On the Buses

[kwv]

And C Newman which can reduce 50% emissions by 2026 as you suggested you wanted Council to do, 'sweeper' buses (and trains) or more road tunnels and bridges that you want?

[ozbob]

Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
01/02/2008

Construction set to begin on new $315m bridge to Redcliffe

Work is about to begin on the long-awaited duplication of the Houghton Highway between Sandgate and Redcliffe.

Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt visited the site today as preparations gear up for a start to work on the $315 million bridge project.

Mr Pitt said the project-which will build a second Houghton Highway bridge between the Deagon Deviation at Brighton and the Redcliffe Peninsula-would transform transport opportunities for Redcliffe residents.

"The Houghton Highway bridge will vastly increase traffic capacity between the Redcliffe Peninsula and Brisbane's northside," Mr Pitt said.

"Each day, motorists and passengers in some 36,000 vehicles are commuting back and forth via the Houghton Highway.

"When the new Houghton Highway bridge opens in mid-2010, these people will have a new all-weather access to Brisbane."

Once the new bridge opens, the existing Houghton Highway bridge will be refurbished. All work is scheduled to finish by mid-2011, when commuters will have access to both bridges, as well as dedicated lanes for public transport services.

Construction on the second bridge is set to begin, with the contractor arriving on site this week and beginning to fence and clear the site.

Member for Redcliffe Lillian van Litsenburg said local residents would see activites ramp up over the next few weeks.

"Construction of the project is expected to cause some minor disruptions to local residents, and will have little impact on traffic," she said.

Main Roads will begin sending regular construction updates to local residents.

Member for Sandgate Vicky Darling said the new bridge would expand recreational facilities in the area, with the project providing for pedestrian and cycle access on the new bridge, preservation of the heritage values of the old Hornibrook bridge and construction of new fishing facilities for the community.

"The project includes a fishing platform at Hays Inlet and a platform at the Pine River channel," she said.

"Additionally a new dog park, relocated to a new home in the south west corner of Decker Park is already getting tails wagging."

Community members seeking further information on the project are encouraged to contact the Houghton Highway Duplication Project team on 1800 626 976 or visit www.mainroads.qld.gov.au

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
03/02/2008

90 new buses for Brisbane

Ninety new buses will begin to hit the road in Brisbane from July as part of an annual $13 million Queensland Government boost in funding for new services, Minister for Transport John Mickel said today.

"These new buses will allow TransLink to provide even more services on highly popular existing bus routes in Brisbane, while also providing an opportunity to look at introducing other services in new areas," Mr Mickel said.

"The State Government is putting the money in to deal with congestion in Brisbane by providing new services where they are needed.

"But we are also looking for a commitment from the Lord Mayor for the Brisbane City Council to do their bit as well.

"The State Government is pleased to be able to introduce 90 new buses and we are happy to be taking over funding responsibility for the 36 buses being introduced by the Council in the first half of this year.

"We have shown that we treat the interests of commuters seriously and we want the Lord Mayor to sign up to buy buses for Brisbane as part of a shared responsibility.

Minister Mickel said as part of the agreement, the State Government was prepared to take over responsibility for funding and owning the new buses.

The Brisbane City Council would then operate and maintain the buses under contract to TransLink.

Brisbane City Council Transport Chairperson Victoria Newton said it's the strong view of the majority of Councillors that we now have an opportunity to forge a new positive partnership with the State Government to improve the bus network for Brisbane.

"Some of the improvements these new buses will provide include upgrading the 330 from Bracken Ridge to a high-frequency service running every 10 minutes in the peak, introducing a new rocket service from Aspley and increasing the frequency of the 140 from Browns Plains," Mr Mickel said.

Since TransLink was introduced in July 2004 all new services in Brisbane have been funded by the State Government.

Since that time, the bus fleet across south east Queensland has expanded from 1,493 buses to 1,934 buses, an increase of almost 30 per cent. In the 2007/08 budget the State Government provided funding for an extra 148 buses in this financial year.


February 3, 2008

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
05/02/2008


New qconnect contracts boost Qld long distance bus services

New five-year contracts provided under the Queensland Government's regional transport initiative - qconnect - have boosted long distance bus services to regional centres throughout the State.

Transport Minister John Mickel announced in Rockhampton today that the contracts covered 15 coach routes from Karumba to Cunnamulla - and even south to Lightning Ridge in NSW. They replace bus service contracts that expired on December 31.

Most of the contracts commenced on January 1 but the new Central Queensland services would start on April 1.

"Through qconnect, long distance bus services will be better integrated with other passenger transport services - such as regional air routes, QR trains and other buses - to make it as easy as possible to travel around regional Queensland," Mr Mickel said.

"The Bligh Government is committed to maintaining the network of long distance bus services that is so important to communities outside South East Queensland.

"The government will contribute more than $2.9 million each year to the cost of operating these services - a 21 percent increase over the contribution for the expiring contracts," Mr Mickel said.

"Many small towns and villages have no other means of public transport. Someone living in those communities who doesn't drive a car would rely on the coach service to get to a major regional centre for shopping, medical, education or other services.

"Long distance buses are also vital to Queensland's tourism industry. They are especially popular with backpackers visiting Far Northern or western centres.

"Importantly, under the new contracts, buses used on all 15 routes will be wheelchair-friendly," he said.

The Minister said the new contracts resulted from extensive community consultation and a rigorous tendering process to ensure the new services continue to meet the current and future transport needs of rural and remote transport disadvantaged communities.

Benefits for passengers would vary from route to route but would include:
? Modern buses that are wheelchair-accessible
? Online ticketing
? Improved reliability of services
? Better connections with air, bus and rail services
? Improved marketing to ensure regional communities are aware of the services available.
"Buses operating under these contracts will carry the distinctive qconnect brand that guarantees quality transport services wherever you travel in regional Queensland," Mr Mickel said.

"Where you see qconnect, it means the government is working with transport operators and local councils to provide the best transport possible and ensure that services connect people and places to meet the needs of local communities.

"The new long distance bus services, along with new qconnect air service contracts announced last month, deliver major improvements in transport for all regional Queensland," Mr Mickel said.

[NOTE: Details of the bus routes are attached]

Media contact: Nathan Moir 3235 4060



Karumba - Cairns
Existing operator Trans North Bus and Coach will continue on this route. Buses will run at the same frequency, but will be upgraded to a 30 seat Scania bus, which is larger, more modern, and wheelchair accessible.

Biloela - Maryborough
Callide Coaches will continue the services between Biloela and Maryborough. They will now operate a wheelchair accessible bus, and introduce an internet booking facility.

Toowoomba - Rockhampton
Kynoch Coaches has been awarded the contract, replacing Greyhound. They will use a new, wheelchair accessible 45-seat BCI bus and will introduce an internet booking facility. Services with Kynoch Coaches will be cheaper for passengers with concessional discounts.

Mount Isa - Brisbane, Charleville - Brisbane, Mount Isa - Townsville
Greyhound Australia has been awarded contracts to continue with these three routes and will use 56 seat Scania long distance coaches which are wheelchair accessible.

Charters Towers - Townsville
Douglas Coaches will continue to provide services on this route. Passengers will now enjoy a new 29 seat BCI6850 bus that is wheelchair accessible, and will also be able to make bookings on the internet.

Cairns - Cooktown (Inland), Cairns - Cooktown (Coastal)
Country Road Coachlines will continue its services between Cairns and Cooktown, on both the inland and coastal routes. New, larger buses will be used for the routes and online booking facilities introduced.

Bowen - Collinsville
Bowen Transit will continue to operate this route. Return services from Collinsville to Bowen will be doubled from the current three to six days a week. This is a great improvement for people who live in Collinsville and work in Bowen.

Toowoomba - Cunnamulla, Toowoomba - Lightning Ridge
Kynoch Coaches has been awarded a further five year contract for both routes. Kynoch will introduce new 45 seat BCI buses that are wheelchair accessible, and internet booking.

Emerald - Rockhampton, Emerald - Mackay, Emerald - Longreach
Paradise Coaches has been awarded the contract, replacing Emerald Coaches from April 1, 2008. Emerald Coaches did not re-tender for the routes. Paradise Coaches will introduce new 25 seat BCI buses that are wheelchair accessible, and internet booking.

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

[ozbob]

From http://www.translink.com.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/sc_culturalcentre_feb08

Pre-paid platform introduced at the Cultural Centre busway station - effective 18 February 2008

From Monday, 18 February, passengers using Cultural Centre busway station platform 2 between 3.30pm and 7pm weekdays will need to have a ticket before entering the platform and boarding a bus service.

This follows the successful trial in October 2007 which reduced bus waiting times at the platform, therefore allowing passengers to reach their destinations more quickly.

Passengers who don't already have a valid ticket will be able to purchase tickets from the ticket sellers located on the overpass (between platforms 1 and 2).

TransLink staff will also be present to answer questions and check tickets.

Call TransLink on 13 12 30 for information.

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Tree falls on bus, pulls down power lines

Tree falls on bus, pulls down power lines
Georgina Robinson | February 6, 2008 - 2:45PM

Emergency services officers have been forced to close Sydney Street in New Farm after a tree collapsed on a bus, bringing live power lines crashing to the ground.

A Brisbane Transport officer said an empty bus was travelling down Sydney Street when clipped a low-lying branch of a decaying poinciana tree.

The collision caused the entire tree to collapse, falling onto the bus and exposing the tree's hollow trunk.

The driver of the bus was not injured.

However, emergency services officers were forced to close Sydney Street between Hazlewood and Oxlade streets to keep people away from the live power lines.

One fire truck is currently on the scene assisting with the clean-up.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Buses deal off limits says Mayor

Buses deal off limits says Mayor
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Emma Chalmers

February 12, 2008 11:00pm

NEW buses to be built by Brisbane City Council are set to be handed to private operators who run services from outside the city limits.
Under a new deal championed by the State Government and Labor at City Hall, Brisbane City Council will also be banned from decorating all of the buses with its own colours.

A letter from Queensland Transport reveals there is no guarantee that new buses built by Brisbane City Council will automatically be put into service with Brisbane Transport.

Instead the letter to council CEO Jude Munro says private operators contracted to TransLink may be given the publicly funded buses to operate.

Last week Transport Minister John Mickel announced the BCC would operate and maintain the 90 new buses which TransLink has agreed to fund of the 120 set to be built by City Hall next financial year.

Yesterday a spokesman for the minister said some of the buses would be supplied to other private operators contracted to TransLink, some of whom operate services from outside the BCC area.

"It is so that the buses are servicing everyone, not just Brisbane City Council residents," he said.

The spokesman said Brisbane Transport was yet to sign off on a new deal with TransLink, leaving the state to seek "the best deal for Brisbane public transport users and Queensland taxpayers".

The deal means Brisbane City Council will be forced to build some diesel-powered buses instead of its more environmentally friendly compressed natural gas buses.

Queensland Transport has demanded that diesel engines be fitted to at least 20 of the 90 new buses it will fund.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said such a deal would put a greater cost burden on the ratepayers of Brisbane.

"It's an extraordinary letter and it shows that Labor councillors have been totally weak and failed to negotiate a proper funding deal with the state," he said.

A spokesman for Labor public transport chairwoman Victoria Newton said it was a shame Cr Newman didn't have the facts right and instead was playing political games on this issue.

The first television advertisements of the council election campaign will hit the air tonight with the Labor Party launching an attack on Cr Newman over the cost of the North South Bypass Tunnel.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
15/02/2008

96 new bus services start Monday

Ninety-six new bus services will operate every weekday from Monday in a $4.6 million commitment by the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council.

Minister for Transport John Mickel and Brisbane City councillor Victoria Newton said the additional services will cater for almost 6500 passengers on Brisbane's busiest bus routes.

"The services target the routes under most pressure, with increased services for the South East Busway, the Mains Road corridor, the western suburbs and to the University of Queensland," Mr Mickel said.

Mr Mickel said Brisbane's public transport patronage was increasing in line with the population growth and the commitment would also fund 31 new buses.

The Queensland Government has contributed $2.25 million from the TransLink Network Plan and Brisbane City Council has committed $2.3 million from its Call to Action project.

Since TransLink was introduced in July 2004 public transport patronage across the TransLink network has increased by 30 per cent.

"Passenger trips in 2003-2004 was about 123 million, which increased to 163 million in 2006-2007 -about 40 million more trips.'' Mr Mickel said.

This is the first time since TransLink was introduced that Brisbane City Council has contributed operational funding for new services.

As part of the funding, several routes will receive articulated banana buses to provide more capacity. Minister Mickel said more new services would be introduced when the $333 million Inner Northern Busway opened in mid 2008.



The new services include:
137 (new Rocket) Calamvale - City New high frequency peak hour rocket operating between Sunnybank Hills Shopping Centre and CBD via Mains Rd. Operates non-stop between QEII park n' ride and City. Operates every 10 minutes between 6.20am and 8.30pm (14 inbound trips/weekday) and between 4.04pm and 6.04pm (13 outbound trips/weekday). Introduce articulated buses on this route. Route 137 will increase capacity by 2,349 passenger trips per weekday - a significant boost to address overcrowding in the busy Mains Rd corridor easing pressure on the popular 130.

200 Carina - City Additional short tripper services from Carina departing at 7.16am, 7.37am and 7.57am. Additional outbound services from Cultural Centre busway station departing at 5.40pm, 6.10pm and 6.30pm.

204 (all stops) Carindale - City Additional outbound trip at 5.05pm

207 Carina - City Introduce evening peak services. Route currently only operates in the morning peak.

444 Moggill - City Reduce morning peak frequency to every 10 minutes, instead of every 8 minutes, to help fund a faster, new rocket service from Moggill (route 443). Extra outbound trip at 5.40pm. Routes 443 and 444 combined will provide a combined peak frequency of every five minutes and an extra seven morning peak trips and six evening peaks trips.

443 (new Rocket) Moggill - City New peak period rocket between Moggill and CBD, operating every 10 minutes. Route 443 will provide a faster trip compared to route 444, providing travel time savings of 10 minutes. Route 443 will operate non-stop between Chapel Hill and the CBD.

169 Eight Mile Plains - University of Queensland St Lucia Commence services from Eight Miles Plains at 6.45am. Increase morning peak frequency from every 10 minutes to every 7-8 minutes until 10am. Commence evening peak 10 minute frequency at 1.56pm. Provides an additional eight morning peak trips and four additional evening peak trips.

412 University of Queensland St Lucia - City Provide four on-demand buses during Semester 1 to provide sweeper services as demand warrants.

109 City - University of Queensland St Lucia Commence services from City at 6.50am. Increase morning peak frequency from every 8 minutes to every 5 minutes until 10am. Commence off-peak 10 minute frequency from 10am instead of 10.20am. Additional four trips from University of Queensland at 1.55pm, 2.05pm, 3.55pm and 6.05pm. In total eight additional morning peak trips and four additional evening peak trips will be provided. Running-time adjusted to some peak trips to improve service reliability.

160 Garden City depot - City Additional three inbound trips at 7.28am, 7.48am and 8.08am. Additional three outbound trips at 5pm, 5.10pm and 5.20pm.

150 (BUZ) Browns Plains - City Introduce articulated buses on route 150 all day. Commence inbound 10 minute peak frequency at 5.30am instead of 6.20am (additional 2 trips). Extra four additional outbound short trippers from Cultural Centre busway station commencing at 3.35pm, 3.55pm, 4.35pm and 4.55pm.

156 (Rocket) Fruitgrove - City Introduce articulated buses on route 156 all day. Commence extra short trippers from Fruitgrove at 7.07am, 7.17am, 7.49am, 8.08am and 8.20am.

186 (Rocket) Wishart - City Additional trip at 8.02am. Move existing 8.10am trip to depart at 8.17am to provide an even spacing between trips. Running-time adjusted to improve service reliability.

116, 117,120, 124, 125, 129, 131, 135, 136, 155, 161 Various Minor timetable adjustments to improve service reliability.

February 15, 2008

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

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
17/02/2008

Cultural Centre Busway Station goes pre-paid

The outbound platform of the Cultural Centre Busway Station will be a pre-paid-only zone in the evening peak from February 18, following a successful trial last year.

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said excellent results from the October trial had convinced TransLink to introduce the pre-paid zone permanently.

A survey during the Cultural Centre trial found 83 per cent of travellers were in favour of the pre-paid zone remaining.

"The pre-paid-only system made a huge difference to efficiency at the Cultural Centre," Mr Mickel said.

"Buses were able to quickly move through, pick up their passengers and continue their journey.

"This is in contrast to the bus queuing that often happens during peak times at the Cultural Centre through people buying tickets as they board buses.

"We can now look forward to faster pick-ups and less waiting every evening."

The pre-paid-only rule will apply from 3.30pm to 7pm weekdays for the outbound platform (platform 2).

Ticket sellers will be positioned on the pedestrian overpass, as they were during the trial. A new public address system at the station will announce the arrival of buses.

The Cultural Centre Busway Station is the busiest bus station in Queensland in the evening peak. Between 3.30pm and 6.30pm, 471 services pass through the station, which amounts to one bus every 23 seconds.

About 2,300 passengers use the outbound platform during the evening peak.

Minister Mickel said Mater Hill Busway Station and South Bank Busway Station would also become pre-paid only during the evening peak in the near future.

"The efficiency gains at the Cultural Centre have actually caused some queuing down the line at South Bank and Mater Hill because buses are getting there much faster," he said.

"The best way to combat that is to make these stations pre-paid only as well, resulting in quicker travel times on the Southeast Busway and people getting home faster."

February 17, 2008

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

[ozbob]

Tim Nicholls MP
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party
Shadow Minister for Transport, Traffic Management, Trade, Employment and
Industrial Relations Member for Clayfield

18 February 2008

No tickets for Pre-paid bus routes

BRISBANE commuters will be forced to convert to Go Card or miss the bus,
under the State Labor Government's plans to introduce pre-paid ticketing
on select bus routes and stations.

There are currently no TransLink ticketing machines at Brisbane busways.

Commuters instead have to buy their tickets from select ticket sellers,
QR stations, or from bus drivers.

Shadow Minister for Transport Tim Nicholls said while the idea of
introducing pre-paid bus services had merit, the State Government should
first provide commuters with the necessary infrastructure to buy
tickets.

"Although pre-paid buses will cut down the time spent processing
tickets, there aren't enough options available for commuters to buy
their tickets," Mr Nicholls said.

"It is ridiculous that no Brisbane busway is fitted with ticketing
machines."

"If this Government was serious about cutting the traveling times of
Brisbane buses, then they should be installing ticketing machines at bus
stations," he said.

Instead the State Government is forcing commuters to use Go Card by
making it harder to buy paper tickets.

Mr Nicholls said the State Government's plan to withdraw paper tickets
from sale at QR ticket agencies would make it even harder for commuters
to purchase tickets.

"The Minister can't cut the number of agents contracted to sell tickets
and then tell commuters they'll have to pre-purchase tickets to catch
the bus," he said.

"The State Government has already abolished the popular ten trip saver
tickets and halved the number of newsagents contracted by TransLink. "

QR ticketing agents, responsible for the sale of weekly and monthly
tickets, have been told their contracts will be terminated.

"The State Government can't keep cutting the quality of public transport
services to make people use the Go Card.  Queensland commuters deserve
better," Mr Nicholls said.

Pre-paid services will begin on the 18th February for Route 137, and for
all passengers catching a bus from platform 2 at the Cultural Centre
Busway station.

[ozbob]

Sydney to buy Brisbane's bus ticketing system

See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=522.0

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

New bus route from Noosa to Cooran

A new bus route running from Noosa to Cooran via Tewantin and Cooroy will begin from Monday, 10 March.

The 632 service will be trialled for six months, with joint funding by TransLink and the Noosa Shire Council.

Route 632 will provide TransLink services to Pomona and Cooran residents for the first time.

"Public transport patronage on the Sunshine Coast has increased by more than 50 per cent since TransLink was introduced in July 2004," Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said.

"It's vital now that we build on this early success and expand services into new areas so that even more people get on board TransLink services."

Noosa Mayor Bob Abbot agreed that providing more public transport was essential for the local community.

?Public transport services like these improve accessibility and connectivity for the local and greater community," Mr Bob Abbot said.

"The hinterland is an integral part of the Sunshine Coast and improving public transport enhances the values and lifestyle that residents have worked so hard to develop for all to enjoy.?

Route 632 will be a two-zone fare, and will provide opportunities to connect to other TransLink services in Noosa and throughout the Sunshine Coast.

The 632 service will improve integration with TransLink's train and bus services, such as route 631 between Noosa and Nambour via Tewantin, Cooroy, Eumundi and Yandina.

By the end of June 2008, the Queensland Government will have invested $10 million through TransLink on public transport service improvements in the Sunshine Coast region.

For more information on routes and timetables go to www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30.

February 20, 2007

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!


Group fights 'graveyard' busway

Group fights 'graveyard' busway
Tony Moore | February 25, 2008 - 5:00AM

Queensland Transport rejects suggestions that a "brick wall" is part of an old grave unearthed by the Boggo Road Busway team building through the cemetery.

The Boggo Road Busway is a $229 million project to connect the "Green Bridge" at St Lucia through to Dutton Park and, ultimately, on to Buranda.

The busway runs right alongside the "boundary" of the Dutton Park Cemetery, one aspect of a dispute which has already been referred to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC).

The "brick wall" is almost identical to the brickwork used in hundreds of graves next door in the Dutton Park Cemetery.

Work stopped when it was discovered, but the wall was gone after brisbanetimes.com.au visited the site.

Cemetery volunteers say they are being denied access to original maps which would prove there were graves in the construction area.

brisbanetimes.com.au asked Queensland Transport what tests were done on the wall to determine if it had belonged to a grave.

A statement from Queensland Transport at first denied a wall was unearthed during the excavation.

"No wall was unearthed and soil and rubble was being removed from the area throughout the process as part of normal construction methods," the statement said.

"A UQ [University of Queensland] archaeologist approved the excavation methodology used to remove the soil, rubble and headstones."

Two hours later, after being sent a photograph of the wall in question, Queensland Transport said the area was a well-known "dump" and questioned why the photograph taken on November 19, 2007 had not been released earlier.

But QT rejected suggestions there were graves in the area.

"The Boggo Road Busway Alliance regards such material as rubble, and as such would not have inspected or investigated it," the statement read.

"The Alliance strongly disputes any suggestion that this material is of heritage value, or that it indicates the presence of graves."

However, graves using identical brickwork are common in the cemetery just metres away.

Friends of South Brisbane Cemetery secretary Tracey Olivieri said she had sent the contentious photograph to the Environmental Protection Agency, Premier Anna Bligh, Deputy Mayor David Hinchliffe, Brisbane City Council's cemeteries department and media outlets.

Ms Olivieri believes the group's concerns are not being heard by the council or State Government.

The group will hold a protest at the site on March 3, she said.

She dismissed a CMC inquiry, "because they simply asked Brisbane City Council to investigate themselves".

Ms Olivieri said while the Boggo Road Busway crews had returned some headstones found by the construction crews, other monuments were carted away.

"We've seen three clear breaches of the Heritage Act and absolutely nothing's been done about it," Ms Olivieri said. "And that is not good enough."

Ms Olivieri said the Boggo Road Busway project team did not contact the Environmental Protection Unit when headstones were found as required under Queensland's heritage laws, nor did it conduct sufficient ground penetrating radar tests.

She said the Boggo Road Busway brochures did not specify that a bus turnaround was being built on the contested land.

Meanwhile, Sustainability and Climate Change Minister Andrew McNamara said he would not grant a request made in late January for a stop work on the site to allow further tests.

"The evidence we have says there is no graves in the construction area," the minister's spokesperson said.

"There is no evidence that it (a stop work) should be granted."

Queensland Transport, which is overseeing the project, maintains it has tested the site.

"The Boggo Road Busway Alliance has employed archaeologists who have examined the results of ground-penetrating radar to rule out the existence of unmarked graves where the Friends group has said unmarked graves could exist," a spokesperson said.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Busway nearing completion

Busway nearing completion
Article from: AAP

February 29, 2008 11:40am

A PROJECT that will take 900 buses off Brisbane CBD roads each day is nearing completion.

Premier Anna Bligh today inspected the $333 million Inner Northern Busway, due to open in June.

The busway, an underground route from the CBD through the city's inner-north, will save bus passengers up to 20 minutes travel time during peak hours.

Ms Bligh said it was a "critical link" in the city's transport system.

"What this does is make public transport significantly better into the CBD and it certainly helps the congestion in and around the city," Ms Bligh told reporters today.

The busway complex would also encourage people to leave their cars at home, with showers and facilities for 400 cyclists, Ms Bligh said.

"It's important if we want to get people using public transport, that that public transport is safe, that it's reliable and that it has these sorts of facilities," she said.

"This is going to be a fantastic asset for the city of Brisbane."

[ozbob]

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Friday, February 29, 2008

Premier inspects almost complete busway concourse

Premier Anna Bligh today inspected the almost complete concourse areas of the $333 million Inner Northern Busway (INB), still on-track for an advanced completion date in June.

Ms Bligh said the original artists? impression of Brisbane?s first fully accessible bus concourse had been brought to life.

?The Inner Northern Busway is going to transform bus travel to and from the city and two modern, state-of-the-art concourse facilities will be at its heart,? Ms Bligh said.

?The concourses will offer both comfort and convenience to Brisbane commuters, with fully air-conditioned facilities and real-time arrival and departure monitors.

Ms Bligh said the INB had been an extraordinary feat of construction.

"During construction, 333,000 cubic metres of fill and 50,000 cubic metres of rock were removed to make way for this critical link in Brisbane?s public transport network.

?Up to 90,000 Brisbane commuters on Brisbane?s north side will benefit from the busway when it opens in June, saving up to 20 minutes travel time in peak hours.

"Importantly, it will integrate bus and train services to create the seamless public transport network we need to combat traffic congestion.

In addition to saving north side commuters up to 20 minutes travel time, once completed, the INB will:

    * improve bus connections between the central business district, and the western and northern suburbs;
    * reduce inner city traffic congestion;
    * improve consistency and reliability of bus services;
    * provide underground turn facilities, which will increase efficiency of bus operations;
    * improve integration with the Transit Centre and the Roma Street Train Station;
    * feature a modern underground station in King George Square; and
    * increase capacity for growth of future bus services in the city centre.

Ms Bligh said the people of Brisbane would be able to walk through and explore the INB at a People?s Day in May.

?This project belongs to the people of Brisbane and will make a significant difference to commuter travel into and out of the city,? Ms Bligh said.


Friday, 29 February 2008

[ozbob]

From Quest Community Westside News click here!

Bus drivers driven out

Bus drivers driven out

BRISBANE: Poor wages and abuse from the public are turning Brisbane City Council bus drivers away from the industry, a council driver says.

Fig Tree Pocket driver Tony Byrne, pictured, said council drivers were paid less than pizza deliverers and this was contributing to a shortage of drivers across the city.

Mr Byrne said most drivers were too scared to speak out about abuse from the public and a lack of support from management.

Speaking out after criticism of one driver, who left two Kenmore boys stranded on their way to school, Mr Byrne said while council candidates might be able to deliver on their promises of hundreds of new buses, he believed they would struggle to find people to drive them.

And the Rail, Tram and Bus Union agreed, saying more staff would stay on if the pay was better.

Mr Byrne, 56, blamed late and overcrowded buses on traffic congestion rather than driver behaviour.

He said the 13-month traineeship drivers were forced to complete at $16.52 per hour was a joke.

"It?s just a sucker so they can get cheap drivers," Mr Byrne said. "For what these guys get and what they have to put up with, it?s just rubbish."

Rail, Tram and Bus Union assistant secretary David Matters called on the Government to improve the way bus drivers were being treated.

"(The Government) should be paying a minimum of $22 to $23 an hour if they expect to hold labour into the future," he said. "Drivers are starting to look over their shoulders at (the award rates) in other sectors."

But Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said council drivers enjoyed comparatively better wages and conditions than colleagues in the private sector.

Labor lord mayoral candidate Greg Rowell said if elected, he promised to ramp up marketing and recruitment campaigns.

[ozbob]

From mX via Courier Mail web site click here!

Transit rage hits bus drivers

Transit rage hits bus drivers
Article from: MX

Anna Edwards

March 05, 2008 04:25pm

BUS drivers are being abused by frustrated passengers who can't get to work on time since the removal of the T3 lanes on Brisbane's Coronation Drive.

Bus union officials today staged a protest along the road, one of Brisbane's busiest, calling for the T3 to be put back in.

Originally a bus lane, it was turned into a T3 by Lord Mayor Campbell Newman in 2000, then removed mid-last year by Cr Newman with the support of the Labor-majority council.

"Our drivers have been abused and are frustrated because they can't get patrons to work on time," Rail, Tram and Bus Union bus divisional organiser Mick Layte said.

The union has called on commuters to support lord mayoral candidates including Labor's Greg Rowell and the Greens' Jo Bragg, who they said supported bus priority lanes.

But Mr Rowell said today Labor did not back bus lanes which took up existing road space, while council's Liberal transport spokesman Graham Quirk labelled the protest a stunt.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations

Friday, March 07, 2008

Boost to Mackay bus services

Major improvements to Mackay bus services will start on March 24, providing a better travel alternative for residents and visitors.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the State Government would improve bus services in Mackay through a boost to funding.

The additional funding was made available through the decision to close the Mackay Taxi Transit services, which have experienced falling patronage over the past few years.

"The government is aware of concerns that some elderly or mobility-impaired people may be disadvantaged by the closure of Mackay Taxi Transit and has addressed those concerns," Mr Mickel said.

"Severely mobility-impaired people who are unable to access the bus service may qualify for the taxi subsidy smart card where Queensland Transport will pay half their taxi fares to a limit of $25 on each trip.

The Minister said Mackay commuters had already proven their preference for buses, with a 68 percent increase in patronage in the past five years. During 2006-07 Mackay Transit Coaches carried 323,985 travellers.

In the same five year period the State Government boosted funding for Mackay Transit Coaches substantially. In 2006-07, Mackay Transit Coaches received significant funding from the government.

"The government's heavy investment in Mackay bus services has already resulted in a big rise in patronage and this extra boost from March 24 is expected to convince even more people to use the local bus network," Mr Mickel said.

"We are also planning even further improvements and the possible purchase of another new wheelchair-friendly bus for Mackay later this year.

"The Bligh Government is determined to ensure that all Queenslanders have access to public transport services that meet their needs wherever they live in this State," he said.


Mr Mickel said the bus service improvements from March 24 would include:

? Extra weekday services on route 7 at 9.45am and 12.45pm
? More Saturday afternoon trips on routes 1, 2, 6 & 7
? Mackay Transit will provide other additional services wherever possible
? Mackay Taxis can provide group bookings at 8.30pm and 9.30pm from the city on Thursday nights.

The new timetable will be available from Mackay Transit Coaches before March 24.

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Busways the future of Brisbane transport: Bligh

Busways the future of Brisbane transport: Bligh
March 9, 2008 - 12:54PM

Dedicated bus lanes are the future of transport in Brisbane, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said as she turned the first sod today of a new $198 million busway.

The elevated first stage of the Northern Busway runs from the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, on the city's northern fringe, to the northern suburb of Windsor, and will eventually stretch further north to Aspley.

Ms Bligh said the project would emulate the success of the South-East Busway, a corridor that runs from the Brisbane CBD, to Eight Mile Plains in the south.

"The South-East Busway has been one of the great public transport successes of the city of Brisbane," Ms Bligh told reporters.

Busways were an important part of the infrastructure of modern Brisbane, she said.

"Dedicated busways are the future face of 21st century Brisbane," she said.

Stage one of the busway, which includes two new bus stations, will open in October 2009.

The next stage, from Windsor to Kedron, will be built by 2016.

Transport Minister John Mickel said it would be worth the wait for residents of the suburbs further north.

"These programs are ambitious but they're congestion fighters," Mr Mickel said.

"The point is retrofitting this type of infrastructure costs a lot of money, but they will be done in accordance with the economic realities we have at the time."

By 2016, 47,000 passengers per day are expected to use the busway.

AAP

Just in time for the council elections .. LOL

47, 000 passengers is the equivalent of 47  6 car suburban rail services which is 940 buses!   

Hope the Go Card works on the buses by then ...

[ozbob]

Article similiar to above at the Courier Mail -->  $198m Northern Busway from Windsor to Aspley

$198m Northern Busway from Windsor to Aspley
Article from: AAP

March 09, 2008 01:06pm

A FLYOVER busway is being built next to the Royal Brisbane Hospital as the first part of a $198 million dedicated bus corridor from Windsor to Aspley.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said bus lanes were the future of transport in Brisbane as she turned the first sod today.

The elevated first stage of the Northern Busway runs from the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, on the city's northern fringe, to the northern suburb of Windsor, and will eventually stretch further north to Aspley.

Ms Bligh said the project would emulate the success of the South-East Busway, a corridor that runs from the Brisbane CBD, to Eight Mile Plains in the south.

"The South-East Busway has been one of the great public transport successes of the city of Brisbane," Ms Bligh told reporters.

Busways were an important part of the infrastructure of modern Brisbane, she said.

"Dedicated busways are the future face of 21st century Brisbane," she said.

Stage one of the busway, which includes two new bus stations, will open in October 2009.

The next stage, from Windsor to Kedron, will be built by 2016.

Transport Minister John Mickel said it would be worth the wait for residents of the suburbs further north.

"These programs are ambitious but they're congestion-fighters," Mr Mickel said.

"The point is retrofitting this type of infrastructure costs a lot of money, but they will be done in accordance with the economic realities we have at the time."

By 2016, 47,000 passengers per day are expected to use the busway.

[Zoiks]

How much would this cost if it were rail, if it were possible at all due to elevations...

Also, why is it the busways look smart with modern looking stations yet the new rail stations look boring. Practical, but boring.

[ozbob]

Busways have their place.   Rail would probably cost 10 times more but the savings in the longer term would be significant.  It is interesting following the comments on the news com blog on the article above.

What worries me about Brisbane's bus fleets is how the fuel price rises will impact on the running costs. The Lord Mayor has mentioned this in the past and it is a real concern.  The busways will be able to be adapted for light rail in the future hopefully.

Clearly heavy rail would not be suitable in this situation.  This announcement has more to do with the council election and attempt to boost the labor nominees.  It is old news.

[ozbob]

Re railway stations. Interesting Comment Zoiks, thanks.

Yes it seems that Translink and Queensland Transport are a bit bus fixated. No expense spared but for rail it is as we have seen with Springfield the cheapest option.  They don't want to even build stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes initially.  I think they like to be seen as doing something, no real planning for the longer term. Bus seems like a quick fix, make it look nice.  When it all stops, heck they will have moved on I guess and the poor souls left behind will try to cope.

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Giant 'superbuses' to hit Brisbane's streets

Giant 'superbuses' to hit Brisbane's streets
Christine Kellett | March 23, 2008 - 10:15AM

The State Government will shop overseas for a fleet of giant 100-seater 'superbuses' to ease the traffic squeeze.

The mammoth vehicles will be three times the length of a regular bus and at least a third larger than articulated "banana buses" currently on the road.

Premier Anna Bligh will invite Australian and international companies to come up with a design - and name their price - from next week.

The giant buses will be trialled in Brisbane's busway network, but the government has not ruled out deploying them on other busy South East Queensland routes if needs arise.

"For a vehicle to be considered it needs to have a carrying capacity of of at least 100 passengers - well in excess of a regular articulated or banana bus," Ms Bligh said.

"We will be looking for vehicles that can expand the capacity of the current fleet, but that are also value for money."

The government has challenged manufacturers to explore a number of different designs and engine types, including low-polluting "green" options such as hybrid and ultra-low sulphur diesel models.

It has refused to say how much it has to spend on the vehicles, but indicated a trial could begin as early as next year, with the South East Busway likely to be the first to begin running the 'superbuses'.

Ms Bligh said expressions of interest would be sought between March 26 and May 9.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

'Superbuses' to go on trial to fight traffic congestion

'Superbuses' to go on trial to fight traffic congestion
Article from: AAP

March 23, 2008 02:04pm

THE Queensland government has foreshadowed a trial of "superbuses" to deal with Brisbane's worsening traffic congestion.

Premier Anna Bligh will this week put the call out to bus companies to express interest in the trial, which could be held next year.

"Fighting traffic congestion is one of my government's top priorities," Ms Bligh said.

"One of the best ways to do that is to squeeze every last drop of efficiency out of our public transport networks."

If enough interest was shown in the trial, multiple vehicles could be trialled at the same time, the premier said.

Aside from standard buses, Brisbane City Council currently runs a fleet of "banana" buses capable of carrying almost 90 passengers.

Ms Bligh said the government was seeking vehicles capable of carrying over 100 passengers, consisting of three compartments.

"To be considered, a vehicle would need to demonstrate a very high level of environmental performance, especially with regard to emissions reduction technology," she said.

Companies will be given six weeks to submit a proposal, with submissions closing on May 9.

Artic Bus in Brisbane - super buses will need dedicated busways/roads.



Photograph R Dow 27 Mar 2008

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

My own experience is that drivers are generally courteous and very patient.  Particularly in view of the constant passenger issues "Does this bus go to the City?", large denomination notes, misbehaviour of passengers on buses, and of course whilst putting up with all this manage a large vehicle in the congestion chaos on Brisbane roads.  I think our bus drivers have a difficult task, and I would like to see the courier mail follow up this story with one that is reflecting the real situation and the great job that our bus drivers actually do!


Brisbane bus drivers 'rude and cranky'

Brisbane bus drivers 'rude and cranky'
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Patrick Lion

March 26, 2008 11:00pm

COMPLAINTS about rude and cranky bus drivers rocketed 50 per cent last year but the drivers blame Brisbane's worsening traffic woes for their testy tempers.

Brisbane City Council figures, obtained by The Courier-Mail under Freedom of Information laws, reveal commuters filed almost 4800 complaints about drivers last year, up from 3185 cases in 2006.

Most complaints related to performance, with 3522 cases involving buses that did not show up, the wrong routes being taken or disputes over incorrect fares and change.

But 1270 complaints, up from 861 the previous year, involved poor driver behaviour, with operators accused of being "rude and aggressive" or using obscene language, gestures and even physical assault.

The release of the figures comes after Brisbane City Council's former public transport chairwoman Victoria Newton claimed last year that there was no problem with driver behaviour.

Liberal deputy mayor Graham Quirk yesterday blamed the increase on a system under pressure.

"When we have big increases in passengers being left stranded, then it has got to have a rub-off effect on drivers having to confront these issues with commuters," Cr Quirk said.

"There could also be a certain number of circumstances involving retaliation in the figures."

Council's 2000 drivers undergo intensive training but some have previously been sacked after complaints from passengers were followed up.

But the Rail Tram and Bus Union strongly defend the behaviour of its members, saying there was no problem as drivers these days were a "remarkably patient group" in stressful conditions.

"Drivers of my vintage would have belted you and thrown you off the bus but if you look at the past five years in Brisbane, you have a very stressful environment," RTBU bus division secretary David Matters said.

"They are doing remarkably well when you consider the amount of construction around and that gridlock can strike at any time. You're dealing with traffic and moving a vehicle from point A to point B in a specified time.

"You have to remember that they are the most watched group of citizens in this country."

While the overall complaints rose 50 per cent, total patronage across the bus network was up 6 per cent to 65.63 million.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Private bus companies to merge

Private bus companies to merge
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Anthony Marx

March 26, 2008 11:00pm

TWO of Queensland's biggest privately owned bus companies will merge in a deal set to settle at the end of the month.
Surfside Buslines will acquire Sunbus for an undisclosed amount, with plans calling for no cuts in routes or timetables and no redundancies of employees.

Gold Coast-based Surfside operates about 300 buses with a staff of about 500 workers. Covering the area between the Dreamworld theme park and NSW border, it has completed at least three other acquisitions since 1993.

Sunbus, based in the Ipswich suburb of Booval, has a fleet of about 200 vehicles which service Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.

It is currently operated by UK-owned Transit Australia and has grown to employ more than 500 staff since starting operations in 1995.

Sunbus managing director Wayne Patch said talks started last November and both companies were profitable but the merger would create a "strategic alliance" beneficial to each. The bus lines would continue to operate under their existing names.

Surfside managing director Luke Gray did not return calls seeking comment.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

Friday, April 11, 2008

Kynoch bus services boosted from April 14

Some Kynoch Coaches bus services will be doubled from April 14 in a major public transport boost for residents in Highfields and Crows Nest.

Transport Minister John Mickel and Attorney-General Kerry Shine today jointly announced the major upgrade linking Toowoomba CBD with the fast-growing north eastern region.

Mr Mickel said the present one-bus route would be doubled to provide new direct routes between the city, Crows Nest and Highfields.

"The new direct service from Crows Nest will save travellers seven minutes on a trip to the city compared with the current route," he said.

"This new service also accesses the new Plaza Shopping Centre at Highfields.

"The improvements mean better bus services for residents in Crows Nest, Hampton, Cabarlah and Highfields travelling to Toowoomba and return," Mr Mickel said.

Mr Shine said the improved services reflected extensive consultation with bus patrons, Kynoch Coaches and Toowoomba City Council.

"As the local Member, I'm very pleased to see these improvements keeping pace with the fast-growing population in these areas of the city," he said.

"At the 2006 census, Crows Nest had a population of 1,712 while Highfield's population was 6,528, representing growth of 30% and 79% respectively since the previous census in 2001.

"The State Government is subsidising these extra services to cater for current community needs and establish the foundation for strong future passenger growth," Mr Shine said.

Minister Mickel said the main features of the service improvements were:

? a shorter, more direct route reducing travel times between Crows Nest, Highfields and Toowoomba
? an increase in services (up to seven services daily between Highfields and Toowoomba)
? extension of the bus route in Crows Nest (including into the newly developing areas in the south east)
? hail and ride services in Highfields and Crows Nest.

For further information, contact Kynoch Coaches on (07) 4639 1639

[ozbob]

It was reported in todays Brisbane mX that there were 1128 full council buses in March 2008, up from 776 full buses in February.

When Universities resume there usually is a bump, but again it highlights that simply throwing more and more buses is not that effective.  A point is reached when rail (light or heavy) needs to be considered.

The INB is being quoted as handling 300 buses per hour.  This does seem a little 'romantic' - two lanes, say 150 buses per hour each direction that is a bus every 24 seconds! And this doesn't account for loading and unloading times. If possible this would be 15000 passengers per hour.  The maximum for buses is normally accepted to be about 10,000 passengers per hour two lanes.  Heavy rail 30,000 and metro up 60,000 passengers per hour in the equivalent space.

[Mozz]

I heard on the radio media today that those poor commuters attempting to travel by buses could possibly maybe expect that in 12 months or so that things may get better.

[ozbob]

In 12 months the waiting passenger numbers will have increased yet again 

Only solution that is sustainable is to further ramp up rail, and feed high capacity rail with more feeder bus routes.

[ozbob]

This looks a little more balanced.  250 buses during peak sounds a bit more realistic!   

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Brisbane's new busway under King George Square will open to commuters on May 19.

New Brisbane busway to open next month
Tony Moore | April 16, 2008 - 2:25PM

Brisbane's new busway under King George Square will open to commuters on May 19.

Premier Anna Bligh this morning announced the $333 million Inner Northern Busway (INB) - connecting the Queen Street Busway to the Roma Street Transit Station - would remove 250 buses from Brisbane's inner-city streets during the morning peak hour.

The INB will be officially launched at a public "Discovery Day" on Sunday, May 4, when people will be able to walk through the 750 metre tunnel between the new King George Square to the existing Queen Street Busway. The open day runs from 10am to 2pm.

Children's rides will also be a feature, with all funds raised going to local Brisbane charities.

Transport Minister John Mickel said the INB was the "inner city" link between the South East Busway through Brisbane's inner southern suburbs and Brisbane's northern suburbs.

"The INB will be the heart of the busway network connecting the already successful South East Busway to the Northern Busway, which has recently commenced construction," Mr Mickel said.

He said one advantage was better links with train services from the Roma Street Transit Centre.

"It will also be one of the premier examples of bus and rail integration in the country with hundreds of bus and rail services meeting every day at Roma Street Station."

The new King George Station busway station includes a fully functional Cycle Centre with racks, change facilities and lockers, and a new Transport Information Centre (TIC).

Ultimately it will connect with the busway from the Royal Brisbane Hospital down Lutwyche Road as far as Kedron.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Brisbane Transport bus damaged in gas explosion

Brisbane Transport bus damaged in gas explosion
Article from: The Courier-Mail

April 21, 2008 07:30am

BRISBANE City Council has assured passengers its bus fleet is safe after a gas explosion overnight that blew out the windows of a bus and injured an employee.

Police and emergency services personnel were waiting for the bus's six gas cylinders to expend after the incident at the Macgregor St bus depot at Upper Mt Gravatt about 12.15am. Macgregor St has been closed at Logan Rd but is still accessible via Kessels Rd.

Initial investigations indicate there was a sudden release of natural gas after a bus had been refuelled. It is believed a gas cylinder was launched projectile-like into a neighbouring building.

A male employee was taken to the QEII Hospital with minor injuries while another employee escaped injury.

Brisbane City Council public transport chairwoman Jane Prentice told ABC Radio this morning there was no reason to believe the other buses in the Brisbane Transport fleet were unsafe. There would be no interruption to this morning's bus services.

She refused to speculate on the cause of the explosion until gas experts had completed their investigation.

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

From Brisbanetimes click here!

'Massive' gas explosion in Brisbane bus depot

'Massive' gas explosion in Brisbane bus depot
Shannon Molloy | April 21, 2008 - 6:39AM

A council worker is lucky to be alive after a "massive" explosion on a council bus at an Upper Mt Gravatt depot overnight.

Two men had just refuelled the bus at about 12.15am when there was a sudden release of natural gas, police say.

The force of the explosion sent a gas bottle flying into the air.  It crashed through the roof of a nearby workshop, a police media spokeswoman said.

A Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said crews called to the scene were amazed the men weren't killed.

She described the explosion as "massive" and said it blew out the windows of the bus.

A 44-year-old male was taken to hospital with only minor injuries and a second man did not require hospitalisation, she said.

"The crew said they were lucky to live and cannot believe the fact that they weren't seriously injured," the QFRS spokeswoman said.

Crews remained at the Macgregor Street depot until early this morning after detecting gas leaking from the bus.

Police cordoned off the area as a precaution and air samples were taken.

A Council spokeswoman told ABC Radio this morning it was unlikely there would be delays to services today.

She reassured commuters other buses in the fleet were safe.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Brisbane bus explosion threatens services

Brisbane bus explosion threatens services
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Robyn Ironside

April 21, 2008 08:40am

BRISBANE bus services are at risk after one of three refuelling stations was shut down following a gas explosion overnight.

The refuelling station in Macgregor St, Upper Mt Gravatt, has been closed indefinitely after the explosion about 12.15am, which occurred after a bus had been refuelled.

A male employee was taken to QEII Hospital with minor injuries and a gas cylinder launched into a neighbouring building in the explosion.

A Brisbane Transport spokesman said bus services would not be cancelled, but problems could arise due to there only being two of the three refuelling depots in operation.

Passengers were assured the rest of the bus fleet was safe. It was believed to be an issue with the refuelling, not the manufacture of the gas cylinders.

Macgregor St has been closed at Logan Rd but is still accessible via Kessels Rd.

[ozbob]

From Courier Mail click here!

Safety check grounds 30 buses

Safety check grounds 30 buses
Article from: The Courier-Mail

By Robyn Ironside

April 22, 2008 12:00am

THIRTY Brisbane City Council buses were last night taken off the road for inspection after a gas cylinder explosion that put two men in hospital.

Just before midnight on Sunday two men refuelling buses were injured at the Upper Mount Gravatt depot when a high-pressure cylinder in a bus roof ruptured and hurtled about 60m through the air into a nearby workshop.

On impact, the carbon fibre canister shattered a water main and sent debris into the boundary fence, 15m away.

Another cylinder on top of the bus was dislodged but four others remained intact.

The explosion could be heard 5km away in Coopers Plains where residents heard a "big bang".

"The potential was definitely there. We live right behind Macgregor St (bus depot) and the blast shook the windows of our house," said Amber Skinner of Upper Mount Gravatt.

"We were sitting up in bed watching TV when it happened, and our first thought was 'what was that?' then our second thought was 'I hope no one's hurt'."

After inspecting the depot yesterday morning, Lord Mayor Campbell Newman admitted lives could have been lost if the explosion had occurred in business hours.

"On a normal day . . . there could be 15, 20 people walking around in there in the path of what was essentially a very dangerous missile. I'm very thankful we didn't have a tragedy here," he said.

Although he initially said there was no need to ground the bus fleet while the explosion was investigated, late yesterday the State Government's gas examiners recommended other Scania-made buses in the same "batch" be withdrawn from service after last night's peak hour.

A BCC spokesman said there was no risk to public safety by operating the buses because of the certainty that the problem existed in the refuelling process.

"We would not expect any major disruption to services while these buses are off the road," the spokesman said.

The two men injured were yesterday recovering at home after treatment for shock and possible hearing damage.

"This is quite traumatic for them and their families," said Rail, Tram and Bus Union bus division secretary David Matters. Other bus drivers met yesterday and voted to "keep the system going".

Mr Matters said the union was satisfied the matter was being thoroughly investigated and supported the move to withdraw buses for inspection.

"The issue is at the fuel point and we want to be sure anything out there on the roads is safe," Mr Matters said.

The Upper Mount Gravatt refuelling site was expected to remain closed until the end of the week, forcing other natural gas-powered buses in the BCC fleet to refuel at Toowong or Virginia.

About 350 council buses operate on natural gas, and 120 are the same model as the one involved in Sunday night's explosion. It was last inspected in August.

[ozbob]

changes to CBD bus services - effective 19 May 2008

Inner Northern Busway service improvements for Brisbane

--> http://www.translink.com.au/qt/translin.nsf/index/sc_bt_inbservices_may08

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

CBD bus stops to change from 19 May

Bus stops for more than 120 bus routes will change from 19 May to coincide with the opening of the new $333 million Inner Northern Busway.

Three new bus routes will also be introduced on the same day as part of more than $5 million in service improvements.

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the major reshuffle of bus stops also included the reopening of platform B in the Queen Street bus station.

"Part of the reason for these changes is to locate bus services with similar destinations at the same stop or at adjacent stops," he said.

"This will mean passengers will have easier access to a broader range of services to get them where they need to go.

"Many routes will also now take advantage of the new busway stations at King George Square and Roma Street.

"Full information about stop changes is now available on the TransLink website and I urge all bus users to check if their route is affected before 19 May."

The new services being introduced on 19 May include a new busway-only service to be known as route 66.

"Route 66 will operate exclusively on the South East Busway and Inner Northern Busway between Wolloongabba and QUT Kelvin Grove," he said.

"In order to maximise the capacity of this service banana buses will be used on all runs.
"Route 66 will run every ten minutes in the peak and every 15 minutes off-peak on weekdays from 6.30am to 8.00pm.

"It will serve a vital function linking major destinations in the inner city such as South Bank, the Mater Hospital, the city centre, Roma Street Station and QUT's campus at Kelvin Grove.

"We expect that route 66 will also take some pressure off other popular services such as the 333 to Chermside and the 111 to Eight Mile Plains."

There will also be two new limited stops peak hour services from Chermside and Carindale, to be known as the 332 and 222, along with more services for the 320.

"We will be increasing the weekday frequency of the 320 on a trial basis to provide connections for employees of the Brisbane Airport," Minister Mickel said.

"An additional 25 weekday trips providing capacity for an extra 1500 passengers a day will run for three months.

"If patronage is high enough during the trial, TransLink will introduce these improvements permanently.

"I urge all employees of the Brisbane Airport who can access the 320 to give this service a try.

"If usage is high enough it could help reduce traffic at the airport roundabout."

Thirty routes from across the Brisbane area will use the Inner Northern Busway when it opens.

It is anticipated there will be more than 50 000 passenger movements at the new King George Square and Roma Street Busway stations each week day.

For more information about public transport and services go to www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30.

April 23, 2008

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Is your bus stop about to move?

Is your bus stop about to move?
Christine Kellett | April 24, 2008 - 5:00AM

Brisbane's bus services are set for a shake-up ahead of the opening of the Inner-Northern Busway next month, with more than 120 separate routes set to be changed.

Commuters are being urged to contact provider Translink to avoid mass confusion on May 19, when the $333 million busway becomes operational.

The major reshuffle will also include the reopening of the Queen Street bus station's platform B and the establishment of a new busway-only service, dubbed route 66.

"Route 66 will operate exclusively on the South-East Busway and Inner-Northern Busway between Wolloongabba and QUT Kelvin Grove," Transport Minister John Mickel said yesterday.

"Part of the reason for these changes is to locate bus services with similar destinations at the same stop or at adjacent stops.

"This will mean passengers will have easier access to a broader range of services to get them where they need to go."

Thirty Brisbane bus services will use the Inner-Northern Busway, with an anticipated 50,000 passenger movements at the new King George Square and Roma Street Busway stations each weekday.

Route 66 services will run every 10 minutes at peak times.

Commuters can check the changes at the Translink website, www.translink.com.au, or by phoning 13 12 30 for more information.

[Skeetbris]

This is a good thing to get rid of some of the buses from Brisbane CBD streets, at present they are just everywhere during peak times. But when are they going to admit that the bus is not the answer to our congestion problems? When are they going to finally realise that buses are not that good at moving lots of people and only run this outdated form of transport on some routes only once an hour! The bus has not worked in Sydney as they have the same problems with people being left behind as we do here in Brisbane and they run their buses at 10 minute periods or less. They had those problems 20 years ago, probably from the time they stupidly ditched their trams and still they have those problems. Why are we still being subjected this 1950's ideal for street public transport? When are they going to put light rail into Brisbane at last? Isn't it time to stop denying the facts that buses do not make good public transport? Buses have not worked in any major city and they have never been able to emulate what a tram can do, light rail is needed in this city NOW! The longer the Qld govt dithers over public transport, the more expensive it will become to build a light rail system that has buses feeding the tram. Get serious about this, if the Gold Coast doesn't want the light rail system then don't put it in there, put in on the existing and future "busways" because buses are just not doing the job effectively to class it as world class. Maybe third world anyway. I use a lot of buses and they are usually late or packed like a sardine tin like the lousey once an hour service the 220 route gets in the afternoons, especially the 3.17pm 220 from Wolloongabba. Translink won't increase the 220 service to a half hourly service as is becoming required, but take a good look at the 220  from the Gabba bus station at 3.17pm or the service at 9.15pm and some of the others to realise that the existing timetable is inadequate with overcrowed buses that can be anything up to half an hour late! It's time to admit that the bus centric policies of BCC and the Qld govt is failing the commuters of Brisbane. It's time to get serious and start to build an integrated light rail system to put back what was moronically removed in the bulldozer era of the 50's and 60's!

[ozbob]

From Brisbanetimes click here!

115 new buses for Brisbane, Lord Mayor vows

115 new buses for Brisbane, Lord Mayor vows
Georgina Robinson | April 28, 2008 - 4:11PM

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has promised 115 new buses will hit Brisbane roads next financial year, nearly double the number originally flagged.

Cr Newman today made the announcement at City Hall, two weeks after the latest Brisbane City Council figures showed more than 1700 buses were too full to pick up passengers.

Cr Newman also detailed how the council would meet his election promise of putting 500 new buses in service over the next four years to meet unprecedented commuter demand.

"Four years ago we had around 48 million passenger trips a year on our buses," he said.

"This year it might well hit 68 million so up over 40 per cent in only four years."

On top of the 60 natural gas buses promised next financial year, the council would bring forward funding for an extra 20 buses that were originally slated for delivery in the 2009/2010 financial year, Cr Newman said.

Another 35 new diesel buses would be also be commissioned in Melbourne, bringing the total number of buses to 115.

Cr Newman said the plan would cost the council $55.6 million in the 2008/2009 financial year.

However, he also conceded the council was still negotiating with the State Government over funding the extra buses.

It is understood the Government has committed to funding 90 buses, but Cr Newman said more were required.

"We are absolutely passionate about the need to improve services, we need more buses on the road - 110 to 120 every year ... for the next 10 years and we need to enter into a long term arrangment (with the state)," he said.

Cr Newman said he was committed to getting Brisbane moving, with a new bus rolling off the production line every three working days.

He also said the bus fleet could be augmented with eight new, larger buses.

"Council is investigating purchase of a further eight new 14.5 metre rigid buses, or the equivalent of 10 rigid buses, but they would be subject to strict technical specifications," he said.