On the Buses

[bcasey]

The driver on the 325 I was on this morning was being very impatient with a cyclist as they were climbing up the steep hill on Kelvin Grove Road, near the school there.

Several times, the bus driver was tailgating the cyclist within a metre of his back wheel, and overtook him closer than the 1 metre you are supposed to give them now. Each time the bus had to pullover at a stop to pick up passengers, gave the cyclist time to overtake us, and so the bus would then catch up to him and tailgate him again. In this case, I think the bus driver was being dangerously impatient, when he could either just follow the cyclist at a safe distance, or change lanes to go around him. I'm very surprised he didn't run him over or off the road.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Cyclist camera catches moment Brisbane City Council bus passes him with 'centimetres' to spare

[newbris]

Couriermail --> Cyclist camera catches moment Brisbane City Council bus passes him with 'centimetres' to spare

My god, what a shocking pass. Again, I doubt the 1 metre law will be requested/enforced. It's proving very hard in some cases to get the police to do their job.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> UQ supressed bus racism study: academics

[ozbob]

The Guardian --> University suppressed study into racism on buses and 'victimised' its co-author

[#Metro]

Taxpayers paid for the research, it should be released. 'Seek approval from Brisbane Transport' er, like they would ever approve such a study lest it tarnish their reputation.

[bcasey]

Universities are pretty serious about ethics clearance, even for things that are very unlikely to cause any harm. I think its mainly to cover their butts legally, but journals usually require the research for submitted papers to be ethical as well. The group I worked for at QUT had to go through a lengthy ethics clearance procedure just to allow us to test people on a simple driving simulator using a desktop computer and a gaming steering wheel. There's definitely a valid point behind having ethics clearance, particularly when it involves testing humans medically, or could adversely affect the environment, etc, but as with many things that involve legal issues, it does complicate scientific testing a lot.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Alan Davies ‏@MelbUrbanist 5 seconds ago

Offsetting Behaviour: Please review the ethics of human ethics review http://offsettingbehaviour.blogspot.com/2015/02/please-review-ethics-of-human-ethics.html?spref=tw ...

[ozbob]

Published on 21 Mar 2013

Minorities and buses are a combination that's highlighted the racism that can exist in society. A defining moment of U-S civil rights movement was Rosa Parks stand against whites-only bus seats in the 1950s. Research in Brisbane has revealed skin-colour could mean the difference between catching a bus or being left behind. Stefan Armbruster reports. Watch World News Australia 6.30pm nightly and 10.30pm Mon-Fri on SBS ONE.

[ozbob]

This also shows the flaws in the go card system.  If in fact the system fails (and the go card is part of that system) then you should be allowed to travel free. This is the case when readers off line etc.

No funds etc. is not the same as the card failing, but if the card is faulty it is not the individuals fault at that time.  Clearly they need to get a new go card, but they should not be denied travel at that point.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th February 2015

Bus free trips

Comment on the ' UQ supressed bus racism study: academics '  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/uq-supressed-bus-racism-study-academics-20150226-13q5lu.html
and ' University suppressed study into racism on buses and 'victimised' its co-author '  http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/feb/27/university-suppressed-study-into-racism-on-buses-and-victimised-its-co-author?CMP=soc_568

Bus drivers are put in a very difficult position when a go card fails.  These articles really highlight this basic problem with the go card system (and smart card transport systems in general).

If in fact the system fails (and the go card is part of that system) then you should be allowed to travel free. This is the case when readers off line etc.

No funds etc. is not the same as the card failing, but if the card is faulty it is not the individuals fault at that time.  Clearly they need to get a new go card, but they should not be denied travel at that point in our opinion.

People do not always have cash to buy a paper ticket, their money is on their go card.  Additionally what happens on the pre-paid bus service that only accepts go cards?

Is it really acceptable to deny travel to a person who has money on the go card, but due to a system or card fault is denied travel?  Hardly, is it.

It is very well for TransLink to pontificate that drivers should not allow people on board ' without a valid travel card ' but it is not as clear as that.  Bus drivers are put in a very difficult position constantly.  I see it regularly.

Welcome to the real world TransLink.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[James]

This also shows the flaws in the go card system.  If in fact the system fails (and the go card is part of that system) then you should be allowed to travel free. This is the case when readers off line etc.

No funds etc. is not the same as the card failing, but if the card is faulty it is not the individuals fault at that time.  Clearly they need to get a new go card, but they should not be denied travel at that point.

In this particular example though, we'd need to look at how the research team did the 'free rides' experiment. Were faulty go cards issued or were cards with no funds provided?

The issue with both is that PT users, if they wish to, can simply make their go card faulty (a decent high-powered magnet would do the job, as would putting another smart card behind the go card) or travel with no funds. It is a difficult issue to address because the driver has no way to check whether the user is being honest or is lying.

[ozbob]

The driver can see if the go card has insufficient funds.  It if doesn't work it gives errors.    In the study I suspect it was set up to not work.  Cards fail all the time.  A simple solution is for the drivers to have a special punch.  Let them on with the failed card but punch it indicating that needs replacing and can no longer be used, but you are OK for this trip.


I just noticed in the BT article that it says now the ' the cards were empty ' ..   this is a different issue to a card fail.  I guess this is why the results are variable.  If it was a card failure I would expect that they all would be let on.

Around my way I see all sorts of strange things on buses.  Some people just hop on and are not even challenged for tickets.  Some people wave around a paper ticket that is probably  a month old.  Others go through the motions with a go card, some work, some don't.

It is interesting that the published fare evasion rates in Melbourne and Sydney are highest for buses, considerably so.  We don't know what the rates are in SEQ, it is a state secret.  I guess there is the possibility that the authorities don't really know the fare evasion rates here.

A question for you all.  Have you ever seen a SNO/TO on a bus outside of the BT network checking tickets?   I haven't out west, but I don't know if it is done elsewhere.

[ozbob]

I usually carry 3 go cards.  A primary Seniors, a back up Concession, and an Adult card.  Always prepared to test the system! 

I doubt if anyone else does though ... 

[James]

The driver can see if the go card has insufficient funds.  It if doesn't work it gives errors.    In the study I suspect it was set up to not work.  Cards fail all the time.  A simple solution is for the drivers to have a special punch.  Let them on with the failed card but punch it indicating that needs replacing and can no longer be used, but you are OK for this trip.


I just noticed in the BT article that it says now the ' the cards were empty ' ..   this is a different issue to a card fail.  I guess this is why the results are variable.  If it was a card failure I would expect that they all would be let on.

Around my way I see all sorts of strange things on buses.  Some people just hop on and are not even challenged for tickets.  Some people wave around a paper ticket that is probably  a month old.  Others go through the motions with a go card, some work, some don't.

It is interesting that the published fare evasion rates in Melbourne and Sydney are highest for buses, considerably so.  We don't know what the rates are in SEQ, it is a state secret.  I guess there is the possibility that the authorities don't really know the fare evasion rates here.

A question for you all.  Have you ever seen a SNO/TO on a bus outside of the BT network checking tickets?   I haven't out west, but I don't know if it is done elsewhere.

That was my thinking - that they boarded with fundless cards rather than faulty cards.

People on BT services tend to be >95% go card from my experience. BT drivers tend to be quite good, they only wave people on when they're trying to change a $50 note, or sometimes when they have no credit (which doesn't seem to happen that often).

I have seen an SNO check fares once on a bus on the Gold Coast, if I recall correctly. I believe it was done on the GC Highway. As is, I've only ever been checked on the 345 Aspley BUZ in Brisbane. There's never been an SNO/TO on the 411, neither the 412 I believe.

[#Metro]

The academics should be permitted to publish, otherwise Bris Times should consider lodging FOI to get the data.

Looks awfully similar to the case where Paul Mees was fried over some criticism at The University of Melbourne and had to leave to take up a new post at RMIT.

[red dragin]

Pay the money for the "free ride" fares owed and publish it.

[hU0N]

I just got on a 61 heading home from work, along with a bunch of people heading to Lang Park. I've noticed at every stop, a few people touch on, but most simply walk on and sit down, and the driver registers them as free event travel. But not a single person (so far) has shown an event ticket or membership. I don't normally catch the 61, but I can't help wondering if that happens all the time on event days? Because everyone seems not to expect to show a ticket, and if I'd chosen not to touch on myself I'm pretty sure I could have gotten home for free, even though I wasn't going to the event. Seems quite loose.

[bcasey]

I noticed a similar thing when I was going home from a test match at the Gabba late last year. I assume the drivers are more concerned about getting everyone on the bus as quick as possible, than the small amount of fare recovery. Due to the large number of people being transported to these special events, even a small delay caused by people being held up to have to show their ticket, etc, can have a major impact on the overall flow of people and buses.

[Golliwog]

It's the same at Roma St station when there's a game at Suncorp. Staff on the gates hold a few gates open and the hoard streams through. Some show tickets, others don't but they don't seem to really check anything.

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!



Image from Brisbanetimes

Catch the bus? It could soon look like this

Catch the bus? It could soon look like this
Georgia Waters | May 15, 2008 - 4:10PM

Giant "superbuses" could be making their way along Brisbane's streets as early as next year as part of the State Government's bid to improve the public transport system.

Premier Anna Bligh first announced in March that the government would launch an international search for high-capacity superbuses as part of a plan to improve the carrying capacity of Brisbane's bus network.

Four companies, including one from Australia, have already expressed interest in providing vehicles for a trial, Ms Bligh told State Parliament today.

The superbuses will be able to carry up to 200 passengers, almost three times the capacity of our current buses, which is around 70.

"Translink will now assess the submissions and if viable, Queensland will be the first in the country to trial these high capacity vehicles as early as next year," Ms Bligh said.

:conf

[aldonius]

Most of the buses I've been on the past couple of weeks (doing the Boggo Rd <-> UQ hop) have the new realtime units installed. 

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Researchers 'appalled and concerned' at treatment of UQ economist

[STB]

Noticed new very large PIDS have been installed at Cultural Centre today, they aren't switched on yet.  I wonder if they are going to be linked to the new real time information system?

[techblitz]

took an alternative way to goldie and caught the 729/722 7.30am morning peak.....poor loadings....
729 to ormeau from yatala....3 pax off at yatala which means a decent use of the industrial area precint....but only 4 more boarding to ormeau....
722 was the real dissapoinment....1 student 2 adults boarding for entiree trip to coomera....

[SurfRail]

^ I don't blame them.  The service is rubbish.  8 per day during the week FFS.

[pandmaster]

I just got on a 61 heading home from work, along with a bunch of people heading to Lang Park. I've noticed at every stop, a few people touch on, but most simply walk on and sit down, and the driver registers them as free event travel. But not a single person (so far) has shown an event ticket or membership. I don't normally catch the 61, but I can't help wondering if that happens all the time on event days? Because everyone seems not to expect to show a ticket, and if I'd chosen not to touch on myself I'm pretty sure I could have gotten home for free, even though I wasn't going to the event. Seems quite loose.

Every ticket includes transport in the price. Not everyone uses PT to get to the game so I guess that BT do not bother if a few people farr evade since they get paid anyway.

[brissypete]

New PIDs at Cultural Centre, vast improvement on old screen although not real time yet so buses displayed dont match actual buses. 3 columns very easy to read.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/19/6e64c42b2a519fa0bdf255858b9d411a.jpg[/img]]

[techblitz]

have had 2 chances on different days to see peak patronage on our resident 116 bus route on boarding @ mater and quite impressive for a coverage route to say the least..
4.30pm yesterday had 40+ and the 5.40 pm today had about 50+(including standees).....with multiple boardings along annerley rd......i suspect this route has increased patonage since the last bus review...

[pandmaster]

376 today went past Windsor Rail around 5PM and was an air parcel. I could not see any passengers on board. There probably were  some that I did not see; it would not have been many.

[#Metro]

have had 2 chances on different days to see peak patronage on our resident 116 bus route on boarding @ mater and quite impressive for a coverage route to say the least..

4.30pm yesterday had 40+ and the 5.40 pm today had about 50+(including standees).....with multiple boardings along annerley rd......i suspect this route has increased patonage since the last bus review...

One would expect most, if not all routes to have good loading in or around peaks.

[techblitz]

eg: 90-93% peak direction capacity utilisation for stones corner/langlands park routes   <<<<< a real positive for old cleveland rd

116 peak loadings no doubt getting it's value for money/capacity ratings up...which sits at high/moderate
its one of many routes which appear to run empty through the CC on its peak direction but gain/lose sizeable amounts of passengers at mater/southbank....buz 100 being the poster boy on that front....it can be just 20% full leaving CC but then be packed to the front with standees leaving the gabba....

[ozbob]

Twitter

Andrew Lewis ‏@Derwan1 12 seconds ago

Head-on bus crash at Woolloongabba Station. @brisbanetimes

[ozbob]

^

Twitter

Andrew Lewis ‏@Derwan1 3m

Lots of emergency services in attendance.

[ozbob]

^

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/44836/details

Woolloongabba bus station closed

Last updated: 5.03pm Monday 27 April 2015

Woolloongabba bus station has been temporarily closed due to a traffic incident.

Customers are advised to catch their services from Mater Hill bus station.

Customers can expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

[ozbob]

Twitter

7News Brisbane ‏@7NewsBrisbane 37 seconds ago

Buses have collided at #Woolloongabba, one driver taken to hospital http://bit.ly/1DBnkFJ  #7NewsQ #bnetraffic

[dancingmongoose]

New addition on the 198 this morning. Expect it will be a journey tracker like on the Logan buses and Blue CityGlider

[James]

DMG, that isn't a new addition. That bus is E2035, formerly T2035, one of the buses that used to run CitySights. That TV monitor would display information about sights and things to do in Brisbane. Now CitySights is run by a private company, those buses now just run regular routes. E2033 and E2038 will also have the monitor. It may be used to display real-time info, but this isn't something which is being rolled out across BT's fleet.

[dancingmongoose]

That is highly disappointing. One can only (vainly) hope

[SurfRail]

^ 2033-2035.

Do the Spring Hill Loop buses still have similar screens fitted?