Reported service disruptions rail - no longer in use

[Arnz]

Meanwhile, whilst I see a EMU this afternoon heading to the Gold Coast whilst waiting for the 4pm service, the daytime Gympielander had a 6-car IMU, but at the expense by pulling one of the 2x 6-car IMUs usually operating the Nambour off-peak services.  The 8:30am (ex-Richlands) and 1pm Nambour services from Roma Street (both services are usually rostered by the same unit) suffers the odd EMUs if a IMU has to be pulled to replace the ICE for the Gympie service.  

However today the 8:30am and 1pm from Roma Street got a SMU260, thus keeping to schedule.  Everytime a EMU runs up to Nambour, it's approximately 5-10 mins late everytime.

[Stillwater]

In respect of track upgrading, it would be good to see the preparation of a business case and an alignment analysis that shows where the line to Nambour can be built on its proposed dual track alignment to allow for two 1500m freight trains to pass each other (or a freight train and a passenger train to pass).  The business case would be submitted to Infrastructure Australia (IA), seeking federal funding for the extra-long passing loops -- not continuous duplication.  A federal funding contribution is justified on the basis that the Sunshine Cast line forms part of the National Transport Network, which the feds have acknowledged they will fund.  All the analysis has been done and exists in several sets of documentation.  Costs and benefits have been determined.  It just needs to be put into the template format required by IA, and submitted to that organisation for the next round of funding in 2015.

[ozbob]

Ho humm ... other jurisdictions just get on with it.  Queensland, always it seems it is just too hard.  Have you seen the marvellous VLine services?  DEL and carriages as well as the VLocitys and Sprinters.  The long haul services are not suburban services. This is the fundamental issue here in SEQ.  Years of neglect are now concatenating into service mediocrity.  How can any one suggest that EMUs to Nambour is a good thing?  QR cannot even manage to get IMUs on the correct services?  Why, they are under resourced. Time some positive moves were done in terms of rolling stock so that long haul services are correctly supported with trains that have toilets and are appropriate for the longer runs.  Just a reasonable view point.  Customer focus?  What a joke ...

Yes, other jurisdictions. Its just that. VLine is on a whole different playing field compared to Queensland Rail. As much as people want them to put 100% of the funding into the SEQ area with more trains, massive realignment/extension/line plans the blantant fact is they can't. Name another company in Australia that looks after over 6000km of rail line of which around 1500-2000km is electrified, controls most of the states train movements, provides and maintains (QRN/Downer EDI has the refurbishment contacts) most passenger train services that run from Varsity Lakes to the far north of Normanton to Mt Isa to Charleville all while getting bugger all from the government or having them going to town on the business with dual weilding chainsaws cutting away at the billions of dollars worth of contacts, rollingstock facilities and assets that helped proped up other areas. Besides the tiny diesel facility at Mayne for the tilts Queensland Rail doesn't have any other available as QRN now fully control and own them. The Sunlander/Westlander/Inlander/Spirit Of The Outback are all driven by QRN owned locos (the Kuranda service being the only one operated by QR owned locos). As long as its electrified within 150km of Brisbane its always going to be the electric rollingstock no matter how many like it, hate it or think there are better rollingstock out there.

What would you personally want to see. QR to start buying locos, build a new diesel facility, training new diesel drivers, having a bumpy rollercoaster like ride on some rollingstock at the end of their shelf life on train that goes slower than the electric rollingstock currently in use or spend the money on upgrading/realigning the track that would see more benefits?

More excuses for mediocrity IMHO.  Queensland Rail and its precursors is partly to blame as is Government.  Queensland Rail should have been far more aggressive in ensuring the upgrades  to properly support passenger services in terms of locomotives, rolling stock, servicing facilities, stabling and track infrastructure.  When upgrades are actually done they are often botched, for example Corinda to Darra to Darra West (this not Queensland Rail's primary fault at all, the incompetence on these issues seems to rest within TMR).  No more excuses, it is time they got on with it.   At least there are some encouraging signs, some stabling being rolled out, but the fundamental issues remain.  

[ozbob]

In respect of track upgrading, it would be good to see the preparation of a business case and an alignment analysis that shows where the line to Nambour can be built on its proposed dual track alignment to allow for two 1500m freight trains to pass each other (or a freight train and a passenger train to pass).  The business case would be submitted to Infrastructure Australia (IA), seeking federal funding for the extra-long passing loops -- not continuous duplication.  A federal funding contribution is justified on the basis that the Sunshine Cast line forms part of the National Transport Network, which the feds have acknowledged they will fund.  All the analysis has been done and exists in several sets of documentation.  Costs and benefits have been determined.  It just needs to be put into the template format required by IA, and submitted to that organisation for the next round of funding in 2015.

A couple of us met with the Opposition Transport reps yesterday and amongst other things, highlighted this basic approach to upgrade the SCL.  Written submissions have been made as well by others.  We are heading for some serious grief unless funding can be achieved.  In the context of everything else it is difficult, but we must try.  I don't accept that the situation with the SCL cannot be fixed, and fixed fast.  The benefits in improved freight and passenger services will be profound.

[ozbob]

Twitter

612brisbane ABC Radio Brisbane
QR: 05:37 Caboolture to Central & 06:07 Petrie to Roma St service currently 11 minutes behind schedule in the Albion area.
7 minutes ago

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1315947647

Ipswich/Richlands Line trains affected

Due to a train experiencing a mechanical fault, the following Ipswich/Richlands Line services are affected:

    The 6.22am Bowen Hills - Ipswich service is around 15 minutes delayed
    The 6.41am Central - Richlands service is around 18 minutes delayed
    The 7.22am Darra - Bowen Hills service has been cancelled
    The 7.36am Richlands - Bowen Hills service has been cancelled.

[ozbob]

The number of mechanical faults lately is cause for serious concern ....

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1315947748

Caboolture Line services delayed

Due to a recent train breakdown in the Albion area the following Caboolture Line services are affected:

    The 5.37am Caboolture - Central service is around 40 minutes delayed in the Albion area
    Other inbound Caboolture Line services may be delayed up to 10 minutes.

[Mozz]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

[somebody]

Ho humm ... other jurisdictions just get on with it.  Queensland, always it seems it is just too hard.  Have you seen the marvellous VLine services?  DEL and carriages as well as the VLocitys and Sprinters.  The long haul services are not suburban services. This is the fundamental issue here in SEQ.  Years of neglect are now concatenating into service mediocrity.  How can any one suggest that EMUs to Nambour is a good thing?  QR cannot even manage to get IMUs on the correct services?  Why, they are under resourced. Time some positive moves were done in terms of rolling stock so that long haul services are correctly supported with trains that have toilets and are appropriate for the longer runs.  Just a reasonable view point.  Customer focus?  What a joke ...

Yes, other jurisdictions. Its just that. VLine is on a whole different playing field compared to Queensland Rail. As much as people want them to put 100% of the funding into the SEQ area with more trains, massive realignment/extension/line plans the blantant fact is they can't. Name another company in Australia that looks after over 6000km of rail line of which around 1500-2000km is electrified, controls most of the states train movements, provides and maintains (QRN/Downer EDI has the refurbishment contacts) most passenger train services that run from Varsity Lakes to the far north of Normanton to Mt Isa to Charleville all while getting bugger all from the government or having them going to town on the business with dual weilding chainsaws cutting away at the billions of dollars worth of contacts, rollingstock facilities and assets that helped proped up other areas. Besides the tiny diesel facility at Mayne for the tilts Queensland Rail doesn't have any other available as QRN now fully control and own them. The Sunlander/Westlander/Inlander/Spirit Of The Outback are all driven by QRN owned locos (the Kuranda service being the only one operated by QR owned locos). As long as its electrified within 150km of Brisbane its always going to be the electric rollingstock no matter how many like it, hate it or think there are better rollingstock out there.

What would you personally want to see. QR to start buying locos, build a new diesel facility, training new diesel drivers, having a bumpy rollercoaster like ride on some rollingstock at the end of their shelf life on train that goes slower than the electric rollingstock currently in use or spend the money on upgrading/realigning the track that would see more benefits?

More excuses for mediocrity IMHO.  Queensland Rail and its precursors is partly to blame as is Government.  Queensland Rail should have been far more aggressive in ensuring the upgrades  to properly support passenger services in terms of locomotives, rolling stock, servicing facilities, stabling and track infrastructure.  When upgrades are actually done they are often botched, for example Corinda to Darra to Darra West (this not Queensland Rail's primary fault at all, the incompetence on these issues seems to rest within TMR).  No more excuses, it is time they got on with it.   At least there are some encouraging signs, some stabling being rolled out, but the fundamental issues remain.  

I don't know, I like the all electric CityTrain service.  And I think the diesel tilt train should never have happened.  Add another electric one, and have interchange at Rockhampton!  The only reason to do it differently is the motorail service which is no more AIUI.

[Arnz]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

Heard their original train to Nambour today was the one that broken down on the way to Richlands this morning, hence the last minute EMU replacement  

[ozbob]

I am simply suggesting there are options.  DMUs would be useful west of Rosewood, and around Townsville and Cairns for example.  Electric VLocitys could be useful for Nambour, Gympie North and even Maryborough Rockhampton.  There are a number of 1720s DELs at Redbank awaiting disposal.

I am now of the view that we are heading for a major public and road transport crisis.  Even with the billions and billions being thrown at road there is little relief.  That money had it been directed at rail would have transformed the network, something akin to Victoria.  The looming election campaign means the time is now right to highlight the shortfalls and the fixes.

[ozbob]

Inbound on EMU33, about 8 minutes late out of Goodna, Oxley 4 minutes adrift.  Bit of time saved at Darra ... lol

[ozbob]

Inbound on EMU33, about 8 minutes late out of Goodna, Oxley 4 minutes adrift.  Bit of time saved at Darra ... lol

4 minutes late at Roma St ...

[petey3801]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

Heard their original train to Nambour today was the one that broken down on the way to Richlands this morning, hence the last minute EMU replacement  

It was an Ipswich train that failed outside Bowen Hills (coming out of the yard). 6-car EMU, which turns into a Bowen Hills train at Ipswich. Due to the delays there were a lot of trains changed around and making different services, especially at Richlands.

In regards to Sunshine Coast, there are a few speed restrictions up that way I have heard, with a major one around Beerburrum-Glasshouse. Probably the main reason for a lot of late running. Can't really expect the guard to be making apology for delay announcements at each and every station, nor everytime the train slows down for a speed restriction/restricted signal! (When stopped at a Red is another thing completely though). They would never be off the P.A. and next thing there would be complaints about too many announcements! Generally, an announcement is made when the delay occurs and the guard will pass on as much information as possible.

[Fares_Fair]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

Heard their original train to Nambour today was the one that broken down on the way to Richlands this morning, hence the last minute EMU replacement  

It was an Ipswich train that failed outside Bowen Hills (coming out of the yard). 6-car EMU, which turns into a Bowen Hills train at Ipswich. Due to the delays there were a lot of trains changed around and making different services, especially at Richlands.

In regards to Sunshine Coast, there are a few speed restrictions up that way I have heard, with a major one around Beerburrum-Glasshouse. Probably the main reason for a lot of late running. Can't really expect the guard to be making apology for delay announcements at each and every station, nor everytime the train slows down for a speed restriction/restricted signal! (When stopped at a Red is another thing completely though). They would never be off the P.A. and next thing there would be complaints about too many announcements! Generally, an announcement is made when the delay occurs and the guard will pass on as much information as possible.

Didn't happen, no excuse.
7 minutes late arrival this morning into the city, again no announcements, nothing said, crawled along at various locations.
Not once this week has the train arrived at any stations to or fro within the 'on-time' performance measures - that's a 100% failure rate so far for the 5:04pm ex-City and the 6:14am ex-Nambour trains.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[Derwan]

Caught an express train from Northgate this morning.  (I jumped on the express because it'd be quicker.)  It arrived on time at Northgate but was 7 minutes late getting into Central.  At least 2 (probably 3) all-stations trains overtook us.  Even the guard commented in an announcement, "This is the slowest express train I've been on."  He was very apologetic.

Apparently there was a late-running Gold Coast train coming from the airport.  We had to wait for it at Toombul - then we had to wait for it to depart EJ.  A service from the FG line had to wait for it to get into Bowen Hills and leave - and then we had to wait for the one from the FG line to get into and leave Bowen Hills.

A 7-minute delay for a long-haul service (e.g. from the Sunny Coast) really isn't that major.  7 minutes on a trip from Northgate to the City is more severe.

[petey3801]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

Heard their original train to Nambour today was the one that broken down on the way to Richlands this morning, hence the last minute EMU replacement  

It was an Ipswich train that failed outside Bowen Hills (coming out of the yard). 6-car EMU, which turns into a Bowen Hills train at Ipswich. Due to the delays there were a lot of trains changed around and making different services, especially at Richlands.

In regards to Sunshine Coast, there are a few speed restrictions up that way I have heard, with a major one around Beerburrum-Glasshouse. Probably the main reason for a lot of late running. Can't really expect the guard to be making apology for delay announcements at each and every station, nor everytime the train slows down for a speed restriction/restricted signal! (When stopped at a Red is another thing completely though). They would never be off the P.A. and next thing there would be complaints about too many announcements! Generally, an announcement is made when the delay occurs and the guard will pass on as much information as possible.

Didn't happen, no excuse.
7 minutes late arrival this morning into the city, again no announcements, nothing said, crawled along at various locations.
Not once this week has the train arrived at any stations to or fro within the 'on-time' performance measures - that's a 100% failure rate so far for the 5:04pm ex-City and the 6:14am ex-Nambour trains.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

What didn't happen?

Was the train (on your inbound/morning train) already late when it arrived at your station? After departing your station, were there further delays after your station apart from slow running (speed restrictions)? Did the train wait at red signals without the guard making an announcement? What part of the journey was the train delayed? Start? Nambour - Caboolture? Caboolture - Bowen Hills? Bowen Hills through the City? What type of units were they? EMU? SMU? IMU? ICE?

Stop saying 'Our train was late. It's all QRs fault. It's not good enough. It should be 100% ontime running" etc.etc. without actually saying roughly what happened! How is that anything other than just a pointless rant that will do nothing to help anyone??

Right, so one train each way seems to be problematic. Trust me, management keep an eye on these things. Any service that runs late constantly is kept under the microscope to find out what the problem is.

There are speed restrictions in other places around the network, and slow running due to restricted signals etc., without the guard being on the P.A for the entire trip. This is not just a QR thing either, in most other places i've travelled on the trains the only announcements are if the train will be delayed significantly (MORE than 10 minutes), other than that, it's tough titties. QR are one of the only rail companies that i've travelled on who have the guard (or driver in some places) on the PA within 2 mins of stopping, advising the passengers of the delay. In that regard, i've found QR pretty good mostly. There are exceptions of course, but nothing is perfect.

I don't expect the guard to be on the PA telling passengers every time there is a speed restriction. That is a bit unrealistic, and as I said, they would be on the PA that much there would be complaints about it! Saying that however, if the train has been stationary for some time where it normally wouldn't be (or even timetabled dwells if appropriate), that is an issue which would need to be resolved. But NOWHERE IN YOUR RANTS do you provide ANY of this information! So how is anything supposed to be done to fix it?!? Either provide the information that could fix it (and provide said info to QR themselves), or get off your high horse and stop the ranting.

[petey3801]

Caught an express train from Northgate this morning.  (I jumped on the express because it'd be quicker.)  It arrived on time at Northgate but was 7 minutes late getting into Central.  At least 2 (probably 3) all-stations trains overtook us.  Even the guard commented in an announcement, "This is the slowest express train I've been on."  He was very apologetic.

Apparently there was a late-running Gold Coast train coming from the airport.  We had to wait for it at Toombul - then we had to wait for it to depart EJ.  A service from the FG line had to wait for it to get into Bowen Hills and leave - and then we had to wait for the one from the FG line to get into and leave Bowen Hills.

A 7-minute delay for a long-haul service (e.g. from the Sunny Coast) really isn't that major.  7 minutes on a trip from Northgate to the City is more severe.

Probably not helped by the failure this morning, with everything trying to get onto the suburbans through the city for  some time in the middle of peak!

[mufreight]

Happy Train Guy, well I must, as others have, question your agenda.
It would seem that you have overlooked a number of facts in your post at 7.24am on 13th September.
First Queensland Rail as such does not have over 6000km of rail line a considerable length of that line is owned by QR National, the coal lines network.
You quote that 1500 - 2000 km is electrified, a large proportion of this electrified network is owned and operated by QR National as the coal network, the absurd situation exists where on the NCL the electrification to the north of Gympie North is maintained and energised for the operation of only two passenger services per day while freight services are operated under the wires hauled by diesel locos.
Yes the provision of additional diesel tilt train sets will reduce the operating costs for passenger services to Cairns but at what cost to Tourism.  A preferable option in terms of reducing operation costs, reducing emissions and reliability would have been to extend the electrification to Townsville and only purchase two more electric tilts with the present diesel tilts then operating a shuttle between Townsville and Cairns and the Inlander Service between Townsville and Mt Isa
Two sets of loco hauled Lander rolling stock could then provide a tourist service between Brisbane and Cairns hauled by an electric loco Brisbane to Townsville with the Townsville Cairns leg diesel hauled be it by a QR Passenger owned diesel or on a hook and pull arangement with QRN, PN or any other interested operator.
The outsourcing of the maintainence of the rolling stock is questionable in terms of the reliability factor achieved as we know all too well at the present time, while the outsorcing of refurbishment and up grades is justifiable.
What would a majority of informed supporters of rail prefer to see, Queensland Rail Passenger funded so that the neglect of the rail network infrastructure by Government over the last 30 to 40 years can be remedied.
So that infrastructure such as the realignment and duplication of the NCL between Beerburrum and Nambour be built as a matter of urgency with selected crossing loops extended or passing lanes constructed between Beerburrum and Townsville to accomodate 1500m freight services.
That the line between Grandchester and Laidley be realigned to the new alignment with the new tunnel through the Little Liverpool Range that would enable electrification for the return of passenger services into the Lockyer Valley to Helidon and faster transit times for freight services.
Cross River Rail started tomorrow, without it and additional tracks between Lawnton and Petrie there is little point in constructing the MBRRL or Camcos.
A better system of control of construction projects, no more do it on the cheep but only half do the job then have to come back and spend in most cases considerably more (double or tripple) than what it would have cost to complete the project properly in the first instance and have to endure the disruption to service (and aditional costs as a consequence) while the shortfalls and failures are rectified.  The money and labour saved would then be avaliable for other projects.
And finally I would refer to the comment about the riding qualities and comfort of the older rollingstock, much of which rides better and is more comfortable than the more modern replacements, much of the rough riding that you refered to I would think that if you go into it is a consequence of the lack of maintenence of the track which is getting pounded to peices by high axle weight (including overweight) freight services.    

[Fares_Fair]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

Heard their original train to Nambour today was the one that broken down on the way to Richlands this morning, hence the last minute EMU replacement  

It was an Ipswich train that failed outside Bowen Hills (coming out of the yard). 6-car EMU, which turns into a Bowen Hills train at Ipswich. Due to the delays there were a lot of trains changed around and making different services, especially at Richlands.

In regards to Sunshine Coast, there are a few speed restrictions up that way I have heard, with a major one around Beerburrum-Glasshouse. Probably the main reason for a lot of late running. Can't really expect the guard to be making apology for delay announcements at each and every station, nor everytime the train slows down for a speed restriction/restricted signal! (When stopped at a Red is another thing completely though). They would never be off the P.A. and next thing there would be complaints about too many announcements! Generally, an announcement is made when the delay occurs and the guard will pass on as much information as possible.

Didn't happen, no excuse.
7 minutes late arrival this morning into the city, again no announcements, nothing said, crawled along at various locations.
Not once this week has the train arrived at any stations to or fro within the 'on-time' performance measures - that's a 100% failure rate so far for the 5:04pm ex-City and the 6:14am ex-Nambour trains.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

What didn't happen?

Was the train (on your inbound/morning train) already late when it arrived at your station? After departing your station, were there further delays after your station apart from slow running (speed restrictions)? Did the train wait at red signals without the guard making an announcement? What part of the journey was the train delayed? Start? Nambour - Caboolture? Caboolture - Bowen Hills? Bowen Hills through the City? What type of units were they? EMU? SMU? IMU? ICE?

Stop saying 'Our train was late. It's all QRs fault. It's not good enough. It should be 100% ontime running" etc.etc. without actually saying roughly what happened! How is that anything other than just a pointless rant that will do nothing to help anyone??

Right, so one train each way seems to be problematic. Trust me, management keep an eye on these things. Any service that runs late constantly is kept under the microscope to find out what the problem is.

There are speed restrictions in other places around the network, and slow running due to restricted signals etc., without the guard being on the P.A for the entire trip. This is not just a QR thing either, in most other places i've travelled on the trains the only announcements are if the train will be delayed significantly (MORE than 10 minutes), other than that, it's tough titties. QR are one of the only rail companies that i've travelled on who have the guard (or driver in some places) on the PA within 2 mins of stopping, advising the passengers of the delay. In that regard, i've found QR pretty good mostly. There are exceptions of course, but nothing is perfect.

I don't expect the guard to be on the PA telling passengers every time there is a speed restriction. That is a bit unrealistic, and as I said, they would be on the PA that much there would be complaints about it! Saying that however, if the train has been stationary for some time where it normally wouldn't be (or even timetabled dwells if appropriate), that is an issue which would need to be resolved. But NOWHERE IN YOUR RANTS do you provide ANY of this information! So how is anything supposed to be done to fix it?!? Either provide the information that could fix it (and provide said info to QR themselves), or get off your high horse and stop the ranting.

WHAT DIDN'T HAPPEN, no announcements made for continual and daily delays.
You will see the history in my posts above.

All I need do is specify the services affected which I have done.
It's QR who monitor these things and they already know the type of train.
It may well be a rant but since no trains have been close to punctual all this week to date - I think I have a right to do so.

You are a driver so of course you will support QR in this.
I have said many times the main issues are with the infrastructure and that QR do a great job with what they have.
This is not one of those times.

If you think this is good 'customer' service, think again.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[somebody]

Probably not helped by the failure this morning, with everything trying to get onto the suburbans through the city for  some time in the middle of peak!

That would ruin a few people's days.  I presume only affecting southbound services.

[petey3801]

Currently on the 8.07 from oxley started at richlands and going to nambour 10 mins late getting to oxley at 8.20 just leaving corinda EM343 lead train .... Can't see any toilets on this choo choo :-(

Heard their original train to Nambour today was the one that broken down on the way to Richlands this morning, hence the last minute EMU replacement  

It was an Ipswich train that failed outside Bowen Hills (coming out of the yard). 6-car EMU, which turns into a Bowen Hills train at Ipswich. Due to the delays there were a lot of trains changed around and making different services, especially at Richlands.

In regards to Sunshine Coast, there are a few speed restrictions up that way I have heard, with a major one around Beerburrum-Glasshouse. Probably the main reason for a lot of late running. Can't really expect the guard to be making apology for delay announcements at each and every station, nor everytime the train slows down for a speed restriction/restricted signal! (When stopped at a Red is another thing completely though). They would never be off the P.A. and next thing there would be complaints about too many announcements! Generally, an announcement is made when the delay occurs and the guard will pass on as much information as possible.

Didn't happen, no excuse.
7 minutes late arrival this morning into the city, again no announcements, nothing said, crawled along at various locations.
Not once this week has the train arrived at any stations to or fro within the 'on-time' performance measures - that's a 100% failure rate so far for the 5:04pm ex-City and the 6:14am ex-Nambour trains.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

What didn't happen?

Was the train (on your inbound/morning train) already late when it arrived at your station? After departing your station, were there further delays after your station apart from slow running (speed restrictions)? Did the train wait at red signals without the guard making an announcement? What part of the journey was the train delayed? Start? Nambour - Caboolture? Caboolture - Bowen Hills? Bowen Hills through the City? What type of units were they? EMU? SMU? IMU? ICE?

Stop saying 'Our train was late. It's all QRs fault. It's not good enough. It should be 100% ontime running" etc.etc. without actually saying roughly what happened! How is that anything other than just a pointless rant that will do nothing to help anyone??

Right, so one train each way seems to be problematic. Trust me, management keep an eye on these things. Any service that runs late constantly is kept under the microscope to find out what the problem is.

There are speed restrictions in other places around the network, and slow running due to restricted signals etc., without the guard being on the P.A for the entire trip. This is not just a QR thing either, in most other places i've travelled on the trains the only announcements are if the train will be delayed significantly (MORE than 10 minutes), other than that, it's tough titties. QR are one of the only rail companies that i've travelled on who have the guard (or driver in some places) on the PA within 2 mins of stopping, advising the passengers of the delay. In that regard, i've found QR pretty good mostly. There are exceptions of course, but nothing is perfect.

I don't expect the guard to be on the PA telling passengers every time there is a speed restriction. That is a bit unrealistic, and as I said, they would be on the PA that much there would be complaints about it! Saying that however, if the train has been stationary for some time where it normally wouldn't be (or even timetabled dwells if appropriate), that is an issue which would need to be resolved. But NOWHERE IN YOUR RANTS do you provide ANY of this information! So how is anything supposed to be done to fix it?!? Either provide the information that could fix it (and provide said info to QR themselves), or get off your high horse and stop the ranting.

WHAT DIDN'T HAPPEN, no announcements made for continual and daily delays.
You will see the history in my posts above.

All I need do is specify the services affected which I have done.
It's QR who monitor these things and they already know the type of train.
It may well be a rant but since no trains have been close to punctual all this week to date - I think I have a right to do so.

You are a driver so of course you will support QR in this.
I have said many times the main issues are with the infrastructure and that QR do a great job with what they have.
This is not one of those times.

If you think this is good 'customer' service, think again.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Just because i'm a driver, doesn't mean I will support anything QR does. What I have asked you to provide several times now is the details of the delays that you have experienced while on the train! It shouldn't be that difficult! Have you been stopped at stations longer than schedualled with no announcement? Stopped at a red with no announcement? Or has it just been speed restrictions (no announcement really needed for this)? Nowhere in your posts have you stated any of this. All you have said is the trains were delayed. Not where or why (generally fairly easy to figure out why at the time).

I know there are speed restrictions at Beerwah and Glasshouse-Beerburrum sections, as well as a couple south of Caboolture. Is that the only reason they're late? Or have there been extra delays? If the train already arrives at your station late but loses no more time (or only a few mins due to the speed restrictions mentioned), I don't see why the guard should be on the PA all the time apologising. It would just be annoying. They should announce the delay/duration/apologise when it happens, not every other station. Maybe, maybe a quick 'Sorry for the late running of this service' type announcement before arriving into Bowen Hills on the inbound run, but even that isn't really needed IMO.

[petey3801]

Probably not helped by the failure this morning, with everything trying to get onto the suburbans through the city for  some time in the middle of peak!

That would ruin a few people's days.  I presume only affecting southbound services.

Affected the Up and Down main lines into Bowen Hills/Normanby for a while. I noticed at one point they were able to move it along a bit further before completely failing so the rear of the train was clear of the Down Main, but whether it was clear signalling wise is another question. In the end they were able to get an As Required unit out of the yard to couple up and tow it back into the yard, but at that time of morning, the damage had been done!

[HappyTrainGuy]

@mufreight. There's close to 1000km of electrified track under BSA and local control and then there's the remaining 700-800km of electrified track on the NCL. QR might cut the power in parts when theres no other traffic but QR are still responsible for maintaining them. Yes, QRNational are responsible for about 2500km of rail (of which 1400km is electrified) but they only control and maintain a couple systems being Moura, Goonyella, Blackwater, Newlands and the ports IIRC. Pretty sure South Western, Central Western, Western, NCL, Tablelands, and Mr Isa are all still under QR control and maintainence.

[p858snake]

@TransLinkSEQ: Northbound north coast line trains terminating at Landsborough due to track fault. Visit http://t.co/FvAtREq for more.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

15th September 2011

Serious concerns with mechanical and track reliability on SEQ rail network

Greetings,

Our members are increasingly concerned with the ongoing mechanical failures with the trains, and constant track infrastructure  and signalling issues on the rail network.

(See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg68281#msg68281 )

It seems of late that some lines are experiencing daily faults which is impacting on many commuters.  In fact some have had to abandon public transport due to the issues with poor reliability.

We were promised improvements.  We have been patient as there certainly has been some effects from the January floods and wet.  But time is marching on and it is fundamental that train service reliability is improved.

The bus system is also struggling with capacity issues and the basket case that is road congestion in SEQ.

More resources must be directed from roads to sustainable transport for the future.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

612brisbane ABC Radio Brisbane
QR: 04:59 Beenleigh to Ferny Grove service (was due to arrive Central at 06:01) is currently 14 minutes behind schedule
9 minutes ago

(mechanical issue according to the radio)

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

Twitter

612brisbane ABC Radio Brisbane
QR: 05:00 Ferny Grove to Beenleigh service 1706 is currently delayed at Windsor by a Signal issue. Fresh train will leave B/Hills on time.
9 minutes ago

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1316029770

4.59am Beenleigh - Central train delay

The 4.59am Beenleigh - Central service is delayed by around 14 minutes after experiencing a mechanical issue at Beenleigh.

This service is now expected to arrive at Central at 6.16am.

[Fares_Fair]

Here we are again, late as always.

For the record we were 5 minutes late to the Beerburrum bottleneck AGAIN.
It is the 5:04pm City to Nambour train.
It is an IMU 106.
It was at Beerburrum for another 5 minutes waiting for a signal to clear.
Now 12 minutes late to Landsborough.

DUPLICATE the line and provide a reliable rail service.
It's 'world class' delays.
What is going on and why can't we get a reliable rail service between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane?

It is indefensible!
This morning we were 3 minutes late into Central, the first 'on-time' performance this week.
All other times were 15-20 minutes late each way.

Arriving at Palmwoods 12 minutes late at 7:00pm.
Good luck to the remaining 'customers'.

Fares_Fair

[ozbob]

erail 5.00am

16 Sep 2011

Disruptions on Cleveland Line due to signalling fault. Expect 30 mins delay. Service to resume by 8:00 AM.


Alt. transport operating between Cannon Hill and Lindum.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1316117393

Cleveland line delays

Delays on the Cleveland line due to a signal fault at Murrarie.

Trains between Lindum and Cannon Hill are travelling at reduced speed. Buses have been arranged to transport excess passengers between these to two stations due to delayed services.

[Fares_Fair]

Here we are again, late as always.

For the record we were 5 minutes late to the Beerburrum bottleneck AGAIN.
It is the 5:04pm City to Nambour train.
It is an IMU 106.
It was at Beerburrum for another 5 minutes waiting for a signal to clear.
Now 12 minutes late to Landsborough.

DUPLICATE the line and provide a reliable rail service.
It's 'world class' delays.
What is going on and why can't we get a reliable rail service between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane?

It is indefensible!
This morning we were 3 minutes late into Central, the first 'on-time' performance this week.
All other times were 15-20 minutes late each way.

Arriving at Palmwoods 12 minutes late at 7:00pm.
Good luck to the remaining 'customers'.

Fares_Fair

Perhaps, and I am just surmising here, all these continuing delays are caused by the track work caried out over the previous weekend not being quite complete.
It ranged from Northgate to Gympie North so there must have been a substantial work-load involved.

Does anybody know ?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[HappyTrainGuy]

iirc the previous shutdown was to replace some rail, some sleeper replacements, overheads shut off for workers at station upgrades, landscaping/removal of vegitation, level crossing works etc.

[Stillwater]

I am impressed with the trackside vegetation work that's going on -- lots of unsightly sections being tidied and some of the jungle being cut back.

[petey3801]

Here we are again, late as always.

For the record we were 5 minutes late to the Beerburrum bottleneck AGAIN.
It is the 5:04pm City to Nambour train.
It is an IMU 106.
It was at Beerburrum for another 5 minutes waiting for a signal to clear.
Now 12 minutes late to Landsborough.

DUPLICATE the line and provide a reliable rail service.
It's 'world class' delays.
What is going on and why can't we get a reliable rail service between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane?

It is indefensible!
This morning we were 3 minutes late into Central, the first 'on-time' performance this week.
All other times were 15-20 minutes late each way.

Arriving at Palmwoods 12 minutes late at 7:00pm.
Good luck to the remaining 'customers'.

Fares_Fair

Perhaps, and I am just surmising here, all these continuing delays are caused by the track work caried out over the previous weekend not being quite complete.
It ranged from Northgate to Gympie North so there must have been a substantial work-load involved.

Does anybody know ?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Certainly possible. I did notice there are a couple extra speed restrictions south of Caboolture after the trackwork for a few sections of incomplete works, not sure whether they have been rectified yet or not. Could quite possibly be the case with north of Caboolture too..

[Golliwog]

 http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1316382708

CityCat delays

Some CityCat services may experience minor delays following an earlier network issue.

The following CityCat services have been cancelled for this morning:

    * 7.41am New Farm Park to Riverside
    * 8.11am Bulimba to Riverside
    * 7.51am SouthBank to University of Queensland
    * 8.09am University of Queensland to Hawthorne

[Golliwog]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sickies-force-citycat-cancellations/story-e6freoof-1226140522396

Sickies force CityCat cancellations

    Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    September 19, 2011 8:32AM

A "COUPLE" of sickies has forced the cancellation of several CityCat ferries this morning.

Translink has advised  "more than two" crew have called in sick, forcing the cancellation of four services.

But a spokesman couldn't say how many had called in sick.

The services cancelled include the 7.41am New Farm Park to Riverside, the 8.11am Bulimba to Riverside, the 8.09am University of Queensland (UQ) to Hawthorne and the 7.51am South Bank to UQ.

Services are expected to run as normal for the rest of the day.

Only 10 comments, but a few people appear to be under the impression that staffing the ferries is Translinks responsibility.

[ClintonL94]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1316433918

Caboolture train delays

Trains are delayed on the Caboolture line due to a police incident at Geebung. Buses are being organised.

Update: Outbound trains are delayed on the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines due to a police incident at Geebung. Buses are running between Northgate and Zillmere train stations. Delays of up to an hour should be expected.

Affected Services:

• Caboolture line

[Mozz]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/car-flips-lands-on-train-tracks-at-geebung-train-station/story-e6freoof-1226141312192

A CAR has made a spectacular entrance to the Geebung train station, crashing through the fence before flipping on its roof and landing on the tracks.

Three people, believed to be male, were in the car when the driver failed to negotiate a corner and instead careered into the station.

It is believed one of the occupants may have been seriously injured in the crash, which occurred just before 10pm.

An ambulance crew attended the scene.

Craig Simpson and girlfriend Sarah Valentine were travelling on the Caboolture line when their train stopped at Zilmere and they were taken to a rail bus instead, because of the disturbance the car had caused to the rail lines.

They stopped at Geebung station and saw the wreckage first-hand.

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They claim the occupants of the car made a run for it, but police have confirmed the occupants are with officers now.

The crash has caused major delays on the Caboolture line.

More to come.