1 Nov 2007: SEQ - New trains very popular with commuters!

[ozbob]

Media Release 1 November 2007

SEQ:  New trains very popular with commuters!

RAIL ? Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)  a web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has congratulated EDI Rail and Bombardier Transportation, Queensland Rail, Translink and the Queensland Government on the continuing rollout of the new passenger trains for the Translink Citytrain Rail network.

Robert Dow said that:

?A number of the new suburban trains have been progressively introduced into service in the past months. They are excellent units from the commuter perspective, roomy, comfortable and with a nice turn of acceleration which assists in keeping to the timetable.?

?Feedback received at RAIL Back On Track from commuters has been very positive indeed.?

?The eventual number of this order is 44 three car units.  This will increase capacity by about 30%.  As projections  in passenger numbers range from 39% to above 100% in the coming years it will be necessary to order more of the new trains now to cope with these increases in passenger journeys.?

?By maximising suburban rail travel this will help ease the chronic overloading of buses, ferries and catamarans. It will also help reduce the chronic traffic congestion that is now almost normal for some parts of Brisbane.?

?Contingent on the proper uptake of rail is the requirement of having adequate trains and crew to provide cost effective, reliable and timely services.  Serious consideration should be given to ordering an additional 22 units to add to the already 44 sets ordered.?

?Well done QR, but let?s hope we are not caught short again!? said Robert Dow, spokesman for RAIL Back On Track.

Contact:

Robert Dow

admin@backontrack.org
Administration RAIL Back On Track

[ozbob]

From: http://www.downerediworks.com.au/Default.aspx?aCateId=1077

New Trains for Brisbane


In November 2004 , due to dramatic growth in patronage on QR's Brisbane suburban network, the Queensland Government ordered 24 3-car trains from the EDI Rail - Bombardier Transportation Joint Venture.  An extension of a further 20 trains was also placed in late 2006, as demand for train services in Brisbane continues to surge with the local economy.

The trains are 3-car, stainless steel, electric multiple units, designated by QR as the SMU 260 and IMU 160 series.

The SMU's (Suburban Multiple Units) and IMU's (Interurban Multiple Units) are essentially identical vehicle platforms, differing chiefly in passenger seating amenities.  The SMU's are designed for suburban commuter service, whereas the IMU's are designed for interurban communter services, over the longer distances between the cities of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

These vehicles represent the latest incarnation of a design first introduced in 1979, but constantly improved on each batch of vehicles delivered since.  They are designed to operate at a top service speed of 130 km/h, and are powered by modern, IGBT-based power electronics with brushless AC traction motors, offering maximum performance, reliability and efficiency.

Like all QR vehicles, they are fully air-conditioned.

[ozbob]

I noted IMU 176 and IMU 175 on the 3.36pm Central to Corinda via South Brisbane this afternoon.

16 additional  new 3 car units now in service!  Well done!

[ozbob]

SMU 261 has arrived in Brisbane.

See thread here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=785.0