Easter 2017

[ozbob]

 

I do feel for the rank and file staff.  It must be like trying to sell mouldy bread and rotten eggs at the food market.

[tazzer9]

If QR and Translink still had a shred of sense left in them.  They would be making rail PT free over that weekend.  Shutting down the go card readers would likely save more money than the fares would recover.

[ozbob]

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!

Not only is it insulting dribble the response by TransLink it is an excellent demonstration of the mindset that pervades TransLink.  They are anti-public transport, they want to look good by reducing service kilometres and turning people away. So that a shiny bum can claim they have saved money.  Not really, they have just shifted an increased  cost onto the broader community generally in terms of congestion, trauma etc. etc.  The fact that other jurisdictions are running a lot more frequent  rail services reflects the real service and commonsense response to community needs that is embedded in those jurisdictions. In SEQ, the transport authorities devote more time to writing spin to cover up their deficiencies, than trying to really improve public transport and patronage.

They really do have to go ..

[ozbob]

If QR and Translink still had a shred of sense left in them.  They would be making rail PT free over that weekend.  Shutting down the go card readers would likely save more money than the fares would recover.

Agree >> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12716.0

[tazzer9]

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

The journey planner has them hourly corinda-yeerongpilly and all stops to fortitude valley as well.  But 30 minutes later than what the fixed doomben timetable says.  So every 30 minutes.   

[achiruel]

chance to travel the old Corinda via Tennyson route.  Some upside to the whole sorry mess.

While it doesn't make up for the whole sorry mess (aka clusterf**k), I will enjoy the chance to ride via Tennyson again. Even though Tennyson station doesn't exist any more. Seriously, who had that brain fart? It could've been very useful for special events, especially on weekends when there's no peak hour.

[SurfRail]

^ Not really.  What's it near?  3-car dilapidated platform vs station on 2 lines with lifts - it's no contest.

[tazzer9]

Heaps of places have special events only stations.  Tennyson would have been perfect for special event services from the Ipswich line, no interaction with the congestion of the beenleigh line.  But how are they going to work trains from tennyson and still be able to use yeerongpilly, I thoughtthey removed that ability.

I honestly feel this timetable is some form of test.  Apart from the via tennyson services, there are a few odd services around.  Especially the varsity lakes to nerang, not stopping at robina service.

[BrizCommuter]

Heaps of places have special events only stations.  Tennyson would have been perfect for special event services from the Ipswich line, no interaction with the congestion of the beenleigh line.  But how are they going to work trains from tennyson and still be able to use yeerongpilly, I thoughtthey removed that ability.

I honestly feel this timetable is some form of test.  Apart from the via tennyson services, there are a few odd services around.  Especially the varsity lakes to nerang, not stopping at robina service.

It's not a test, it's just incompetent.
There are zero plans to restore routine via Tennyson services, as they take away limited track slots between Yeerongpilly and CBD via South Bank.

[achiruel]

Especially the varsity lakes to nerang, not stopping at robina service.

Yeah, I don't quite get that one. I'm sure it's something to do with an event at Carrara Stadium (there's also a Henensvale to Varsity Lakes skipping Robina). I understand the reason for some short workings at special events but not the reason for skipping Robina. Weird.

[tazzer9]

It's not a test, it's just incompetent.
There are zero plans to restore routine via Tennyson services, as they take away limited track slots between Yeerongpilly and CBD via South Bank.

Its not even the via tennyson services that make me think its a test.  Although I think it is somewhat reasonable  to extend doomben - park rd/roma st trains to increase inner beenleigh line frequency during the off peak.  Its thing like "Please notify station attendant or Train Guard of your need to connect." on a few late night kippa ring services.  Some super weird gold coast services.  All rosewood services being through services.  The ferny grove line being bussed but with a full timetable. (and rather stupidly having ferny grove buses go to bowen hill hills instead of roma st, which would be alot faster and offer better connections.)

[#Metro]

I honestly feel this timetable is some form of test.  Apart from the via tennyson services, there are a few odd services around.  Especially the varsity lakes to nerang, not stopping at robina service.

^^ Is this for real? Have a picture / link? 

[achiruel]

I honestly feel this timetable is some form of test.  Apart from the via tennyson services, there are a few odd services around.  Especially the varsity lakes to nerang, not stopping at robina service.

^^ Is this for real? Have a picture / link? 

Check the PDF https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/timetables/170408-gold-coast-beenleigh.pdf

Departs 4:14pm Sunday.

[#Metro]

Wow, thanks for that. It's a novelty service!

Looks like it is being formed out of the Beenleigh terminating service prior that continues beyond Beenleigh "silent" and then appears and makes stops from Helensvale.

But what is the logic of NOT stopping at Robina?? In any case this is a "rare" timetable and a collectors item no doubt!

[Mr X]

Hahaha especially at 8pm on a Sunday night.   :conf

I do hope pax from Beenleigh can stay on that service yes? Otherwise wtf is the point of it continuing onto the Gold Coast lmao.

[#Metro]

Hahaha especially at 8pm on a Sunday night.   :conf

I do hope pax from Beenleigh can stay on that service yes? Otherwise wtf is the point of it continuing onto the Gold Coast lmao.

Hmm. Correction. I have misread the timetable (was scrolling in other parts of it as well).

It cannot be the previous train because that terminates at Corinda after going through the Tennyson Loop.

It cannot be the previous Beenleigh train either as that arrives at 8:00 PM night time, and this novelty service is already at Helensvale at 7:56 PM.

So, it just appears from somewhere. I wonder if it is real or a typo?

Where does it come from then?

[Mr X]

I would think its the train that arrives at Beenleigh at 7pm. Hence I'm wondering if Beenleigh pax can stay on, though I doubt it. 56mins doesn't sound realistic for a passenger train time from Beenleigh to Helensvale, must include driver break etc. Timetable doesn't say services continue.

And skipping Robina? SO such a service is useful for someone going from Helensvale to Nerang or Varsity Lakes or from Nerang to VL and no one else?

EDIT: I can't find it on the online timetable. Odd.
EDIT 2: On Saturday nights is a service from Robina - Varsity Lakes only. 7:30 and 7:58.

[#Metro]

^^ It is on page 5

edit: wow, I can see that too. Services only two stations.

Likely to be an air parcel service if it is just two stations.

Novelty!

[Mr X]

Sorry I meant the online text timetable for the Gold Coast line. Change the date to Sunday 9 April. Not listed.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

7th April 2017

More failure - the hallmark of Queensland Rail and TransLink

Good Morning,

Friday today, another different rail timetable, with failing connections and service.

This coming weekend, yet another different rail timetable ( Easter and school holiday weekend train timetable https://translink.com.au/service-updates/121051 ) , this one with very poor service frequency, one hour frequency on most lines, two hourly on the Sunshine Coast Line. The authorities also plan to inflict this timetable disaster on the public over Easter as well.  The public is rattled and sick of the inadequate service delivery by Queensland Rail and TransLink. Compounding it is the mediocre spin and communications starting with the Minister and Staff,  down to TransLink and Queensland Rail staff on social media trying to justify this abomination.

Consider this  response from Queensland Rail Face Book Page when referring to this weekend's/Easter timetable:

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/photos/a.155115381173497.35715.139321872752848/1504680562883632/?type=3

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.

Queensland Rail is effectively saying we really do not care for the bus/rail connections, we are only interested in the rail network.  We will change the standard clockface times to suit us (Queensland Rail) not the travelling public.  We do not care if we break the bus/rail connections.  We (Queensland Rail) will do what we want and damn you our passengers.

The bus timetable is based on the standard clockface times of the rail timetable so in changing from the clock face times they (Queensland Rail and TransLink) have made a bad situation many times worse.  Why does Queensland Rail have to change from the standard clock face times anyway?  Any clear thinker would rationalise that the normal timetables should be optimised for train/train connections.  Is Queensland Rail saying that their normal timetable is also very poor?  Certainly seems so hey?

Then we have the spin responses from TransLink to consider, again treating the public with contempt.

Consider this, a quote from TransLink to a complaint re the reduced service timetable for this weekend/Easter ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12713.msg190590#msg190590 )

"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."

What a pathetic response. There is a minimum acceptable service frequency for people who do need to use public transport.  Because of the poor timetable design and poor frequency it will NOT be reliable or generally usable.  Months and months of poor service have the public enraged.  There will be no doubt the usual mess of track faults, mechanical issues, signal faults, idiots driving into bridges, ' operational issues '  and so forth that will cause cancellations with this low frequency timetable.  Not only will intending passengers have to wait hours for bus/rail connections, they will be waiting at stations for up to 4 hours for the next train! This weekend is a normal business weekend, and some universities even have examinations occurring.  What a nightmare!

This is failure on a massive scale.  Here is a tip for Queensland Rail, TransLink and Minister and Staff.  Stop spinning.  Tell the public simply we know this timetable is an abomination, we don't have enough trains, crew or commonsense to do any better sorry.  Forget the forced meaningless apologies, they just make people even angrier.

If the present blundering staff at Queensland Rail and Translink cannot sort this it is time to consider opening up our rail operations to competitive tendering.

Let's get a rail operator than can actually meet the community's reasonable service expectations.  Let's get some staff at TransLink that actually want to improve public transport for SEQ, rather than seeing their first priority as to appease their political masters and foster their little insular serfdoms.

What a mess!

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.msg190488#msg190488 ]

[ozbob]

Latest media: More failure - the hallmark of @QueenslandRail & @TransLinkSEQ
> https://t.co/eBiWcnhLXg#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/vZVkfMsEdU

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 6, 2017

Read this Oz. Think your public transport is bad? #prayforusOz#auspol #nswpol #springst #politas #qldpol #saparli #ntpol #wapol #actpol https://t.co/TQDFYszmHb

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 6, 2017

[ozbob]

I have just completed an interview (pre-record) with Steve Austin ABC Radio Brisbane for replay later this morning on this timetable mess.

[tazzer9]

I just find it super ironic that the most frequent service this weekend is a service that hasn't operated in 6 years.

[ozbob]

I just find it super ironic that the most frequent service this weekend is a service that hasn't operated in 6 years.

Yo.  For interest the last regular service > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6083.msg58450#msg58450

[ozbob]

At Goodna Railway station
Two small signs re timetable for this weekend and Easter
Nothing in your face
Predict many p%ssed  off pax tomorrow 

[tazzer9]

I didn't even know about this timetable until I saw someone mention the corinda via tennyson services so I looked it up.   They are keeping it quiet.

[ozbob]

These signs do not indicate that there are changes to clock face times @QueenslandRail @jackietrad #railfall #qldpol pic.twitter.com/BwN7BB7fLL

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 6, 2017

[ozbob]

Inbound presently on EMU 81.  Guard announcement timetables etc. but DID NOT MENTION CHANGES TO NORMAL TRAIN TIMES.  This has been communicated to Queensland Rail.

[ozbob]

@Robert_Dow @jackietrad Thanks for advising we will follow up to ensure all stations have their specific timetables on display & that the announcements are clear.

— Queensland Rail (@QueenslandRail) April 6, 2017

@QueenslandRail @jackietrad It is important to inform passengers that their train TIMES have changed otherwise they will turn up as normal.

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 6, 2017

@QueenslandRail @jackietrad These changes need to b indicated like a track closure with prominent signs in the face of passengers. This is a real mess sadly.

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 6, 2017

I think like a ' passenger ' not a ' customer '   ....   

[ozbob]

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/programs/mornings/mornings/8407228

36 min 55 seconds

[tazzer9]

I think you are a bit harsh.  Newcastle has similar frequencies.

[ozbob]

I think you are a bit harsh.  Newcastle has similar frequencies.

Newcastle?  What has that got to do with it.  We are talking main urban rail systems - Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

Poor old Newcastle got shafted well and truly by Baird et al.

[BrizCommuter]

I think you are a bit harsh.  Newcastle has similar frequencies.

Newcastle has a population of around 1/15th of Brisbane. Pointless comparing.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I don't see what the problem is. Now everyone out there gets to experience for a few days the rush and the excitement that is the hourly PT frequency

Now if you excuse me the bus is only a few minutes away now.

My bus will be coming along soon...



Any minute now.... Any minute now...

*stretches* Arrrrrrrrr---hhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Any minute now.

*Looks at watch* Still just a few minutes away. I wonder how many buses are going along Gympie Road??

AAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR---HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. *Looks at watch*

My supervisor isn't going to be happy that I'm going to be a little late. Where is this damn bus? It has to be coming any minute now?

Oh those poor buggers. This stop could do with a little upgrade. It's starting to smell like p%ss. Anyway. My bus will be here in a few minutes.

[ozbob]

The mighty 524 bus has 30 minutes at peak!  <puffs up chest with pride  >

[HappyTrainGuy]

Living the dream mate. The mighty 338 terminates during peak hour and gets lost with its 357/359 buddies coming from Chermside/city during peak hour.

[tazzer9]

You know whats the saddest part of all this.  We go on about how the hourly frequency is so so atrocious and yet its still better than what the sunshine coast receives everyday.
The sunshine coast will only get 6 down through services.  Of these 2 of are the gympie services and one is an all stops from rosewood. (who wants to experience the 3.75 hour journey).  They only get 4 up through services.

[ozbob]

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/programs/mornings/mornings/8407228

36 min 55 seconds

Thanks Matt L. (TransLink) for calling the real reason why they moved from clock face.  It is so passengers to and from BNE have better connection options.

WTAF !

The normal train timetable UP airtrain misses UP Ippy by 2 minutes.  Why this the sudden onset of concern for ensuring connections with Airtrain?

The whole network is pushed over for a few passengers on Airtrain ...  I am really struggling now to comprehend all of this.

I am going to pretend I am in Melbourne on an all stops to Frankston now ...

[ozbob]

Customers please note timetable changes are in effect this weekend. pic.twitter.com/xJQLjAEYNs

— Queensland Rail (@QueenslandRail) April 7, 2017

Good, a subtle change there ... 

[BrizCommuter]

Wording has been changed on TransLink's website as well. Bit late though!