Richlands to Springfield Central - Stage 2

[HappyTrainGuy]

Makes sense to just have Ipswich expresses and Springfield being all stoppers during peak as it is now.  Remember, you can always just change trains at Darra if you really really want to.

Yep. Ipswich trains would be the logical line to be running express services on. Similar to what can be seen on the Caboolture line (Petrie services during peak hour). I even think not long in the future I'd honestly expect to see off peak on the Ipswich line maintain 2tph but running an express pattern while Springfield will go to 4tph stopping all stations. That will be extended to Caboolture with 2tph running an express pattern with Kippa Ring running 4tph stopping all stations (Ipswich-Caboolture express 2tph/Kippa Ring-Springfield 4tph all stations).

[mufreight]

Some people are never satisfied. if every second Springfield service was to run express in the peak as you suggest then every second service from Ipswich in the peak would have to run all stations to compensate or additional services operating all stations from Darra would need to be provided to maintain the same levels of service for Ipswich line passengers.

You're right mufreight, I am never satisfied. I have a penchant for speedy public transport.

The same can be said for the long suffering commuters on the Ipswich line to the west of Darra who have been calling for a better frequency off peak than exists at the present time, your concept of a high frequency service for Springfield while further disadvantaging the greater numbers of Ipswich line commuters would simply not wash.

[techblitz]

who wouldn't like to flick that switch 



springfield news 09.10.13

[ozbob]

Yo!  Just noticed same in the Queensland Times.

[techblitz]

Yo!  Just noticed same in the Queensland Times.

This story should hopefully make BTimes and CMail

[somebody]

Some people are never satisfied. if every second Springfield service was to run express in the peak as you suggest then every second service from Ipswich in the peak would have to run all stations to compensate or additional services operating all stations from Darra would need to be provided to maintain the same levels of service for Ipswich line passengers.

You're right mufreight, I am never satisfied. I have a penchant for speedy public transport.

The same can be said for the long suffering commuters on the Ipswich line to the west of Darra who have been calling for a better frequency off peak than exists at the present time, your concept of a high frequency service for Springfield while further disadvantaging the greater numbers of Ipswich line commuters would simply not wash.

Meh. I'll bet you dollars to donuts that there won't be 15 minute frequency to ipswich any time soon and an express service delivers a similar benefit for city trips if not local ones.

Saying the springfield line shouldn't get an upgrade is like saying the shorncliffe line shouldn't
Sent from my GT-S6102 using Tapatalk 2

[BrizCommuter]

41 minutes is pretty good considering Springfield is actually further from the CBD  than Cleveland.

Slow, needs a peak express service at least.

Depending on destination use, every second service to be express would be good. Fast, competitive PT is the way to go.

That's it, make public transport less frequent for someone further down the line, by expressing Springfield Line services. "I want an express to my stationitis" is spreading again.

[Set in train]

I feel we really need to be pushing the barrow hard on a lack of quarter hourly frequency to Springfield and improvements on the Ipswich line.

[STB]

I feel we really need to be pushing the barrow hard on a lack of quarter hourly frequency to Springfield and improvements on the Ipswich line.

I doubt that you'll get much more improvement on the Ipswich line until another track is built to not cause any problems to the freight paths, which is a long way off (it has been talked about within QR and TL - I know).  In reality, I think the Springfield and Ipswich lines will have 30min services for a long time to come yet.

[mufreight]

A few hours spent sitting on the platform at Oxley will readily show that there are sufficient train paths available for the operation of services on a 15 minute frequency without these additional services taking paths from the freight movements.
At the present time freight services are frequently operated through the Corinda - Ipswich section in the peaks both peak flow and counter peak flow when passenger services are operated on sub 15 minute frequencies so there is practical operational reason why the operation of passenger services on a 15 minute frequency during the off peak would limit the train paths currently available for freight (coal) or other services.

[STB]

A few hours spent sitting on the platform at Oxley will readily show that there are sufficient train paths available for the operation of services on a 15 minute frequency without these additional services taking paths from the freight movements.
At the present time freight services are frequently operated through the Corinda - Ipswich section in the peaks both peak flow and counter peak flow when passenger services are operated on sub 15 minute frequencies so there is practical operational reason why the operation of passenger services on a 15 minute frequency during the off peak would limit the train paths currently available for freight (coal) or other services.

Are you including paths for non revenue trains?  Also, I'd rely on a train diagram than sitting on the platform for evidence.

[mufreight]

A few hours spent sitting on the platform at Oxley will readily show that there are sufficient train paths available for the operation of services on a 15 minute frequency without these additional services taking paths from the freight movements.
At the present time freight services are frequently operated through the Corinda - Ipswich section in the peaks both peak flow and counter peak flow when passenger services are operated on sub 15 minute frequencies so there is practical operational reason why the operation of passenger services on a 15 minute frequency during the off peak would limit the train paths currently available for freight (coal) or other services.

Are you including paths for non revenue trains?  Also, I'd rely on a train diagram than sitting on the platform for evidence.

Actual observation which includes non revenue sparks, light engine movements and on the last time in a morning peak also included a ballast train on the down and a grain on the up, obviously they all fitted in and on the particular day would have been shown on the train diagram for that day.
Obviously the capacity was there otherwise they would not have been able to run and physically seeing is proof enough.
Train control can and often does fit in additional out of course running, the basic reason for the existence of a train control system would think.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 14th October 2013 page 5

Springfield's rail station to be open by Christmas

[ozbob]

^ Online --> http://www.qt.com.au/news/springfields-rail-station-to-be-open-by-christmas/2050008/

[Set in train]

^ Online --> http://www.qt.com.au/news/springfields-rail-station-to-be-open-by-christmas/2050008/

Interesting that comments are not enabled for this article.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Springfield booming, and best yet to come

Springfield booming, and best yet to come
Kieran Banks 16th Oct 2013 6:00 AM

WITH Springfield coming of age, Cr David Morrison says the Greater Springfield Area is still growing at a very healthy rate with record infrastructure spending committed.

The Springfield-based councillor said while many regions around Australia were experiencing little or zero growth, the Greater Springfield area was in a very healthy state.

Cr Morrison said major committed projects included:

    Two rail stations.
    GE state headquarters to house more than 1000 workers.
    A Mater Hospital.
    A major connection road between Augusta Parkway and Springfield Greenbank Arterial.
    A trade training centre.
    Duplication of USQ.
    Robelle Domain Stage 2.
    Extension of Orion Town Centre.
    Duplication of the Centenary Hwy.

Committed projects were valued at more than $2 billion.

"2013 celebrates 21 years since Maha Sinnathamby and Bob Sharpless took the bold and gutsy decision to leave family and friends in Perth and travel to Queensland and purchase 3860ha of land within the then Moreton Shire Council," he said. "What has been achieved in the past 21 years is amazing; however the exciting part is only about 15% of the Greater Springfield vision has been fulfilled and the best is yet to come."

Meanwhile, property values at The Springs at Augustine Heights are predicted to strengthen with the opening of Springfield rail line.

Australand's Queensland Residential Division general manager Cameron Leggatt said buyers had already identified the enhanced value the train line delivered to The Springs.

"The market responded strongly to our last release which was 90 per cent sold in four weeks," Mr Leggatt said.

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/291/details

Springfield rail line opens Monday 2 December 2013

Last updated: 1.46pm Wednesday 23 October 2013

On Monday 2 December, the first trains will depart Springfield and Springfield Central stations as Queensland Rail and TransLink unveil the new Springfield rail extension (PDF, 751KB).

The new timetable will extend current Richlands services to provide more than 580 train services between Springfield Central and Brisbane's CBD each week.

Other key features of the new timetable include:

    consistent services stopping all stations between Springfield Central and the Brisbane CBD
    services every 6 to 12 minutes in the morning peak, and every 12 minutes in the afternoon peak
    consistent 30 minute departures during Monday to Friday off-peak and on Saturdays
    services every hour from 7am and every half hour from approximately 10am to 10.30pm each Sunday.

Springfield services will be represented by a light blue colour on the train network map, timetables and passenger information displays.

Timetables will be available online soon, and at key City network train stations in November.

You'll be able to access the new Springfield Central station by bus, with a number of bus service improvements also starting on Monday  2 December, to take advantage of the new bus interchange at the station.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 26th October 2013 page 7

The first Springfield train will arrive on December 2

[ozbob]

River 949 News have followed up.  Thanks for the interest!

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Springfield rail tipped to lift property prices

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Commuters brace for car parking chaos

Commuters brace for car parking chaos
Kieran Banks 30th Oct 2013 5:00 AM

SPRINGFIELD commuters are set to be caught in parking chaos when the new station opens for the first service in December.

A limit of 100 park and ride spaces is expected to see many train passengers miss out in the battle for parks.

The lack of park and ride spaces has forced Orion Shopping Centre to lock the mall's car park outside of trading hours to prevent commuters using car parks intended for shoppers.

The parking crisis won't ease until an additional 400 car parks to be built at Springfield Central are finished early next year.

The first service will leave the two new Springfield stations when the long awaited train line opens on December 2.

Commuter lobby Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said commuters who attempted to try their luck would be left disappointed and frustrated.

He expects the majority of the 100 park and ride spaces to be snapped up by 6.30am.

Mr Dow said the 650 car parks at Richlands station are usually filled by 7.30am.

He said commuters should use alternative means of getting to the station rather than driving.

"I think some people will be frustrated," he said.

"Catch a bus if you can to the station, walk or cycle if that's an option and if you are going to park and ride be aware the facilities are limited."

Mr Dow said the parking shortage highlights the need for high frequency feeder bus services. "That's what it's like in Ipswich City Square. It was always going to be a problem with park and ride. It's a limited facility that's why we've been pushing for frequent bus feeder services."

A spokesperson for Orion Shopping Centre said parking control measures would be implemented over the coming weeks.

The measures include locking the car parks at night until the centre opens for trade.

The move is to ensure customers can find a park close to where they want to shop, and to discourage crowding by commuters or local workers.

"The parking control measures will ensure Orion car parking is provided for the convenience of the retail customers and is not intended for all day commuter parking," the spokesperson said.

Councillor David Morrison said the parking situation was expected to be testing for commuters.

"There are not a lot of places on the street to park. The obvious place is Orion, but they will be looking at that as a bit of a positive as well," he said.

Cr Morrison said the congestion may be eased due to school holidays.

He said the true test would come when workers return to work after Australia Day.

A spokesman for Transport Minister Scott Emerson encouraged commuters to use the bus exchange at Springfield Central to access the station. Bus routes 522 via Goodna, 526 from Redbank and 534 from Browns Plains take passengers to the new station.

[ozbob]

Note from Dec 2, the 522 route is modified to take up the old 535 route through some of residential areas.  This will provide a feeder service for some.

--> http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review-2013/ipswich/maps

Weekday peak: 30 mins
Weekday off-peak: 30 mins
Saturday: Hourly
Sunday: Hourly    Weekday: 5.30am - 9pm
Saturday: 8am - 6.30pm
Sunday: 8.30am - 6.30pm

[minbrisbane]

It'd be really nice if they upped the peak frequency to 4b/ph, to keep the old 535 passengers and attract new ones.

[ozbob]

Not as bad as it seems.  Inbound to Goodna pax can get to Springfield for a rail connection, outbound from Goodna pax can get to Springfield Central for a rail connection.  Depends on timings though I guess.

[Set in train]

As expected by me, there was no improvement in bus routes to feed the stations. No improvement in number of routes or frequency.

Needs to be more of a focus on busing people to the Springfield station, 3 mins up the track. Those either side of the line there need better buses to serve that station.

[minbrisbane]

Not as bad as it seems.  Inbound to Goodna pax can get to Springfield for a rail connection, outbound from Goodna pax can get to Springfield Central for a rail connection.  Depends on timings though I guess.

Too true, the span of hours is better than I was expecting.  Ipswich seems to be a big winner in the review.

[Jonno]

As expected by me, there was no improvement in bus routes to feed the stations. No improvement in number of routes or frequency.

Needs to be more of a focus on busing people to the Springfield station, 3 mins up the track. Those either side of the line there need better buses to serve that station.

+1

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/416-driver-training-to-springfield-underway.html

Driver training to Springfield underway
20 November 2013

More than 1000 Queensland Rail drivers and guards are being trained to operate the new passenger rail line from Richlands to Springfield ahead of services starting from December 2.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said front line services are a priority for the Newman Government as the first of 600 drivers climbed into the driver's seat on the new section of line this week.

"Every driver must complete both theory and practical route training in order to operate along the 9.5km of new dual track between Richlands and Springfield," Mr Emerson said.

"Residents can expect to see trains running from 9am to 8pm daily over the next few weeks as drivers complete the practical element of their accreditation.

"Drivers must demonstrate their knowledge and application of 16 competency elements with 100 per cent accuracy including signal locations, gradients and curves, speed variances and emergency evacuation points.

"Already 200 drivers have passed their theory assessment and now they are undertaking the practical assessment accompanied by a route pilot.

"Guards also must be familiar with the features of the new stations, including signals, lift and disability access."

Mr Emerson also announced local residents would be invited to attend an open day at Springfield Central Station on Sunday, December 1 from 10am to celebrate the finish of the project.

"Trains will run every 15 minutes between Richlands, Springfield and Springfield Central Stations for the event until 1pm," he said.

"This will be an opportunity to thank the hard working project team and the local community who have been impacted by the works."

Services will officially commence on Monday December 2, with the first train departing Springfield Central Station at 5.39am for the 40 minute journey to Central Station.

This project is another example of the Newman Government stepping in to fix glaring oversights by Labor, adding 400 more car parks at Springfield Central and two additional lanes to the Centenary Motorway for the original cost. Both additional features will be completed in early 2014.

[SurfRail]

... by removing more sustainable features like cycling lanes.

[ozbob]

Photograph Gazza 20th November 2013

[ozbob]

Twitter

Nine News Brisbane ‏@9NewsBrisbane 14m

RT @9MelissaDownes: Toot toot - see what it will be like to ride the new Springfield rail line #9NEWSat6 http://t.co/Q5lpRvDgrO

[ozbob]

Channel 7 News --> New rail line to ease congestion

[ozbob]

Twitter

Penny Dahl (Cameron) ‏@Pennycopter 5m

Train link to Springfield can't come soon enough...check out the Centenary Hwy delays inbound at Camira #bnetraffic http://t.co/cJ8jrzxTqf



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

Great photograph!

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Commuters set to board first trains on Richlands to Springfield rail line

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> All aboard for Springfield rail connection

[Gazza]

Twitter

Penny Dahl (Cameron) ‏@Pennycopter 5m

Train link to Springfield can't come soon enough...check out the Centenary Hwy delays inbound at Camira #bnetraffic http://t.co/cJ8jrzxTqf



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

Great photograph!

Lol, and the road is now 2 lanes on the outbound, so tge widening didn't help for long!

[ozbob]

Mufreight and I had a quick bo-peep this morning ..



















Photographs R Dow 27th November 2013

[ozbob]

Few more photos ..













Photographs mufreight 27th November 2013

[ozbob]

Richlands to Springfield Central

[Jonno]

Easiest way to prove the video is a simmulation?  "Traffic on adjacent freeway is flowing and not congested"