BrizCommuter Blog

[Golliwog]

TT, I wasn't arguing that the Busway was fine and should stay as it is now. All I was saying is it certainly isn't a 3rd world solution, I would agree with Translink that busways are "World Class" (whatever exactly that means anyway). They are a great way of effectivly transporting people with buses. Whether transporting large numbers of people with buses is "World Class" is a different matter.

[#Metro]

Look I understand that.   But what does world class mean anyway? It is one of those weasel words.
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-bus-system-leads-the-world-20100323-qsr9.html

The infrastructure is very good, as is the service, but IMHO it could be better. More capacity required IMHO.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/03/where-is-translink-tracker-q2.html
Anything to hide?

[somebody]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/03/where-is-translink-tracker-q2.html
Anything to hide?

I think the bigger issue is the lack of publication of the 2010 and 2011 passenger load surveys.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/03/where-is-translink-tracker-q2.html
Anything to hide?

I think the bigger issue is the lack of publication of the 2010 and 2011 passenger load surveys.

I agree. If the 2011 Load Survey is not released, BrizCommuter will obtain it using the Right To Information act.
However, as the count is still in progress, BrizCommuter will give TransLink a few months grace.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/03/is-richlands-designed-for-steam-trains.html
Choo Choo!

[Golliwog]

A fair point, although you do skip over the fact that Richlands was never planned to be the end of the line, so why spend big bucks putting in a double crossover, which would either then cause disruption while it was removed, or if left would be a bit of a wasted investment given how close it is to Darra.

[BrizCommuter]

A fair point, although you do skip over the fact that Richlands was never planned to be the end of the line, so why spend big bucks putting in a double crossover, which would either then cause disruption while it was removed, or if left would be a bit of a wasted investment given how close it is to Darra.

Funnily enough, a terminus only being temporary does not seem to stop many other rail systems building a double crossover.

[Golliwog]

True, but the reasoning of "everyone else is doing it, so we should do it too" doesn't always hold true. Our budget is tighter than it could be, and if they know the frequency they're going to run trains at for the period of time that Richlands is going to be the terminus and a single crossover can cope, then why waste more money putting in a 2nd crossover that wouldn't be needed?

[#Metro]

I think the answer is: they weren't going to run Richlands at high frequency anyway, so they didn't "need" it.
Nice observation by Brizcommuter though.

My problem with all these 'extensions' is that they have such awful frequencies on it.
Half an hour! Bleh!

You may as well run a bus!

[Golliwog]

But the argument isn't so much about the frequency, as the infrastructure need. If they can't afford to run a high frequency service at this point in time (and given Richlands is only the terminus for a year or 2) then why would you waste extra money to provide the infrastructure that isn't going to be used. We have a go at the government for extravagent spending on projects, yet when they make the smart decision and save some money, we have a go at them. If they only put a single crossover in at Springfield, that would be a totally different matter. While they might only be running a 30 minute frequency now, they would most certain;ly be expecting to run more tph in the next 10 years and so providing for that would be needed. I understand do kind of understand the logic behind why they build such mega stations that provide much more than is needed. As is demonstrated by all the older stations on the network, they're going to be there for a long time, so build them to last, and to provide for whatever may be needed. They might be suburban stations now, but who knows what will happen with urban plans. They could end up with appartments/offices ontop of or next to them in the future (and I personally hope they do!).

[#Metro]

I don't think there is a need for a crossover at this location for the purposes of high frequency. 4 trains/hour is good frequency, and it would still cope. The terminus at Springfield would be a different kettle of fish though.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/05/on-buses-if-you-can-find-one.html
On the buses, if I knew where the bus stop was!

[Golliwog]

Strongly agree about the need for something like the spider maps for Brisbane/SEQ. And agree with the notion of using cheaper/smaller midi buses to run less patronised routes as a measure to be cost efficient, though I thank our lucky stars we don't have double decker buses. Great for tourists, but a pain in the arse to get off if its crowded.

[#Metro]

The main cost is labour- the driver's pay.

Cute minibuses? Why not just hire a maxi taxi or taxi, put a sign on it and get it to run a fixed route and fixed schedule. And in the off-peak that taxi can be out collecting passengers for the taxi operator rather than sitting idle in the depot.

Public transport is about shared mobility. You do not need the vehicle to be a "bus" to have public transport.

[BrizCommuter]

The main cost is labour- the driver's pay.

Cute minibuses? Why not just hire a maxi taxi or taxi, put a sign on it and get it to run a fixed route and fixed schedule. And in the off-peak that taxi can be out collecting passengers for the taxi operator rather than sitting idle in the depot.

Public transport is about shared mobility. You do not need the vehicle to be a "bus" to have public transport.

Maxi taxis arn't exactly accessible, and are thus a half-baked solution. Japanese style community buses are very accessible to the elderly, disabled, and those with prams. BrizCommuter would be interested in seeing the breakdown of bus route costs in terms of staffing, fuel, vehicle cost and maintenance, and other costs.

[somebody]

I believe that the driver is about 50% of the cost.  Fuel is around 10%.  Not 100% sure about MTCE, overheads or bus ownership costs, but there is only 40% to divy these up among.

I agree with your points in this blog post.

[#Metro]

How much do these buses cost?

You don't even have to buy the taxi. You just rent it for 2 hours per day at the going rate. All inclusive. No maintainence, no staffing, no depot space, no HR costs etc, you just pay the hourly rate and that's it.

http://www.yellowcab.com.au/customer-services/content.cfm/Maxi_Taxis/411/

[BrizCommuter]

There must be a good financial case for midi buses in the UK (as they are everywhere), and mini community buses in Japan. Both of these countries drive on the correct side of the road, and both countries have examples of low floor models. Thus finding a suitable model for SE Queensland should not be difficult. BrizCommuter thinks that they deserve a serious look by TransLink.

For Japanese readers:
http://www.hino.co.jp/poncho/activity/index.html

[ozbob]

I have raised the possibility of midi buses with TransLink previously.  They said the limited roles,  and costs were one of the main issues, together with serviceability and service life.  But I suggested basically what you have commented.  There was a broad assurance of sorts that they would be looked at.  I think it is an issue that the new PTAG could push as well.

[BrizCommuter]

3 new blog posts today
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/world-class-or-misleading-parliament.html
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/how-much-is-airtrain-costing-taxpayer.html
http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/one-where-brizcommuter-nearly-gets.html

[colinw]

Massive  on the "World Class" spin post in particular. Every time I heard one of our pollies spout off about our world class public transport system I just want to be ill.

[SurfRail]

Massive  on the "World Class" spin post in particular. Every time I heard one of our pollies spout off about our world class public transport system I just want to be ill.

One of the admittedly not-so-good parts of today's meeting was the spruiking of this phrase...

[#Metro]

The train system is not world class ON ANY metric.

[BrizCommuter]

Massive  on the "World Class" spin post in particular. Every time I heard one of our pollies spout off about our world class public transport system I just want to be ill.

One of the admittedly not-so-good parts of today's meeting was the spruiking of this phrase...

As BrizCommuter was not selected as one of the advisory group members, he hopes that an advisory group member brings up the fact the Brisbane's public transport is not "World Class" at the next meeting. There is no lack of evidence to support the claim!

[O_128]

Until someone admits there is a problem you cant fix anything.

And would someone please send some of these idiots to london and paris where they can experience real world class public transport

[Arnz]

There must be a good financial case for midi buses in the UK (as they are everywhere), and mini community buses in Japan.

How about trialing more "YourBus" (style) services for some areas such as the one on the Gold Coast Hinterland (which uses the ex-Sunbus (Mercedes LO815 with Custom/Bustech CB20 body) disability accessible mini-buses).

The question is where to get the mini/midi buses.  Sunbus may have CB20s all over Queensland, but most of those buses in all depots are still required for the sparsely populated area routes on their networks.

[Stillwater]

The government must be called on to justify the 'world class' claim.  What is the measure it is using?

http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/green-living/free-ride-the-five-best-mass-transit-systems-worldwide/1095

http://noosagreens.org/2011/04/under-investment-in-public-transport-has-left-australia-unprepared-for-oil-price-spike/

http://blip.tv/populations/portland-s-venerable-public-transit-reputation-4917189



Whereas the above examples are 'world class' judged by independent analysis, the 'world class' tag is one assumed by our politicians and by Translink.  The 'work class' tag is not conferred from the outside.  It is on a par with me striking a gold medal, hanging it around my neck and going forth in public saying I am a 'world class athlete'.

The 'world class' title is self-proclaimed by our politicians!  Not some transport body or academic institution undertaking independent research.  In this first example, the 'world' seems to consist of NSW and Queensland, and we are better.  It is the State of Origin argument.

http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/release/136

http://www.brisbanemarketing.com.au/News/Ezine-Article.aspx?EzineIssueID=92&ArticleID=16371

And, here is proof that if a politician shouts 'world class transport' often enough, others pick up on the message.  Let's hope that at the next PTAG meeting participants are not given electric shock treatment until they too start saying 'world class transport'.

http://www.biztradeshows.com/australia/brisbane/hotel-transport.html

Ahh, here is some independent analysis!  We are 'world class' when it comes to the cost of public transport.  There you have it, we are world class after all.

http://thg.com.au/news/blog/read/1156/

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/change-is-coming.html
A change is coming...

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/dude-wheres-my-6-car-unit.html
Another post, and some fancy photoshopping!

[ozbob]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/dude-wheres-my-6-car-unit.html
Another post, and some fancy photoshopping!

Nice work.  There have been a few unit failures of late, bit of a clue there, as well as the 3 car runs.  I think there might be some lingering issues from the big wet ...  all though rolling stock was moved out of potential flood areas the constant wet weather had an effect.  Been some lingering signal/electrical issues as well.

[#Metro]

Doesn't QR have enough trains? I think we should be asking serious question here!

All trains during peak hour should be 6 car IMHO.

[ozbob]

Doesn't QR have enough trains? I think we should be asking serious question here!

All trains during peak hour should be 6 car IMHO.

There are some issues with the fleet and will probably take a little longer to resolve. It is obvious, units failing and some service cancellations as well.  The LNP should be asking questions in Parliament  ...

Better to have a 3 car service than none at all. Sometimes compromises have to be made.

[#Metro]

Agreed, but usually there is a say 5-10% overhang of trains to cover for breakdowns etc

[david]

This could be the very reason why QR/TransLink have put back the Phase 2 timetable changes to "Early" 2012. Between now and "early" 2012, there will be only six 3-car trains delivered (at one train per month). Barely enough to make a huge impact, especially if there really is a shortage of units.

Just as a side note, the 6:10pm Richlands train (ex Central) started off as a 6-car train early in the week, but was then chopped to 3-cars later on. Loadings are still comfortable, just more people standing up to Taringa/Indooroopilly. I expect more services on the Ipswich/Caboolture line to be chopped to 3-cars in the weeks to come as the results from those people counting passenger numbers slowly flows in.

[#Metro]

This could be the very reason why QR/TransLink have put back the Phase 2 timetable changes to "Early" 2012. Between now and "early" 2012, there will be only six 3-car trains delivered (at one train per month). Barely enough to make a huge impact, especially if there really is a shortage of units.

SCANDAL SCANDAL!!! 

We have been hearing for months and months about "all the new trains for SEQ" (hmm, I wonder how many were just replacing old ones?) blah blah, and then it turns out that apparently there are not enough trains???! !! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!! !

[ozbob]

No scandal.  If the authorities were a little more forthright with the what the issues actually are, people wouldn't get themselves worked up into a lather now would they.  I repeat there are some lingering issues from the big wet and some other technical matters not the fault of operator, not the result of poor maintenance.  More trains should have been built earlier, yes, but that is the fault of governments the past years.  Staring them in the face was the issue, they pretended all was well in the days of wine and roses.  Why do you think I started RAIL Back On Track?  In 2006 it is was obvious the problems that were looming.  Fortunately there has been some gain since then, but much more still to do ...

[O_128]

someone shuold check out how many trains are at mayne in peak tomorrow

[Golliwog]

Even from the FG flyover though you can only see the front storage yards, but not the rear ones over the back. The front ones usually have 2 ICE cars (or something like that) plus a couple of 6 car units.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Add in maintainence, rollingstock being refurbished, rollingstock being reserved for certain lines and reserve trains suddenly available services become limited.

The problem with the EMU's is refurbs and that 05 was written off leaving 1x 3 car service running around. The same is happening with 100/120 IMU's. There's 1x 3 car service sitting around while one has been sent for refurb/updates as they don't work with the 160 series IMUs for passenger running. 1x of the 220 SMU's has been sent for refurb or is about to IIRC. Recently a couple 260 SMU's were out due to damage/incedents. Because all sets don't interact with each other that's why empty sets from different series can be seen just sitting around.