened by 1.2 metres to allow even more people to use it.

Rolf Kuelsen, who has been a cycling commuter in Brisbane for almost 40 years, said he was "fairly frustrated" by the council plans and what he believed was a lack of cycling facilities in Brisbane, unlike European cities.

"It's all about prioritising, and from a health and traffic point-of-view, cycling and cycleways are a lot safer ways to do things," he said.

"Having been cycling for all these years, both here and in Europe, I know the split lanes are a much better way to go for us and pedestrians as well."

Mr Kuelsen said he has a near-miss encounter during his morning commute every couple of days, with the latest coming on Friday when a car had to slam on the brakes after trying to come up the inside of Mr Kuelsen.

Greens councillor for The Gabba Ward Jonathan Sri said he was pleased the Brisbane Metro plans were moving forward, but said the proposed changes to the Victoria Bridge were a "lost opportunity".

"We have seen other cities around the world transition from a car-dominated transport network to one that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport – and that's what we need to do here in Brisbane," he said.

"I think council has made the mistake of focusing too heavily on current cyclist numbers, rather than recognising that cyclist numbers will continue to grow in the future.

"All we are suggesting is that council converts that widened pedestrian-only lane, which will be almost four metres wide, to be shared by bikes and pedestrians and that will address a lot of our concerns."

However, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the numbers of cyclists who use the bridge simply "can't compete" with the projected public transport boom.

"The reality is that this administration has done more to advance cycling in this city than any other time in the city's history," he said.

"We are looking at the projected number of public transport users and they are by far massively greater (than cyclist numbers).

"If we are going to tackle traffic congestion, we have to look after public transport users as well."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/tobycrockford23/status/888581610521501696

[#Metro]

Demolish the Victoria Bridge.

Replace it with a wider bridge of similar design that does not have such restrictive weight restrictions, has a nice wide double width

dedicated bike lane on both sides, has some fig trees in planter boxes along the entire length, and separate space for pedestrians to cross on both

sides.


The metro project has such a high BCR and made such a big "500 million" dollar saving that I think the money can be found for

this. In addition, the bridge proposed by the casino to South Bank ruins the view from the Victoria Bridge. Cancel that and have the

developer pay what they would have paid for such a bridge as a contribution to the Victoria Bridge to offset the cost.


The new Victoria Bridge should be strong enough to carry Light Rail into West End or even heavy metro at some point in the future if

required.

[Gazza]

Wouldn't it be cheaper then to just build a pedestrian/cycle bridge or widening than cause massive disruption?

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

10th September 2017

Cross River Rail and the Brisbane ' Metro '

Good Morning,

The Couriermail has been publishing a series of articles: Future Brisbane

It certainly has been an interesting series, some grand visions, some hope, some sensible grounded ideas.  But one thing that is crystal clear from the Future Brisbane series is that both Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro are seen as essential for driving the future Brisbane.  As we suggested last March (see below) both projects are vital for improved transport and will drive a much better future.

It will be a tragedy for Queensland, should an incoming LNP Government stop Cross River Rail.  We call on the Queensland LNP to get onboard Cross River Rail.  We cannot wait any longer.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

16th March 2017

CRR and Brisbane ' Metro ' are an integrated public transport solution

Good Morning,

It is now appropriate to join Cross River Rail (CRR) and the Brisbane ' Metro ' Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) plans together conceptually and promote the integrated public transport solution they are for Brisbane and SEQ. Both projects are integrated from an operational perspective, CRR and BRT ' Metro'  should not be seen as competing projects, but as two elements of the single public transport solution.

Presenting both projects in this light will be seen by many, including the Federal Government and Infrastructure Australia, as the correct path now to public transport resilience, capacity, and hence successful delivery and outcomes. Both projects will provide the economic stimulus that is needed.

It is sad that the  Queensland LNP seem to be the only major player that does not understand the need for Cross River Rail.
[ LNP Opposition Media release  STATEMENT: Brisbane Metro http://www.timnicholls.com.au/statement-brisbane-metro/ ]

The Queensland LNP has previously stamped their public transport credentials as very mediocre with such absurd proposals as the ' Cleveland Solution ' and the ' Bus and Train ' tunnel.  They are consigning themselves to irrelevancy once again unless they come on board with the integrated public transport solution that CRR and the BRT ' Metro ' now promises for SEQ and Brisbane.

Best wishes
Robert

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

References:

1. Cross River Rail --> https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/

2. Brisbane ' Metro ' -->  https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro

[HappyTrainGuy]

Wouldn't it be cheaper then to just build a pedestrian/cycle bridge or widening than cause massive disruption?

From what I've heard the new bridge they are building as part of Queens Wharf will be banned for cyclists and only open to pedestrians due to it going into the casino.

I still think Metro isn't needed and a proper bus network and public transportation system would cope just fine. Newman had his tunnels. Now Quirk wants his metro.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QldOppMedia/status/915368098617634816

[verbatim9]

Brisbanetimes --> Council buying up crucial land for Brisbane Metro's superbus stations


The block of land on Grey Street on the top left of the image is being bought to allow Brisbane Metro to go ahead.
Photo: Tony Moore

Two crucial parcels of land are being bought in South Brisbane and Rochedale to let Brisbane City Council's $994 million Brisbane Metro project move to the next step.

The first is a small 1,600 square metre slice of land on Grey Street at South Brisbane beside South Brisbane station.

This purchase will allow the new underground busway station to be built directly beneath the busy Melbourne and Grey Street intersection.

The second is a 4.5 hectare block of land at Rochedale that will become the new depot for the 60 Brisbane Metro "articulated buses".

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk confirmed on Tuesday night talks were underway with Queensland Rail to buy the small portion of land beside the heritage-listed, red-brick South Brisbane rail station.

Brisbane Metro plans show $20 million is set aside to acquire this parcel of land, which many years ago was to be sold for a hotel complex, plus the second site at Rochedale.

The Brisbane Metro station would sit underground - diagonally - under the Grey and Melbourne Street block of land.

The underground service would spread underneath the forecourt of the Queensland Performing Arts Complex and allow articulated buses to connect to the South East Busway.

"It will mean the metro vehicles will no longer enter and exit the busway from the 'hole in the wall' in Melbourne Street," Cr Quirk explained on Tuesday night.

From the city side, the Brisbane Metro elongated buses would go along the Victoria Bridge down to an underground Cultural Centre Metro busway station, beneath the Grey and Melbourne street intersection.

The plans also propose a low-height hotel could be built above the Brisbane Metro at the Grey Street site. ...

How the underground bus station fits under Melbourne and Grey streets.
Photo: Supplied.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/915383896795004928

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/915390060513472512

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Team_Quirk/status/915400372859973632

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th October 2017

Pre-Election: Rail Back on Track Welcomes LNP Brisbane Metro Policy

Greetings,

RAIL Back on Track welcomes the announcement of land acquisition by Brisbane City Council and a $30 million funding commitment for the Brisbane Metro. Brisbane's bus network is grossly outdated and needs a complete overhaul. This includes all other bus services that will not become part of the Brisbane Metro.

RAIL Back on Track has prepared a most comprehensive bus network as part of its New Bus Network Proposal http://tiny.cc/newnetwork. Our proposal increases bus frequency across the entire city of Brisbane while keeping a lid on costs.

We welcome a commitment from both sides of politics to expand the Metro to Bracken Ridge, Capalaba and Springwood. Other countries routinely run superbuses (bi-articulated) on standard city streets in mixed traffic. In SEQ, we believe that the Metro bus vehicles can be run off the busways and onto special bus lanes or 'transitways' separated from traffic. Research by The Office of the Infrastructure Australia Co-ordinator shows that the cost of these transitways could be around ten times cheaper than a "Priority A" standard busway (1).

Old Cleveland Road, Gympie Road, and Mains Road corridors are ideal for these transitways. Ideally these could become part of election policy, going forward.

RAIL Back on Track also supports Cross River Rail. Cross River Rail is absolutely essential for improved regional outcomes, and we call on all parties and independents, including the LNP, to support it.

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

Reference:

1. Infrastructure Australia - QLD Brisbane Transit Ways
http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/QLD-Brisbane-Transit-Ways.aspx

> http://infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/policy-publications/publications/files/QLD_Brisbane_TransitWays_Brief.pdf

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/916143020063387651

[verbatim9]

Brisbane can be visionary and go for a Metro like this?

https://youtu.be/96gn25Y5xhE

[ozbob]

Couriermail Editorial --> Quality public transport network will put Brisbane back on track towards New World City

TRULY global cities are renowned for their easy-to-use and affordable public transport networks.

London, New York, Paris and Tokyo have extensive subterranean train networks that make navigating these cities relatively uncomplicated, even for inexperienced travellers.

Far from resting on its laurels, the England capital is investing in a remarkable new underground venture, CrossRail, a 42km route running from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

The project and the innovative public/private funding required have not been without critics.

However, CrossRail is needed because of growing network congestion and that has only been made possible because of a long-running commitment to ensure the system remains efficient and economical.

In Brisbane, where our leaders aspire for the Sunshine State's capital to be known as a "New World City", the opposite is occurring. A shortsighted decision by the cash-strapped Bligh government to ramp up ticket prices cruelled the benefits of using trains and buses to get around, sending commuters back to their cars.

The infamous #railfail of the past two years, which led to train services being slashed because of a shortage of drivers, has doubled down on the issue by eroding confidence.

Brisbane City Council data shows public transport patronage has declined over the past five years and it lays the blame squarely at the feet of State Government price rises.

Equally, Victoria Bridge resembles a bus depot on any given day and the council has been aware of the jam caused by services trying to exit the Southeast Busway on to Melbourne St for years and has done nothing about it.

Every level of government, including federal, has a stake in Brisbane's public transport network and they all should shoulder the blame for its deteriorating appeal among the travelling public.

Committed car users may shrug at this situation. However, they too are victims and pay a price for this problem.

Less public transport use means more congestion on Brisbane's major road routes. This was demonstrated by analysis conducted for the RACQ that showed motorists travelled at just 27km/h on 18 of the city's major corridors during the morning peak and 33km/h in the afternoon.

The State Government and the council are working to address public transport patronage.

The State Government's "Fairer Fare" packages followed cuts to planned ticket price increases by its predecessors. Neither has made an empirical difference, so it is important that this reform process continues where it is effective and efficient, despite the inevitable hand-wringing from Treasury boffins about costs.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk's Brisbane Metro, which will fix the critical busway bottleneck, shapes as a game-changer for the city as it will bring the high-frequency services that commuters demand.

Likewise for the state's Cross River Rail project. However, unfortunately, it faces the ill-winds of an election and political opportunism amid regional unrest about supposed southeast Queensland-centric spending.

Similar to its London contemporary, Cross River Rail has its critics. The $5.4 billion price tag is prohibitive and the business case's patronage projections are ambitious, at the very least.

However, with a single southern river crossing, it is obvious another rail link into Brisbane's inner-city is a
no-brainer at some point soon. The project will be a catalyst for urban renewal in key areas.

London's CrossRail battled questions about costs and it overcame those when a wider view of the long-term economic and social benefits were properly considered. If our political leaders take the same approach to ensure our public transport system is affordable and efficient, then the future of Brisbane will indeed be bright.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st November 2017

Couriermail Editorial: Quality public transport network will put Brisbane back on track towards New World City

Good Morning,

Excellent editorial opinion piece in today's Couriermail:

Couriermail Editorial (see below)--> Quality public transport network will put Brisbane back on track towards New World City

Both the ' Brisbane Metro ' utilising and enhancing our existing busway asset, and forging ahead with Cross River Rail are absolutely essential.  We really need to move past the political games that besets and has given rise to our failing public transport network.

My sense is that the public now really are starting to get what both Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro are about.  To not get on board the integrated solution that these projects will provide is a serious political disadvantage.  Cross River Rail is an essential enabler for the entire rail network.  Without Cross River Rail we will be transport poor in this region. Transport and mobility will grind to a halt and fail.  The Brisbane Metro will also drive essential bus network reform, providing better connections, frequency and the opportunity for  better cross suburban connectors. Something we had a crack at in 2013 but failed.  Falling patronage on the bus network too is no surprise to us.

It will be tragedy for Queensland if Brisbane is stymied on the cusp of future success.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

References:

1. Connecting Brisbane https://www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/infrastructure/connecting-brisbane.html

2.  Quality public transport network will put Brisbane back on track towards New World City
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/quality-public-transport-network-will-put-brisbane-back-on-track-towards-new-world-city/news-story/849ed515d1f3470441b6b4514186f3e0

TRULY global cities are renowned for their easy-to-use and affordable public transport networks.

London, New York, Paris and Tokyo have extensive subterranean train networks that make navigating these cities relatively uncomplicated, even for inexperienced travellers.

Far from resting on its laurels, the England capital is investing in a remarkable new underground venture, CrossRail, a 42km route running from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

The project and the innovative public/private funding required have not been without critics.

However, CrossRail is needed because of growing network congestion and that has only been made possible because of a long-running commitment to ensure the system remains efficient and economical.

In Brisbane, where our leaders aspire for the Sunshine State's capital to be known as a "New World City", the opposite is occurring. A shortsighted decision by the cash-strapped Bligh government to ramp up ticket prices cruelled the benefits of using trains and buses to get around, sending commuters back to their cars.

The infamous #railfail of the past two years, which led to train services being slashed because of a shortage of drivers, has doubled down on the issue by eroding confidence.

Brisbane City Council data shows public transport patronage has declined over the past five years and it lays the blame squarely at the feet of State Government price rises.

Equally, Victoria Bridge resembles a bus depot on any given day and the council has been aware of the jam caused by services trying to exit the Southeast Busway on to Melbourne St for years and has done nothing about it.

Every level of government, including federal, has a stake in Brisbane's public transport network and they all should shoulder the blame for its deteriorating appeal among the travelling public.

Committed car users may shrug at this situation. However, they too are victims and pay a price for this problem.

Less public transport use means more congestion on Brisbane's major road routes. This was demonstrated by analysis conducted for the RACQ that showed motorists travelled at just 27km/h on 18 of the city's major corridors during the morning peak and 33km/h in the afternoon.

The State Government and the council are working to address public transport patronage.

The State Government's "Fairer Fare" packages followed cuts to planned ticket price increases by its predecessors. Neither has made an empirical difference, so it is important that this reform process continues where it is effective and efficient, despite the inevitable hand-wringing from Treasury boffins about costs.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk's Brisbane Metro, which will fix the critical busway bottleneck, shapes as a game-changer for the city as it will bring the high-frequency services that commuters demand.

Likewise for the state's Cross River Rail project. However, unfortunately, it faces the ill-winds of an election and political opportunism amid regional unrest about supposed southeast Queensland-centric spending.

Similar to its London contemporary, Cross River Rail has its critics. The $5.4 billion price tag is prohibitive and the business case's patronage projections are ambitious, at the very least.

However, with a single southern river crossing, it is obvious another rail link into Brisbane's inner-city is a
no-brainer at some point soon. The project will be a catalyst for urban renewal in key areas.

London's CrossRail battled questions about costs and it overcame those when a wider view of the long-term economic and social benefits were properly considered. If our political leaders take the same approach to ensure our public transport system is affordable and efficient, then the future of Brisbane will indeed be bright.

[verbatim9]

Did we discuss this option already? Virtual track Tram. I guess.this can be electrified from above with catenary, or rapid recharge with batteries? Note still in test mode. Some examples of busway conversion and offboard ticketing etc... within the video.

https://youtu.be/2i3aVMKBgFU

[kram0]

I am currently in Switzerland on Xmas holidays and had the opportunity to ride on these metro buses in Lucerne yesterday. They will probably be very similar to what we get in Brisbane I expect.

[kram0]

Photo2

[verbatim9]

I am currently in Switzerland on Xmas holidays and had the opportunity to ride on these metro buses in Lucerne yesterday. They will probably be very similar to what we get in Brisbane I expect.

I don't think a vehicle type has been decided on as yet? Are the ones in Switzerland Diesel, Hybrid Diesel, Gas, or EV?

I still like The Linz Austria EV's powered by OHW

http://www.knorr-bremse.de/en/press/pressreleases/press_detail_38336.jsp

[kram0]

They had electric motors, drawing power from overhead power cables. Quite with good acceleration.

[verbatim9]

They had electric motors, drawing power from overhead power cables. Quite with good acceleration.

Nice I should of looked at the pic more closely.

[kram0]

They had electric motors, drawing power from overhead power cables. Quite with good acceleration.

Nice I should of looked at the pic more closely.

One thing that was very good is they had multiple monitors showing stop information and when we approached the main train station in Lucerne, it showed what appeared to be train and platform departure information. This could be very useful at Roma Street.

[verbatim9]

^^I like that transfer information.via the Passenger information Display. It's very useful.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane Metro to give better returns than Cross River Rail

LORD Mayor Graham Quirk says his Brisbane Metro plan is nearing a crunch point, with figures from the project's business case suggesting it will deliver greater benefits than Cross River Rail.

The business case for the Brisbane Metro was submitted to Infrastructure Australia last year, and the council claims the $944 million project is now tipped to return benefits of $2.37 for every dollar invested.

Cr Quirk labelled it an "infrastructure gift" to the State Government, and said the council needed "a pipeline of timely decision-making from this point".

"We've set some clear timelines for it – we're ready to go with those. What we need to do now is to keep the momentum going."

Cr Quirk said the benefit cost ratio of the project at 2.37, with a 7 per cent discount rate, was favourable when compared to other public transport projects across the country.

Cross River Rail's benefit cost ratio sits at 1.41.

Cr Quirk said he was not after "chunks of money" from the State Government to get the project built, maintaining two-thirds of it would be funded by the council with the rest to come from Canberra.

"The responsibility primarily rests with the State Government to do this sort of infrastructure, but as has been the case in the past, council has stepped up to the plate," he said.

The State Government has previously stated support for Brisbane Metro in the Connecting Brisbane strategy, which includes Cross River Rail.

Parts of Brisbane Metro are expected to go out to market later this year, with concept designs and impact management plans to be released to the community as well.

[#Metro]

The figures might be right but the interpretation is not.

BCR estimates efficiency.
NPV estimates effectiveness.

It is entirely possible for a project such as CRR with low BCR to have high NPV, even higher than the bus project.

[matlock]

Does CRR's 1.4 ratio take into account the fact that in 10 years time we will have the ability to add more lines and more services to existing lines, or is that figure purely the economic benefit of CRR from day one?

Brisbane Metro is a great initiative, but Quirk is being a bit disingenuous here by suggesting that Metro, which will mainly benefit Brisbane residents, has a greater benefit than CRR, which will help every line on the SEQld commuter network.

[Golliwog]

Are they calling it a gift because BCC wants TMR to retain ownership of the busway and the new part they're building around South Bank? I expect that's part of why it has a higher BCR - most of the infrastructure is existing!

[ozbob]

Are they calling it a gift because BCC wants TMR to retain ownership of the busway and the new part they're building around South Bank? I expect that's part of why it has a higher BCR - most of the infrastructure is existing!

Spot on Golliwog! 

[Gazza]

I'd say its a higher BCR because its mostly a soft fix that you could do without the tunnels anyway.
I daresay most of the positive BCR comes from the better operational model and frequency increases on feeder routes that should have happened 10 years ago.

[achiruel]

What will happen to existing Logan City routes like 555 when Metro commences? Terminate at EMP? Shared Metro/Busway to Upper Mt Gravatt and terminate there? I would honestly prefer the second option to prevent double transfer penalty for commuters who need to transfer to one of the many routes that service Garden City interchange, but I'm not sure how feasible it is for metro & bus to shared the corridor.

[SurfRail]

It shouldn't be an issue.  It won't be a guided busway.

If I was TransLink, I would be buying enough artics to run the 555 with them exclusively so there is little difference operationally between a 555 and a Metro vehicle.  I'd do many other things of course.

[achiruel]

Can biartics run on the road network? If so could 555 simply be done by extending every 3rd or 4th or 5th metro to Loganholme (depending on frequency required at time of day)? Or is this not gonna happen because BCC project?

[verbatim9]

Can biartics run on the road network? If so could 555 simply be done by extending every 3rd or 4th or 5th metro to Loganholme (depending on frequency required at time of day)? Or is this not gonna happen because BCC project?

I thought they will be confined to the Busway and dedicated transit ways if they go down that path. The bustops wouldn't be long enough on the normal road network to handle the longer vehicles.

[aldonius]

The 555 should be reasonably easy to upgrade to (bi)-artic if we really wanted to. It only has three stops outside the busway network: Loganlea bus station, Springwood bus station, and Elizabeth St stop 82.

Of the three, unless there are tight turns on the access to the bus stations, I'd say Elizabeth St would be the most problematic stop to lengthen. Or (shock horror) the 555 might have to terminate at Roma St.

[verbatim9]

Can biartics run on the road network? If so could 555 simply be done by extending every 3rd or 4th or 5th metro to Loganholme (depending on frequency required at time of day)? Or is this not gonna happen because BCC project?

Can biartics run on the road network? If so could 555 simply be done by extending every 3rd or 4th or 5th metro to Loganholme (depending on frequency required at time of day)? Or is this not gonna happen because BCC project?

I thought they will be confined to the Busway and dedicated transit ways if they go down that path. The bustops wouldn't be long enough on the normal road network to handle the longer vehicles.

The 555 should be reasonably easy to upgrade to (bi)-artic if we really wanted to. It only has three stops outside the busway network: Loganlea bus station, Springwood bus station, and Elizabeth St stop 82.

Of the three, unless there are tight turns on the access to the bus stations, I'd say Elizabeth St would be the most problematic stop to lengthen. Or (shock horror) the 555 might have to terminate at Roma St.

Isn't the plan to keep running 555 130 140 150 etc... The only services that will go will be 111 and 66, maybe a few more? That was my impression of the plan, but who knows that could change?

[achiruel]

Oh, I thought the plan was to terminate buses at busway stations and have pax transfer to metro. So 150 would finish at Upper Mt Gravatt, 130/140 at Griffith Uni, etc.

[verbatim9]

My issue was the type of vehicle they are going to use. Traditional engines will not be economically viable due to increasing fuel costs. Electric is the way to go depending on the development of battery and recharge technology and total weight of the vehicles, this method maybe the preferred? Otherwise proven traditional technology with overhead wires contained to the Busway and wirefree across the Victoria Bridge can advantageous. New overhead wire technology for buses so I have read, requires very minimal maintenance over time hence providing a realiable, whisper quiet, clean emission free service 18 hours a day without the need of heavy batteries onboard.