On the Buses

[ozbob]

Twitter

@Team_Quirk to unveil two retro-decorated buses today, celebrating 90 years of #Brisbane bus transport history - @4kqbrisbane

[SurfRail]

I've seen at least one - it is dolled up like one of the original "CityXpress" liveried buses from the 1980s.  Expect the other one is probably done up to resemble something a bit older.

[Otto]

Outside City Hall

First is Blue Leyland Panther, second is M.A.N. Cityxpress

[ozbob]

Thanks Otto! 

[HappyTrainGuy]

And sideways too!

[ozbob]

Keep an eye out on the streets for these retro-inspired Council buses. We're celebrating 90 years of providing public transport for Brisbane pic.twitter.com/0VmRAwVtbh

— Cr Adrian Schrinner (@Schrinner) September 29, 2016

[verbatim9]

Bus Drivers requesting secure driver cabs and cashless transactions onboard ahead of the review --->
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/9/29/transport-minister-announces-review-of-bus-driver-safety?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[red dragin]

Saw a bus today sign written in blue and white with "council subsidies this bus by 80%" or words to that effect.

Nice to see ratepayers money being spent politically, in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Planners struggle with growing passenger sizes

HEFTY Queenslanders are proving a major problem for Brisbane city planners, with overweight passengers putting too much pressure on the city's buses and road surfaces.

The average Australian bus passenger who, according to industry guidelines, weighed 65kg in 1989, now weighs about 78kg.

It leaves bus engineers struggling to keep up with what is needed to carry increasingly heavy passengers.

The extra weight tests not only the allowable 16-tonne mass limit of buses, but is also wearing on Brisbane's roads.

Brisbane City Council city planning and economic development manager Kerry Doss said this was just one example of how the city's changing demographic was posing planning and engineering problems.

"Because the average weight of a passenger is increasing, if you load a bus up fully, it actually exceeds weight limits for pavements (road surface)," he said. "You've got to start thinking about those things because that means you've got to build a stronger road pavement."

Mr Doss said the growing weight problems continued into other areas, such as the workload of crematoriums.

"Because people are getting bigger, the incinerators we have in our crematoriums need bigger doors, and as the cremation is taking a longer time, the incinerators are getting too hot," he said.

Australia's bus industry has been campaigning for increased bus mass limits for several years.

A 2014 paper by the National Transport Commission suggested the allowable limit for two-axle buses should be raised from 16 tonnes to 18 tonnes, which is already the limit in some states.

Recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that between 1995 and 2012, the average weight of Australian men rose 3.9kg to 85.9kg, while for women it increased 4.1kg to 71.1kg.

[ozbob]

Mount Isa coach service picking up pax at Redbank railway station





Photographs R Dow 16th November 2016

[verbatim9]

Do they head out West from there then North West via Charleville?

[ozbob]

Do they head out West from there then North West via Charleville?

Route >> http://www.busqldoutback.com.au/

[verbatim9]

Do they head out West from there then North West via Charleville?

Route >> http://www.busqldoutback.com.au/

Cool, Thanks

[aldonius]

66 no longer runs on weekends in new timetable. 

[verbatim9]

Wow! cuts left right and centre. That going to put pressure on the 333 340 and 330 through the INB

[brissypete]

66 no longer runs on weekends in new timetable. 

I did see a comment on TL facebook that this is an error in the pdf timetable.

Sent from my E6653 using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

We're rolling out USB charging points in the 10 newest Council buses. Is this something that you would make use of? pic.twitter.com/sEeQj1HbVZ

— Adrian Schrinner (@Schrinner) December 1, 2016

[HappyTrainGuy]

If there were buses to actually catch somewhere then maybe 

[ozbob]

And the winner was... Sherwood Depot! Congratulations to all the staff who designed this spectacular #MerryBrismas #bus! pic.twitter.com/y3AVqdZElp

— Team Quirk (@Team_Quirk) December 13, 2016

[verbatim9]

Just wandering why Surfside Buses at interchanges Helensvale, Nerang, Robina and SeaWorld Terminus leave their engines running even holding for 15/20 mins. Is it a driver education thing? or a mechanical thing? (can't turn off and start again). Or is it a safety thing? I know that BCC buses always turn their engines off at interchanges or when holding at a interchange or terminus. Surfside and Redcliffe buses I notice they do not! Not sure about Logan buses and other operators. It's very annoying and unecassary air/noise pollution. Must add to the cost of fuel too.

[Otto]

For BT, it's a political thing. Must keep the residents ( Voters ) happy. 

[verbatim9]

For BT, it's a political thing. Must keep the residents ( Voters ) happy. 

That's a good thing then , It should be across all Bus Operators to turn engines off if holding more than 5mins at a interchange or terminus.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane bus drivers say they are being abused by motorists over give way rule

Brisbane bus drivers are being abused over a road rule that some motorists may not even know exists - even though the law is spelled out in front of them.

When driving in a built-up area with a speed limit of 70km/h or less, drivers must give way to a bus displaying a "give way to buses" sign and indicating to enter traffic from a bus zone, bus stop, bus stop bay, road shoulder or left side of the road. ...

[red dragin]

Because some of the bus drivers abuse the law by indicating as they begin to move, not prior to. How am I supposed to slow down with no warning?

I think with modern traffic volumes the speed for that law needs to drop to 60kmhr.

[Otto]

It was 60 to start with when it was introduced in the late 80's. It was raised to 70 around the late 90's / 2000 period.
As a driver myself, I experience intollerant drivers everyday. Even when some are stopped behind me at traffic lights as my indicators are flashing, they still try to get past me and not give way.
Then you have the opposite extreame . I put on the right indicator when in the bus stop to signal my intention to depart and some motorists slam on the brakes as soon as the indicator is on and nearly end up with the following vehicle running into them. That is a dangerous over reaction. This most likely results in the following car abusing me even though I have not even moved at the time.
I will always use the 5 second rule before I move out unless I'm let out sooner.

Queensland Traffic Act ( Transport Operations ) https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/legisltn/current/t/trantoprurr09.pdf  ( Pages 84 - 85 )

[ozbob]

Thanks Otto.

I back bus drivers!

[red dragin]

Like lawyers/motorcyclists/cyclists/drivers/unionists/police the is a minority that gives the rest a bad name, which is why I ensured that I use the qualifier "some".

[Otto]

I've read the article about giving way to buses and read the comments.
This reply is about as spot on as they get.

I laugh at drivers in front of me slamming brakes on because at the last minute they have noticed a bus with its indicator on.
I whitnessed a car hit a bus on Mains Rd Sunny Bank, the bus had it's indicator on for ages and the traffic sped up, this created a gap but the driver in front did not notice.
The bus pulled out and smash! I left my details with the bus driver, the car in front of me argued with the driver saying he only saw two flashes of his indicator.
I laughed so did the bus driver.
The bus driver went on to say, the bus had 2 rear facing cameras and one forward.
I know who was going to win that argument.
Good on our bus drivers, they deal with lots of crap and can still smile and say good morning to the passengers.
Thank you.

In my opinion, the cameras fitted to the majority of BT buses recording everything that goes on outside around the bus is the best defence drivers have. Not only is video recorded, but also the use of indicators and other items are recorded in sync with the video.
Before cameras, complaints about drivers were hard to defend, but now with cameras ( 7 - 9 per bus ) , valid complaints have dropped by a considerable margin.

[verbatim9]

Spotted the bus that I saw down at Logan last year got a pic of it today on the Busway at Buranda from the rear showing the wide PID at the rear of the bus. Qld buslines I read on the side front?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane Explorer bus leaves the city after more than two years

The red double-decker Brisbane Explorer bus will no longer be spotted making its way through the streets of Brisbane as the service has made the tough decision to stop operation.

The two buses launched in November 2014 and for more than two years travelled a 19-stop route through a Brisbane and Mount Coot-tha tour.

A Big Bus Tours spokeswoman would not elaborate on the reasoning behind their closure, but said it was a "tough business decision".

"The tough business decision to cease the current operation was made effective on the 11th April, 2017, and the iconic touring buses will be reassigned to increase capacity on another Australian operation," the spokeswoman said.

"Big Bus Brisbane Explorer has been proud to showcase Brisbane City and Mount Coot-tha with our hop-on, hop-off tourist bus service since November 2014.

"It has been a pleasure working in Brisbane. We hope to be able to once again work with the fantastic team at Brisbane Council, Brisbane Marketing and the Visitor Information Centres." 

The company also operates tours in Sydney, Bondi Beach, Darwin, Hobart, Blue Mountains and Perth.

During its time of operation in Brisbane the service received mixed reviews on travel review site Trip Advisor.

With an overall rating of three-and-a-half out of five, based on 72 reviews, the reviews ranged from remarks of "not up to scratch" and "we were disappointed" to "fabulous service" and "very informative".

The buses were introduced as a replacement to Brisbane City Council's CitySights bus tour, that had run for 25 years.

Brisbane City Council Acting Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the council did not subsidise the commercial service but offered their support to the service through dedicated bus stops in the city and suburbs.

"Unlike other cities, the majority of our attractions are located within walking distance, or by using public transport including our iconic CityCats and CityCycles," he said.

Cr Schrinner said the council was looking at developing more paid tourism experiences to add to what is on offer for residents and visitors.

"Council is currently seeking detailed proposals to build and operate a zipline at Mt Coot-tha, which will operate as a paid eco-adventure experience." he said.

[ozbob]

Where has the Brisbane Explorer bus gone? > https://t.co/lLUknZK37G via @brisbanetimes #qldpol
another sign of the rot!

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 21, 2017

[Otto]

Relocated to Sydney. I grabbed a bunch of brochures when I found out they were leaving.

[#Metro]

It wasn't particularly inspiring. But that said, Brisbane's real tourist strength is the CityCat ferry, that's the real tourist option.

BRISBANE HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR STOPS:
1, Post Office Sqr Terminal (Queen St opposite GPO)
2, City Hall (Adelaide St)
3, Riverside Centre (Eagle St Pier)
4, Old Windmill (Wickham Terrace)
5, Transit Centre (Roma St)
6, Suncorp Stadium (Caxton St near Hale St)
7, Regatta Hotel (Coronation Dr near Land St)
8, Park Road (Coronation Dr near Park Rd)
9, Cultural Centre (Grey St)
10, South Bank (Ferris Wheel)
11, Maritime Museum (Vulture St)
12, City Lookout (Kangaroo Point Cliffs)
13, Chinatown (Ann St near Gipps St)
14, Anzac Square (Ann St opposite Central Station)

MOUNT COOT-THA HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR STOPS:
A, Post Office Square Terminal (Queen Street opposite GPO)
B, King George Square (Ann St in front of King George Square)
C, Brisbane Botanic Gardens (outside Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium)
D, Mount Coot-tha (Sir Samuel Griffith Drive)
E, Roma Street (outside Transit Centre building)

[red dragin]

Used the bus shuttles to and from Suncorp last night. Well organised and efficient. Caught from Chermside.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd April 2017

Comment: Reform bus network to fix Brisbane Explorer Tourist Bus gap

Greetings.

RAIL Back on Track is aware that the Brisbane Explorer Tourist bus has ceased operation. This service operated within the Brisbane CBD and also out to Mt Coot-tha. It's a bit disappointing that the bus is gone, but we understand that businesses come and go. There was always going to be a lot of competition from the free CBD loop bus and CityCycles.

With the bus gone, it is worth highlighting Brisbane's real unsung tourist strength - the Brisbane CityCat. Brisbane's CityCat is just marvellous and incredible value for the tourist. CityCats link up Portside Wharf, Bulimba's Oxford Street restaurants, New Farm Park, the Brisbane Powerhouse Arts Theatre, South Bank, Milton's restaurants, West End, and The University of Queensland.

It is very scenic on the CityCat, so we don't think the bus removal will have too much of an impact. But there is one change we would suggest as CityCats don't travel everywhere - altering the 471 Mount Coot-tha bus service. The 471 bus service is low frequency, coming only once an hour. It is a very limited bus service.

Ironically, passengers in suburbs such as St Lucia and Toowong have poor access to Mt Coot-tha. St Lucia residents, for example, first need to catch a bus to Toowong, get off, catch the 599/598 Great Circle Line bus, then perform a second interchange inside the Botanical Gardens. This can take around 45+ minutes or longer to do. A car or taxi from Toowong station can complete the same journey in just 10 minutes.

One suggestion, and we have it as part of our New Bus Network Proposal, is to extend the 471 from Mount Coot-tha to Toowong railway station. Plenty of buses and trains stop at Toowong station, so connections will be greatly improved this way. There are such few 471 Mt Coo-tha bus services that the costs of doing this would be absolutely minimal.

Brisbane's bus network is far beyond its expiry date. It's not just the Mt Coot-tha bus service that needs fixing, the entire Brisbane bus network needs a good spring clean. Tourists can get around better when our bus network becomes simpler, has fewer but more frequent bus routes, and offers better bus connections.

Right now, tourists need to bring their car or hire one if they want to get up to Mt Coo-that in good time. As you can imagine, parking is very limited at the summit.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

References:

Route 471 Mt Coot-tha bus
https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/timetables/161212-471.pdf

RBOT New Bus Network Proposal
http://tiny.cc/newnetwork

[achiruel]

The 471 seems be confused about whether it is a tourist route for Mt Coot-tha or a coverage route for Rosalie (although given the congestion often experienced on Milton Rd, maybe its current route is quicker).

IdeallyI think it should run Toowong-Mt Coot-tha only and every 30 minutes. Some night services would be nice also.

[James]

I'm not surprised really. I actually thought council might have still been subsidising it, just contracted it out to a private company rather than BT. It was never well loaded, at most I only saw ~5 pax on board, and was quite expensive. These 'tourist buses' work when your city has numerous major tourist attractions and a high volume of tourists. Brisbane doesn't really have either.

As a suggestion for our 471, it could be worth extending it through to the Regatta Ferry Terminal. It then gives the illusion to the tourist that Mt Coot-tha is 'easy to access', and by transfer, makes the CityCat the de facto 'tourist route'. The CityCat also gives a much better impression of our city than our rail network.

[achiruel]

As a suggestion for our 471, it could be worth extending it through to the Regatta Ferry Terminal. It then gives the illusion to the tourist that Mt Coot-tha is 'easy to access', and by transfer, makes the CityCat the de facto 'tourist route'. The CityCat also gives a much better impression of our city than our rail network.

Giving a better impression than the rail network is not a big achievement right now. I think a tour of the city's waste facilities would probably give a better impression than using the rail network. 

[Arnz]

As a suggestion for our 471, it could be worth extending it through to the Regatta Ferry Terminal. It then gives the illusion to the tourist that Mt Coot-tha is 'easy to access', and by transfer, makes the CityCat the de facto 'tourist route'. The CityCat also gives a much better impression of our city than our rail network.

Regatta doesn't have turn-back facilities and space is quite tight to fit one in considering the ferry terminal is directly outside Coronation Drive.

[James]

Regatta doesn't have turn-back facilities and space is quite tight to fit one in considering the ferry terminal is directly outside Coronation Drive.

There don't need to be turnback facilities, especially when you've got Mt Coot-tha (with toilets and the works) on the other end.

The bus, after stopping at the Regatta, can just go down Coro, (L) Land St, (L) Sylvan Rd, (R) Coro Dr and back to the outbound stop, before continuing to Toowong as per the normal route.