Article: Ipswich line is on the right track

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From the Queensland Times click here!

Ipswich line is on the right track

Ipswich line is on the right track

Chris Garry | 17th December 2009

A REPORT card by lobby group Rail Back on Track has rated the Ipswich train line as the third best in Queensland Rail's (QR) network.

A REPORT card by lobby group Rail Back on Track has rated the Ipswich train line as the third best in Queensland Rail's (QR) network – but said there was still room for improvement.

Group spokesman Robert Dow said an increase in peak-hour services had significantly improved the Ipswich line for commuters but added there was still scope for more services.

"The morning peak hour has improved dramatically thanks to additional train services so that's been good news for commuters," Mr Dow said.

"Those extra services have relieved a lot of pressure on the line, however, there still is significant congestion on some trains.

"But if you compare it from how it used to be to how it is now, there is a considerable difference in quality now."

On a scale from 1-10, Ipswich was rated a 6.1, bettered only by the Rosewood (6.3) and Gold Coast (7) lines.

Mr Dow said improvements to bus services in Ipswich and increased rail services on the Rosewood line should be a priority for QR and Department of Transport and Main Roads.

"The bus service in Ipswich is one of the worst in the state and that could be fixed if more thought went into the timetables – they are too tight and don't allow for any hold-ups," he said.

Along with Rail Back on Track's report, Translink Tracker's quarterly report also was released this week, showing bus patronage in Ipswich had increased by about 10 per cent.

Transport Minister and Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan said the improved train score and increased bus patronage was a result of some hard work and planning by her department.

"We've worked to increase services on the Ipswich line, the Ipswich train station has also been significantly upgraded and we're progressively improving parking at stations," Ms Nolan said yesterday.

"The next step will be completing the park and ride at Dinmore and the track triplication between Corinda and Dinmore."

The Translink Tracker report revealed the number of recorded train trips on the QR network fell 4.7 per cent to 15.7 million.