Queensland Rail - Timetable ' Stress Test ' and implications

[petey3801]

As I posted elsewhere,in the case of the North <-> West corridor, it is a difficult decision to make:
Option 1) Leave timetable as is, just reduce to hourly frequency. This keeps bus etc connections as is, but means an odd 15/45min frequency gap inbound of Darra and keeps Caboolture trains running express northside.
Option 2) Change timetable times. This enables overlaps to have a 30/30 service interval between Darra and Petrie (with CAB trains stopping all stations) with extras for Nambour. However it does result in changed bus connections.
Changes to other lines without any service overlaps to consider are, however, quite odd.

[ozbob]

Very odd!

Makes it very difficult for the car-less.

Ipswich line where there are multiple bus connections needs to be clockface.

[ozbob]

Just to remind the casual observer the complex integrated relationship between bus and the Ipswich railway line ...

Western Map Jan 2017
https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/plan-your-journey/maps/161219-western-network.pdf

[James]

This is getting beyond a joke now. It is like they don't care and can't be bothered listening to anybody. Massively dysfunctional. How did the opening of a 12km spur line make things so bad?

Re: Ips/Cab/Spc/Kpr issue, given the lack of bus connections to the Springfield Line & to a lesser extent, the Kippa-Ring line, I see no reason why clockface could not be maintained, or at least something close to it, for the Ipswich line, while the Springfield line moves. If the express pattern is removed, just move the service forward/back a few minutes It is better that connections are either shortened or lengthened (going from 10 minutes to 5-15 minutes), rather than totally shot.

Regardless, needing a decent frequency on the mains really provides no excuse as to why a clockface hourly timetable based off the current one can't be run on all the other lines.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th June 2017  resent 20th June 2017

FYI

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2017/06/qrs-rail-fail-gets-even-worse.html

QR's Rail Fail gets even worse


QR Ruins the School Winter Holidays

After the dreadfully inadequate Summer School Holiday Timetable, and appalling hourly Easter Timetables, surely commuters would be expecting some improvements to Rail Fail by now? Sadly, SE Queensland rail operator Queensland Rail (QR) has sunk even further into the black hole of customer service, by plans to run hourly train services on Sunday 26th June, 2nd July, and 9th July during the Winter School Holidays. Sunshine Coast Line commuters will only see trains running every 2 hours. Only the Airport Line will still run the usual 30 minute service. Just to annoy passengers further, QR have bizarrely decided to run train times at a different time to the normal clock face times, which will frustrate passengers with even longer waits and missed bus/train connections. Did QR and TransLink not learn from the Easter Rail Fail?

This horrendous service reduction will take QR back to era of diesel hauled services in the late 70s, early 80s. Quite clearly, QR continue to have disregard for those who actually need to use public transport, including:

    Hospital and Emergency Service workers.
    Hospitality and Restaurant workers.
    Retail workers.
    People wanting to go shopping (or other amenities) in and around Brisbane CBD.
    Families wanting to get to/from various timed events in and around Brisbane.
    People wanting to travel to/from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
    Anyone else trying to avoid holiday road congestion.

At the time of announcing the last minute changes, TransLink have failed to publish any .pdf timetables, and the usual half-arsed communications from QR will be expected. The ongoing rail fail makes Brisbane appear to be a laughing stock of the western world, yet again having the worse urban rail frequent in Australia and New Zealand over these weekends.

The Winter School Holiday #RailFail begs the following questions:

    With the Commonwealth Games only 10 months away - how bad are the train service cut backs going to be on lines other than the Gold Coast Line?
    Will there be more timetable cut backs in 2017 and 2018?
    Is the "invisible" Citytrain Response Unit actually doing anything?
    Do QR and the Palaszczuk government realise the reputational damage this is causing Brisbane and SE Queensland?
    Do QR and the Palaszczuk government realise the Cross Rail Rail could be axed by the LNP if they get back in power due to voters fed up with Rail Fail?

TransLink's information:
https://translink.com.au/service-updates/132261

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12827.msg193993#msg193993  ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/875401990125240321

^

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/875402707397255169

^

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/875403873128636417

[tazzer9]

QR have now starting to make it well known to the public of the reduced sunday frequencies.   They have put timetables up and have sensibly made caboolture services all stations.  However most sunshine coast services (at 2 hour frequencies) are now shuttles to caboolture.   

The park road to varsity lakes track closure on the 25th should have been enough to prevent hourly frequencies everywhere else. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/876588123597160448

^

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/876622870390198273

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

What an embarrassment for SEQ!   

[ozbob]

^ and they have failed to say that changes from normal clock face times has been done as well.

Broken connections.

I give up !  Utter basket case sadly ...

[tazzer9]

This is far worse than the last lot of broken timetables.   Last time they at least had 30 minutes doomben - corinda via tennyson.   The sunshine coast line was a extension of normal caboolture services.   The beenleigh and gold coast line had trains. 

IMO.   This timetable is so bad, I think it would be better to close the entire passenger network for the weekend and have it replaced entirely by buses.   Only have long distance services and freight on the rails.   Might make the regional reliability increase slightly. 

[ozbob]

It is an insult to the good citizens, and visitors to SEQ.  And the way it is spun just makes me want to vomit.

I am already canvassing new names in my head for the new rail operator for SEQ.  Beyond help the current mob sadly.

SE-Rail?  BrizTrains?   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/876643308029792256

[#Metro]

It is an insult to the good citizens, and visitors to SEQ.  And the way it is spun just makes me want to vomit.

I am already canvassing new names in my head for the new rail operator for SEQ.  Beyond help the current mob sadly.

SE-Rail?  BrizTrains?   

The simple fact that timetable changes are being considered for the Commonwealth Games in April 2018 means that the guards and drivers

will not be available to relieve the #RailFail in any significant way by January 1, 2018. This is itself is a trigger to call for the termination of

the operator's contract and privatisation of Queensland Rail's management. I have to  italicise ' management ' here  because some

people want to talk about "asset sales" for maximum scare value. Unfortunately for them,  the privatisation of QR's passenger services is

NOT an asset sale and is entirely reversible by allowing the contracts to lapse to effect return to public operation.


This also means that it is not against Red Team's election promise to "not sell assets" or not "sell/lease profitable

state businesses". Queensland Rail falls into none of these two categories, and a number of transport providers are already privately

contracted, such as Gold Coast Light Rail.


The good thing about public operation of Queensland Rail IMO is that its "contract" between the Department of Transport and Main Roads

(TransLink) and itself is essentially unenforceable in the courts and meaningless. It can be broken with no real consequence or financial

penalty as the government will not sue itself for damages by itself to itself. Jackie Trad is simultaneously the purchaser and supplier of

services in her role as Transport Minister, so she would have to sue herself, something she will never do.


The Queensland Rail name, brand and corporate identity can be kept. Indeed, any change should do as little as possible in terms of

rebranding - this saves costs and causes a minimum of fuss. It was the approach of Yarra Trams, and not a bad idea to do here.

[Gazza]

It is an insult to the good citizens, and visitors to SEQ.  And the way it is spun just makes me want to vomit.

I am already canvassing new names in my head for the new rail operator for SEQ.  Beyond help the current mob sadly.

SE-Rail?  BrizTrains?   

The Brisbane Electric Railway

[SurfRail]

They can have whatever name they like, the only name on the train should be "Public Transport Queensland".

[ozbob]

They can have whatever name they like, the only name on the train should be "Public Transport Queensland".

Good point!   

[#Metro]

I am already canvassing new names in my head for the new rail operator for SEQ.  Beyond help the current mob sadly.

SE-Rail?  BrizTrains?

Raily McRailFace 

[dancingmongoose]

IMO we should be pushing for free travel on the Sunday hourly frequency days

[ozbob]

IMO we should be pushing for free travel on the Sunday hourly frequency days

We have tried before only to be told to p%ss off essentially.  But I will have another crack   

[ozbob]

20th June 2017

Call for free travel on June / July school holiday train timetable

Good Morning,

The travelling public will be subjected yet again to more mediocre rail timetables on Sundays 25th June, 2nd July and 9th July 2017.
[ https://translink.com.au/service-updates/132261 ]

Reduced services AND timetables moved from standard clock face times so breaking many bus/rail connections and making the misery a lot worse than it needs to be.  We highlighted this problem the last time this reduced ' holiday timetable ' was inflicted (Easter 2017 and the weekend prior https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12713.0 ) only to be largely ignored.  It does seem Queensland Rail does what it wants with no regard to the integrated nature of the public transport network, and subsequent impacts on journey times when they change the standard timings.

It is appalling that the frequency on the Sunshine Coast Line is further reduced to 2 hours.  What happens when the inevitable ' mechanical issue ' occurs?  Four hour gap between services?

Below is a map of the Western bus region.  It demonstrates well the integrated nature of the Ipswich railway line and the bus network. It is unbelievable that TransLink would stand by and allow connections to be broken in this careless manner.  Shame! Shame!

In view of the mediocrity, reduced service and long journey times,  it is only appropriate that travel on the public transport network, bus and rail, be declared free travel on these days. The acting Premier should declare the same forthwith!

SEQ's rail operator is delivering failure, now the worst rail operator in Oceania in our opinion.  The longer rail fail goes on the worse it gets sadly.  One can only imagine the mess leading up to and during the Commonwealth Games next year!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Reference:

Western Map Jan 2017
https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/plan-your-journey/maps/161219-western-network.pdf

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/876845769273126912

^

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/876847619397394433

^

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/876848842611638273

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Major service cuts for Ipswich trains

A NEW train timetable is about to be introduced for the Winter holiday period and Ipswich residents' transport options have been halved.

For the next three Sundays, trains will only run along the Ipswich line every hour.

It's part of a wider service reduction Queensland Rail announced today to "ensure full service levels for weekdays and major events during June and July".

Ipswich transport advocate Robert Dow says that's not good enough.

He's calling on the State Government to allow passengers to ride the trains for free over the next three Sundays, while the reduced services are in place.

"It should be free because that reflects the poor service passengers are getting," Mr Dow, from Rail Back on Track, said.

"It's appropriate that travel be free because that would be a small recognition of the ongoing issues commuters are facing.

"In addition, the changes mean the connecting buses no longer connect."

Mr Dow has also raised concerns Ipswich residents will suffer again when the Commonwealth Games is on.

The QT has asked Queensland Rail for comment and will update our story when we hear back from them.

A one-way train trip from Rosewood to Brisbane will cost an adult between $7.85 and $11.40, depending on whether you have a go card.

Mr Dow says that's a fee Ipswich residents shouldn't have to pay.

He said since October Ipswich residents have had to cope with a changing timetable and the latest twist would "not be pleasant" for Ipswich commuters.

"It's majorly disappointing," Mr Dow said.

"This has been going on since October and the impact for the Ipswich line has not been pleasant.

"It's a matter of principal. We deserve an integrated transport system (with connecting buses).

"A lot of people using the trains and buses in Ipswich don't have cars.

"So, if there's no reliable connecting buses, they have to pay for taxis, for example, to get to and from rail way stations."

You can access the new timetables here.

Thanks QT !

[tazzer9]

I feel like we should push the fact that the reason the airport line is immune to these service cuts is because QR is contractually obligated to.   Under pure patronage, airport line should be the first to be culled.   
I feel like if the public knew that a contract to airtrain is something that QR are willing to recognise, yet the "contract" to the people of queensland is not something they are willing to recognise, people who be even more annoyed.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 21st June 2017 page 4

Rail advocate's fury after services halved

[#Metro]

I had a vision of angry protest outside Parliament house, with one of the placards reading "Operational Issue" 

[ozbob]

BigWilly is an ' operational issue ' sadly ... 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/877269850967736322

[ozbob]

I feel like we should push the fact that the reason the airport line is immune to these service cuts is because QR is contractually obligated to.   Under pure patronage, airport line should be the first to be culled.   
I feel like if the public knew that a contract to airtrain is something that QR are willing to recognise, yet the "contract" to the people of queensland is not something they are willing to recognise, people who be even more annoyed.

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/877278164258504705

[#Metro]

I feel like we should push the fact that the reason the airport line is immune to these service cuts is because QR is contractually obligated to.   Under pure patronage, airport line should be the first to be culled.   

I feel like if the public knew that a contract to airtrain is something that QR are willing to recognise, yet the "contract" to the people of queensland is not something they are willing to recognise, people who be even more annoyed.

1. If QR don't meet their contract, Airtrain could take QR to court and sue for damages IMO. Airtrain is private, so we are in a Private-Public relationship, there is the power to sue and the power to terminate the contract with QR (and have Airtrain run their own trains/drivers if they wanted to and could afford to do so).

There are railways where the train to the airport is a completely different operator to the national or suburban rail operator and the airport railway line operator buys the train and hires the drivers.

2. There is a contract between "Queensland" and "Queensland Rail". But its public nature means that it is unenforceable. TransLink (the customer) contracts Queensland Rail (the supplier). In reality, these are both Queensland Government agencies both controlled by Jackie Trad (Transport Minister).

If the contractual service standards are not met... then what? 

Can standards without a means of enforcement really be called standards? Perhaps they should be called ' aspirational targets '.
Public state agencies never sue each other. As Queensland Rail is a monopoly, there is also zero chance of contract terminations.
With a monopoly, there is no alternative.

In theory, Queensland Rail could run a single train service a day, and as long as the timetable were adjusted for it, could report 100% on time reliability and 100% availability.

If you are a disgruntled passenger, you have The Customer Charter. https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Customer%20Charter/Documents/QR3600.45%20Charter%20Brochure_2013.pdf

Your time

We aim to be Australia's best performing railway by
providing regular, reliable services. Sometimes problems
occur outside of our control which affect your journey.
We will do everything we can to maximise the number
of services arriving on time and minimise the number of
services cancelled.

•    We will continue to have the best on time running in
Australia.
•    We will develop and provide Smartphone applications
so you can monitor your service in real time.
•    We are trialling timetable enhancements on our City
network lines to ensure we use our assets to benefit
all commuters.
•    We continue to develop timetables with our
customers front of mind.

^^ Notice how there are no penalties for non-performance. If the standard is not going to be met, reissue the timetables to lower the bar until the standard is met.

I have to say that I support protection of the Airtrain line from service reductions. People need that connection so that they can get out of the state and country. How else are people supposed to #FleeQLD?

[ozbob]

30 minutes Airtrain connecting into one hour / 2 hours network is very poor of course.

Punters need to know why Airtrain is not cut.

Fortunately I am #FleeQld the day prior 

[#Metro]

Punters need to know why Airtrain is not cut.

My guess is (confirm with QR/TL/Jackie Trad)

1. Airtrain is paying

2. Airtrain has a contract, enforceable in court and enforcable by way of fines and penalties (TransLink  contracting QR doesn't have this option)

3. People need to be able to get to the Airport, particularly from the Gold Coast where taxi isn't really an option. Brisbane Airport Corporation would kick up a BIG fuss as well.

4. Bad airport train services would seriously damage the reputation of Queensland both domestically and internationally

5. In theory, AirTrain does not need to contract Queensland Rail. It can choose to run the trains itself and hire its own rail staff.
Should it do this, it would set a precedent for a private passenger rail operator and private passenger trains on the QR network, which would undermine continued public operation of QR services, merely by existing.

[SurfRail]

5. In theory, AirTrain does not need to contract Queensland Rail. It can choose to run the trains itself and hire its own rail staff. Should it do this, it would set a precedent for a private passenger rail operator and private passenger trains on the QR network, which would undermine continued public operation of QR services, merely by existing.

Which it would do how?  It doesn't own any tracks except for the airport branch, and the end of its ownership is about 300m to the mainline junction.  It doesn't own any trains.  The traction and signalling are controlled by QR.  Access to all stations off the airport branch is open or by go card so they would not be collecting revenue for any intermediate stops.

[Stillwater]

This 'stress test' needs to be called out for what it is.  It is not a means of seeing how QR can be held to a high standard of train frequency and service.  Rather, it is an administrative mechanism for taking service levels to the lowest common denominator.  The government risks public antagonism because, one the one hand, it tells customers they are QR's focus and the organisation wants to be a 'world class' rail operator, while on the other, people realise they are being sold a pup.  It is a classic case of government not living up to reasonable standards, forgetting the blown rhetoric the government and QR promotes in the slick videos and glossy brochures.

[#Metro]

Which it would do how?  It doesn't own any tracks except for the airport branch, and the end of its ownership is about 300m to the mainline junction.  It doesn't own any trains.  The traction and signalling are controlled by QR.  Access to all stations off the airport branch is open or by go card so they would not be collecting revenue for any intermediate stops.

Well, private freight trains run on the QR network and don't own the tracks on the Ipswich or Cleveland lines, for example.

So there must be some right of way framework that applies over the network, even if they don't own it.

I think it is possible. Fares and ticketing can be solved by way of a station access entry/exit fee. Might not be able to go all the way to the

Gold Coast, but to Roma Street may be possible.

Access is provided to a wide range of traffic types including trains for agricultural products, passengers, intermodal and general freight, bulk minerals and coal.

As one of Queensland's monopoly rail line owners, Queensland Rail has obligations under legislation including being required to provide open and transparent access to its rail network for operators and is regulated by the Queensland Competition Authority.

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forbusiness/the-regional-network

You will note that the entire Brisbane suburban network is published to facilitate access to and transit within this area as well

For information relating to the Brisbane Metropolitan system, please see Brisbane Metropolitan System Information Pack - Volume 3 - October 2016.

As a railway manager, Queensland Rail is responsible for managing access to its network.

[tazzer9]

5. In theory, AirTrain does not need to contract Queensland Rail. It can choose to run the trains itself and hire its own rail staff.
Should it do this, it would set a precedent for a private passenger rail operator and private passenger trains on the QR network, which would undermine continued public operation of QR services, merely by existing.

The only privately run trains in Australia that do no rely on a government subsidy is The Ghan and the Indian Pacific.  Two trains not known as a cheap alternative to driving or flying.

[SurfRail]

Well, private freight trains run on the QR network and don't own the tracks on the Ipswich or Cleveland lines, for example.

So there must be some right of way framework that applies over the network, even if they don't own it.

I think it is possible. Fares and ticketing can be solved by way of a station access entry/exit fee. Might not be able to go all the way to the

Gold Coast, but to Roma Street may be possible.

Yes, but it is still fanciful because:

1. They have to pay track access fees to QR for all of the route inbound of the airport line junction whether QR is supplying the service and it is just built into their contract, or they are running it themselves (ie no money saved on what represents the overwhelming bulk of the operating cost).

2. They do not have any trains, so these would either need to be leased or acquired.  Trains are not cheap, particularly when the book value of the entire business was only a little over $100m when the current owner acquired it.

3. The overheads for being an accredited rail operator are a pain in the neck and expensive to maintain.

Why would Airtrain even consider this when it has a contract in place with QR which it can enforce and which (apparently) is being performed properly?

[ozbob]

This 'stress test' needs to be called out for what it is.  It is not a means of seeing how QR can be held to a high standard of train frequency and service.  Rather, it is an administrative mechanism for taking service levels to the lowest common denominator.  The government risks public antagonism because, one the one hand, it tells customers they are QR's focus and the organisation wants to be a 'world class' rail operator, while on the other, people realise they are being sold a pup.  It is a classic case of government not living up to reasonable standards, forgetting the blown rhetoric the government and QR promotes in the slick videos and glossy brochures.

The ' stress test ' = Another wank fest in the long chain of rail fail IMHO ...

the long suffering passengers are getting very stressed indeed!   

[ozbob]

Well, private freight trains run on the QR network and don't own the tracks on the Ipswich or Cleveland lines, for example.

So there must be some right of way framework that applies over the network, even if they don't own it.

I think it is possible. Fares and ticketing can be solved by way of a station access entry/exit fee. Might not be able to go all the way to the

Gold Coast, but to Roma Street may be possible.

Yes, but it is still fanciful because:

1. They have to pay track access fees to QR for all of the route inbound of the airport line junction whether QR is supplying the service and it is just built into their contract, or they are running it themselves (ie no money saved on what represents the overwhelming bulk of the operating cost).

2. They do not have any trains, so these would either need to be leased or acquired.  Trains are not cheap, particularly when the book value of the entire business was only a little over $100m when the current owner acquired it.

3. The overheads for being an accredited rail operator are a pain in the neck and expensive to maintain.

Why would Airtrain even consider this when it has a contract in place with QR which it can enforce and which (apparently) is being performed properly?

Spot on SurfRail.  Also Airtrain is a BOOT, reverts to Queensland Government 2036 or thereabouts ...

[techblitz]

the long suffering passengers are getting very stressed indeed!

well theres now one less avenue for them to vent their stress........looks as though review system has been completely wiped/disabled from the QR facebook page....

[ozbob]

the long suffering passengers are getting very stressed indeed!

well theres now one less avenue for them to vent their stress........looks as though review system has been completely wiped/disabled from the QR facebook page....

Yes, I noticed that all the adverse comments have gone.  Wonder how long before someone sets up ' Queensland Fail ' FB page?