Reported service disruptions rail - no longer in use

[HappyTrainGuy]

Well, I would be.  Depends a bit on  is it confined to one type of train, random?  Bad batch of traction motors?   It is getting to the stage though where I think some public explanation is needed.

EMU.

[ozbob]

Well, I would be.  Depends a bit on  is it confined to one type of train, random?  Bad batch of traction motors?   It is getting to the stage though where I think some public explanation is needed.

EMU.

Thanks,

Pic on CM

[Arnz]

I have been advised that the power issue at Palmwoods was due to a flying fox shorting the system.

Another one in addition to this morning's dewirement at Glasshouse Mountains? 

I caught a 6-car EMU this morning from Beerburrum this morning, which isn't very often they venture north of Caboolture those days.  Most IMUs were stuck anywhere between Glasshouse and Nambour, along with the Inbound Gympielander ICE terminating at Beerwah this morning.  a 3-car IMU is in for the ICE on the "shuttles" today, and is stuck to doing Caboolture-Beerburrum along with a long break in the Caboolture yards.

[ozbob]

As far as I know it was the flying fox that caused the primary issues.  May have lead to a dewirement.

[dancingmongoose]

Amongst the utter chaos that has descended on the rail network, a less urgent issue, platform 8 and 9 at Roma St are closed. Ipswich/Springfield from 5, Caboolture/BH from 7, Nambour from 2 (except the 1pm had an issue and couldn't go, so another one left from 7)

[HappyTrainGuy]

As far as I know it was the flying fox that caused the primary issues.  May have lead to a dewirement.

No where else in the world do you have animals that you can find in Australia

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider 2m

Premier and Transport Minister at Mayne control centre to announce trains are running in time. #qldpol http://t.co/8pU3R4aVBP



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

Please publish the data, all lines, 24 hours.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@ironsider Aggregate data covers up many problems & delays, missed connections. Publish all lines 24 hour please

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

spin machine in overdrive ...   

[ozbob]

Interesting snippet from the Sunshine Express March - April 2014

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider 24m

Inside Qld Rail's Mayne Control Centre to mark big improvement in on time running. #qldpol http://t.co/wbQGIwvBL3

[ozbob]

JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

More trains running on-time than ever before

More Queensland train passengers are getting to their destination when they should, with new figures showing train on-time running has reached its highest ever level.

Premier Campbell Newman said Queensland had gone from among the worst train on-time running under Labor, to the best results in the country, showing the State Government was delivering on its election promise to revitalise frontline services.

"The quarterly result of 95.8 per cent on-time running is a great figure, but we are more interested in what that means for Queenslanders," Mr Newman said.

"Up to 18,000 more passengers a day across south east Queensland are now arriving at their destination on time, something that would not have occurred under Labor.

"What a great outcome and a fantastic turnaround."

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the four quarter average of 96 per cent was a credit to the hard work of the Queensland Rail staff.

"On-time running has grown from a three-year low of 86 per cent in the final months under former Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, to record highs," Mr Emerson said.

"Some lines have seen an increase of almost 20 per cent under this Government."

Mr Emerson said over four quarters, on-time running has been 96.4 per cent (April-June 2013), 96.9 (July-September 2013), 96.1 per cent (October-December 2013) and 95.8 per cent (January-March 2014).

"Not only are we getting the trains to run on-time but they are now more trains running with an additional 1,000 weekly services in the last three months," he said.

"We have made changes and have a taskforce dedicated to on-time running – and now we are leading the way in Australia."

Daily on-time running figures are available at http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx

[ENDS] 30 April 2014

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th April 2014

Complete OTP picture preferred ....

Greetings,

A few comments: There has been an OTP  improvement from our experiences but the only data that is made regularly available publicly is the last 5 days of peak only.  Full 24 hour profiles, peak and inter-peaks for all lines is not made available as in other jurisdictions.

The data in the table below, is that for peak, inter-peak or full 24 hour?  Not clear is it?  More selective spin?

Aggregate data covers up many problems & delays, missed connections. Publish all lines 24 hour please.  This is being truly open and transparent.

It should also be mentioned that timetables now are a lot slower than a few years ago.  This is known as timetable ' fat ' it helps to run to time.

For example in 1969, Ipswich to Central was 62 - 64 minutes.  Electric trains 1986 dropped to 50 minutes.  Today 2014. 58 minutes. Other lines are similar.

A complete picture is always better than superficial spin don't you think?

How about doing the right thing Mr Emerson and direct that full 24 hours OTP profiles all lines are published and kept accessible?

When will bus OTP be made available?

Best wishes
Robert

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

===========================
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson


More trains running on-time than ever before

More Queensland train passengers are getting to their destination when they should, with new figures showing train on-time running has reached its highest ever level.

Premier Campbell Newman said Queensland had gone from among the worst train on-time running under Labor, to the best results in the country, showing the State Government was delivering on its election promise to revitalise frontline services.

"The quarterly result of 95.8 per cent on-time running is a great figure, but we are more interested in what that means for Queenslanders," Mr Newman said.

"Up to 18,000 more passengers a day across south east Queensland are now arriving at their destination on time, something that would not have occurred under Labor.

"What a great outcome and a fantastic turnaround."

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the four quarter average of 96 per cent was a credit to the hard work of the Queensland Rail staff.

"On-time running has grown from a three-year low of 86 per cent in the final months under former Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, to record highs," Mr Emerson said.

"Some lines have seen an increase of almost 20 per cent under this Government."

Mr Emerson said over four quarters, on-time running has been 96.4 per cent (April-June 2013), 96.9 (July-September 2013), 96.1 per cent (October-December 2013) and 95.8 per cent (January-March 2014).

"Not only are we getting the trains to run on-time but they are now more trains running with an additional 1,000 weekly services in the last three months," he said.

"We have made changes and have a taskforce dedicated to on-time running – and now we are leading the way in Australia."

Daily on-time running figures are available at http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx

[ENDS] 30 April 2014

Line by line on-time running:
Rail Line   
Jan – Mar 2012 (Annastacia Palaszczuk)   
Jan – Mar 2014 (Scott Emerson)

Beenleigh   
89.92%   
94.38%

Caboolture   
76.93%   
95.43%

Cleveland   
88.53%   
93.01%

Doomben   
86.94%   
98.73%

Ferny Grove   
86.66%   
96.48%

Ipswich   
90.75%   
97.93%

Shorncliffe   
78.57%   
97.69%

Richlands/Springfield   
88.95%   
97.49%

Gold Coast   
92.81%   
93.46%

Sunshine Coast   
83.02%   
95.14%

[dancingmongoose]

Why can't they give us off-peak figures as well? Is it because their percentages will be significantly lower?

[ozbob]

Example from Perth --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/Surveysandstatistics.aspx

The full data profile is available within Queensland Rail, all that has to happen is for the Minister to direct it be published.

This is being truly transparent and open.  Selective spin impresses no one in the end.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 1h

@QGovMO @theqldpremier @QueenslandRail Aggregate data covers up many problems & delays, missed connections. Publish all lines 24 hour please

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

Twitter

QLD Gov Media Office ‏@QGovMO 2m

@Robert_Dow Happy to look at doing so. Thanks for the suggestion.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@qldgovmedia @scottemersonmp @SteveMinnikinMP @theqldpremier This is being open & transparent for real --> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/Surveysandstatistics.aspx ... #qldpol

[ozbob]

Fairfax radio news has followed up on the OTP.  Thanks for the interest ... 

[ozbob]

The reported peak OTP data was only split into Customer Impact, Contractual  from around Dec 2012 from what I can tell.

I think the figures in the joint statement ^ are a bit over stated.  It is also not clear what they are using in the table.  Around the clock or peak?

Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Cleveland are not up to an acceptable standard, even by the figures above.  Sunshine Coast Caboolture marginal ... even with the fat ...

[ozbob]

As far as I know it was the flying fox that caused the primary issues.  May have lead to a dewirement.

No where else in the world do you have animals that you can find in Australia

They are blaming rats (rodents not polys) for the Melbourne problems ...   

[dancingmongoose]

Might I add that data is also skewed by stuff like this:
The 7.13am Manly to Central train will run express from Morningside to Buranda station due to operational issues.

So desperate to keep up percentages they blatantly bypass and ignore customers paying peak hour fare who end up not even getting a service

[ozbob]

Might I add that data is also skewed by stuff like this:
The 7.13am Manly to Central train will run express from Morningside to Buranda station due to operational issues.

So desperate to keep up percentages they blatantly bypass and ignore customers paying peak hour fare who end up not even getting a service

Metro Melbourne do the same, and is a source of considerable irritation to punters down here.

However, from the operators point of view it does stop further flow on disruptions.  To be honest I can remember even in say 2006 the occasional variations in the morning peak run into town on the Ippy.

[ozbob]

1st May 2014

Time to do the right thing ...

Greetings,

Yesterday a positive media event at the Mayne Train Control Centre.  Queensland Rail has improved peak on time train performance and is to be congratulated.

The reason we know that Queensland Rail peak performance has improved however is because each day I note the reported peak data and add to our own data set. 

The only data made regularly available in Queensland is peak for the last 5 days!  So unless you capture that it is gone, a bit like the last train at night.  Miss it and you have missed it.

I collate the data and maintain a record here --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=73.0

What is not so clear is how is out of peak performance going?  That data is not made available.

Have a look at the routine data made available in Perth

Transperth train system punctuality

--> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/Surveysandstatistics.aspx

Note that an individual line break up is given for all lines peak and inter-peak (off peak).

Also archived bus and train on-time running statistics is readily available
--> http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/Surveysandstatistics/Archivedontimerunningstatistics.aspx

Contrast that to Queensland  ...  when the spin is stripped away it is rather sad hey?

Unless the data is made available regularly as for other jurisdictions we simply don't believe the hype and spin.

For years I pointed out the reported bus on time performance was not correct.

This inaccurate information was even tabled in Parliament! 
So you see, unless we get true openness and transparency we will continue to challenge the charade.

Bus OTP is still not available.  I wonder why?

Have a great day and be grateful that some of us are not as gullible as others.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Media release 27 April 2014



SEQ: Call for 'Glasnost' (openness & accountability) with public transport data

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has called for the routine public release of detailed and accurate, performance and passenger load data for public transport, as in other the states of Australia (1,2,3,4).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Detailed passenger load and performance data for public transport in south-east Queensland is not made publicly available, yet it is in other states."

"Data made available on the TransLink website is a 'sanitised' version of more complete data for non-public use.We would much prefer the Glasnost 'open and accountable' version!"

On 26 November 2013, The State Government stated; 'Queensland has a broad and complex integrity framework. It aims to ensure the public sector is accountable, honest and sufficiently transparent to encourage public confidence in the way government does business.'

'Our integrity and accountability systems need to be dynamic, responsive and regularly reviewed to ensure they are appropriate, effective and robust. (5).

Jeffrey Addison, Sunshine Coast RAIL Back On Track spokesman says "The time has come to be true to their word."
"Bus performance data has not been published for some time, when it was, it was grossly inaccurate. Other states manage to publish bus data, why the problem with this in Queensland?"

"We call on the State Government to make publicly available (via TransLink) timely and accurate performance and passenger load data for all railway lines, bus and ferry routes, at both peak and non-peak times, and restore our faith in the public transport network."

References:

1. http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/facts-and-figures/

2. http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/managing-victoria-s-public-transport-network/track-record/track-record-monthly-performance-bulletin-trains-metropolitan/

3. http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/AboutUs/Surveysandstatistics/Archivedontimerunningstatistics.aspx

4. http://www.cityrail.info/about/our_performance/otr_summary.jsp

5. http://www.qld.gov.au/about/rights-accountability/open-transparent/review/

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

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

[dancingmongoose]

Might I add that data is also skewed by stuff like this:
The 7.13am Manly to Central train will run express from Morningside to Buranda station due to operational issues.

So desperate to keep up percentages they blatantly bypass and ignore customers paying peak hour fare who end up not even getting a service

Metro Melbourne do the same, and is a source of considerable irritation to punters down here.

However, from the operators point of view it does stop further flow on disruptions.  To be honest I can remember even in say 2006 the occasional variations in the morning peak run into town on the Ippy.

It would be ok if there were significant disruptions, but there's normally about 3 every day, on various lines

[petey3801]

Might I add that data is also skewed by stuff like this:
The 7.13am Manly to Central train will run express from Morningside to Buranda station due to operational issues.

So desperate to keep up percentages they blatantly bypass and ignore customers paying peak hour fare who end up not even getting a service

Metro Melbourne do the same, and is a source of considerable irritation to punters down here.

However, from the operators point of view it does stop further flow on disruptions.  To be honest I can remember even in say 2006 the occasional variations in the morning peak run into town on the Ippy.

It would be ok if there were significant disruptions, but there's normally about 3 every day, on various lines

Running trains express for part of the journey is one of the least of the on-time running strategies...

[Fares_Fair]

...and train cancellations incur a 30 minute penalty.

[STB]

Queensland Rail have claimed 100% on time running (contractual) for the 30th April, the day of the dewirement at Glass House Mtns and the burning EMU at Morayfield.

The dewirement I can understand as apparently that was caused by a flying fox aka wildlife, but certainly not the EMU on fire, as that's maintenance related.

Is Qld Rail seriously trying to claim that both events were out of their control and hence they did not impact on their on time running records?  Personally I think they are fudging it to avoid penalties.

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RAILSERVICES/CITY/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx

[ozbob]

The EMU fire was out of peak.  Was an outbound train.  So doesn't count.

We need the full 24 hour profiles.

[STB]

The EMU fire was out of peak.  Was an outbound train.  So doesn't count.

We need the full 24 hour profiles.

Absolutely.  Also I'd like to know how Qld Rail measures it, as from what I understand of Sydney, all guards must report their late running for each station, so how does Qld Rail measure it?

[James]

Absolutely.  Also I'd like to know how Qld Rail measures it, as from what I understand of Sydney, all guards must report their late running for each station, so how does Qld Rail measure it?

I believe QR measures it as per service arriving late at Central (AM peak) and arriving late at the terminus (PM peak), between these times:

The AM peak period includes services commencing after 6.00am and arriving at Central before 9.00am.

The PM peak includes services that depart Central after 3.30pm and arrive at their terminating destination before 6.30pm.

I would be curious as to what the time standard is for Sunshine/Gold Coast line services. By the guidelines stated above, very few Sunshine Coast line services are "peak" services due to them starting after 6am and some services not arriving until after 9am.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12311/details

Springfield line trains outbound starting at Milton station

Last updated: 5.13pm Friday 2 May 2014

Springfield Central line trains travelling outbound will start at Milton station due to a points fault at Fortitude Valley station.

Customers travelling from Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central and Roma Street stations can catch an Ipswich or Rosewood train to Milton station or Toowong station which provides cover from wet weather.

All Ipswich and Rosewood line trains will be stopping at Milton and Toowong stations to accommodate customers transferring to these services.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12296/details

Delays due to points fault, Fortitude Valley station

Last updated: 4.46pm Friday 2 May 2014

Trains travelling between Fortitude Valley station and Bowen Hills station are delayed up to 15 minutes due to a points fault at Fortitude Valley. Technicians are on site.

As a result the 4.19pm Bowen Hills to Springfield Central train has been cancelled. The next Bowen Hills to Springfield Central train departed Bowen Hills station at 4.31pm.

[ozbob]

Minor jackpot ...  5.20pm 2nd May 2014

http://translink.com.au/

[ozbob]

Major jackpot ...  5.36pm 2nd May 2014

http://translink.com.au/

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12296/details

Trains suspended at Central, 30 min delays due to points fault

Last updated: 5.50pm Friday 2 May 2014

Trains are suspended between Roma Street and Fortitude Valley stations due to an overhead power issue at Central station and a points fault at Fortitude Valley station.

Technicians are on site.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12366/details

11.52pm Caboolture to Ipswich train cancelled

Last updated: 10.10pm Friday 2 May 2014

The 11.52pm Caboolture to Ipswich train has been cancelled due to a crewing issue. A bus will be conveying passengers from Caboolture station  to Ipswich station.

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

^ anyone know what this is about.  Seems ' crewing issue ' is being added to the train fail lexicon ...

[James]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12366/details

11.52pm Caboolture to Ipswich train cancelled

Last updated: 10.10pm Friday 2 May 2014

The 11.52pm Caboolture to Ipswich train has been cancelled due to a crewing issue. A bus will be conveying passengers from Caboolture station  to Ipswich station.

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

^ anyone know what this is about.  Seems ' crewing issue ' is being added to the train fail lexicon ...

The 9:36pm Ipswich to Caboolture train was cancelled as well. I suspect the crewing issues could be an after-effect of the total network collapse that QR suffered yesterday afternoon.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12386/details

Delays due to defective boom arm: Fruitgrove station

Last updated: 2.10pm Saturday 3 May 2014

Airport, Beenleigh and Gold Coast line trains are delayed up to 30 minutes in both directions due to a defective boom arm at the Warrigal Road level crossing at Fruitgrove station.

Queensland Rail technicians are en route.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/12406/details

Caboolture to Central train cancelled

Last updated: 6.27pm Saturday 3 May 2014

The 5.22pm Caboolture to Central train has been cancelled at Zillmere station due to a mechanical issue. The next Caboolture to Ipswich train will depart Zillmere station at 6.29pm. A replacement Bowen Hills to Ipswich train departed Bowen Hills station at 6.22pm

[petey3801]

It hasn't been reported on TL yet, but at the moment all Springfield-City trains (and I assume IPS-City as well,but not sure on that) are going Corinda - Moolabin - Sherwood due to an emergency overhead isolation around Corinda somewhere. Adding a few mins to journey times, including delays between Darra and Oxley waiting for a path on the Down Sub to Corinda.

[ozbob]

Thanks.  Interesting.  I recall on morning peak trip in a few years ago a similar thing happened.  Left Oxley in the lead car, arrived at Roma St in the last car!