Toilets - discussion articles etc.

[ozbob]

From Gold Coast Bulletin click here!

Kiosk owner swamped as railway office shuts

Kiosk owner swamped as railway office shuts

Kathleen Donaghey

August 28th, 2008

KIOSK owner Leslee Paddock says she has become Queensland Rail's de facto station attendant as regular booth closures force more than 20 rail customers an hour to turn to her for ticketing help and change.

An exasperated Ms Paddock spoke out after the Coomera train station was again closed for much of Monday, with no attendants or security and the toilets locked, in what has become a regular occurrence on the Gold Coast and Brisbane lines.

The station facilities were also closed during Ekka week and a similar problem has occurred at Helensvale.

According to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, station closures occur daily in Brisbane and are becoming more regular on the Gold Coast because of staff shortages.

Union state president Bruce Mackie said it was aggravating Gold Coast tourists and passengers, and causing confusion.

"There are more people on the Gold Coast who don't catch trains and get to the station with no idea what the train timetables are or how to buy a ticket," he said.

"It's not great for tourism."

QR Passenger executive general manager Paul Scurrah said staff were rostered to meet patronage and demand at various stations.

He rejected claims that closures were related to staff shortages and said QR was not experiencing problems with employee numbers.

"At numerous locations across the Citytrain network QR rosters either additional staff or hours as a demonstration of its commitment to the customer experience," he said.

"There will always be times when staff need to be reallocated to other areas of the Citytrain network to ensure we continue to meet the expectations of both our customers and maintain our commitment to the TransLink Transit Authority."

Ms Paddock said her kiosk opposite the closed roller doors of the ticket office and near the automatic ticketing machine, which appears to stump customers, had become a quasi QR office.

She was the one directing passengers to platforms, offering advice on how to buy tickets and connect to bus services to the various theme parks.

"I'm not being paid by QR to do this," she said after advising another confused passenger to head to platform two for the next train arriving in 10 minutes.

"We're paying QR to lease these sites but we're doing the work for them."

Mr Mackie accused QR of blocking its ears to repeated requests over the years for more staff and said the company was now paying the price.

It is understood staff calling in sick forced the closure at Coomera station on Monday while at other locations staff shortages are to blame.

Coomera passenger Wendy Binks said safety also was an issue.

"I've heard of drunks coming back from the cricket and football," said Ms Binks.

"There's also graffiti problems and cars being broken into."

[ozbob]

The fact that people have to endure several hours of toilet-less trains on the North Coast for example, and when they get to the station the stations don't have toilets or they are not open, laws such as that passed last week are actually counter-productive and will probably generate a backlash.  There are some circumstances where clearly an individual may be flagrantly breaking good peace and order, but an elderly gentleman, or a pregnant lady, having endured an EMU ride from Central to Nambour and beyond may have an urgent need to go, discretely behind a bush or something.  A reasonable excuse provision should be incorporated.  Koalas, kangaroos, and wombats pee everywhere.  Get a grip Queensland!   

From the Brisbanetimes click here!


State's pee plan allows no excuses

State's pee plan allows no excuses
Christine Kellett | December 7, 2008 - 6:27AM

CAMPERS and expectant mothers who are ''caught short'' and swimmers urinating in the surf  will risk automatic fines under new laws governing public nuisance in Queensland.

Legal experts say the legislation, which State Parliament passed last week, is unjust and unworkable and may even constitute discrimination against people with certain medical conditions, including kidney and prostate problems.

The homeless, elderly or bushwalkers caught short off the beaten track could also be slapped with a fine.

The reforms to the Summary Offences Act did not include a ''reasonable excuse'' provision, meaning those receiving a $100 public urination ticket had no legal recourse, Queensland University of Technology senior law lecturer Alastair MacAdam said.

''A public place is defined in the dictionary to the Summary Offences Act  to mean a place open to or used by the public, whether or not on the payment of a fee,'' Mr MacAdam said.

''A fine of $200 may well result in disadvantaged people ending up in jail for answering the call of nature in a discreet way.

''But the ramifications are far ranging. Where does a person travelling, say, 200 kilometres west of Roma, who pulls on to the side of the road and urinates discreetly stand? Or the person who goes fishing in a dinghy and urinates in a container or over the side?

''Technically, swimmers who urinate in the ocean could be booked.''

The new laws will be on trial for 12 months from January 1, first in the South Brisbane and Townsville police districts.

Automatic fines for public nuisance offences range up to $300 and can be issued on the spot by police for offensive or disorderly behaviour, disobeying police directions and urinating in public.

The move follows Crime and Misconduct Commission recommendations.

The State Government and defence solicitors have championed it as a way to stop petty offenders clogging up the court system.

Twenty-two thousand public nuisance crimes were recorded  in Queensland last year.

Brisbane criminal defence lawyer Jim Coburn, of city firm Ryan and Bosscher, said the fines would work no differently than parking or speeding tickets and could be appealed against in court.

He said the automatic penalties standardised punishment for petty crimes and removed the ''lottery-like situation'' of magistrates deciding the fate of an offender on a ''whim''.

An instant fine for nuisance offences was similar to the system used for traffic tickets, Mr Coburn said.

''We all have the ability to appeal them if we want to mount a defence and these are no different,'' he said.

''The public's rights are not compromised, but instant fines should see the court system freed up and some consistency in penalties.''

However, Mr MacAdam said the fines would place a ``black mark'' against the name of recipients, whether they deserved it or not.

''This could have adverse consequences for the many `fit and proper person tests' which are contained in Queensland legislation relating to the obtaining of various licences and professional qualifications.''

Police Minister Judy Spence said criminal convictions would not be recorded against those who received the fines.

She insisted police would use common sense.

''Police use their discretion before issuing tickets every day,'' Ms Spence said.

''Police will not deliberately aggravate people with prostate and kidney problems or who are pregnant by issuing them tickets when they are in difficult and embarrassing situations.''

However, she ruled out an amendment to the legislation to include a reasonable-excuse provision.

[#Metro]

Seriously though, I've observed a Nambour EMU followed by a Ferny Grove IMU on many an occasion. I seriously hope that with IMUs being delivered, and the delayed now-2011 timetable refresh will solve the almost inhumane lack of toilets issue on long journeys.

I think there should be toilets on most trains. If you are going out to Ipswich, Caboolture, Beenleigh a toilet on the train for your 30 minute journey would be great.

I had a bad experience recently: stuck on a train for half an hour needing to go to the loo. Could get off and go to the loo as I would have had to wait 30 minutes (no way!). Got to the terminus, but no, the toilets were locked as it was after dark. 

Most toilets at train stations resemble something to be found in jail cells IMHO. Toilets on trains are better IMHO as there are people around and cameras to deter vandals etc. There is also a guard just right behind the loo too.

[ozbob]

Been an ongoing issue ...

From the archives ..

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

Media Release 9 November 2008

SEQ:  Please stop for us or we will do it on the train!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport is concerned that North Coast rail commuters are being serviced by suburban trains without toilets.  Some of these runs are potentially three hours and it is a long time to sit with one's legs crossed.  Commuters are becoming a little perplexed as they note Interurban Multiple Unit (IMU) trains (toilet equipped) running short haul suburban runs whilst on many of long haul runs north, for example Nambour and beyond they have to sit it in Electric Multiple Unit (EMU ) trains which don't have toilets.  It is even more confounding as passengers note IMU trains sitting in the marshalling yards as they pass on by in the EMU trains.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"RAIL Back On Track has received consistent feedback from north coast commuters concerned about the failure to provide toilet equipped trains on the interurban runs north.  This is further problematical as many stations don't have toilets open for use either!"

"We believe it is not an unreasonable request from the north coast commuters for toilet equipped trains. Particularly as we note IMU trains frequently running short haul suburban services around the Brisbane Citytrain network."

"Can QR Citytrain consider providing IMU trains for the north coast interurban runs please?  We appreciate the lack of funding for QR passenger services has lead to the need for some non toilet trains to do the long haul runs, but now that the new trains are available surely something can be done"

"Goodness, what would the Gold Coast commuters do if they had regular EMU trains?  It does seem that some interurban lines are more interurban than others"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

I noted EMU 04 on one of the daily Cooroy services last week (was Tuesday 4th, saw it heading towards Cooroy at Bowen Hills, good loading of pax too ) ...  

[Arnz]

SMU250, SMU222 (with PIDs and auto-announcements), and IMU121 were rotating on the Cooroy runs last week.

[#Metro]

SEQ:  Please stop for us or we will do it on the train!

I can't stop laughing. I don't remember this release, but its funny!

Trains with toilets. Simple.

[ozbob]

LOL  It was a little TIC the release, but it made the point 

I know of a number of circumstances with pregnant ladies coming to grief.  Often because of pressure on the bladder from the developing buba can make frequent trips to the toilet a necessity, as well other folks who have a need.  Bit hard on the EMUs / SMUs.  I have raised this directly with QR before today, can only try again. 

  <-- don't think of this when on a long haul non-toilet equipped journey !

In view of the general lock down of toilets on stations, particularly after hours maybe toilets on ALL trains is a desired outcome.

[#Metro]

Why can't people just use GoCard to open the toilets and cubicles, especially after dark?
Accountability right there. A special card could be held by the station staff for visitors etc to open the loos in special circumstances.

[ozbob]

Yes, I think a good suggestion TT, and we have raised that before with QR directly and via CRGs as well.

[stephenk]

In view of the general lock down of toilets on stations, particularly after hours maybe toilets on ALL trains is a desired outcome.

I can see little benefit for toilets on inner suburban services. The negatives of the passenger space taken up, and maintenance required would probably outweigh the benefits.

Most inner-suburban rail and metro systems do not have toilets on-board trains.

[#Metro]

I can see little benefit for toilets on inner suburban services. The negatives of the passenger space taken up, and maintenance required would probably outweigh the benefits.

Most inner-suburban rail and metro systems do not have toilets on-board trains.

If QR is really concerned about passenger comfort, it will allow toilets on all if not most trains. The Gold Coast line has them.
I'm sure that other places have their own way of doing things, but that simple fact does not mean that Brisbane trains should be without them, especially when the distances travelled across SEQ are large.

[stephenk]

I can see little benefit for toilets on inner suburban services. The negatives of the passenger space taken up, and maintenance required would probably outweigh the benefits.

Most inner-suburban rail and metro systems do not have toilets on-board trains.

If QR is really concerned about passenger comfort, it will allow toilets on all if not most trains. The Gold Coast line has them.
I'm sure that other places have their own way of doing things, but that simple fact does not mean that Brisbane trains should be without them, especially when the distances travelled across SEQ are large.

As with many other rail operators around the world (London being a good example), we need a clear distinction between inner and outer suburban stock. Inner suburban with more standing space, more doors, no toilets; and outer suburban trains with more seating space, less doors, and with toilets. There should be some commonality between the two interiors to make it easier for those with disabilities. We would also need timetables that allow each type of stock to run on it's designated type of service.

[ozbob]

The problem at the moment is either a lack of IMUs, sufficient to provide IMUs north of Caboolture and south of Beenleigh, west of Ipswich every time, or is it just a reflection of poor planning.

I think it is highly likely that we will progressively see distinctively different units,  high capacity metro like units and long haul units with toilets.

[Golliwog]

The problem that I've heard is mostly a planning one. As not all lines are always paired (eg: trains from Ferny Grove go to both Cleveland and Beenleigh) they have issues with making sure the right train is on the right job. Although I wouldn't have thought that was that hard for North and Western lines.

[p858snake]

Plea for toilets over train death

CALLS for public toilets at every suburban train station have been renewed after a young mum was killed crossing the tracks in Melbourne's north.

Dallas mother Oli Oli Tuilau was hit by a V/Line train at Roxburgh Park on Thursday night after jumping off the platform to go to the toilet in nearby grass.

It is believed the 24-year-old died instantly after being clipped by the city-bound train at 7.20pm.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said the tragedy could have been avoided.

"Obviously people do need to take the utmost care around railway stations," he said.

"It does raise the question: if there had been toilets at the station, would the outcome have been different?" Mr Bowen said.

Of the network's 212 stations, half of those either have toilets locked from public use or no toilets at all.

Roxburgh Park station is unmanned and was built in 2007 without a toilet.

At Metro's 78 premium stations, toilets are open from the first to last trains.

At Metro's 28 host stations, toilets are open between 6am and 10am.

But Mr Bowen repeated previous calls for every station to have toilets available. "We'd like to see every station staffed from first to last train, with toilets and other facilities," he said.

Metro spokesman Daniel Hoare said there were no plans to install more toilets.

The victim's brother, Michael Tuilau, said it was unacceptable that toilets weren't open to the public.

"I'm angry, I'm frustrated, I lost my sister, I don't know what the word for that is," he said.

Hours after Ms Tuilau's death thousands of mourners paid tribute to the young mother on Facebook memorial sites.

V/Line spokesman James Kelly said the train driver was being interviewed, but the company would wait for the Coroner's findings before reviewing its procedures.

Article: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/plea-for-toilets-over-train-death/story-fn6bfmgc-1226123209726

[Gazza]

"It does raise the question: if there had been toilets at the station, would the outcome have been different?" Mr Bowen said.

Not if they were on the other side of the track 

[SurfRail]

No, the tragedy could have been avoided if she had not crossed the tracks in a dangerous and unlawful way.  If you desperately need to urinate, just do it without entering a rail reserve.  End of story.

Sorry to be callous, but I get angry with people like this.  The cost to others of their stupidity can be measured in decades for family, friends and traincrews.

For Daniel Bowen to suggest this is in any way the government's or Metro's fault by not providing manned stations or toilets is ridiculous, and it makes me happy that he is not the one running this site.

[O_128]

Ahh I love the modern ages, Im sure if that idiot in the photo that almost died at the valley had died the bleeding hearts would have cried for more stairs. This person was an idiot for peeing on train tracks, end of story.

[Stillwater]

Just as there are old folks who perform lollipop duty outside schools, there would be a band of reliable people who, for the cost of a cap, a jacket, scarf and an induction course could become a band of station 'hosts' during morning peak at unmanned stations across SEQ -- and be given keys to the toilets.  Their local knowledge would be invaluable in assisting commuters and tourists.

[Gazza]

Just as there are old folks who perform lollipop duty outside schools

They actually get paid.

[Cam]

Last Friday at about 6.40pm I arrived at Toowong railway station & wanted to use a toilet before the trip home. The toilet that I found on the upper level was locked. I did not find another toilet nor station staff to ask where an open toilet may be.

I caught the Richlands service which was running late & alighted at Indooroopilly at about 6.45pm hoping that the door to the station toilet would be unlocked. Once again the toilet was locked & there were no station staff around to ask. The Ipswich train that I wanted was approaching the station & I wasn't able to walk down the stairs to the platform as the stairs were taped off due to painting being done. I waited for the lift & then caught it. The Ipswich service departed as the lift doors opened so I had a 30 minute wait for the next Ipswich service. I used the toilet in the hotel across the road during the half hour wait.

Toowong & Indooroopilly are 2 of the busiest suburban stations & the toilets were locked at 6.45pm on a Friday.  I don't find this acceptable.

Those travelling the hour long trip to Ipswich sometimes need to take a toilet stop. Does anyone know of a station on the Ipswich Line that has a toilet open after 6.45pm on a Friday? Sometimes when you really need to go, you'll put up with the half hour wait for the next service.

[p858snake]

Aren't they locked just before station staff leave?

[Cam]

Perhaps they are. However, the major stations should have staff until much later.

The 78 "Premium Stations" in Melbourne are staffed from the first train until the last. Surely Indooroopilly & other busy stations can be staffed after 6.45pm & have toilets open?

[Arnz]

Couldn't you just use the Toowong Village shopping centre toilets above the station?  Considering Coles and selected stores are usually open until 9pm.

[SurfRail]

These days, if a railway station is staffed at all, I see little reason why it should not be staffed from first to last.

Smaller stations do not need staff to sell tickets anymore, particularly with the withdrawal of periodicals.

All the AVVMs should be upgraded to be able to dispense go cards, and they should focus on manning the stations where staff should be.

And for that matter, get rid of the SecureCorp guys - they are utterly ineffectual at their job and do not have appropriate powers to deal with the worst situations (which seem to be ocurring more frequently and earlier in the evening).  We need one tier of transit officers with appropriate training and legislated powers, like they have in Perth.

[brad C]

Had a friend of mine alight at Morayfield Station one evening (around 8:00pm) - this station being staffed of an evening by one of the 'friendly customer services officers'.
Found the toilets locked and asked if they could be opened - a steadfast no reply was received.
Accordingly he 'made other arrangements'.
I have been at busy stations like Strathpine just before Christmas, in the middle of the afternoon and with the station packed with shoppers and the toilets 'closed for cleaning'.

There is something in the meaning of 'customer focus' that some QR staff just don't appreciate.

[Cam]

Couldn't you just use the Toowong Village shopping centre toilets above the station?  Considering Coles and selected stores are usually open until 9pm.

At the time I arrived, the Ipswich service was due in a couple of minutes. I knew that there were toilets in the shopping centre but I don't know where they are & I didn't want to go too far from the station.

Services were running very late that evening. The PID showed for at least 5 minutes that the Ipswich service was due in a few minutes after the Richlands service that was due in a minute.

I'll make sure that I use the toilet in future before I leave wherever I am if it's after 6.30pm.

[Gazza]

but I don't know where they are & I didn't want to go too far from the station.

Wouldn't you just follow the pictograms, like in most shopping centres?

[Cam]

but I don't know where they are & I didn't want to go too far from the station.

Wouldn't you just follow the pictograms, like in most shopping centres?

I approached the railway station from Coronation Drive. I know that there is a shopping centre on the other side but the next service was overdue & the PID showed it would arrive in a few minutes & there was 30 minutes between Ipswich services. Would you risk walking 2-3 minutes finding a toilet in that circumstance?

How many stations in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth have toilets open at 6.45pm on a Friday? How many stations in Brisbane do?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Does anyone know of a station on the Ipswich Line that has a toilet open after 6.45pm on a Friday?

Milton: 7.30pm-12.30am
Auchenflower: 7.22pm-12.13am
Taringa: Station closes at 6.45pm
Chelmer: 5.25an-11.25pm
Graceville: Clases at around midday
Sherwood: Closes at around midday
Corinda: Closes at around 7-8pm
Oxley: 7.00pm-1.30am
Darra: 5.15am-1.33am
Wacol: Station closes at 7pm
Gailes: Closes around midday
Goodna: 7.00pm-1.40am
Redbank: Station closes at 7pm
Riverview: Closed well before 6pm
Dinmore: 6.50pm-1.40am/last service
Ebbw Vale: Closed well before 6pm
Bundamba: Closes around 7pm
Booval: 6.45pm-1.50am/last service
East Ipswich: Closed well before 6pm
Ipswich: Always open

All of which depends on the station,staff availability and hours worked.

Toowong Railway Station
Friday: 5.35am-6.45pm
Friday: 7.20pm-1.14am

Indooroopilly Railway Station
Friday: 5.00am–6.45pm
Friday: 7.19pm-1.18am

Looks like you arrived at the wrong time to use the toilets as that's when they have their peak hour-night shift dinner break/day-peak hour shifts finish/clean the facilities-station etc.

[ozbob]

From the Australian click here!

Dutch rail plan to introduce 'pee-bags'

Dutch rail plan to introduce 'pee-bags'

From correspondents in The Hague
From: AFP
October 08, 2011 7:51AM

DUTCH National Railways says it has introduced so-called "pee-bags" as an emergency alternative to non-existing toilets on its short-hop trains.

"From today plastic bags will be made available on trains to be handed out to passengers in case of extreme emergencies," NS spokesman Eric Trinthamer told AFP overnight, saying "it included when trains were stranded".

Should passengers be caught short, the train's driver or conductor will hand out the bags and passengers will be able to use the unoccupied driver's cabin at the back of the train.

The bag is attached to a spout and filled with a powdered substance that turns into a gel, and passengers would leave it behind or simply throw it away when they stepped off.

But incredulous rail passengers interviewed by Dutch national television were dismayed by the idea, especially women.

"Are you serious? No, no way, I just can't see myself doing 'it' in that," one unnamed female passenger told its NOS morning journal program.

"For a man it may be easier, for a woman that's just impossible," she said.

Dutch train drivers also reacted with fury, saying they were revolted by the idea of their work space being turned into a lavatory.

"When I first heard about it, I thought it was a joke. Wim Eilert of the country's driver's union (VVMC) told the ANP news agency.

"To let people pee where somebody else needs to work, that will not do. It's distasteful," he said.

NS spokesman Tranthamer said a motion was accepted before the Dutch parliament's lower house earlier this year that from 2015 no trains will be bought if they are not equipped with toilets.

[ozbob]

NS spokesman Tranthamer said a motion was accepted before the Dutch parliament's lower house earlier this year that from 2015 no trains will be bought if they are not equipped with toilets.

I think this is the longer term solution ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

24th November 2011

Toilets, public transport and the economy

Toilets, the lack of accessible toilets around the community is a major issue.  Railway station toilets are now closed more often than they are open outside of the CBD.  Some trains have toilets, many don't.  The lack of toilets at railway stations has turned people away from using public transport.  Commuter buses don't have toilets on board either, some long distance coaches do.

The lack of toilets generally in the community complicates greatly simple tasks for many such as shopping and travelling around by what ever mode.

The female anatomy means that the need to micturate is often very pressing.  Delaying micturation is also a factor in increased rates of urinary tract infections, which has a significant economic cost to health generally.  As males age they too are often in need of urgent micturation.

Our community needs to put in place accessible toilets in sufficient number that the community can use.  Closed toilets need to be re-opened. Perhaps some sort of card system linked to registered go cards could be developed to allow access to toilets when staff not present on stations?

Toilet policy in the forthcoming state election could be the decider!  Maybe it is time a 'Toilet task force' was formed ..  

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Queensland Times December 1

Railway passengers need toilet task force

[ozbob]

A letter to editor, Queensland Times 6th December 2011

Toilet call praised

FULL marks to Robert Dow for his letter about a lack of accessible public toilets (QT 1/12).

I have heard horror stories of commuters being forced to endure long trips on our trains with access to toilet facilities.  Bring on the 'toilet task force' as Mr Dow suggested.

Carole Wheelton
Booval

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Wee problem with lifts causes concern at Virginia rail station

LIMITED toilet access is a wee problem across Brisbane's railway network, according to public transport guru Robert Dow.

Virginia Railway Station staff recently put a sign in the lift reading "DO NOT URINATE IN LIFTS" — a "proactive" move to "ensure the cleanliness of the lift," a Queensland Rail spokeswoman said.

There are toilets at the station but they are only open while the station is staffed between 5.40am and 9.40am, Monday to Friday. It is unattended on weekends.

Mr Dow, of Rail Back of Track, said limited toilet access dissuaded people from using public transport.

"While lifts are a bad choice for people looking to relieve themselves, QR needs to look at toilet access," he said.

There have been two recorded incidents of public urination at Virginia station this year; however, QR has received no complaints about the lift at Virginia station since 2010.

"Each morning, station staff carry out a full inspection of all facilities at attended stations and immediately report any issues, as well as routinely inspecting stations during their shifts," the QR spokeswoman said.

Mr Dow said QR did its best to keep lifts clean, but "urinating, or worse than that, and gross littering" was a problem; he said anti-social behaviour was not isolated to Virginia, despite QR using CCTV cameras.

"It's disappointing," he said.

"Anti-social behaviour is a problem in society generally — it happens on the streets, on our buses, on the train.

"It's not unusual for lifts to smell of urine ... when people get in a lift they think they're not being watched."

QR has a longstanding partnership with the Queensland Police Service, including the dedicated railway squad, to address anti-social behaviour.

"Police, senior network officers, security guards and mobile dog patrols operate across the rail network, in addition to more than 8000 CCTV cameras," the QR spokeswoman said.

People who witness anti-social behaviour should report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[darthcaligula666]

but I don't know where they are & I didn't want to go too far from the station.

Wouldn't you just follow the pictograms, like in most shopping centres?

I approached the railway station from Coronation Drive. I know that there is a shopping centre on the other side but the next service was overdue & the PID showed it would arrive in a few minutes & there was 30 minutes between Ipswich services. Would you risk walking 2-3 minutes finding a toilet in that circumstance?

How many stations in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth have toilets open at 6.45pm on a Friday? How many stations in Brisbane do?

if you like, i will update my blogs to include more information on toilets in the hope that it makes things easier for the people who may stumble across my little corner of the web in their desperate dunny search

[ozbob]

A Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 21st April 2016 page 13

Rail commuters at bursting point

[Arnz]

Sounds like E.Rowe had gotten a Nambour-Caboolture shuttle (toilet equipped IMU) connecting to a Ipswich train (non-toilet equipped EMU/SMU) at Caboolture. As there isn't any Nambour-Ipswich direct trains scheduled on weekends, weekend services are either the Gympie North runs, Nambour-Caboolture shuttles (operated by IMUs) or Nambour-Roma Street runs. 

Putting my local hat on, Landsborough station currently has odd weekend operating hours atm.  It is closed after 2:30pm on Satudays, and closed between 3:30 and 4:30 on Sundays (opens again from 4:30pm till 7pm on Sunday).