On the Buses

[techblitz]

I was well aware of that option......and there is a reason I didn't post an option 3...
Because in the period & direction that I was travelling......369 - Kedron Brook - Chermside is the WORST option..

590 arrive Toombul

12:07 pm 12:37 pm 1:07 pm 1:37 pm 2:07 pm 2:37 pm


369 depart Toombul

12:05 pm  12:35 pm 1:05 pm 1:35 pm 2:05 pm 2.35pm

[Paul B]

Sadly. the 369 is the most frequent service at Toombul interchange (every 20 mins, sometimes every 30 mins). But before everyone screams at me "WHY not get the train" I'm talking feeder and coverage routes.
Imagine a politician advertising "exciting bus upgrades" where the 338 goes from every 2 hours to hourly 

[verbatim9]

I was well aware of that option......and there is a reason I didn't post an option 3...
Because in the period & direction that I was travelling......369 - Kedron Brook - Chermside is the WORST option..

590 arrive Toombul

12:07 pm 12:37 pm 1:07 pm 1:37 pm 2:07 pm 2:37 pm


369 depart Toombul

12:05 pm  12:35 pm 1:05 pm 1:35 pm 2:05 pm 2.35pm

Sadly. the 369 is the most frequent service at Toombul interchange (every 20 mins, sometimes every 30 mins). But before everyone screams at me "WHY not get the train" I'm talking feeder and coverage routes.
Imagine a politician advertising "exciting bus upgrades" where the 338 goes from every 2 hours to hourly 

The reverse direction must be better as I have only waited 5 mins for a connection onto the 590.

Apparently the 369 used to terminate and turn around at DFO. It would be good if Translink investigated the extension of this service again to turn around at DFO Skygate.

[Cazza]

I believe it originally ran all the way to the Aviation Precinct too.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Sadly. the 369 is the most frequent service at Toombul interchange (every 20 mins, sometimes every 30 mins). But before everyone screams at me "WHY not get the train" I'm talking feeder and coverage routes.
Imagine a politician advertising "exciting bus upgrades" where the 338 goes from every 2 hours to hourly 

That's called a weekday timetable for the weekend.

[brissypete]

I believe it originally ran all the way to the Aviation Precinct too.

Correct. If I remember rightly it did a loop running direct to Aviation Precinct then back via DFO in mornings and reverse in afternoons. On weekends I think it just went to DFO.

At that stage the 590 terminated at DFO.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

[Otto]

I believe it originally ran all the way to the Aviation Precinct too.

Correct. If I remember rightly it did a loop running direct to Aviation Precinct then back via DFO in mornings and reverse in afternoons. On weekends I think it just went to DFO.

At that stage the 590 terminated at DFO.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

Both correct. I used to drive the 590 service.

[Cazza]

I noted T2839 doing Gabba runs tonight. However, it was not in a CityGlider wrap. BT Enthusiasts says that 2833-2840 are yet to be built. Will this bus get a CG skin or is it just so new that they haven't applied it yet?

[verbatim9]

Saw a new Translink branded Volgren 3-door articulated bus doing a 555 run the other day. It was travelling down Elizabeth Street.

I didn't realise they were purchased specifically for this route as well.

[Cazza]

LCBS have had these artics for a few years I believe.

[techblitz]

Currently on an o/b 460..
There is a massive residential tower going up near the corner of peel/cordelia sts where the 460 passes before it crosses the river.....not to mention quite a few smaller towers in the vicininty already up.

Good opportunity to make way for a bus stop somewhere so resident/workers of these parts can move easier outbound along coro drive/western corridor....instead of having to mess around connecting at the CC.....obviously they will still have to deal with the CC on the return route but still.....the easier trip outbound could encourage a few more to use public transport...

[verbatim9]

LCBS have had these artics for a few years I believe.

Yeah I have been in their older models. This one just looked and seemed like a new model. ( With the front LED lights)

[verbatim9]

Currently on an o/b 460..
There is a massive residential tower going up near the corner of peel/cordelia sts where the 460 passes before it crosses the river.....not to mention quite a few smaller towers in the vicininty already up.

Good opportunity to make way for a bus stop somewhere so resident/workers of these parts can move easier outbound along coro drive/western corridor....instead of having to mess around connecting at the CC.....obviously they will still have to deal with the CC on the return route but still.....the easier trip outbound could encourage a few more to use public transport...

Sounds like a plan! Relocation and spacing of stops to service the community better.

[SurfRail]

Saw a new Translink branded Volgren 3-door articulated bus doing a 555 run the other day. It was travelling down Elizabeth Street.

I didn't realise they were purchased specifically for this route as well.

They recently bought 2, basically the same model as the BCC ones

[James]

Coro Drive has pooed its pants, Google Maps saying 30min+ delays, and TransLink's real-time tracking says the same.

Are there any service announcements about this? Of course not. 

[ozbob]

Coro Drive has pooed its pants, Google Maps saying 30min+ delays, and TransLink's real-time tracking says the same.

Are there any service announcements about this? Of course not. 

They did eventually James ..

Buses travelling along Coronation Drive in both directions are delayed up to 20 minutes due to heavy traffic congestion.
4:21 PM - 7 May 2019

[James]

Practically an hour after the fact - congestion had been building all afternoon on the M3/Coro Dr, a switched-on transit agency would have picked up on this an hour ago. There's close to 100 people waiting for a bus at Adelaide St Stop 41 - in the time 5 services would normally show up, there's been zero.

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a way to bypass all this traffic. You know, a train line or bus lanes perhaps...

[verbatim9]

^^Bus lanes are great if there was room!? Best solution is the tunnel from Toowong Cemetery to Buranda bypassing Coronation drive. Another is the mass transit corridor from West end, UQ, Indooroopilly Chapel Indooroopilly.

We basically have an Infrastructure shortfall for the increasing population in the area who are basically car centric.

[James]

^^Bus lanes are great if there was room!? Best solution is the tunnel from Toowong Cemetery to Buranda bypassing Coronation drive. Another is the mass transit corridor from West end, UQ, Indooroopilly Chapel Indooroopilly.

We basically have an Infrastructure shortfall for the increasing population in the area who are basically car centric.

There was room - remember the contra flow on Coro Drive which provided a bus lane in the peak direction? Except I'd argue now that given most of the issues tend to stem from buses caught in inbound traffic, that a 24/7 T3 lane on Coro Drive would do the trick.

The other option is to simply force pax to transfer to a train or high-frequency bus at Indooroopilly/Toowong like every other civilised city would. As is, it doesn't matter if you get the train there, you're still going to be stuck waiting for your bus as it wades its way to and from the CBD.

[verbatim9]

^^Bus lanes are great if there was room!? Best solution is the tunnel from Toowong Cemetery to Buranda bypassing Coronation drive. Another is the mass transit corridor from West end, UQ, Indooroopilly Chapel Indooroopilly.

We basically have an Infrastructure shortfall for the increasing population in the area who are basically car centric.

There was room - remember the contra flow on Coro Drive which provided a bus lane in the peak direction? Except I'd argue now that given most of the issues tend to stem from buses caught in inbound traffic, that a 24/7 T3 lane on Coro Drive would do the trick.

The other option is to simply force pax to transfer to a train or high-frequency bus at Indooroopilly/Toowong like every other civilised city would. As is, it doesn't matter if you get the train there, you're still going to be stuck waiting for your bus as it wades its way to and from the CBD.

An inbound 24/7  T3 could be a solution if council now agrees? Does Mayor Schrinner support T2 and T3 lanes? The previous Council under Quirk and Newman didn't really support this option.

[HappyTrainGuy]

And removed some actually.

[Mr X]

Another day more 555s unable to pick people up from mater hill.. At 2.30 in the afternoon. They really need to do something about that route.

[achiruel]

Another day more 555s unable to pick people up from mater hill.. At 2.30 in the afternoon. They really need to do something about that route.

I know my idea won't be popular among some here but the 555 should be pickup only north of EMP on services departing the city before 9pm. There's more than enough 111s and 160s to serve the rest of the busway. Not to mention 130/140/150 for Griffith and UMG in the 150's case.

[James]

Another day more 555s unable to pick people up from mater hill.. At 2.30 in the afternoon. They really need to do something about that route.

I know my idea won't be popular among some here but the 555 should be pickup only north of EMP on services departing the city before 9pm. There's more than enough 111s and 160s to serve the rest of the busway. Not to mention 130/140/150 for Griffith and UMG in the 150's case.

Or you could combine the 111, 160 and 555 into one bus route and run that as a BUZ, running short-running 111s as required.

Making routes pick-up only could work, however I imagine you'd have difficulty enforcing that in practice.

[SurfRail]

I'm more inclined to think the 555 should go via the CCB and bypass Greenslopes and HPW.

I honestly wonder if there is a need for the 111 to go to Eight Mile Plains.  Just run all 111s to the depot, can the 160 and run more 111s in lieu.  169 and 555 would be more than enough to cover it in the off-peak.

[achiruel]

Another day more 555s unable to pick people up from mater hill.. At 2.30 in the afternoon. They really need to do something about that route.

I know my idea won't be popular among some here but the 555 should be pickup only north of EMP on services departing the city before 9pm. There's more than enough 111s and 160s to serve the rest of the busway. Not to mention 130/140/150 for Griffith and UMG in the 150's case.

Or you could combine the 111, 160 and 555 into one bus route and run that as a BUZ, running short-running 111s as required.

Making routes pick-up only could work, however I imagine you'd have difficulty enforcing that in practice.

Maybe the new ticketing system could be programmed so any tap on to the 555 that tapped off before EMP I'd a penalty fare. It really doesn't seem like an overly complex programming problem. And automatic enforcement!

[achiruel]

I'm more inclined to think the 555 should go via the CCB and bypass Greenslopes and HPW.

I honestly wonder if there is a need for the 111 to go to Eight Mile Plains.  Just run all 111s to the depot, can the 160 and run more 111s in lieu.  169 and 555 would be more than enough to cover it in the off-peak.

You might be surprised how many pax the 111 picks up off-peak (especially weekends) at EMP. I've got no idea where they all come from, although I guess there's a couple of nearby apartment buildings now.

[Mr X]

 I think it's time the 555 skipped HPW and Greenslopes. It seems to arrive before the 111 does these days so it fills up with people who are better served by the 111, while it has less space. I'm open minded about it skipping the south bank stretch, not everyone on board goes to the city and it picks up quite a few students at Mater and South Bank.

Eight Mile Plains also has quite a few people who come from feeder buses and there's usually a solid flow of pick ups/drop off's during the day. I'd expect it to get busier over time as more people move into the Arise estates around Rochedale.

[techblitz]

After TFB....its the logan routes that have the most complaints...
555 skipping some busway stations specifically at say pm peaks will definitely help its on-time running if on the chance....any of those 555`s have to do a trip back to the city and then do a pm outbound rocket run.
The logan peak only routes seem to have quite a few late starts to their outbound runs eg: 566 or one of the most complained about routes the 561.
https://www.facebook.com/TransLinkQLD/posts/3259839047375471

[achiruel]

Surely with GPS on all the buses these days, it wouldn't be too hard to code an automatic notification if a bus is more than X minutes late? Rather than waiting for the depot to manually notify TransLink.

[techblitz]

I think at this stage achruel...googles public transport tech is better than translinks.....and google probably only do it as a side project.
Translink meanwhile....probably don't have the funds to invest in as you say....very obvious problem fixers.
One of these problem fixers would be hooking the bus timetables into the depot rosters....factoring in all delays when dealing with return runs etc.

So for example when an inbound 450 is delayed on coro drive when they are rostered to follow it up with an outbound 100.....the 'smart system' will calculate the adjusted departure time for that 100....factoring in any breaks that have to be taken as well.
And if the bus control decides to do any spur of the moment bus swaps eg: getting someone else to do that 100...then everything is updated in real-time.
The above solution will go along way to fixing a lot of late starting issues...

[James]

I think at this stage achruel...googles public transport tech is better than translinks.....and google probably only do it as a side project.
Translink meanwhile....probably don't have the funds to invest in as you say....very obvious problem fixers.
One of these problem fixers would be hooking the bus timetables into the depot rosters....factoring in all delays when dealing with return runs etc.

So for example when an inbound 450 is delayed on coro drive when they are rostered to follow it up with an outbound 100.....the 'smart system' will calculate the adjusted departure time for that 100....factoring in any breaks that have to be taken as well.
And if the bus control decides to do any spur of the moment bus swaps eg: getting someone else to do that 100...then everything is updated in real-time.
The above solution will go along way to fixing a lot of late starting issues...

Doesn't Google Maps currently just take information directly from TransLink?

I think the main improvement I would ask for is tracking of the bus from the moment it leaves the depot. As-is, unless a bus driver is 'logged on' to that trip run, the bus doesn't show up in the real-time tracking. This means some services are visible from far away (e.g. you can see your bus is stuck on Coro Drive), whereas others are not.

If there was a way to ensure all bus drivers are logged on, that would be a nice start, as you could always see where your bus is. If you took it further, you could incorporate traffic information from Google Maps and use that to create approximate trip times.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Motorised mobility devices struggling to fit on Brisbane buses

MOTORISED mobility devices are becoming so big and heavy, some are struggling to fit onto Brisbane's buses and ferries, the council has warned.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Brisbane City Council has called for new regulations to govern the design, manufacturing and sales of mobility devices amid reports some are tipping on buses.

The council says they're concerned some devices have become so large, the joint weight of the scooter and user is exceeding the 300kg weight limit of the access plank used to get them on and off buses and ferries.

In a submission to the National Transport Commission, the council said the size of the devices "can be an issue for manoeuvring onto buses and some ferries".

"As many users do not have sufficient balance or strength, there have been reports of mobility scooters tipping as buses corner, putting both the user and other passengers at risk of injury," the submission said.

BCC's Infrastructure Chair Amanda Cooper said they were aware of at least two incidents in the past year when a passenger had fallen from their wheelchair while travelling on a bus.

"While it is not clear if this was a result of bus movement, it highlights the need for set standards for mobility devices and restraints," she said.

"Council has already identified the possibility of partnering with industry bodies to assist in the development of standards for improving safety measures to secure wheelchairs, mobility devices and prams on buses."

Cr Cooper said the council recognised there were currently gaps in regulations regarding the standards and weight for mobility devices.

Karin Swift, a policy officer from the Queenslanders with Disability Network, said all public transport options should be available to people with disabilities.

She said they would be concerned with any regulation that would "restrict people's freedom of movement".

"I think it would be dangerous to limit or put restrictions on people being able to enjoy free travel and movement," she said.

"However, we do understand the need for people to be safe."

Ms Swift said, in general, mobility scooters were harder to manoeuvre into buses than motorised wheel chairs.

"It varies depending on the make and model of chairs, which makes it difficult to tie up with uniform guidelines," she said.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Mum lashes bus company for leaving son 2km from stop

SCHOOL bus companies have come under renewed fire, after another child was left stranded in Kenmore.

Lauren Urquhart was left horrified after son ­Harlem, 9, was left almost 2km from his stop in an ­unknown area by his school bus on April 30.

Ms Urquhart said that her son, who had only caught the bus a few times, was left crying and scared when he was told by the bus driver to get off in an unfamiliar area after missing his stop.

"I was horrified ... he called my dad and he was crying so much he could barely understand him," Ms Urquhart said.

"He was dropped on Gilruth Rd, which I understand isn't actually a stop – it was 1.9km away from the original stop in a completely ­unknown area and after talking with the bus driver, he was told he better get out now," she said.

Ms Urquhart said security video was reviewed and she was told Harlem had not pressed the "stop" button, but claims her son did.

"My opinion is, no matter whose story is correct, you don't dump him on the side of the road alone in Kenmore – he's now petrified of catching the bus and their response is just wiping their hands of it," she said.

"They said he looked confused, so the bus driver got out of the bus and told him it was safe to cross the road ... He told him to get on the next bus in the opposite direction and didn't say which bus to catch."

TransLink says the driver tried to help Harlem.

"The driver was friendly and provided as much support as possible in order to assist the child in understanding where he was and how to return to his intended destination," a spokeswoman said.

"This was further supported by the bus driver assisting him to cross the road safely."

Ms Urquhart has tried to contact Transport Minister Mark Bailey and Brisbane City Council and wonders why the driver did not ­contact the depot.

TransLink confirmed bus companies had procedures in place to ensure buses picked up students who ­required travel and if a school bus was full and could not take students, drivers radio the depot to request a "sweeper" bus.

[ozbob]

Say "Thanks Driver"

Across Queensland, bus drivers are going above and beyond to make sure we get where we need to be. Whether it's giving directions, showing kindness, or telling a joke, we know there are drivers out there who make our public transport journeys better.

Now is the time to recognise a great driver by nominating them for Queensland Bus Driver of the Year.

take note of the date, time and service you're on
fill in the nomination form
be in the draw to win one of ten $100 Coles Myer gift cards!
This year, there are three categories to vote in:

>> https://translink.com.au/newsletter/competitions-and-offers/queensland-bus-driver-of-the-year-awards

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2019/5/22/awards-to-recognise-queenslands-top-bus-drivers

Media Statements

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Awards to recognise Queensland's top bus drivers

Queenslanders will have the opportunity to recognise their favourite bus driver when nominations open for the Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards next Monday.

Nominations for the awards will open on May 27 and all bus drivers working on public passenger services in Queensland are eligible.

The awards will recognise the huge contribution drivers make to ensuring customers travel safely and conveniently.

More than 250 drivers were nominated for last year's inaugural award, with Ella Reid from Clarks Logan City Bus Service taking out the award for the state's best bus driver.

This year's awards have been expanded to include new categories, ensuring recognition for drivers across the state. The new categories are:

South East Queensland drivers
Regional drivers
School drivers
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey encouraged customers to nominate their favourite driver.

"These awards celebrate Queensland bus drivers who go above and beyond in delivering excellent service," Mr Bailey said.

"We encourage customers to get behind our drivers and share powerful stories of their bus driver improving their journey."

Ms Reid wished good luck to the drivers nominated for this year's awards.

"It was an honour to be named the inaugural winner of the Queensland Bus Driver of the Year award in 2018 and I wish all of the nominated drivers the best of luck this year," Ms Reid said.

"It is great to see the recognition for our industry as there are so many hard-working drivers who regularly go above and beyond."

Queensland Bus Industry Council Executive Director David Tape welcomed the opening of nominations for the Queensland Bus Driver of the Year Awards.

"Our bus drivers across all sectors provide an essential service in getting Queenslanders and our visitors to and from work, to medical appointments, to school and social events, they help bring communities together and aid in the growth our economy," Mr Tape said.

"It is great to see Minister Bailey and TransLink acknowledge our bus drivers for the excellent job they do day in day out, delivering their passengers in a safe and professional manner.

"I sincerely hope that Queenslanders will get onboard with this, acknowledging and highlighting the great job of their local bus drivers."

Customers can nominate a driver by heading to the TransLink website: www.translink.com.au (external site)
All nominations will be reviewed by a judging panel and assessed against the criteria, including positive customer impact, excellence in customer care and displaying a customer-focused attitude.

A public vote will be held once the finalists have been announced, before the winning drivers are presented with a trophy and $1000 cash prize at the awards ceremony at the end of August.

ENDS

[Cazza]

Willawong's 1451 was doing some Toowong runs this morning (6:10am 375 to Bardon and 7:12am inbound 379). I'd assume this is just a replacement run for a failed Toowong unit or something along those lines. If not, we might finally get a TAG running down Waterworks Rd

That also meant that 2 379s, 1 380 and 1 381 arrived at Ashgrove around 7:35, leaving about a 12 min gap till the next service.

[aldonius]

As anyone with three neurons to rub together could tell you, the last northbound 66 departing at 19:15 pm on a Saturday is proving hopelessly inadequate during UQ exam season.

Reports are that the driver radioed for more buses to clear the load... here's hoping they arrived.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/uqstalkerspace/permalink/2422214687830661/

The 66's span is pretty shite in general considering what it serves. 21:30 is too early on a weeknight (the last southbound run starts an hour later), and 19:15 far worse even for a Saturday.

For context, UQ Saturday exams start at 09:30, 13:30 and 16:30 (there were 17 starting at 16:30 today) and UQ central exams can run for up to three hours... plus perusal and packup time.

TL;DR all UQ services really ought to run to weekday timetables on exam-block Saturdays. In Korea they practically shut the entire country down for an hour for senior exams, so I don't think this is a big ask 

[Cazza]

Hopefully something is done about this because it's clearly an ongoing issue (not just the one off time) and they don't use the excuse "the metro will fix this"... yeah, in 4 years time.

[James]

I think this speaks to a general issue with frequency and the appalling quality of evening and weekend bus services to UQ.

The 66 ends too early in the evenings. There are plenty of activities on campus which go until 10pm on weeknights, and likewise UQ is still used on the weekends for entertainment and events, not to mention there are over a thousand students who live on campus. This is a problem for other services too - e.g. a 4:30pm exam going for 3 hours (+10 mins perusal) will finish up at 7:40pm, making it a tough ask for a passenger to reach the 7:53pm 428. It is an hour wait to the next one, forcing people to either walk or get the 412. Similarly, the 169 has stopped running by 6pm, and the 414 doesn't run at all on weekends (not that this is a great loss).

The assumption seems to be made that with free parking on weekends, everybody can simply drive and any bus service is just a welfare run. Pretty ordinary treatment for the second-largest trip generator (behind the CBD).