Hale St Bridge Project - Impact on Ipswich line

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Inner-west traffic about to get worse

Inner-west traffic about to get worse
TONY MOORE
October 8, 2009 - 1:57PM

Major Brisbane traffic changes leading to delays of up to 50 minutes around the $380 million Go Between Bridge at Milton have been announced and will come into effect next month.

These changes include reducing the inbound and outbound lanes on Coronation Drive around the bridge's construction site near Hale Street from three lanes down to two lanes.

Traffic using the Riverside Expressway and heading towards the Inner City Bypass will have to use the left-hand lanes, not the right-hand lanes as they do now.

These changes around the Go Between Bridge, formerly known as the Hale Street Link, will run from November 1 for the next four months while the Coronation Drive overpass is built.

Brisbane City Council's deputy mayor Graham Quirk has defended the lengthy delays expected while the number of traffic lanes are reduced as a necessary difficulty to allow the bridge to be built.

However, the delays have caused tension between the State Government and Brisbane City Council, which have been resolved.

Council's Opposition have already highlighted problems with traffic "rat running" in the nearby suburbs of Paddington, Auchenflower and Milton as motorists look for shortcuts in the area.

The traffic changes include:

1. Motorists travelling outbound on Coronation Drive towards Toowong will use the lanes on the right-hand side, or the northern side of the Boomerang Street Overpass. Lanes which have been used previously will now be closed for the overpass construction.

2. Traffic leaving the city along the Riverside Expressway and heading towards the Inner City Bypass, will have to change to the left-hand lane to use the Boomerang Street overpass.

3. Traffic on Coronation Drive heading towards the city will be restricted to two lanes between Cribb Street and the Merivale Rail Bridge.

The Go Between Bridge is scheduled to be finished by March 2010.

Its price tag has more than doubled from an original estimate of $150m in 2005 as the project changed.

[ButFli]

This is truly scary!

[longboi]

We all knew it was coming..How else would they build the Coro Dr overpass?

Its either that or divert all traffic onto Milton Rd/Cribb St.

[ButFli]

We all knew it was coming, yet I'm also sure we were all expecting at least something would be done to provide an alternative. As far as I am aware the only actual alternative to arriving at work on time is to leave home 50 minutes earlier. No provision has been made to give buses priority during construction and nothing has been done to increase capacity on the Ipswich railway line. It's beyond belief!

I love how the Go Between Bridge website suggest people catch the bus. What will that acheive? The bus will be stuck in traffic with all the cars!

Traffic is already bad enough. It took me 15 minutes to travel the length of Coronation Drive by bus this morning for a total trip time of 20 minutes. Starting Monday, 2nd of November it will take me 70 minutes to get to work every day. That is over triple the time it takes now or 7 times what it takes in school/university holidays! I don't even want to think about it!

[ozbob]

Media Release 8 October 2009

SEQ:  Where is the public transport plan to cope with the inner western chaos?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has been highlighting the impacts of the Go Between bridge construction and associated works on the public transport systems from the western suburbs since 2007! (1).  As the significant delays are now imminent it would be a reasonable hope the TransLink would have put in place a plan for extra rail services on the Ipswich line to allow commuters to transit in a reasonable time frame (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Is anyone actually doing any coherent public transport planning in Brisbane?   Today I journeyed on the 4.38pm Ipswich service from Roma St and it was as usual a congestion basket case!  What hope will commuters have on getting on board the heavily congested trains on journeys during peak between CBD and Darra when the road chaos hits?  Not much hope at all I would suggest!"

"Nothing has changed since we called for extra services to cope with the overloads last August. (3)"

"Extra peak sweeper rail services between the CBD and Redbank are urgently needed.  The neglect of Brisbane's west in terms of  busway and bus priority lanes means bus will also be caught up the mess. Rail is the only solution."

"Does anyone care?"

References:

1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.0

2.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/innerwest-traffic-about-to-get-worse-20091008-goei.html

3.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2600.0


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media Release 12 August 2009

SEQ:  Hale St Link project will impact on public transport

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has highlighted the impacts of the Hale St Link project in terms of congestion crises on an already overloaded peak public transport particularly the Ipswich railway line services since 2007! (1).  Recent media confirms that the road congestion chaos will be considerable so now is the time to ramp up services on the Ipswich railway line to give the capacity so that motorists and bus passengers coming in from the western regions will be able to escape the mess (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There is no doubt we are about to enter into a very difficult time on Brisbane's roads, particularly around the Hale St Link project.  Now is the time to ramp up rail services so that buses can feed into key stations on the main western line and provide commuters with a quick transit by rail through to the CBD."

"Measures will need to be taken by TransLink, Brisbane Transport and QR Passenger to drive change.  Fundamental is the need to schedule more rail services, particularly in the peaks to handle the increase in patronage that will occur as motorists become frustrated with hours spent in traffic jams. We would also suggest that motorists that do make the change to public transport will continue to use public transport once they realise how efficient it can be.  They will save time and money.  They will leave less of an environmental impact.  They are less likely to suffer an injury on the way to and from their daily toil.  They might actually experience some exercise at the beginning and end of their public transport commute.  These are all positive outcomes and we should be doing our utmost to drive change."

"Other measures to assist will be further encouragement to travel early and late, and off peaks.  The go card provides an easy way to implement such a strategy (3)."

"Time that all transport agencies and authorities worked to together to provide citizens with real options.  We look forward to the details of how public transport services will be increased to cope with the ever worsening road congestion in Brisbane."

References:

1.  Hale St Bridge Project - Impact on Ipswich line http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=52.

2.  Hale Street Link hell as projects put brakes on traffic http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25917161-952,00.html

3.  SEQ: Time to GO! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2528.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

It is appalling ButFli I agree.

Sydney is introducing a new timetable next week.  See --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2840  100 additional services.

Brisbane?  Can't even add two or three essential services??

[mufreight]

Additional services cost money that Translink wastes to employ more inefectual mates at excessive salaries to do nothing constructive, money that could and should be spent on providing services that are needed.
One must question why additional services are not being operated to relieve overcrowding and provide better service frequencies when numbers of train sets now sit idle in peak periods, the obvious answer is funding and QR passenger as an operator for Translink is not being adequately funded to provide the levels of service currently needed.
Does anyone know to this time if the operational agreement for funding for QR Passenger for this current year has been finalised yet now four months into the financial year?

[O_128]

Considering Sydney trains can carry over triple what ours can they are then introducing over 300000 new seats a  day yet we cant do a 1000 something is terribly wrong here!

[david]

Additional services cost money that Translink wastes to employ more inefectual mates at excessive salaries to do nothing constructive, money that could and should be spent on providing services that are needed.
One must question why additional services are not being operated to relieve overcrowding and provide better service frequencies when numbers of train sets now sit idle in peak periods, the obvious answer is funding and QR passenger as an operator for Translink is not being adequately funded to provide the levels of service currently needed.
Does anyone know to this time if the operational agreement for funding for QR Passenger for this current year has been finalised yet now four months into the financial year?

It is my belief that QR Passenger has been given no more money to fund new trains as Translink has not received any more money (on top of their existing funding) this financial year. There was an article not long ago with Translink telling QR Passenger (and other transport operators) to start cutting costs. Obviously a move by Translink to increase their unjustifiable salaries even higher!

[mufreight]

David you are right on the mark, but Translink has received additional funding to operate Translink, believed to be an increase in excess of 50% on the previous year and already Translink is crying poor but then paying excessive salaries to non performing mates of senior management who on their track records can contribute little to providing service does little to help.

[#Metro]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone have a link to TL's Annual Report.
They need to prepare one annually, but give smaller ones quarterly.

Transport Operations (Translink Transit Authority) Act 2008
45 Annual report

(1) TransLink must prepare, approve and give the Minister a
written report about the performance of its functions each
financial year.
(2) The report must be given as soon as practicable after the end
of the financial year, but within 2 months after the year ends.
(3) The Minister must, within 14 sitting days after receiving the
report, cause a copy to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
(4) Without limiting subsection (1), the report must include?
(a) a copy of any Ministerial directions given during the
year; and
(b) a statement about how TransLink performed its
functions during the year compared with the expected
performance for the year under the relevant network
plan; and
(c) any other matter prescribed under a regulation.
(5) To remove any doubt, it is declared that this section does not
limit or otherwise affect any obligation TransLink has to give
a report under the Financial Administration and Audit Act
1977.

[O_128]

^

i completely agree.why are you not working for Translink dammit

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 9th October 2009 page 5

Count on delays in the west

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Brisbane traffic pain to peak next week

Brisbane traffic pain to peak next week
TONY MOORE
October 30, 2009 - 5:23AM

Motorists using Coronation Drive, the Riverside Expressway and Milton Road will begin four months of traffic horror from Sunday as construction on the $380 million Hale Street Link gears up a notch.

Drivers and bus commuters have been warned morning peak-hour delays could blow out by up to 50 minutes as the final phase of building work begins on the Coronation Drive overpass.

The predictions last year triggered a fiery debate between Brisbane City Council and the State Government over how much is too much for drivers to put up with.

The State Government at one point threatened to deny Brisbane City Council the right to charge a toll for the Hale Street Link from Milton to South Brisbane.

The traffic changes will affect both inbound and outbound traffic from the Inner City Bypass and the Riverside Expressway.

They will also have an impact on traffic between Cribb Street and the Merivale Rail Bridge.

Project designers have warned: ''motorists may need to allow up to 50 minutes extra for their journey during morning peak inbound on Coronation Drive.

"It is expected that weekend delays will be minimal."

The changes from Sunday mean:

- all traffic heading from the Riverside Expressway towards Toowong will have to use the two right-hand lanes;
- the existing left-hand lanes will be closed to allow the overpass to be built;
- traffic wanting to use the Inner City Bypass will have to use the left-hand lane from the Riverside Expressway, diverting it onto the Boomerang Street overpass;
- only two lanes inbound lanes and two outbound lanes along Coronation Drive past Cribb Street will be open each way.

Brisbane council's Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton has raised concerns the traffic changes would lead to rat-running through surrounding suburbs as drivers try to switch between Coronation Drive and the already congested Milton Road.

The council's Infrastructure Committee chairman Graham Quirk said the delays were the price of progress and had been timed to occur when traffic levels were at their lowest on Coronation Drive, over the university and Christmas break.

The council has promised to monitor the traffic situation using CCTV and keep emergency response vehicles ready in case of a crash.

For more information, visit the Hale Street Link website.

[ozbob]

No additional services for the Ipswich line by the looks of things.  Buses will be caught up in the congestion.

[ButFli]

The lack of bus or transit lanes is pure idiocy.

This will be perfect for the first day of QUT exams!

[O_128]

Of course adding extra buses makes perfect sense  

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 30th October 2009 page 4

Shuttle buses are the go betweens

[#Metro]

As usual BCC on the ball, QGov nowhere in sight.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th October 2009

Greetings,

This afternoon (30th October)  in the Brisbane mX is the revelation that NO additional rail services will be put on to assist with the congestion and inevitable bus delays that will occur from the  western suburbs due to the construction associated with the Go Between bridge works --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.msg15765#msg15765
Shuttle buses will be used to further exacerbate congestion and delays.

This is simply incomprehensible.   At peak it is probable that commuters will be stuck in buses for up to an hour and a half or longer.  The run in from Indooroopilly on the rail takes 13 minutes.

What is wrong with our transport planners?

Already there is  regular overloading on the Ipswich line at peaks, particularly between Darra and the CBD.  Surely some additional services between Darra and CBD both morning and afternoon peaks could be put in place and encourage commuters to abandon their cars and make a congestion free trip in on rail?

This failure to move forwards with proper transport options for our community is a great demonstration of the failure of transport policy in south-east Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track


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

Media Release 8 October 2009

SEQ:  Where is the public transport plan to cope with the inner western chaos?

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has been highlighting the impacts of the Go Between bridge construction and associated works on the public transport systems from the western suburbs since 2007! (1).  As the significant delays are now imminent it would be a reasonable hope the TransLink would have put in place a plan for extra rail services on the Ipswich line to allow commuters to transit in a reasonable time frame (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Is anyone actually doing any coherent public transport planning in Brisbane?   Today I journeyed on the 4.38pm Ipswich service from Roma St and it was as usual a congestion basket case!  What hope will commuters have on getting on board the heavily congested trains on journeys during peak between CBD and Darra when the road chaos hits?  Not much hope at all I would suggest!"

"Nothing has changed since we called for extra services to cope with the overloads last August. (3)"

"Extra peak sweeper rail services between the CBD and Redbank are urgently needed.  The neglect of Brisbane's west in terms of  busway and bus priority lanes means bus will also be caught up the mess. Rail is the only solution."

"Does anyone care?"

References:

1.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.0

2.   http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/innerwest-traffic-about-to-get-worse-20091008-goei.html

3.   http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2600.0


Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

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

Media Release 12 August 2009

SEQ:  Hale St Link project will impact on public transport

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has highlighted the impacts of the Hale St Link project in terms of congestion crises on an already overloaded peak public transport particularly the Ipswich railway line services since 2007! (1).  Recent media confirms that the road congestion chaos will be considerable so now is the time to ramp up services on the Ipswich railway line to give the capacity so that motorists and bus passengers coming in from the western regions will be able to escape the mess (2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There is no doubt we are about to enter into a very difficult time on Brisbane's roads, particularly around the Hale St Link project.  Now is the time to ramp up rail services so that buses can feed into key stations on the main western line and provide commuters with a quick transit by rail through to the CBD."

"Measures will need to be taken by TransLink, Brisbane Transport and QR Passenger to drive change.  Fundamental is the need to schedule more rail services, particularly in the peaks to handle the increase in patronage that will occur as motorists become frustrated with hours spent in traffic jams. We would also suggest that motorists that do make the change to public transport will continue to use public transport once they realise how efficient it can be.  They will save time and money.  They will leave less of an environmental impact.  They are less likely to suffer an injury on the way to and from their daily toil.  They might actually experience some exercise at the beginning and end of their public transport commute.  These are all positive outcomes and we should be doing our utmost to drive change."

"Other measures to assist will be further encouragement to travel early and late, and off peaks.  The go card provides an easy way to implement such a strategy (3)."

"Time that all transport agencies and authorities worked to together to provide citizens with real options.  We look forward to the details of how public transport services will be increased to cope with the ever worsening road congestion in Brisbane."

References:

1.  Hale St Bridge Project - Impact on Ipswich line http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=52.

2.  Hale Street Link hell as projects put brakes on traffic http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25917161-952,00.html

3.  SEQ: Time to GO! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2528.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[david]

The changes planned for buses heading from Indooroopilly to the City really puzzles me. In effect, they will terminate ALL buses at Indooroopilly and force people onto special "shuttles" that will stop at ALL stops into the City.

Firstly, why? Does it really make a difference to continue the buses into the city? I suppose they want reliability for buses departing Indooroopilly heading westwards, but won't forcing people onto those shuttles cause commuters to miss their bus once they get to Indooroopilly anyway?

Secondly, Why not shuttle people over to Indooroopilly rail station? Alternatively, encourage them to walk over...

Thirdly, How is KGSBS going to cope with so many people at stop 1A. The area is quite small...

Seems like a badly hatched plan by the BCC as part of their "traffic management". I can't believe Translink would approve these changes as well.

P.S. - For those who like conspiracy theories - perhaps this is the start of something more permanent???

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!  updated

Western suburbs traffic pain to start next week

Western suburbs traffic pain to start next week
TONY MOORE
October 30, 2009 - 3:36PM

Residents driving into Brisbane city from the western suburbs could face a commute of up to 90 minutes from Monday morning, deputy mayor Graham Quirk said today.

The traffic nightmare comes as construction work ramps up on the $380 million Go Between Bridge, previously known as the Hale Street Link.

Asked if it was fair for commuters living west of Indooroopilly to spend 90 minutes commuting to work in each direction, Cr Quirk replied: "Look, we've indicated a worst case scenario and we would rather people plan their trips; we want to minimise these delays but the reality is there will be delays associated with the Coronation Drive works."

Rat running between Coronation Drive and Milton Road would be inevitable as motorists scrambled to avoid delays of up 50 minutes on Coronation Drive over the next four months, Cr Quirk said.

"We have improved the road network along Milton Road to provide the best possible means for people coming into the city," Cr Quirk said.

"But having said that there will be delays. However it is important this work proceeds because next year we will have the situation where there will be a 40 per cent increase in additional lanes across the Brisbane River."

Cr Quirk said there would be additional cameras, police on motorbikes and tow trucks on hand to try and minimise delays.

Drivers and bus commuters had been warned morning peak-hour delays could blow out as the final phase of building work begins on the Coronation Drive overpass allowing traffic to flow onto the bridge.

The predictions last year triggered a fiery debate between Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government over how much is too much for drivers to put up with.

The State Government at one point threatened to deny Brisbane City Council the right to charge a toll for the Hale Street Link from Milton to South Brisbane.

The traffic changes will affect both inbound and outbound traffic from the Inner City Bypass and the Riverside Expressway.

They will also have an impact on traffic between Cribb Street and the Merivale Rail Bridge.

Project designers have warned: ''Motorists may need to allow up to 50 minutes extra for their journey during morning peak inbound on Coronation Drive.

"It is expected that weekend delays will be minimal."

The changes from Sunday mean:

- all traffic heading from the Riverside Expressway towards Toowong will have to use the two right-hand lanes;
- the existing left-hand lanes will be closed to allow the overpass to be built;
- traffic wanting to use the Inner City Bypass will have to use the left-hand lane from the Riverside Expressway, diverting it onto the Boomerang Street overpass;
- only two lanes inbound lanes and two outbound lanes along Coronation Drive past Cribb Street will be open each way.

Brisbane council's Opposition Leader Shayne Sutton has raised concerns the traffic changes would lead to rat-running through surrounding suburbs as drivers try to switch between Coronation Drive and the already congested Milton Road.

Cr Quirk said the delays were the price of progress and had been timed to occur when traffic levels were at their lowest on Coronation Drive, over the university and Christmas break.

For more information, visit the Hale Street Link website.

[ozbob]

 

"This is simply incomprehensible.   At peak it is probable that commuters will be stuck in buses for up to an hour and a half or longer.  The run in from Indooroopilly on the rail takes 13 minutes.

What is wrong with our transport planners?"

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Ambos fear Coronation Drive roadwork delays

Ambos fear Coronation Drive roadwork delays
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Jane Chudleigh, Margaret Wenham and Bruce McMahon

October 31, 2009 12:00am

LIVES could be put at risk by major roadworks in Brisbane blocking access to hospital emergency departments.

Four months of traffic chaos to build an overpass on Coronation Drive for the $370 million Hale Street Link starts tomorrow amid warnings that critically ill patients will be trapped in gridlock.

The Queensland Ambulance Service is aware of the problem and has been working on contingency plans for the past month to limit the impact on the city's main hospitals.

Peak-hour motorists face 50-minute delays on Coronation Drive, 40 minutes on Milton Rd and 30 minutes if travelling westbound on the Riverside Expressway because of day and night construction works, closed lanes and 40km/h speed limits.

Emergency figures obtained by The Courier-Mail show nearly one in eight of the 60,496 patients admitted to the Princess Alexandra, Mater and Royal Brisbane hospitals in the four months to February were Category 1 or 2, meaning they must be seen within 10 minutes.

Director of medical imaging at Mater Hospital, Dr Roger Livsey, yesterday said it would be a "major disaster" to understate the vulnerability of Queensland's largest hospitals during construction.

"How are you going to get an ambulance from Indooroopilly to the RBH with a 50-minute delay in traffic and the roads jammed solid?" he said.

"And you certainly won't be getting to the PA or Mater. The Wesley Hospital will be cut from civilisation. The only way into there will be by train."

But Deputy Mayor Graham Quirk yesterday dismissed the concerns, saying ambulances "get caught up in traffic every day of the week".

Cr Quirk said "every possible mitigation mechanism there is" would be employed, including extra cameras to assist traffic flushing and additional buses from Indooroopilly to the city.

Motorcycle police would also be patrolling the artery and tow trucks would be on standby to quickly clear accidents or breakdowns.

Cr Quirk said the first three weeks would be the critical period, before school and university holidays began.

The Wesley Hospital, with 2300 staff and almost 80,000 patients each year, will be in the middle of inbound delays expected to stretch back to the Western Freeway.

Kroy Day, from the union that represents ambulance workers, said the roadworks would compound current problems.

"When you've got an emergency vehicle to get through, look at Coronation Drive, there is nowhere for the general public to pull over," he said.

[Emmie]

"This is simply incomprehensible.   At peak it is probable that commuters will be stuck in buses for up to an hour and a half or longer.  The run in from Indooroopilly on the rail takes 13 minutes.

What is wrong with our transport planners?"

Have I missed something?  Who are all these commuters from the western suburbs who are supposed to pick up a shuttle bus at Indooroopilly?  Moggill Rd commuters are unlikely to head for Indooroopilly, since there's nowhere to park (either at the station or at shoppingtown), and getting to Indooroopilly takes them off course anyway - they are more likely to be on the western freeway, and hence funnelled onto Milton Rd.

Commuters from the other side of Indooroopilly Bridge need to transfer to PT before the bridge, not after, or there will be (even more) peak hour chaos on that bridge.

[ozbob]

Hi Emmie,

This is what is happening.

http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=209

I would expect that many folks will use their noggins and head for stations on the Ipswich line to avoid the slow trip in from Indooroopilly to town.  Some extra rail services would assist that.   Some folks will walk from the Indro bus interchange to the rail I expect as well.

Shuttle services for western suburbs Effective 2 November 2009

From Monday 2 November the following services will terminate at Indooroopilly bus interchange (at Indooroopilly shopping centre) where customers can transfer to an express route 400 shuttle service to the city:

    * 425 (Chapel Hill to Brisbane City)
    * 430 (Fig Tree Pocket to Brisbane City)
    * 433 (Kenmore South to Brisbane City)
    * 435 (Brookfield to Brisbane City)
    * 444 (Moggill to Brisbane City)
    * 445 (Fig Tree Pocket to Brisbane City)
    * 453 (Mt Ommaney to Brisbane City)
    * 454 (Riverhills to Brisbane City)
    * 460 (Forest Lake to Brisbane City).

The route 400 shuttle will operate from first service until 10am and from 2pm until 7pm on weekdays only.
Inbound services

    * Services listed above travelling toward the city will terminate at Indooroopilly interchange.
    * Customers can then transfer to a high-frequency 400 service stopping at Moggill Road, High Street, Coronation Drive, Roma Street busway station and terminating at King George Square busway station.

Outbound services

    * Services listed above heading away from the city towards Indooroopilly will be replaced by the 400 shuttle.
    * Customers for the above services should go to King George Square (platform 1A) to catch the high-frequency shuttle to Indooroopilly.
    * The 400 shuttle will service Roma Street busway station, Coronation Drive, High Street and Moggill Road before terminating at Indooroopilly interchange.
    * From the Indooroopilly interchange customers can transfer onto their regular scheduled service.

Important: during the shuttle period services will not stop at Queen Street bus station or Cultural Centre busway station. TransLink apologises for any inconvenience.

Customer service representatives will be on hand at Indooroopilly interchange and King George Square station to ensure customers know about the new arrangements and are directed to the bus services they require.

The shuttles are designed to minimise the impact of major delays on Coronation Drive by limiting flow-on effects to other bus services.



Travelling to and from Cultural Centre

    * Customers travelling inbound to Cultural Centre can transfer to any bus departing from bays 2A, 2E or 2F at King George Square station.
    * Customers at Cultural Centre travelling outbound should catch the 66, 111, 330, 333, 340, 345 or 385 and transfer at King George Square station to catch the high-frequency shuttle to Indooroopilly.

Affected timetables

    * route 425, 426 - effective 23 February 2009
    * route 430, 431, 446 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 433, 445 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 435, 436 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 443, 444 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 450, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 460, 461, N464 - effective 27 October 2008

[ozbob]

It is a very reasonable question is it not?  Why is TransLink happy to subject bus users to delays and not put on extra rail services?  QR does have the capacity and there are paths.   Is TransLink again demonstrating it's anti-rail bias?  Or is this just a petty political dispute with the hapless commuters stuck in the middle?   

It takes 13 minutes by rail from Indooroopilly.   Oh dear ...



http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=213

Bus delays on Coronation Drive and surrounds Effective 1 November 2009

From 1 November 2009 there will be delays on Coronation Drive and surrounds due to construction of Brisbane City Council's Go Between Bridge (formerly Hale Street Link).

Bus services that use Coronation Drive, Milton Road and Moggill Road will be most impacted, particularly during peak periods. Bus users should expect delays of up to 50 minutes and allow additional travel time between November 2009 and February 2010.
Consider alternatives and avoid delays

    * Explore flexible work options and travel outside peak times where possible.
    * Catch the CityCat or walk or cycle along the Bicentennial Bikeway
    * Uni students should catch the 109 to travel between the city and UQ
    * There is additional capacity on inbound Ipswich line train services arriving at Central prior to 7am
    * Check this page for the latest public transport updates and advice and plan ahead to reach your destination on time.

Brisbane City Council will also be running shuttle services from Indooroopilly to the city to replace the 425, 430, 433, 435, 444, 445, 453, 454 and 460.

For more information on the Go Between Bridge please visit www.halestreetlink.com.au or call 1800 HALEST (1800 425 378).


Shuttle services for western suburbs

From Monday 2 November, during peak periods the following services will terminate at Indooroopilly bus interchange (at Indooroopilly shopping centre) where customers can transfer to an high-frequency route 400 shuttle service to the city:

    * 425 (Chapel Hill to Brisbane City)
    * 430 (Fig Tree Pocket to Brisbane City)
    * 433 (Kenmore South to Brisbane City)
    * 435 (Brookfield to Brisbane City)
    * 444 (Moggill to Brisbane City)
    * 445 (Fig Tree Pocket to Brisbane City)
    * 453 (Mt Ommaney to Brisbane City)
    * 454 (Riverhills to Brisbane City)
    * 460 (Forest Lake to Brisbane City).

The route 400 shuttle will operate from first service until 10am and from 2pm until 7pm on weekdays only.
Inbound services

    * Services listed above travelling toward the city will terminate at Indooroopilly interchange.
    * Customers can then transfer to a high-frequency 400 service stopping at Moggill Road, High Street, Coronation Drive, Roma Street busway station and terminating at King George Square busway station.

Outbound services

    * Services listed above heading away from the city towards Indooroopilly will be replaced by the 400 shuttle.
    * Customers for the above services should go to King George Square (platform 1A) to catch the high-frequency shuttle to Indooroopilly.
    * The 400 shuttle will service Roma Street busway station, Coronation Drive, High Street and Moggill Road before terminating at Indooroopilly interchange.
    * From the Indooroopilly interchange customers can transfer onto their regular scheduled service.

Important: during the shuttle period services will not stop at Queen Street bus station or Cultural Centre busway station. TransLink apologises for any inconvenience.

Customer service representatives will be on hand at Indooroopilly interchange and King George Square station to ensure customers know about the new arrangements and are directed to the bus services they require.

The shuttles are designed to minimise the impact of major delays on Coronation Drive by limiting flow-on effects to other bus services. View the flyer for more information (PDF, 144KB).
Travelling to and from Cultural Centre

    * Customers travelling inbound to Cultural Centre can transfer to any bus departing from bays 2A, 2E or 2F at King George Square station.
    * Customers at Cultural Centre travelling outbound should catch the 66, 111, 330, 333, 340, 345 or 385 and transfer at King George Square station to catch the high-frequency shuttle to Indooroopilly.

Affected timetables

    * route 425, 426 - effective 23 February 2009
    * route 430, 431, 446 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 433, 445 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 435, 436 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 443, 444 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 450, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459 - effective 19 May 2008
    * route 460, 461, N464 - effective 27 October 2008

[O_128]

Is it really that hard
all that is needed is 2 or 3 extra train services in the moring. Im guessing this is a politcal reason and around 2 or 3 serices will be introdced next year and the government will make a big fuss about all the extra services added.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

31st October 2009

Greetings,

This announcement from TransLink is fascinating reading.

http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?id=213  couple of extracts:

"Bus users should expect delays of up to 50 minutes and allow additional travel time between November 2009 and February 2010."

"There is additional capacity on inbound Ipswich line train services arriving at Central prior to 7am"

Rather than subject commuters to extraordinary and painful bus delays, wouldn't it be logical to put on some more rail services after 7am?  It is highly likely that bus journey times will be much greater than an additional 50 minutes ...

It takes 13 minutes, stopping all stations from Indooroopilly to Roma St.

Incredible!

Cheers
Robert



Robert Dow
Administration
RAIL Back On Track


RAIL Back On Track Admin wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> This afternoon (30th October)  in the Brisbane mX is the revelation that NO additional rail services will be put on to assist with the congestion and inevitable bus delays that will occur from the  western suburbs due to the construction associated with the Go Between bridge works --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.msg15765#msg15765
> Shuttle buses will be used to further exacerbate congestion and delays.
>
> This is simply incomprehensible.   At peak it is probable that commuters will be stuck in buses for up to an hour and a half or longer.  The run in from Indooroopilly on the rail takes 13 minutes.
>
> What is wrong with our transport planners?
>
> Already there is  regular overloading on the Ipswich line at peaks, particularly between Darra and the CBD.  Surely some additional services between Darra and CBD both morning and afternoon peaks could be put in place and encourage commuters to abandon their cars and make a congestion free trip in on rail?
>
> This failure to move forwards with proper transport options for our community is a great demonstration of the failure of transport policy in south-east Queensland.
>
> Best wishes
> Robert
>
> Robert Dow
> Administration
> RAIL Back On Track

>
> ==========================
>
> Media Release 8 October 2009
>
> SEQ:  Where is the public transport plan to cope with the inner western chaos?
>
> RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has been highlighting the impacts of the Go Between bridge construction and associated works on the public transport systems from the western suburbs since 2007! (1).  As the significant delays are now imminent it would be a reasonable hope the TransLink would have put in place a plan for extra rail services on the Ipswich line to allow commuters to transit in a reasonable time frame (2).
>
> Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:
>
> "Is anyone actually doing any coherent public transport planning in Brisbane?   Today I journeyed on the 4.38pm Ipswich service from Roma St and it was as usual a congestion basket case!  What hope will commuters have on getting on board the heavily congested trains on journeys during peak between CBD and Darra when the road chaos hits?  Not much hope at all I would suggest!"
>
> "Nothing has changed since we called for extra services to cope with the overloads last August. (3)"
>
> "Extra peak sweeper rail services between the CBD and Redbank are urgently needed.  The neglect of Brisbane's west in terms of  busway and bus priority lanes means bus will also be caught up the mess. Rail is the only solution."
>
> "Does anyone care?"
>
> References:
>
> 1.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=292.0
>
> 2.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/innerwest-traffic-about-to-get-worse-20091008-goei.html
>
> 3.  http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2600.0
>
>
> Contact:
>
> Robert Dow
> Administration
> admin@backontrack.org
>
> ====================
>
> Media Release 12 August 2009
>
> SEQ:  Hale St Link project will impact on public transport
>
> RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport users has highlighted the impacts of the Hale St Link project in terms of congestion crises on an already overloaded peak public transport particularly the Ipswich railway line services since 2007! (1).  Recent media confirms that the road congestion chaos will be considerable so now is the time to ramp up services on the Ipswich railway line to give the capacity so that motorists and bus passengers coming in from the western regions will be able to escape the mess (2).
>
> Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:
>
> "There is no doubt we are about to enter into a very difficult time on Brisbane's roads, particularly around the Hale St Link project.  Now is the time to ramp up rail services so that buses can feed into key stations on the main western line and provide commuters with a quick transit by rail through to the CBD."
>
> "Measures will need to be taken by TransLink, Brisbane Transport and QR Passenger to drive change.  Fundamental is the need to schedule more rail services, particularly in the peaks to handle the increase in patronage that will occur as motorists become frustrated with hours spent in traffic jams. We would also suggest that motorists that do make the change to public transport will continue to use public transport once they realise how efficient it can be.  They will save time and money.  They will leave less of an environmental impact.  They are less likely to suffer an injury on the way to and from their daily toil.  They might actually experience some exercise at the beginning and end of their public transport commute.  These are all positive outcomes and we should be doing our utmost to drive change."
>
> "Other measures to assist will be further encouragement to travel early and late, and off peaks.  The go card provides an easy way to implement such a strategy (3)."
>
> "Time that all transport agencies and authorities worked to together to provide citizens with real options.  We look forward to the details of how public transport services will be increased to cope with the ever worsening road congestion in Brisbane."
>
> References:
>
> 1.  Hale St Bridge Project - Impact on Ipswich line http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=52.
>
> 2.  Hale Street Link hell as projects put brakes on traffic http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25917161-952,00.html
>
> 3.  SEQ: Time to GO! http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2528.0
>
> Contact:
>
> Robert Dow
> Administration
> admin@backontrack.org

[stephenk]

Considering Sydney trains can carry over triple what ours can they are then introducing over 300000 new seats a  day yet we cant do a 1000 something is terribly wrong here!

Can you please show us how you ended up with that figure of 300000 new seats a day? 

[stephenk]

I can see quite a few slots where extra services could possibly be added in to the am peak timetable:-
Times at Roma Street. Gaps of more than 7 mins shown, for min 3.5min headway Milton - Bowen Hills.
Some services would require use of both inbound tracks between Corinda and Milton.

07:06 - 07:17 - 11 mins
07:17 - 07:34 - 7 mins
07:34 - 07:42 - 8 mins
07:42 - 07:50 - 8 mins
08:11 - 08:18 - 7 mins
08:29 - 08:38 - 9 mins
08:38 - 08:50 - 12 mins

3 x 27x units are sitting in Mayne looking rather bored during the am peaks!

[O_128]

Considering Sydney trains can carry over triple what ours can they are then introducing over 300000 new seats a  day yet we cant do a 1000 something is terribly wrong here!

Can you please show us how you ended up with that figure of 300000 new seats a day? 

100 new services added. capacity of 3000 people

[david]

I have a feeling that your media releases are falling on deaf ears Bob...oh dear...

As for the train situation, there is currently plenty of capacity at Indooroopilly to cope with ALL bus passengers imo in the AM peak, especially those services which originate from Corinda (the 7:39am and 7:49am). They do arrive at Indooroopilly during what I consider to be a major peak time, and those services are well underutilised. Another service departing Corinda at 7:21am may also assist. As per the PM peak situation, an extra service to Darra at 4:28pm from Central would do wonders.

Since BCC and Translink are so incompetent in developing a proper traffic management plan, here's mine:

1 - Terminate buses at Indooroopilly bus station. Have BIG warning signs, telling people who would like to catch the 400 route that they will be 1 hour late GUARANTEED. Then, offer everyone the chance to head down to Indooroopilly rail station, with info signs at the bus station telling them when the next train departs, and when they can expect to arrive at the City. Have some shuttle services to Indooroopilly rail station for those who prefer not to walk.

2 - Target the Centenary suburbs. Put on more feeder services to Darra/Oxley station, make them frequent and once again, provide them with the comparison to driving/catching a bus to the City - "expect delays of 1 hour GUARANTEED". Extend the 7:49am ex Corinda to originate at Darra. Provide people with information as to which services are the lighter loading ones, and strongly suggest that they use those services. Change the timetables for the 451, 452 and 462 so that the bus-rail connections are better (some people have to wait for an astonishing 13 minutes before their so-called "connecting" bus arrives, after the train has arrived)

3 - More warning signs before the Walter Taylor Bridge - probably around the Graceville area - something like "expect 1.5 hours delay". Then, have signs saying - "catch a train - arrive in the City in 15 minutes!". Have lots of signs indicating people to park at Chelmer station.

EDIT: Here's a pic of what I mean...

[somebody]

100 new services added. capacity of 3000 people

3000 people on a CityRail train?  No way.  Just under 1000 seats per 8 car M set.  Maybe standing capacity for another 1000 but that's at a severe crush, and the cost of nasty increases in dwell times due people needing to get off just to allow others out.

3 x 27x units are sitting in Mayne looking rather bored during the am peaks!

What 27x 3 car units sitting around in Mayne during the AM peak but they refuse to increase service at normal times, but even more especially during this shutdown?  What are they doing?

Bus delays on Coronation Drive and surrounds Effective 1 November 2009
   * The 400 shuttle will service Roma Street busway station, Coronation Drive, High Street and Moggill Road before terminating at Indooroopilly interchange.

Wouldn't it be a better idea to run along Milton Rd especially during this shutdown?  And if I were running the service, I'd at least keep the 444 running, but have it use Milton Rd.  A lot of the other buses are less than packed, but the 444 is usually quite busy when I've been on it, so I say that there's not much point in changing buses at Indro.  Also, no mention of service changes to the 411/412/417/457/458/459/443.  And where's the frigging bus lane on Milton Rd?

But what has really annoyed me about this announcement is that they have seen fit to refuse to answer questions about what their plan is for this shutdown for more than a year, and then revealed it two days before.  I would presume that they have done this to prevent the public from having a chance to provide feedback about what they are doing.  That's simply unacceptable behaviour and the CEO should be sent a "please explain".

Yes, I am somewhat p%ssed  off.

[O_128]

I have a feeling that your media releases are falling on deaf ears Bob...oh dear...

As for the train situation, there is currently plenty of capacity at Indooroopilly to cope with ALL bus passengers imo in the AM peak, especially those services which originate from Corinda (the 7:39am and 7:49am). They do arrive at Indooroopilly during what I consider to be a major peak time, and those services are well underutilised. Another service departing Corinda at 7:21am may also assist. As per the PM peak situation, an extra service to Darra at 4:28pm from Central would do wonders.

Since BCC and Translink are so incompetent in developing a proper traffic management plan, here's mine:

1 - Terminate buses at Indooroopilly bus station. Have BIG warning signs, telling people who would like to catch the 400 route that they will be 1 hour late GUARANTEED. Then, offer everyone the chance to head down to Indooroopilly rail station, with info signs at the bus station telling them when the next train departs, and when they can expect to arrive at the City. Have some shuttle services to Indooroopilly rail station for those who prefer not to walk.

2 - Target the Centenary suburbs. Put on more feeder services to Darra/Oxley station, make them frequent and once again, provide them with the comparison to driving/catching a bus to the City - "expect delays of 1 hour GUARANTEED". Extend the 7:49am ex Corinda to originate at Darra. Provide people with information as to which services are the lighter loading ones, and strongly suggest that they use those services. Change the timetables for the 451, 452 and 462 so that the bus-rail connections are better (some people have to wait for an astonishing 13 minutes before their so-called "connecting" bus arrives, after the train has arrived)

3 - More warning signs before the Walter Taylor Bridge - probably around the Graceville area - something like "expect 1.5 hours delay". Then, have signs saying - "catch a train - arrive in the City in 15 minutes!". Have lots of signs indicating people to park at Chelmer station.

EDIT: Here's a pic of what I mean...

This makes perfect sense.....so of course it will never be used.

[david]

3 x 27x units are sitting in Mayne looking rather bored during the am peaks!

What 27x 3 car units sitting around in Mayne during the AM peak but they refuse to increase service at normal times, but even more especially during this shutdown?  What are they doing?

I think he meant that there are three SMU27x trains sitting in Mayne. Besides, there was more drastic action taken when the Riverside Expressway was shut down, so why not add extra services now? It's basically the same thing, moved down the road a little bit. I suspect that this is all BCC's doing, however, now is the time for the State Government to intervene and act accordingly.

[ozbob]

Another service departing Corinda at 7:21am may also assist. As per the PM peak situation, an extra service to Darra at 4:28pm from Central would do wonders.

Agree David, we have been pushing hard for something around 4.28pm to ease the squeeze on the 4.35pm service. 

I think we will see a lot of folks choose rail ...  sure beats being stuck in a mess in the road congestion.

[ozbob]

If you go to the start of this thread  we have been attempting since 2007 to get some decent options during this major disruption westside for folks.  

I agree somebody, it would appear that petty political posturing is being put above the needs and welfare of the community.   The fact that TransLink appears unable to perform its role (either incompetence or as I suspect government restraint)  is a matter for another day.

I think there will be a lot of very annoyed citizens come next week.

[somebody]

I think he meant that there are three SMU27x trains sitting in Mayne.

Ahh, thank you.  Didn't know there was a series 27x SMU.

I suspect that this is all BCC's doing, however, now is the time for the State Government to intervene and act accordingly.

But the BCC can't control the rail services, so the blame for that part rests solely with the State.

[ozbob]

The 27X SMUs are the new ones.

Bring them on!