Easter 2017

[ozbob]

The rail network needs to be used.  Rail is the safest land transport mode and it needs to be utilised properly, not given up.

There are strategies that could be implemented, eg. rail shuttles as outlined above for multiple lines to get over the issues for the time being.

The problem for the new CEO of QR is he is really relying on the same ELT in essence that set up the failure.  It was mistake to not boot them and the junk the board. Clearly ..

This Easter/school holiday timetable is a sign of the failure that is embedded culturally in Queensland Rail. No regard for passengers it is all about saving their own backsides.

When I travel on public transport I am a PASSENGER not a fuking customer too!   

[#Metro]

It's not the safest if the unreliability of operating the network pushes people into cars. Bus is quite safe too. Shut down the RPL and as a concession, run replacement buses at 2x frequency. It would cost the same or cheaper given the extremely high service production costs of QR.

It isn't giving up, it's holding the fort while we wait for reinforcements to arrive in the form of more drivers and new gen trains.

I understand it's a radical move, but these are unusual circumstances.

[ozbob]

Nonsense...

Rail shuttles will do fine.

[Arnz]

RPL Petrie to Kippa Ring shuttles would only need 2x 3-car units operating half-hourly all day.  It only requires 4 staff at any given time (2 drivers and 2 guards across 2 trains).

[BrizCommuter]

I agree with Mr X. For example, we can remove all train services from the RPL and go back to the old arrangements. Buses can work the RPL.

That would be political suicide. Very naive comment.

[#Metro]

Thanks Arnz for clarifying the numbers required. If only 4 staff required, then it's not a big task then.

Brizcommuter, it may be political suicide, but that is already happening so it makes little difference in the end.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th April 2017

Failure is the now the hallmark of Queensland Rail and TransLink

Good Morning,

Serious concerns now with the failed response by Queensland Rail and TransLink, and Government to our concerns with the mediocre Easter/school holiday timetable.  To inflict this mediocre service frequency and to compound it by breaking the bus/rail connections has to be the lowest point in this downward spiral to more mediocrity possible. It is a true demonstration of the sheer incompetence of our transport agencies.  Queensland Rail and TransLink are more concerned apparently about protecting the upper echelons backsides than they are concerned with the impact on the travelling public. Their actions confirm that.

It is clear that Queensland Rail has not properly considered alternatives such as running more shuttle rail services.  The Redcliffe Peninsula Line (RPL) could be operated in off peak and during weekends/holiday periods with a rail shuttles between Petrie and Kippa-Ring.  This would only take two 3 car trains and 4 crew.  Similar shuttles could be operated between Darra and Springfield Central.  This is inconvenient in the sense that transfers would be made, but by doing this less train crew would be needed overall and a better service (30 minute trains) and normal bus/rail connections would be maintained.

The full implementation could be 30 minute shuttles on Shorncliffe (Northgate <> Shorncliffe), Springfield (Springfield Central <> Darra), Cleveland (Cleveland <> Park Road) and RPL(Petrie <> Kippa Ring) lines.  Run 30 minute Ipswich <> Caboolture, Ferny Grove <> Beenleigh with one hour GC and Sunny Coast expresses.  This means all suburban lines 30 minute frequency, albeit with transfers. Rosewood and Doomben one hour shuttles. Bus/rail connections preserved.

It is not rocket science.  The failure to think outside the square is basically because the Government has not sacked the Queensland Rail Executive Leadership Team and Board that allowed this rail fail to occur on their watch.  How can you achieve cultural organisational change and better thinking with the same failure team?

Same old failure ... endemic in Queensland bureaucracies  these days.

We call on the Deputy Premier, Transport Minister Trad to direct Queensland Rail and TransLink to change this forthcoming Easter/School holiday timetable to standard clock face times prior to implementation on Saturday 8th April 2017.  With rail service reductions to one hour, two hours on the Sunshine Coast, it is essential that rail/bus connections are preserved. Why is the Government allowing this proposed timetable misery to be inflicted on South East Queensland?

Action is needed today.

Best wishes
Robert

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


[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12713.msg190428#msg190428 and https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12713.msg190442#msg190442 ]

[ozbob]

Media: Failure is the now the hallmark of @QueenslandRail and @TransLinkSEQ
> https://t.co/KRb9qYlvPx#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/zRyE3rIKy3

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 4, 2017

[ozbob]

The PDF timetables for this abomination are now on the web.

Ferny Grove line is missing though.

Hey @TransLinkSEQ @jackietrad the Ferny Grove 8-9th April timetable is missing > https://t.co/Le31zRAH3W
Cannot even get timetables right

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 4, 2017

[ozbob]

. @N_Scales_TMR Happy?
This timetable is a diabolical shambles. When are you resigning?@jackietrad #qldpol#theweakestlink

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 4, 2017

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 5th April 2017 page 15

Rail fail hits new low for Easter times

WELCOME to the mess that is Queensland Rail, Mr Easy. Can you fix this reduced service weekend/Easter timetable?
It is an appalling insult to the travelling public of SEQ.

The real hopelessness is the fact that they just ditched the normal clock face timetables apparently with no regard
to the impacts of that on the travelling public.

I am struggling to comprehend how bad they have become. It is just incredulous that the ELT received cash bonuses
for years on the way to this debacle. Government has failed, as has Strachan.

They really have not got the message.

The entire ELT and board should have been punted months ago. The same stale thinking is obviously well in train.
Good luck. Mr Easy, you are are going to need it with the bunch of sycophants at QR these days.

To be honest, I do not have much hope for the future now.

On the that cheery note, make sure you have a great day now as #railfail hits a new low!

— ROBERT DOW
Goodna

[ozbob]

LETTER: QR spoils Easter for Ipswich residents > https://t.co/cssM3iyWjp #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 4, 2017

[BrizCommuter]

The PDF timetables for this abomination are now on the web.

Ferny Grove line is missing though.

Hey @TransLinkSEQ @jackietrad the Ferny Grove 8-9th April timetable is missing > https://t.co/Le31zRAH3W
Cannot even get timetables right

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 4, 2017

There is no FG Line service this weekend (8th/9th) - rail replacement buses.

[ozbob]

LOL, you are lucky hey!  Be a better service than rail I am afraid.

They could also put up the Easter PDFs so people could plan their travel too. 

I guess they are still ' thinking like a customer ' they need to ' think like a passenger ' ..   

[BrizCommuter]

There are now posters about the Easter weekend services at my local station, but they fail to mention the change of clockface times.

[ozbob]

There are now posters about the Easter weekend services at my local station, but they fail to mention the change of clockface times.

I will be optimistic.  Maybe they are going back to clockface for Easter?  Or perhaps I have had too much cool-aid again  ...

[ozbob]

. @QueenslandRail providing the worst service for Oz & NZ this weekend & Easter. Spin does not disguise the fact.@QLDLabor @LNPQLD #qldpol pic.twitter.com/FOhD9kxEl6

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 5, 2017

@Robert_Dow and #Auckland is in a transition phase with aim to get to a minimum 15 minute all day frequency, 7am-7pm 7 days a week.

— Darren Davis (@DarrenDavis10) April 5, 2017

[ozbob]

Media release 4th April 2017 re-released 6th April 2017

SEQ: Call for free travel 8/9th April and Easter 2017 for SEQ public transport

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for free rail travel on the SEQ public transport for the reduced service Queensland Rail Easter and School holiday timetable.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A new low point in mediocrity for SEQ public transport has been reached with the proposed Queensland Rail Easter and school holiday timetable.  Not only has train service frequency been reduced to hourly, two hourly on the Sunshine Coast Line, but the timetable moves train times from the standard, well established clock face timings, and in so doing wrecking bus/rail connections."

"The outer bus timetables are based on the standard clock face timings for rail.  Change the rail times arbitrarily the integrated network collapses.  There will often be very long waits for people to use the network.  Under these circumstances travel should be free, as the travelling public is being punished for Queensland Rail's inability to deliver a proper service level."

"For some examples of the impact of the non-standard timings for this proposed rail timetable see below.  This proposed reduced rail service timetable is putting public transport back decades in SEQ.  It is not acceptable. People will struggle to get around, why should they pay fares for this very poor service?  The worst in Australia for capital cities with a rail network by a country mile."

"It is alarming to reduce service frequency to very poor levels, but to also move from the standard clock face timings is incomprehensible.  Both Queensland Rail and TransLink have failed South East Queensland with this bizarre timetable.  It is a further display of utter contempt for South East Queenslanders sadly, something we are getting used too under a succession of failed State Governments."

Contact:

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

References:

1. Easter 2017 --> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12713.msg190388#msg190388

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

Weekends 526 bus arrives at Redbank rail at 45 minutes past the hour.
Inbound rail departs at 36 minutes past the hour with new timetable
So another botched connection with a wait time of 51 minutes.
Throw in a cancellation due to ' operational issue ' one could be waiting near on two hours ...
Normally inbound 22 and 52 minutes past the hour. A 7 minute transfer window which is generally fine.

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

Route 272 - Cleveland to Victoria Point servicing Redland Hospitals
On the inbound route 272 arrives at :32 on the hour, the train will depart at :31 on the hour, meaning the bus has missed the train by 1 min
On the outbound the train arrives at Cleveland at :04 on the hour with route 272 departing at :25 on the hour meaning a 21min wait.

Route 274 - Cleveland to Victoria Point Jetty
On the inbound route 274 arrives at :30 on the hour with the train departing at :31 on the hour, meaning you only get 1min to transfer between bus and train with an hour wait if you miss that connection.
On the outbound route 274 departs at :05 on the hour with the train arriving at Cleveland at :04 on the hour which means a 1min connection (unlikely as it takes at least 2mins to reach the bus stop depending on how fast you walk it and get through the Go Card gates).

Route 250 - Carindale to Redland Bay Marina via Capalaba, Cleveland and Victoria Point
On the inbound route 250 arrives at :06 on the hour with the train departing at :31 on the hour, which is a 25min wait.
On the outbound route 250 departs Cleveland station at :24 on the hour with the train arriving :04 on the hour which is a 20min wait.

Route 255 - Cleveland to Birkdale
On the inbound route 255 arrives at :13 every second hour (7:13; 9:13 etc) - Saturday only, with the train departing Birkdale for the city at :39 on the hour - a 26min wait.
On the outbound route 255 departs at :20 every second hour (7:20; 9:20 etc) - Saturday only, with the train arriving Birkdale at :56 on the hour - a 24min wait.

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

On the northside / Redcliffe:

Route 690 - Redcliffe to Sandgate.

Sandgate station - Route 690 arrives at :56 on the hour at Sandgate station, the train to the city will depart at :22 on the hour - a 26min wait.
Sandgate station - Route 690 departs at :00 on the hour at Sandgate station, the train from the city will arrive at :04 on the hour, missing the bus by 4mins.
Kippa Ring station - Route 690 arrives at :51 on the hour at Kippa Ring station, the train to the city will depart at :32 on the hour - a 41min wait.
The outbound connection doesn't seem to be too bad to be honest, which is lucky and complete fluke I think given the changes.

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

Just checked route 258 - Cleveland to Toondah Harbour and for the most part that service is affected - it's the dedicated bus that connects between the station and Stradbroke Island Ferries.

On the inbound, route 258 arrives at :04 on the hour (most of the day), the train departs Cleveland for the city at :31 on the hour - a 5min connection blown out to a 27min connection.

On the outbound, route 258 departs at Cleveland at :38 on the hour (most of the day), the train arrives at Cleveland at :04 on the hour - a 34min connection.

You could seriously walk from Toondah Harbour to Cleveland station in that timeframe!

And guess one of the most popular places for visitors to go to during the Easter break - Stradbroke Island!

[ozbob]

Media: Call for free travel 8/9th Apr & Easter 2017 for SEQ public transport
> https://t.co/QGTX8DTWAe#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/IjJVErWgRl

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 5, 2017

^

.@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @QLDLabor @LNPQLD @brisbanetimes @qld_times @QuestNewspapers @MarkRobinsonMP @JoAnnMillerMP @GlennButcherMP @AnnastaciaMP How can you charge passengers for the #railfail timetable this weekend & Easter? International worst practice - an embarrassment O_o #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 5, 2017

[ozbob]

.@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @QLDLabor @LNPQLD @brisbanetimes @qld_times @QuestNewspapers @MarkRobinsonMP @JoAnnMillerMP @GlennButcherMP @AnnastaciaMP . @QueenslandRail fail delivering the worst service frequency this weekend & Easter for all of Oz & NZ. Facts do not lie.
Shocker! #qldpol pic.twitter.com/TfGggza0aH

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 5, 2017

[brissypete]

While not mentioned in the summary for this coming weekend the pdf for Beenleigh line shows Doomben to Park Rd trains continuing all stops to Yeerongpilly then to Corinda, presumably for the Davis Cup but also a better frequency for inner stations and a chance to travel the old Corinda via Tennyson route.  Some upside to the whole sorry mess.

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

[tazzer9]

Thanks Arnz for clarifying the numbers required. If only 4 staff required, then it's not a big task then.

Brizcommuter, it may be political suicide, but that is already happening so it makes little difference in the end.

Government shuts down billion dollar new rail line is a much bigger media grab than reduced rail services

[ozbob]

^ too true.  It is a measure of their incompetence that a recovery plan using shuttles was not done last October in fact.  It would have stopped a lot of grief, and the subsequent trashing of Queensland Rail, confirming the incompetence of TransLink and the ensuing flack all over a succession of Ministers and Government generally.

As I mentioned before, there were people in Queensland Rail that wanted to do that. And I was asked to push it so I did.  So I figure that either the Government, or incompetent higher-ups in QR or other agencies blocked it.  They really are in silos of incompetence and mediocrity sadly.

[ozbob]

So we now have the sorry spectacle of Queensland Rail delivering an abomination of a timetable for this coming weekend and Easter.

I actually think this is now the death knell of Queensland Rail.  Maybe that is what some subversives in certain places want?

How else can one explain this pathway to oblivion.  At least we have tried hard to get Government to sort it, they obviously don't care too much.

The feedback I have been getting is nothing short of deep seated rage and frustration.   

[Mr X]

Thanks Arnz for clarifying the numbers required. If only 4 staff required, then it's not a big task then.

Brizcommuter, it may be political suicide, but that is already happening so it makes little difference in the end.

Government shuts down billion dollar new rail line is a much bigger media grab than reduced rail services

Hmm true.
I just can't believe how hard it is to run a train service in this country 

[Gazza]

I dont think we should say QR is Worlds Worst Operator
.. sounds like hyperbole, and there are other operators like Amtrak that are worse.

We could say "Australias Worst" and that gets a lot more traction since its relatable.

[ozbob]

^ we haven't.  I have asked the question.

I have pointed out constantly that the frequency is the worst in Oz and NZ for suburban rail.

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail face book page makes for some sad reading about this timetable fiasco!  And other matters ..

It really is upsetting to see QR go down the drain like this ... 

[#Metro]

International Worst Practice! How much longer before we get a new operator??

[Stillwater]

Comment from the QR Facebook page:

You guys are a deadset joke! Can never organise anything on time or at least a warning would be nice so alternative transport can be organised!!! Not happy at all, would be okay if a one time thing but it never is.

This 'customer' does like the service she is buying.  The comment shows what has become evident ... the issues are constant and systemic.  Just what is the Citytrain Response Unit doing?  It seems little more than a group of spectators watching while a 'train wreck' happens.

It is obvious the government is not yet fully aware of the voter backlash it faces.  The Opposition needs to move beyond just pointing the finger at government failure, but let us know its alternative.  PTQ?

[ozbob]

This is a response by QR.  It perhaps explains why they went off clockface (one would hope that clock face is actually optimised generally for train/train, we know it isn't but anyway)  ..

Facebook:

Full text:

Queensland Rail - The timetable has been developed to achieve the best train to train connections and many variables had to be considered including available crew, rosters, train and bus connections etc. We are asking our customers to plan ahead by using the journey planner to limit delays to their journeys.

So they basically looked after rail and wrecked most of the bus/rail connections in the process.   

OMFG!

[Mr X]

Did they just say "We'll do whatever is most convenient for us, at your expense."? Jfc. 

[Stillwater]

^  Yes, Mr X.  QR is 'doing its own thing' and bugger connections to other modes of transport.  Silo thinking, as Ozbob continues to point out.  Well, the disease is just creeping up the line, isn't it.  TransLink is there to coordinate services and bring about an 'integrated transport network'.  It is not happening.  TransLink now firmly in the firing line too.

From Wikipedia:

TransLink is an agency of the Department of Transport and Main Roads first introduced by the Queensland Government in June 2003 to coordinate and integrate bus, ferry and rail services. TransLink works with Airtrain Citylink, Brisbane Transport, Transdev Brisbane Ferries, Queensland Rail and 17 other operators to provide these services in South East Queensland. TransLink operates an integrated ticketing system and the go card smartcard system to allow the use of one ticket on multiple services.

In July 2008 TransLink devolved from being a division of Queensland Transport to the more autonomous TransLink Transit Authority. In November 2012 the Authority was dissolved and reabsorbed as a division of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.[1] Combining the former Authority and qConnect, it is now responsible for the co-ordination of public transport across the whole of Queensland.

So TransLink is an arm of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.  The department has responsibility also, because it oversees TransLink to 'coordinate public transport across the whole of Queensland'.  Oh yeah?

Neil Scales heads to Department of Transport and Main Roads.  He is at the top of the whole chain of command.

[#Metro]

You can't have both enforcement and monopoly. We know this from the Brisbane City Council case, where BCC did whatever and got away with it.

QR is just following suit.

Give Translink the power to hire, penalise and fire.

[Mr X]

Would things be better if Translink was still a Transit Authority? People here have called for PTQ or some such, was the old TTA similar?

[ozbob]

Would things be better if Translink was still a Transit Authority? People here have called for PTQ or some such, was the old TTA similar?

Sort of, but not the full monty as for PTA - WA, which is the best model IMHO.  We still had the silos with TTA.

TTA did have a Director of Rail though, which many thought was superfluous, but my experience of that person was that it was very valuable.  He had a lot of input into the new sector one timetables June 2011 and influenced the staged (manageable) shuttles on the Richlands branch from Jan 2011 till full timetable June 2011.  I often pause and think that had he been around the RPL meltdown etc. would never have occurred.

[ozbob]

Did they just say "We'll do whatever is most convenient for us, at your expense."? Jfc. 

Guess they did ...

[BrizCommuter]

A quote from a TransLink complaint response to a work colleague:

"These changes have been put in place to ensure reliable services and to give certainty to commuters, while helping to manage our resources.  We know that 68 percent fewer people travel by rail over the Easter long weekend. With that in mind, hourly services on most lines will ensure reliability and certainty, while still delivering an adequate frequency for the decreased demand."

Irrespective of demand, there is a minimum acceptable frequency in an urban area of 3.4m people for those people who do need to use public transport, and it isn't an hour between services!

[ozbob]

^ that response by TransLink is insulting dribble ...

[techblitz]

Queensland Rail face book page makes for some sad reading about this timetable fiasco!  And other matters ..

It really is upsetting to see QR go down the drain like this ... 

just saw the latest 1 star rating 
Had a yak to a stationhand @ ferny grove this afternoon re 3 car sets and massive amounts of complaints...he is beyond wildered at how incompetent his employers are.