Queensland Rail - Commonwealth Games timetable

[SurfRail]

There are at least 6 available now (I'm sitting in 714).  Understand there is a seventh.  I actually find it surprising the figure will be that low.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/961424734092124160

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/961503744440508416

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/961511860934553601

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/961869261932130304

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/962897231081701376

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/962910670248468480

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast Daily 12th February 2018 page 7

Cutting services during the Games

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/964415613228670976

[ozbob]

" supplementary bus services "

Hello?  Bus = 80 pax  Train = 1000 pax

[#Metro]

Previous games were held in Melbourne, 2006.

Almost 40,000 people aged over 15 years reported attending the sixteen day Commonwealth Games. Refer to Table 5 for details regarding attendance rates. For these respondents, the survey did not collect information about which sporting event/s they had attended.

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4174.0Main+Features12005-06?OpenDocument

I have a feeling that perhaps 80% of the spectators will be Gold Coast residents. Other 20% might be coming down from Brisbane.

Really don't think the attendance will overwhelm the rail network for this reason.

We shall see!

[ozbob]

Previous games were held in Melbourne, 2006.

Almost 40,000 people aged over 15 years reported attending the sixteen day Commonwealth Games. Refer to Table 5 for details regarding attendance rates. For these respondents, the survey did not collect information about which sporting event/s they had attended.

http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4174.0Main+Features12005-06?OpenDocument

I have a feeling that perhaps 80% of the spectators will be Gold Coast residents. Other 20% might be coming down from Brisbane.

Really don't think the attendance will overwhelm the rail network for this reason.

We shall see!

Gold Coast accommodation is booked out.  There will be huge demand on the rail and bus networks.

That is why the are modelling fluent timetables.  When the crowds stack up they will turn out more trains  ... > better than 10 minutes.

[ozbob]

Any way, I am sure they will all be on the beach!

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SmartState1/status/964965642704076800

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

20th February 2018

Commonwealth Games rail PDF timetables - where are they?

Good Morning,

There appears to be some uncertainty as to whether or not PDF timetables will be produced for the Commonwealth Games period.

Yesterday TransLink offered this advice:

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/965209992361140226

" We have not been advised of a PDF timetable that will be released for the GC2018 Commonweath Games. But check the TransLink website closer to the start date if one is released. "

What sort of bumbling effort is this?  It is essential that PDF timetables be made available for all lines, particularly other than the Gold Coast as those lines will have severe service reductions and to allow intending passengers to plan they need hard copy timetables.  The TransLink journey planner is too clumsy, too amateurish and too difficult for most.

Additionally the CEO of Queensland Rail has said that overall there will be a 6% reduction in services on the network.  That might be the case but when one considers the extra Gold Coast services, however all the other lines will have a marked reduction in service.  For example the Sunshine Coast line can expect around 30% service reduction.  It is essential that PDF timetables be made available and soon please.

We are all becoming very tired of rail fail and a constant stream of public transport failures.   We are on the brink of an embarrassing transport failure for the Commonwealth Games sadly.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/965623359743582208

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/965624160096460800

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/965629201549205505

[achiruel]

I notice some issues with the Beenleigh line bus service:

• First Ferny Grove train on regular timetable departs Beenleigh 4:18am  (there are additional trains at  4:48 and 5:03)
• First R613 bus departs Beenleigh 5:18am, so the earliest passengers Holmview-Bethania can now arrive in the CBD is now 6:52am (based on journey planner result for 5 Apr), rather than 5:26am on the regular timetable. This is 1hr 26 min later!
• First Ferny Grove train departs Loganlea 4:29am
• First R611 bus departs Loganlea 5:13am, so the earliest commuters Kingston-Runcorn (excl. Woodridge) can arrive in the CBD is now 6:29am, rathern than 5:26am, 1hr 3 min later.

Seeing as trains are only running hourly 1am-5am, maybe at least one should travel all stations to make up for this shortfall in the bus service.

[BrizCommuter]

I notice some issues with the Beenleigh line bus service:

• First Ferny Grove train on regular timetable departs Beenleigh 4:18am  (there are additional trains at  4:48 and 5:03)
• First R613 bus departs Beenleigh 5:18am, so the earliest passengers Holmview-Bethania can now arrive in the CBD is now 6:52am (based on journey planner result for 5 Apr), rather than 5:26am on the regular timetable. This is 1hr 26 min later!
• First Ferny Grove train departs Loganlea 4:29am
• First R611 bus departs Loganlea 5:13am, so the earliest commuters Kingston-Runcorn (excl. Woodridge) can arrive in the CBD is now 6:29am, rathern than 5:26am, 1hr 3 min later.

Seeing as trains are only running hourly 1am-5am, maybe at least one should travel all stations to make up for this shortfall in the bus service.

Ouch, thanks for picking that up!

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

Just finished an interview with 7 News re rail timetable matters for the Commonwealth Games.

[ozbob]

Re PDFs.  I have been advised officially that PDF rail timetables will be available.  Expected availability date is 19th March 2018.

(I did comment respectfully I thought that was a little late ..  )

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/965867365559803904

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/965924509533417472

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 21st February 2018 page 13

Games timetable gives real cause for concern




Footnote:  I was advised late yesterday (20th February 2018) that PDF timetables will be available from the 19th March 2018.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/966042977800826880

[ozbob]

21st February 2018

Media Release
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Customer service staff numbers swell for Commonwealth Games

More than 70 additional frontline customer service staff have joined Queensland Rail's ranks ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), ready to support thousands of domestic and international travellers as they flock to the Gold Coast for the major international event.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new recruits kick-started their intensive six-week customer service training this week, ahead of supporting Queensland Rail's existing team of over 670 customer service staff during the biggest event Australia will see this decade.

"GC2018 is just around the corner, and our focus is on ensuring our customer service staff assist people to navigate the rail network as easily as possible during the Games," Mr Bailey said.

"With Brisbane CBD and Gold Coast line stations' opening hours to be expanded to up to 24 hours to support round-the-clock train services during the Games, we're pulling out all the stops to cater for an increased number of travellers between Brisbane and Varsity Lakes.

"We have hired more than 70 new recruits on two-month fixed term contracts specifically for the Games, many of whom offer multilingual skills to further enhance the more than 40 languages already spoken across our frontline workforce, making sure our visitors feel welcome, no matter where they come from."

Executive General Manager Citytrain, Nick King, said Queensland Rail was thrilled that of the newest customer service recruits, six had been sourced through Multicultural Development Australia, an organisation that works with newly welcomed Australians from a variety of backgrounds to help them find engaging work opportunities and settle into their new communities.

"Giving these newly arrived Australians work experience not only builds their confidence in their new home, but fosters a welcoming environment, and brings fresh perspectives on problem solving," Mr King said.

"All of our new recruits will be deployed to key stations across the South East, with international visitors clearly able to identify all our multilingual station staff by badges worn throughout the Games stating language skills.

"To ensure successful cross-cultural interactions with customers travelling on the rail network, a further 210 customer service staff from key stations are set to complete multicultural customer services skills training over a three-week period in March, ready to support our international visitors.

"We are excited to welcome customers throughout GC2018, and assist them whether they come from near or far," said Mr King.

ENDS

[ozbob]

" I heard the news today .. oh boy .. "

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/966533828100501505

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsSC/status/966504259888988160

[ozbob]

^ SM got it around the wrong way. It is 2 hour on Weekends. ...

[ozbob]

Interview ABC Radio Brisbane Steve Austin Drive 22nd Feb 2018 - Jeff Addison and Nick Easy CEO QR re rail service reductions.

Interestingly during the interview Mr Easy confirms it was a dewirement that stopped the Gold Coast services last Thursday.

> here! mp3 10.6 MB

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967518158440431616

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967518531070783488

[ozbob]

Jeff has made a very valid point.  The correct thing to say would be ' there is an overall reduction in total service numbers of around 6%. Lines other than the Gold Coast which has an increase of about three times normal service levels, will have significant service reductions in order to allow the increased services for the Gold Coast as we have limitations with crew and trains.'

I am over the feeble line of ' reduced demand so we reduce services '.  Demand is reduced because the service frequency ( and associated connection issues ) makes it difficult for people to use the network.  Is SEQ going to be locked into this reduced service holiday timetable paradigm for ever?  The way they try to spin you would think so hey?

I see the Government is encouraging visitors to head west.  I really think there is a risk that the limited 2 hour frequency on the Sunshine Coast will cause problems on weekends and Easter as I expect Sunshine Coast visitor numbers will also increase.  I expect passengers to be left behind.  Do QR or Govt actually care?  No, holiday period their spin line is ' reduced demand ' ...   

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=7057.msg205173#msg205173

.. Meanwhile, the Government will today announce a special Games-inspired "Go West" rail sale in which long distance train fares will be dramatically slashed to entice tourists to head to the Outback.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it would use the Games as an opportunity to showcase the state by slashing economy rail fares by 60 per cent on all services to western Queensland.

This includes travel on The Inlander, The Westlander and the Spirit of the Outback.

"Other major Australian and international cities have seen tourism boosted by at least 12 per cent as a result of hosting the Games, so we are taking the opportunity to promote travel right across Queensland, during and after the event, to ensure these benefits are felt in every region," she said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967595535124258816

[ozbob]

And ...

https://twitter.com/Jeffrey_Addison/status/967593657292308480

[James]

This is a bit foamy - but given the length of a trip from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, would it be worth doing a 'flyer' service after the events have finished for the night? You could run it express from Helensvale to Caboolture, stopping only at the inner city stations, then all stops to Nambour. There's definitely a fatigue risk there by requiring people from the Sunshine Coast to get the train to Petrie (or even Northgate) and then drive the remainder of the distance at 1-2am in the morning.

Getting a bit loopy, you could even use a tilt if it was available and discourage non-SC passengers from boarding. Given you are talking about a 2.5-3hr train trip, I'm sure people making the journey would appreciate the comfort.

[ozbob]

I travelled to Southport yesterday for a function at the RSL.  It was a pleasant day out with no problems on the outbound or inbound journeys.

The light rail makes the Gold Coast very convenient to get to.

On the return journey, I waited about one minute at Southport South for a tram.  Arrived at Helensvale with a 3 minute wait for the train.  6 minute wait at Roma St for the Ipswich train to go to Goodna.  When it works it is good.

I travelled on NGR 714 both directions.  Providing the infrastructure holds up the Brisbane <> Gold Coast connection will work well. 

Damn shame the rest of network is so poor  in terms of service frequency quality.

[verbatim9]

I travelled to Southport yesterday for a function at the RSL.  It was a pleasant day out with no problems on the outbound or inbound journeys.

The light rail makes the Gold Coast very convenient to get to.

On the return journey, I waited about one minute at Southport South for a tram.  Arrived at Helensvale with a 3 minute wait for the train.  6 minute wait at Roma St for the Ipswich train to go to Goodna.  When it works it is good.

I travelled on NGR 714 both directions.  Providing the infrastructure holds up the Brisbane <> Gold Coast connection will work well. 

Damn shame the rest of network is so poor  in terms of service frequency quality.

^^Great connections there! Hopefully after the games we can see a better 7 day timetable network wide. No trams this arvo though

[Cazza]

No trams this arvo though

Better now than in about a month or so!

[#Metro]

Damn shame the rest of network is so poor  in terms of service frequency quality.

Keolis Downer a possible contender for running QR perhaps?? 

[verbatim9]

Damn shame the rest of network is so poor  in terms of service frequency quality.

Keolis Downer a possible contender for running QR perhaps??