TransLink SEQ - COVID-19 changes

[BrizCommuter]

As someone who works in an essential job, I hope that public transport frequencies are maintained to a suitable level to allow social distancing to continue. Peak period patronage has reduced by around 50%, which means that a reasonable number of peak period trains are now at sensible capacity levels for social distancing. If frequencies are significantly reduced (even to RailFail School Holiday timetable levels) then it will bring people closer together as has just occurred in London, increasing the likelyhood for COVID-19 transmission (especially if people have to hold onto rails). Obviously service levels have to have sufficient staff which currently appears to be the case. Interested to know other peoples thoughts.

[ozbob]

For information ..

China.org.cn --> Beijing adds subway trains to reduce passenger congestion amid epidemic

Beijing Subway will pilot adding trains and reducing intervals during workday rush hours to make trains less crowded as the city speeds up work resumption amid the epidemic.

The metro operator said such "extraordinary" measures were part of a new operation scheme that will be first piloted on the Changping and Batong lines starting on Tuesday.

The scheme will reduce the time trains stop at each station and the minimum intervals between two running trains while increasing the number of trains in service during the morning and evening rush hours.

Operators will also strengthen the real-time monitoring of passenger flows and limit the number of people in stations along the two lines.

The new measures are expected to reduce the full occupancy rates by 45 percent and 30 percent on the Changping and Batong lines, respectively, according to Beijing Subway.

Beijing experienced a severe gridlock on Monday morning as many commuters shunned the usually crowded subways out of infection concerns and drove their own cars.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport said the traffic index reached 8, with 10 being the most congested, on Monday morning, bringing down the city's average driving speed to 20 km per hour.

"Driving is a safer option," said Beijing resident Hu Zhe, who was caught in the gridlock. "The familiar sight of traffic congestion is disturbing, but it also makes me feel like the city is returning to normal."

[ozbob]

As someone who works in an essential job, I hope that public transport frequencies are maintained to a suitable level to allow social distancing to continue. Peak period patronage has reduced by around 50%, which means that a reasonable number of peak period trains are now at sensible capacity levels for social distancing. If frequencies are significantly reduced (even to RailFail School Holiday timetable levels) then it will bring people closer together as has just occurred in London, increasing the likelyhood for COVID-19 transmission (especially if people have to hold onto rails). Obviously service levels have to have sufficient staff which currently appears to be the case. Interested to know other peoples thoughts.

Thanks Briz for doing what you do.

I know that TransLink has prepared timetables, probably reduced service timetables, to implement at short notice.  I expect that the service levels will be maintained at a level to match the level of the emergency response, with regard to crew availability.   I hope they maintain normal levels of service as long as practicable for the movement of essential service staff and employment.  People should now be strongly discouraged from travelling for non-essential reasons.  Schools and unis etc. will soon be closed.

[Monster]

I think the way things are going (based on numbers in the CBD anyway), there's going to be a further reduction in patronage. I've never seen FG station carpark so empty. Even during times of school holidays.

Most Govt agencies have now enacted a work from home policy which, combined with many food outlets/pubs etc closing should have a significant impact on numbers coming into the CBD. I know that's not the only end point for travel, but it is a rather significant one. My agency's "week in the office /week at home" work from home policy started this week and already looks like it will change to "100% work from home" before the week is out. 

At some point there's going to be a reduction in services. Be it through QLD Health directive or through QR policy. My hope, like Briz, is that numbers are at a level where the reduction doesn't impact the distancing directive we are s-l-o-w-l-y starting to understand.

I'm more concerned with those who do not have the ability to work from home or have had their jobs due to this situation. Just beyond sad.

Please stay safe everyone and stay in contact with loved ones........ but only through social media, skype, phone calls etc.

We will get through this......

[techblitz]

People should now be strongly discouraged from travelling for non-essential reasons.  Schools and unis etc. will soon be closed.

real estate agents still taking prospective buyers through houses....
And as I look out across granard I see rocklea Bunnings car park absolutely chockers.....
On the buses I still see same group of elderly males jumping on the 110......moving between inala/acacia ridge to moorooka shops so they can socialise with other mates like they always do.......they aren't shopping.....they are there to hang out..getting the picture here??.....people just aren't getting it.....
I also cant believe how quickly we are catching up to countries like Sweden and Norway......highly likely we will be overtaking them in the next few days.....the only other country coming close to us on increase would be Portugal....we will probably catch Belgium soon.......this f*ing shouldn't be happening......Europe historically always goes out of control in these epidemics......Australia due to its remoteness && smaller density should not be doing the f*ing same........we are slowly proving how dumb we are by the day...

[Otto]

People should now be strongly discouraged from travelling for non-essential reasons.  Schools and unis etc. will soon be closed.

real estate agents still taking prospective buyers through houses....
And as I look out across granard I see rocklea Bunnings car park absolutely chockers.....
On the buses I still see same group of elderly males jumping on the 110......moving between inala/acacia ridge to moorooka shops so they can socialise with other mates like they always do.......they aren't shopping.....they are there to hang out..getting the picture here??.....people just aren't getting it.....
I also cant believe how quickly we are catching up to countries like Sweden and Norway......highly likely we will be overtaking them in the next few days.....the only other country coming close to us on increase would be Portugal....we will probably catch Belgium soon.......this f*ing shouldn't be happening......Europe historically always goes out of control in these epidemics......Australia due to its remoteness should not be doing the f*ing same........we are slowly proving how dumb we are by the day...

Spot on !

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1242272253548486656

[Gazza]

What will happened to the 700 with the Qld border closure? Will it terminate one stop early?

[verbatim9]

The whole border closure thing is stupid. Just tell people to stay at home unless they need go out shopping.or go to work. Why close the border? Are there an influx of visitors coming up from Sydney? Is their a cluster of infections in Northern NSW and Southern Gold Coast? One State does one thing and another State another thing! Just have a national approach and close the international borders and just essential services open as they are now as well as some other industries.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Coronavirus Qld: Brisbane buses, ferries move to contactless payment

ONLY prepaid Go Cards will be accepted on Brisbane's buses and CityCats from today, in a bid to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Passengers will have to board buses through the rear doors, and the front passenger seat will also be cordoned off to protect drivers under new safety requirements.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said public transport was safe to use, but he also wanted to boost commuter confidence and ensure drivers and passengers were protected.

As part of the council's contingency plan for bus services, it may revert to weekend schedules if there is a shortage of staff.

Limits may be imposed on passenger numbers for CityCats and bus services, but only on the advice of Queensland Health.

Cr Schrinner said there had been a 36 per cent drop in bus patronage the past week, year-on-year, in the number of people catching buses compared to the same time last year.

"Our bus services are still running to their usual schedule and there's plenty of space on board," he said.

"We will continue to take advice from Queensland Health on matters relating to the operation of essential services and have planned for impacts to staffing, scheduling and services."

The new Go Card and boarding rules will apply from the first services today.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1242469024811741185

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1242461768598708224

[aldonius]

Hopefully the rear door boarding becomes all door boarding once this is all over. Another item for the "this was always possible, government just chose not to".

[ozbob]

https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/community-safety/disasters-and-emergencies/coronavirus-council-updates-and-impacts/temporary-changes-to-bus-and-ferry-services

Temporary changes to bus and ferry services

Brisbane City Council wishes to advise of temporary changes to bus and ferry services from first service Wednesday 25 March 2020, with only pre-paid go cards to be accepted on all services and rear door boarding to be introduced on buses.

The precautions are being implemented to further protect public transport users and passengers from the spread of coronavirus.

All bus passengers must board through the rear door (and centre door on articulated buses) and the front passenger seat will be cordoned off.

Boarding from the front doors will be available for passengers requiring assistance and to maintain disability access.

Passengers will still be required to touch on and off with their go cards using the electronic readers adjacent to the rear doors. Cash payments on bus and ferry services will not be available, in line with social distancing measures.

For more information on go cards and where they can be purchased, customers should contact TransLink.

For more information on closures visit call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Brisbane City Council is working closely with Queensland Health and the Australian Government and will continue to be guided by these agencies on all matters of public health. Any further updates to our services and facilities will be provided when available. For health advice or information visit www.health.qld.gov.au.

====

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/274481

Cashless payments only from today

From Wednesday 25 March, bus, train, ferry and tram services in South East Queensland (excluding school bus services) will only accept pre-paid tickets to reduce cash handling.

This means that you will need to use your go card or pay for a paper ticket at a station fare machine rather than purchasing a ticket or topping up on-board.

There will be a two-week leniency to allow customers without a go card to obtain one, after that regular TransLink fares and conditions of travel will apply on all services.

If you don't already have a go card, you can purchase one from more than 680 locations across South East Queensland, including 7-Eleven, Night Owl and manned train stations, online or by phoning us on 13 12 30.

Other driver protection measures include:

blocking off the front row of seats on board buses

allowing you to only touch on the go card reader furthest from the driver

rear door boarding only on Transport for Brisbane buses (unless you require assisted boarding).

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1242580194373677056

[STB]

Is the TX route still running to the theme parks?  Seems a bit weird to keep that route running when the theme parks are closed down.

[techblitz]

jumped on a 115 inbound @12.30pm and saw notice on front door saying to board from back.....tagged on at back and charged fixed fare....

edit: jumped off same bus 12.40pm and tagged off @ rear door and got hit with another fixed fare 

[ozbob]

jumped on a 115 inbound @12.30pm and saw notice on front door saying to board from back.....tagged on at back and charged fixed fare....

edit: jumped off same bus 12.40pm and tagged off @ rear door and got hit with another fixed fare 

Jeepers.  I thought they would have enabled all the readers for rear door boarding.  Shambles ..

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/3/25/changes-to-seq-public-transport-to-promote-better-social-distancing

Media Statements

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Changes to SEQ public transport to promote better social distancing

All public transport commuters in the south east will need to use a go card or pay for tickets using station fare machines from today.

Passengers will no longer have the option to pay cash on south east Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses to promote better social distancing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said phasing out cash payments would speed up boarding and reduce contact between drivers and passengers.

"By temporarily stopping cash payments, we're aiming to avoid queues as people search for change to pay their fare and give customers more space to practice social distancing when they board," Mr Bailey said.

"We're close to trialling smart ticketing technology, but our buses aren't equipped to accept contactless payments from credit cards or mobile devices yet.

"While the health advice says it is good hygiene practise to wash your hands after handling cash, this decision is a further precaution to support the health and safety of frontline transport staff and our customers."

Mr Bailey said the cashless measure would be applied on services where there is capacity to do so and run until 31 December 2020, with decisions to cut short or extend the trial dependent on the wider COVID-19 containment response.

"Almost 90 per cent of all public transport trips in SEQ are paid for with go cards, so this change won't impact the majority of our customers," Mr Bailey said.

"Customers who use paper tickets will need to change their habits, especially those who prefer paying cash.

"To help with this change, TransLink will supply community groups that support seniors and other vulnerable commuters with a limited number of pre-loaded go cards and provide them with assistance in showing commuters how to use them.

"For an initial period, drivers will be given discretion to allow passengers to travel when they state they have not been able get a go card, and TransLink will monitor that.

"The change will also mean cheaper fares for these commuters too because go card fares are around 30 per cent cheaper than a single paper ticket."

TransLink is also working with bus operators to provide additional protection for bus drivers, by blocking off the front row of seats on board vehicles and disabling the go card reader nearest the driver.

Some operators whose buses have a rear door and front door, will also restrict entry and exit to the rear door.

Mr Bailey said catching public transport was safe and called on commuters to seek out and follow the latest health advice.

He said TransLink was exploring similar arrangements for regional public transport services.

Mr Bailey TransLink would also work with Education Queensland and school bus operators to look at ways to enhance health and safety on school services too.

"We're following the best advice available from Queensland Health and Federal health authorities," he said.

"The current advice says there is no need to reduce public transport services.

"Patronage has dropped on many services in the past fortnight so there is more space for customers to separate and of course they should do that wherever possible.

"This is a dynamic situation. Advice can change at short notice, and we're ready to act quickly.

"We've been planning for this since we first became aware of the potential impacts of a pandemic.

"I have directed Queensland Rail and TransLink to increase their cleaning programs.

"More cleaning staff have been recruited to disinfect trains, trams, buses and ferries every day in South East Queensland.

"Surfaces at stations, including hand-rails and lift buttons, are also being cleaned."

Mr Bailey said health and safety should be everyone's priority as we work together to contain the spread of COVID-19.

"Commuters should practise good hygiene, wash or sanitise their hands regularly and limit personal contact where possible," he said.

'If you're sick or showing symptoms of illness, please stay home and avoid public spaces."

Customers who don't own a go card can buy one from over 680 locations across SEQ such as at 7 elevens, Night Owls, staffed train stations.

Go card stock will be increased at retailers to ensure shortages aren't experienced.

For more information about how to get go cards and set them up with useful features like auto top-up, visit translink.com.au (external site) or call 13 12 30 anytime.

ENDS

[James]

Jeepers.  I thought they would have enabled all the readers for rear door boarding.  Shambles ..

All four of the bus services I caught today had rear door touch-on enabled, perhaps some depots missed the memo. I was a bit shocked by the speed of which rear-door only was brought in. No hint of it coming into force as late as last night.

I've observed the steady decline over the last few weeks - I cannot practically work from home for now (for several reasons). My typical morning bus would have about 20-25 pax on board, last week it was sitting around 10-14 (interestingly increasing as the week went on), and this week it has reduced to about 7 passengers per trip. Many of the regular pax not on board.

Afternoon patronage in particular has plummeted though.

[verbatim9]

^^I doubt they will go back to cash and when this irons out all door boarding will likely be trialled.

[Otto]

jumped on a 115 inbound @12.30pm and saw notice on front door saying to board from back.....tagged on at back and charged fixed fare....

edit: jumped off same bus 12.40pm and tagged off @ rear door and got hit with another fixed fare 

Check your online account TB.
We were told that if that occurs, the charges should be automatically adjusted by Translink. Let us know if that's true please.

[SurfRail]

Is the TX route still running to the theme parks?  Seems a bit weird to keep that route running when the theme parks are closed down.

It is the only service to a number of stops on the eastern side of the highway between Exits 57 and 60, so it will still be going.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/3/27/covid19-response-sees-temporary-reduction-in-queensland-longhaul-travel

Media Statements

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Friday, March 27, 2020

COVID-19 response sees temporary reduction in Queensland long-haul travel

Long haul train and coach services within Queensland will be temporarily reduced as part of wider efforts to contain COVID-19.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said rural and regional communities would continue to have access to transport for essential travel under the changes.

"Right now, people should not be travelling on coaches or trains across Queensland unless they have an essential reason to," Mr Bailey said.

"Essential reasons are things like getting to work or to a medical appointment.

"The Queensland border is now closed and we're already seeing drops in patronage of up to 60 per cent on buses and trains as people stay home.

"People will still have access to long distance passenger services for essential reasons on all key corridors, but the frequency of those services will be reduced, and we'll manage passenger numbers on board to separate passengers from each other."

Under the changes, rail services on the Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane to Longreach), Westlander (Brisbane to Charleville) and Inlander (Townsville to Mount Isa) services will be suspended.

XPT trains between Sydney and Brisbane operated by NSW Trains are terminating in Casino and will not enter Queensland.

North Coast Line (Brisbane to Cairns) passenger rail services will be reduced by about 50 per cent.

The Savannahlander, Gulflander and Kuranda Scenic Railway services will also be suspended.

Long distance coach services will be reduced, and will replace rail services in areas where corresponding rail services have been suspended.

Mr Bailey said decisions would be made to restore services as soon as it was safe to do so.

"These are temporary measures, but they are critical to curbing the spread of COVID-19 into our rural and regional communities," Mr Bailey said.

"Every single Queenslander should avoid long distance travel unless they absolutely have to for essential purposes.

"We need everyone to work together and follow the latest health advice at this time.

"If you do need to get these services for essential travel within Queensland but are feeling sick, please do not travel and ensure you seek medical treatment and self-isolate if required."

These changes will come into effect from Monday, March 30, except for Kuranda Scenic Railway services which will take effect from Friday, March 27.

[ozbob]

Facebook ...

[ozbob]

Minisiter's statements says there will be two weekly coach services Charleville <> Brisbane to replace Westlander services.

Bus Queensland says all services cancelled.

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57845006f5e2315860f0452d/t/5e7af009d3ba3b15f0d008bc/1585115145975/Services+Affected+30.3.2020+COVID-19.pdf )

Have followed up with Minister's staff.

[red dragin]

Drove passed Narangba Station this morning, probably seen more cars in the car park on a Sunday than there was today.

[ozbob]

Minisiter's statements says there will be two weekly coach services Charleville <> Brisbane to replace Westlander services.

Bus Queensland says all services cancelled.

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57845006f5e2315860f0452d/t/5e7af009d3ba3b15f0d008bc/1585115145975/Services+Affected+30.3.2020+COVID-19.pdf )

Have followed up with Minister's staff.

Been advised that there will be twice weekly coaches Charleville <> Brisbane.  Bus Queensland web site will be updated.

[Otto]

Drove passed Narangba Station this morning, probably seen more cars in the car park on a Sunday than there was today.

I operated a 204 service @ 1:22  from the Valley to Carindale via Old Cleveland Rd all stopper on Thursday. Not a single customer for the entire journey. That's the first time in 30 years that's happened to me in the middle of the day.

[verbatim9]

I'm still catching the train to work #workingfromhome https://t.co/hl6lPCw6OQ

https://twitter.com/christianhull/status/1243334325942120451

[ozbob]

Came across this ..

[verbatim9]

Inevitable! It will probably go to a Saturday timetable. Maybe with some extra interim train services? Good opportunity to ramp up the NGR compliance add ons?

[BrizCommuter]

Inevitable! It will probably go to a Saturday timetable. Maybe with some extra interim train services? Good opportunity to ramp up the NGR compliance add ons?

I hope not, that happened in NYC and is a likely contributor to the massive infection and death rate there. I think something like the Rail Fail School Holiday timetables could now be justified, but any more cuts could impact ability to maintain social distancing.

[Cazza]

All they need to do really is just reduce the number of peak services running (the City Rockets in particular) and get rid of the extra uni services on Routes 28, 29, 66, 169, 402, 428 etc. etc. etc. Nightlink can also go, as well as any late night Friday or Saturday services. I can't see them suspending any of the welfare routes these people are complaining about because:
A- Coverage routes are needed at this time (to allow for everyone to have some sort of public transport access if they do need, as they somewhat mentioned in a "Karen" way) and
B- Most of the low frequency routes in question don't get above 5 people on them anyway, so it's no different to normal.

Obviously, public transport will be running at a major loss at the moment and it's a fine balance between cutting services that aren't needed (so funds can be distributed towards the healthcare industry for example) and keeping people at a reasonable distance apart, people moving around and people employed. Either way, someone will be unhappy.

[Gazza]

For the time being, i think the Summer Timetable would probably be a good compromise...peak extras, so enough to ensure distancing but not providing services every 6 min on certain lines.

Transperth is shifting to a Saturday timetable, but theirs are 4tph anyway so not so bad.

[#Metro]

ll they need to do really is just reduce the number of peak services running (the City Rockets in particular) and get rid of the extra uni services on Routes 28, 29, 66, 169, 402, 428 etc. etc. etc. Nightlink can also go, as well as any late night Friday or Saturday services. I can't see them suspending any of the welfare routes these people are complaining about because:
A- Coverage routes are needed at this time (to allow for everyone to have some sort of public transport access if they do need, as they somewhat mentioned in a "Karen" way) and
B- Most of the low frequency routes in question don't get above 5 people on them anyway, so it's no different to normal.

Obviously, public transport will be running at a major loss at the moment and it's a fine balance between cutting services that aren't needed (so funds can be distributed towards the healthcare industry for example) and keeping people at a reasonable distance apart, people moving around and people employed. Either way, someone will be unhappy.

Maybe it is time to do a bit of bus network reviewing ... consolidate Centenary suburbs services into a new BUZ etc using existing services.

[SurfRail]

This is going to unnecessarily punish a lot of people who don't have weekend services due to the incompetent design of the bus system.

[James]

Services had already been cut around Logan due to COVID-19.... see: https://translink.com.au/service-updates/275876

Reduced services for Clarks Logan

Last reviewed: Thursday 2 Apr 2020 at 8.09am (2 days ago)

From Wednesday 1 April until Friday 3 April, the following Clark's Logan bus services will be cancelled due to driver shifts:

550 - 7.13am from Browns Plains station
551 - 5.45am from Crestmead
554 - 7.25am and 7.55am from Kuraby
555 - 7.05pm from Springwood and 7.35pm from Brisbane CBD
560 - 7.13am from Loganholme station
563 - 6.13am and 6.26am from Sirus St, Eagleby
566 - 6.52am from Windaroo
572 - 6.45pm from Loganholme station
573 - 5.50am, 6.05am, 7.05am from Loganholme station
575 - 5.40pm from Brisbane CBD
577 - 7.11am and 7.26am from Springwood station
579 - 7.20am from Springwood station
P581 - 8.45am from Slacks Creek
Use journey planner or call 13 12 30 to replan your journey.

Pretty haphazard removal with some pretty painful gaps at first glance - 573 has its first service half an hour later and the 577 has a 45 minute service gap.

On the upside, at least parking at Park n Rides would be plentiful given the drop-off in demand.

PS It has been positively delightful to travel around on the network. Buses empty and on-time, plenty of space and journey times to match. Let's just hope a reduced 'Summer Holiday' timetable is done sensibly and not by ripping out services willy-nilly as has started to occur in Logan.

Free / $5 carparking having an impact too - KGS now full by 7:30am every morning, street parking in the CBD filling up quickly despite the CBD being deserted.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1262296376353804288

I spoke with Georgie yesterday and briefed her on the different trains capacity etc.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1262298707208200192