Draft Connecting SEQ 2031

[Sunbus610]

Rail Revolution at centre of State's 20 year transport plan

Premier Anna Bligh has set out plans for a rail revolution in south east Queensland with the Cross River Rail project as the lynchpin of a world class network.

South East Queensland's passenger rail capacity will nearly triple by 2031 under the State Government's $123 billion transport blueprint, released today.

Ms Bligh said Connecting SEQ 2031: An Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland mapped a clear way forward for our transport networks.

"Connecting SEQ 2031 is a clear statement of intent. The next 20 years will see a concentration on new railways and new services to manage growth in our region," she said.

"This plan for a rail revolution in SEQ is the next stage of our journey towards an absolutely world class public transport system.

"When we published our first integrated plan in 1997 to build dedicated busways in SEQ there wasn't a single kilometre of dedicated busway in the State.

"Today we have 24 km of busway in Brisbane, more than any other city in Australia and more under construction right now.

"This new plan is visionary, but I believe our experience with the busways shows that when you have a clear plan for the future you can make it happen."

The 20 year plan outlines 207km of new railway lines including:

15km rail line between Alderley and Strathpine using the predominantly government-owned North West Transport Corridor
Extensions to Maroochydore (38km), Coolangatta (17km), Moreton Bay Rail Link (12.6km), Springfield (16.5km), Ripley (13.5km) and Flagstone (31.5km)
Extending the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project on the Gold Coast to Coolangatta.
A 8km Brisbane subway from Toowong to West End to Newstead/Bowen Hills, with extensions to Hamilton Northshore/Airport Village and Bulimba possible in the longer term.

Read more HERE

NB: Don't forget to check out the link at the bottom of the MMS page for the clearer resolutions maps!!!

[#Metro]

this is 6 billion per year every year for the next 20 years.
great, but just a question. how will it be funded?

[colinw]

We could start with a congestion charging regime on our roads.

Also, take a leaf out of the American's books and implement a regional "transit tax".  Many American counties implement a local sales tax of a couple of percent to fund transit projects, typically LRT.

Dedicate a portion of fuel excise to transit & other projects that break the road dependency cycle.

There are many possibilities.  Most will be controversial and attract massive protests from vested interest groups.  This is to be expected, and is a sure sign you are on the right path when it happens (e.g. the anti light rail whingers on the Gold Coast).

--Col

[#Metro]

http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/About/Landuse.aspx

2 reports.
What do people think? Hard to see through all the other stuff there is in the document.

[ozbob]

http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/

Documents available later today.

"Rail is at the heart of the plan .."  Minister Nolan 31 August 2010

There are some great initiatives for bus and active transport as well in this plan.    More focus on satellite and feeder roles too.

Rail:

CoastLink  - high speed services from Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast

ExpressLink  -  express services from key stations such as Cab, Ips.

UrbanLink - normal suburban services.

A separate Subway (metro) is flagged in the plan.  Not sure if that will come about but it is there.

The document is complex 124 pages A4, with lots of data, maps, and tables.

Overall a very good effort.

There are lot of information flyers and brochures available too.  I expect these will be available later today on the web site.

http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/

[ozbob]

http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/News/10-08-31/No-need-for-timetables-with-turn-up-and-go-services.aspx

No need for timetables with turn-up-and-go services

August 31, 2010

Timetables will be a thing of the past with 'turn-up-and-go' public transport services proposed under the State Government's plans to double the share of public transport in the next 20 years.

Premier Anna Bligh said the high-frequency, high-reliability services would operate along core rail and bus routes.

The plans are part of the government's Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland, which will be released today.

Connecting SEQ 2031: An Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland is a blueprint for transport development in SEQ over the next 20 years.

"We want to deliver faster and more reliable services to encourage more south east Queenslanders to ditch their cars and choose public transport," Ms Bligh said.

"We're proposing a level of service on the region's routes, that delivers short wait times and high reliability.

"In 2006, 15 per cent of South East Queenslanders lived within 800 metres of a high-frequency public transport service, with a frequency of 15 minutes or better.

"In 2031, that number will double, and we want to double public transport patronage along with it – from seven to 14 per cent of transport trips taken in the region.

"If you knew there would be a train or bus at least every 15 minutes, you could take a relaxed approach with the confidence you would reach your destination on time."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the 'turn-up-and-go' network would provide:

    * frequency of 15 minutes all day, (at least 6am to 9pm), seven days a week
    * quality shelters and passenger information
    * simplified high-frequency network map, with no need for a timetable.

"Rail commuters travelling to the city from Redbank, Strathpine, LoganLea, Ferny Grove, Manly and the Brisbane Airport would be the first to benefit from a staged roll-out of more frequent, higher capacity rail services, which will be named UrbanLink services," Ms Nolan said.

"In the longer term these UrbanLink services will operate from Coomera to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast and Beerwah to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.

"We're also looking at new trains that carry more passengers with wider doors to make it easier to get on and off."

Ms Nolan said buses would also play a significant role in the doubling of public transport patronage.

"Our busways have delivered huge benefits to commuters, with some parts carrying more than 12,400 passengers per hour one-way, while a typical motorway lane carries about 2000 people per hour," she said.

"Where busways aren't able to be built, we're looking at creating priority for buses at intersections such as through lights or dedicated bus queue jump lanes so they don't get held up in traffic and can keep commuters moving to their destinations."

Ms Nolan said the public transport targets reflected and reinforced outcomes of the Queensland Government's Growth Management Summit, held in March 2010.

[ozbob]

http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/News/10-08-31/Rail-Revolution-at-centre-of-State-s-20-year-transport-plan.aspx

Rail Revolution at centre of State's 20 year transport plan

August 31, 2010

Premier Anna Bligh has set out plans for a rail revolution in south east Queensland with the Cross River Rail project as the lynchpin of a world class network.

South East Queensland's passenger rail capacity will nearly triple by 2031 under the State Government's $123 billion transport blueprint, released today.

Ms Bligh said Connecting SEQ 2031: An Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland mapped a clear way forward for our transport networks.

"Connecting SEQ 2031 is a clear statement of intent. The next 20 years will see a concentration on new railways and new services to manage growth in our region," she said.

"This plan for a rail revolution in SEQ is the next stage of our journey towards an absolutely world class public transport system.

"When we published our first integrated plan in 1997 to build dedicated busways in SEQ there wasn't a single kilometre of dedicated busway in the State.

"Today we have 24 km of busway in Brisbane, more than any other city in Australia and more under construction right now.

"This new plan is visionary, but I believe our experience with the busways shows that when you have a clear plan for the future you can make it happen."
The 20 year plan outlines 207km of new railway lines including: 



    * 15km rail line between Alderley and Strathpine using the predominantly government-owned North West Transport Corridor
    * Extensions to Maroochydore (38km), Coolangatta (17km), Moreton Bay Rail Link (12.6km), Springfield (16.5km), Ripley (13.5km) and Flagstone (31.5km)
    * Extending the Gold Coast Rapid Transit project on the Gold Coast to Coolangatta
    * A 8km Brisbane subway from Toowong to West End to Newstead/Bowen Hills, with extensions to Hamilton Northshore/Airport Village and Bulimba possible in the longer term.

Ms Bligh said the plan also outlined revolutionary new services including:

    * UrbanLink - with more frequent services and higher capacity trains operating inbound of Darra, Strathpine, Loganlea, Ferny Grove, Manly, Springfield, Shorncliffe and the Airport
    * ExpressLink - with high speed express services from Ipswich, Cleveland, Ormeau and Caboolture
    * CoastLink - rail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast with high speed European style trains. 

"The Cross River Rail project, now undergoing a $25 million feasibility study, is a vital lynchpin for the future of rail travel here," said the Premier.

"Cross River Rail will transform south east Queensland's rail network by providing essential capacity at the core of the network that could double the number of train services from the suburbs to the city.

"It will allow us to provide higher frequency and improved reliability on all lines, making it possible for the rail network to move up to 240,000 people into the inner city during the two-hour morning peak, compared to the current 54,000.

"And the subway system we flagged in November last year will support the overall rail revolution, helping move commuters and enabling the city centre to be a place for people."

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said a fully loaded suburban train carries more than 700 people, taking about 600 cars off the road, which is equal to a line of cars stretching more than four kilometres.

"With a rail revolution, we can increase that capacity by deploying new trains that can carry more than 1000 people each and under this plan our numbers of three car trains would increase from 200 now to 400 by 2031."

Ms Nolan said other important initiatives in Connecting SEQ 2031: An Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland included:

    * Ambitious targets for cycling in south east Queensland including a 3000 km network of cycleway by 2031 including new bikeways and walkways within a 5km radius of urban centres.

    * Plans to remove heavy vehicles from suburban roads and provide a 'ring road' system to navigate around Brisbane - including the new north-south connection between Toowong and Everton Park.

    * Continuing the busway network with construction of the Northern and Eastern Busways to Bracken Ridge and Capalaba.

    * Major freight investment to support the economy, including the full development of Acacia Ridge freight terminal, a dedicated dual gauge freight line from Acacia Ridge to Port of Brisbane in the existing rail corridor.

    * Introducing new technology to better manage road and public transport movements (such as information on travel options, real time management of motorway flows and improved railway signalling).

"Consultation on the draft plan is now open and it's important everyone has their say," said Ms Nolan.

"I encourage every South East Queenslander to carefully consider the draft plan – after all, it's about our future and the future of our families."

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

SEQ public transport plan stalls

SEQ public transport plan stalls
Tony Moore and Daniel Hurst
August 31, 2010 - 3:49PM

The Queensland government admits it has failed to meet a key public transport usage target set down in the major network blueprint it is now updating.

The failure means the government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in public transport infrastructure in south-east Queensland over the last 13 years without increasing the overall share of rail, bus and ferry usage compared with car usage.

The raw numbers of people using public transport has surged since the first integrated regional transport plan was unveiled in 1997, but population growth and an associated rise in motor vehicle usage means the share of trips has remained stagnant at 7 per cent .

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan, releasing an updated plan for public consultation, said today the government had failed to meet the previous target of increasing the share of trips taken by public transport from 7 per cent of all trips in 1992 to 10.5 per cent of all trips in 2011.

The new plan – which flags a raft of new unfunded rail projects over the next 20 years – aims to raise the share of trips taken on public transport from 7 per cent now to 14 per cent in 2031.

"It is the case that the mode share target was not achieved out of the last plan," Ms Nolan told reporters.

She said government had achieved other measures outlined in the 1997 plan, including building a busway network and creating the integrated public transport body Translink.

She said in the last five years public transport usage in south-east Queensland had reached a critical mass, and the introduction of regional growth planning meant there was now a greater focus on building housing close to transport services.

"I think there is a strong chance of these [new] mode share targets being met, now that transport planning is working much more closely hand in hand with land-use planning," she said.

"The other thing that's happened is that in the last five years, public transport in the south-east has reached a real critical mass. We've seen about a 50 per cent growth in public transport patronage in south-east Queensland in the last five years."

Ms Nolan said the targets were deliberately ambitious.

"It is true that the targets in this plan are 'stretch' targets," she said. "We're talking about doubling public transport and doubling walking and cycling.

"But I think you should aim high. You should have big targets. And I am confident that there is now sufficient energy around public transport in south-east Queensland that we will give these targets a very good shake."

Brisbane City Council has estimated about 8 per cent of weekday commuters to the inner-city use public transport.

Premier Anna Bligh also acknowledged that the $123 billion in transport projects outlined in the plan were not fully funded, but said the document was meant to be a broad "bold" plan to guide budget and infrastructure decisions in the future.

There are no guarantees when the new projects would be delivered, except a commitment to do so by 2031. Ms Bligh would not concede that some projects would not be achieved.

She said no world-class city had been able to boost its public transport network without putting in place a big-picture long-term plan.

Brisbane City Council's Transport Plan targets 13 per cent of all commuters using public transport by 2026.

"Other cities comparable in many ways to Brisbane have a higher transit mode share, ie 20 to 25 per cent," it reads.

Rail: Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow this morning argued the state government should be setting a target of "28 to 30 per cent."

Source: smh.com.au

[colinw]

Hang on a moment, am I reading these maps right? 

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/MediaAttachments/2010/pdf/strategicmaps.pdf

The maps on pages 2 and 3 appear to be showing that Ripley is to get a line to IPSWICH only, and that the Springfield to Ripley link completing the loop is not proposed for 2031.  Rather Springfield to Ripley appears to be a "preserved rail corridor" with Ripley being an Ipswich suburban line?

cheers,
Colin

[somebody]

Yeah, not exactly a connected city.  What if someone lives in Springfield and works in Ipswich?

I didn't follow the meaning of the "Urbanlink bus corridor".  Does that just mean a BUZ there?

I'm also not a fan of getting to Trouts Rd via Bowen Hills.  And if you believe the forecasts in the ICRCS there wouldn't be that much spare capacity on that line in years to come.

[SteelPan]

OK, let's put this REPORT into perspective.

After YEARS and YEARS of talk and already numerous State and Local Govt Studies and Reports, we have yet nother Report, no wait, a DRAFT REPORT, which actually commits the govt to nothing - it is simply a Draft Report seeking "feedback" (as if they're going to listen) from the public on what their PLAN is, maybe, going to do over the next generation or so....and on and on and on and on and on and on....and on and on and on and on.....and on and on and on the whole "prattling process" goes......seriously, many of these ideas have been around for bloody DECADES and when tomorrow the usual gridelock arises or people can't get onto trains, assuming the trains turn up, this will all mean absolutely nothing......

Talk is CHEAP and pollies and boffins love to therefore talk!

Does the line to Redcliffe get a run in the latest REPORT?? It'll most likely be the only run it gets anywhere until a baby born today is middle-aged!

Sorry to depress, but come on, be honest, how many con-job REPORTS can we all get suckered into???  

[ozbob]

Some more perspective.

The 1997 IRTP flagged busways, integrated ticketing, a transport authority, things achieved.  It did not drive the expected public transport mode share however.  Why? Rail frequency not fixed IMHO.  Most things were achieved in that plan.

This 2010 draft IRTP is a new plan that is now focusing more on rail, with bus and active transport share gains.  Get a copy and have look it is a most comprehensive document.

I think the aim for PT share is far to low (14%) prefer that to be at least 30%, and the drop in car useage (to 66%) too high, prefer that to be less than 50%. Once we get a high frequency rail service generally mode share will zoom and frequency improvements are planned from next year. TODs will also impact.  Don't forget some of things are already in train eg. Richlands, and Moreton Bay Rail Link is close.  Oil price rises will take care of car trips.

Personally I would rather have this draft plan to comment on, than nothing.  It is a start.

[Golliwog]

I agree, I like having this plan to comment on, even if we should have had it sooner!

[#Metro]

Yes, this was a BIG surprise. Excellent news.
Though it may be cut down to size later on I feel.

Feeder buses to rail. Sorry to harp on about it, but it must be done.
Feeder buses are so cheap and fast to do compared with what is in the plan, that its not funny!

[somebody]

A reasonable train frequency isn't as expensive as you might think either.

Did the 1997 IRTP recommend increasing train frequency?  If not, why not?

[colinw]

I can understand the cynicism, but a plan and recognition that rail is critical is an improvement on the past situation.  Remember all those grim years where State Budget after State Budget gave sweet F.A. for rail other than maintenance of the existing assets?  In comparison, the years since SEQIP have seen a consistent rate of projects rolling out, as I know every time I catch a train from Kuraby along the newly tripled line, or see photos of the construction underway between Darra & Richlands.

I therefore feel we should stay optimistic, support the Government when it proposes doing the right thing, criticise when it doesn't, and always be prepared to suggest improvements.

Just dismissing everything they say as spin, and getting a "yeah, right, that'll never happen" attitude, is a surrender which actually takes the pressure to deliver off them, a situation which the people of NSW find themselves in right now.

cheers,
Colin

[mufreight]

First obvious glaring failure, increased frequency on the Ipswich line, the higher frequency is to be operated from REDBANK not Ipswich.
So much for the Minister whose electorate is Ipswich looking after the interests of those resident in her own electorate, more concerned with upgrading services for the Silvertails on the Gold Coast to attempt to hold on to Gold Coast seats in preference to providing services in a so called safe Labor seat.  Risky politically for a government that is on the nose that on its past record will not build the infrastructure promised in this report which is at this time unfunded.

[ozbob]

A reasonable train frequency isn't as expensive as you might think either.

Did the 1997 IRTP recommend increasing train frequency?  If not, why not?

Don't know but it is here -->  http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Projects/Name/S/South-East-Queensland-Integrated-Regional-Transport-Plan.aspx

I have saved it in case it is removed.

[ozbob]

First obvious glaring failure, increased frequency on the Ipswich line, the higher frequency is to be operated from REDBANK not Ipswich.
So much for the Minister whose electorate is Ipswich looking after the interests of those resident in her own electorate, more concerned with upgrading services for the Silvertails on the Gold Coast to attempt to hold on to Gold Coast seats in preference to providing services in a so called safe Labor seat.  Risky politically for a government that is on the nose that on its past record will not build the infrastructure promised in this report which is at this time unfunded.

Yes, noted that.  We can give feedback on this.  Needs to track out to Ipswich.

[Golliwog]

First obvious glaring failure, increased frequency on the Ipswich line, the higher frequency is to be operated from REDBANK not Ipswich.
So much for the Minister whose electorate is Ipswich looking after the interests of those resident in her own electorate, more concerned with upgrading services for the Silvertails on the Gold Coast to attempt to hold on to Gold Coast seats in preference to providing services in a so called safe Labor seat.  Risky politically for a government that is on the nose that on its past record will not build the infrastructure promised in this report which is at this time unfunded.

Is it achievable all the way out to Ipswich? or are there constraints put on the system due to freight, etc? I don't use the Ipswich line so I honestly don't know.

[ozbob]

Yes, no doubt if 15 minutes is achievable to Redbank than is achievable to IPS IMHO.   Particularly with more through services to Rosewood as well.

I often watch on my back veranda at the patterns of freight trains passing.  It is not unusual to have coal trains minutes apart, or coal and other freight trains running in peaks!  Have also noted cattle trains running in peaks as well, much to the bemusement of sensitive punters  (oh that train smells ...)  ....

[somebody]

Presumably the idea of increasing frequency only to Redbank is based on the idea that the track will be tripled to Redbank.

Is it achievable all the way out to Ipswich? or are there constraints put on the system due to freight, etc? I don't use the Ipswich line so I honestly don't know.

On the present duplicated track the freighters would be slowed by the pax trains.  It could get through though, on any scenario I can imagine.

[Stillwater]

These things should always be examined for the 'wriggle room' governments allow themselves to make subtle changes to their plans covertly, without revealing the backflips publicly.  And so it is with Connecting SEQ 2031.

Reference to multi-modal corridor Maroochydore-Caloundra -- seems to be buses in the first instance, with rail to follow.

Map 9:14 (page 110) Shows rail track only to Kawana by 2031.  Rail to Maroochydore now beyond 2031?  Needs claification.

Map 9:15 (page 111)  Talks about 'upgrading' the railway line from Beerwah and Nambour. (NOTE: it does not refer to duplication of the line, merely 'upgrade'.)

The government must be called upon to clarify what it means.

[Golliwog]

Mentioning providing them with feedback on this, the idea of a dual track, dual guage frieght line running to the Port along the Gateway and Logan motorway alignments from Acacia Ridge (or whatever the idea that was suggested in another thread was) should be suggested. Would be more expensive than their plan, however would have added benefit of being totally segregated from passenger trains. At least until someone decides they should put stations on it

[ozbob]

Mentioning providing them with feedback on this, the idea of a dual track, dual gauge freight line running to the Port along the Gateway and Logan motorway alignments from Acacia Ridge (or whatever the idea that was suggested in another thread was) should be suggested.

Indeed, I raised this today with some of the other stakeholders.  We intend to follow this up.

[ozbob]

Media Release 1st September 2010

SEQ: A huge leap down the track to a better public transport future for Queensland

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community group support group for public transport and advocate for rail and public transport commuters welcomes the Draft Integrated Regional Transport Plan Connecting SEQ 2031 (1). RAIL Back on Track has always said that services must be frequent, bottom line.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The announcements within the Draft Integrated Regional Plan for South East Queensland (SEQ) are very welcome. In particular, the acknowledgement that rail is to be the backbone of SEQ public transport is applauded by RAIL Back on Track. There simply is no other mode of transport within SEQ that is better positioned to deal with the enormous challenges which future growth brings."

The revitalisation of the rail network will provide:

* The highest level of safety for transport
* The highest level of passenger comfort
* The highest level of reliability
* The highest level of speed
* The highest level of traffic priority
* The highest level of capacity (even more with the new Cross River Rail tunnel)
* The highest level of cost efficiency when fed by buses, rather than competing with buses
* The highest level of labour productivity
* The highest environmental benefits
* The greatest reach and coverage spanning all of South East Queensland, from Varsity lakes to Gympie North
* The reduction in the costs of road trauma (2)
* The removal of bulk freight from the road system

"Of course, all great railway systems also have great bus systems which collect and feed the railway stations. Perth has railway services every 15 minutes to the line terminus, off peak. An integrated and coordinated supporting bus network ensures that everybody, even people who live far from a rail station, has access to one."

"Improved bus, train frequency and the introduction of coordinated feeder buses to railway stations can be done relatively quickly, while South East Queenslanders wait for the larger improvements to be made to the public transport network."

"The revitalisation of rail coordinated with buses will support the economy as roads become more congested and journeys to work become longer, as people become more conscious of carbon emissions, as freight load increases and as people realise that living near fast and frequent public transport is a good thing."

"We welcome the planned improvements for bus and active transport.  We believe the targets for public transport mode share are very conservative and that these need to be aimed a lot higher, at least 30%.  This will be driven by improved train frequency. Car usage will fall due to congestion and fuel price costs."

"Once again, we welcome the release of the Draft Integrated Regional Plan Connecting SEQ 2031 and congratulate the Project Team, and we encourage all stakeholders to participate in the next three months of consultation."

"Our community is getting 'back on track'!"

References:

1. Draft Connecting SEQ 2031 http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/

2. Road trauma is breaking the nation http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=3

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Faster trains in new rail plan

Faster trains in new rail plan

Zane Jackson | 1st September 2010

IPSWICH commuters could experience faster and more frequent train trips to Brisbane under a transport plan released by the State Government yesterday.

The Connecting SEQ 2031 long-term transport plan aims to reduce the number of trips Ipswich residents make in cars by boosting public transport options in the region.

The plan is only a draft but Ipswich highlights include:

    * High-speed express trains from Ipswich CBD to central Brisbane CBD in 45 minutes;
    * Trains from Redbank and the upcoming Springfield station to Brisbane will run every 15 minutes or better all day, seven days a week;
    * An upgrade to bus networks.

Robert Dow, a spokesman for commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track, said while the plan was only in its early stages, he rated it as a "nine out of 10" success for public transport users.

"From a rail perspective it's good for Ipswich commuters with the plans for express trains, more frequent services and the future Springfield and Ripley Valley rail links," he said.

"There's also a great emphasis on improving bus services which is also good news."

Under the high-speed train plan, which it calls ExpressLink, services will be introduced from Ipswich and Ripley, stopping all stations to Redbank, before running express to Brisbane City.

The proposed high-frequency trains from Redbank and Springfield will be called UrbanLink services and will run every 15 minutes, down from the current 30 minutes, and feature bigger carriages.

Ipswich MP and Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said a fully loaded train carried more than 700 people, taking about 600 cars off the road.

The plan says it aims to reduce the share of trips made by private car in Ipswich from 83 per cent down to 70 per cent.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Why trains beat buses

Why trains beat buses
Daniel Hurst
September 1, 2010 - 5:00AM

Rail projects are the way of the future because trains carry more people than buses, the Queensland government says.

The government yesterday released its new long-term transport blueprint for south-east Queensland, placing rail firmly at the centre of a largely unfunded strategy to boost public transport use over the next 20 years.

It lays out a suite of proposed projects worth about $123 billion that it suggests should be built between now and 2031, including Brisbane's much-vaunted cross-river underground rail project for which the government is hoping to win federal government funding.

The document also flags an 8km subway connecting Toowong, West End and Newstead or Bowen Hills, along with a 15km rail link from Alderley to Strathpine on Brisbane's northside and high-speed trains to the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the first version of the integrated transport plan, released in 1997, stressed the importance of busway projects.

But Ms Nolan said it now made sense to invest more heavily in rail projects because of population growth pressures.

"Busways are great but trains just carry a lot more people," she told brisbanetimes.com.au.

However, Ms Nolan denied bus projects would now play second fiddle to train projects in the tight battle for funding and attention.

Ms Nolan said further stages of the Eastern Busway beyond Main Avenue at Coorparoo - which are not expected to built until at least 2020 without federal government support - would remain a high-priority project for funding advisory body Infrastructure Australia to consider.

"We are really committed to the busway network," she said.

"There are plans in [the new blueprint] to continue the busway network."

Robert Dow, from transport lobby group Rail Back on Track, said while trains were not "better" than buses they certainly could carry more people.

Mr Dow said the 1997 transport plan was "very bus-centric" and he supported the updated rail-focused version released yesterday.

"We've reached a point where the bus system is reaching capacity constraints," he said.

"We're going to have a problem if we don't start to ramp up our rail network."

Despite criticism from the state opposition that the new transport blueprint was not fully funded, Mr Dow said he backed the concept of having a long-term transport blueprint.

The state needed a vision for the future that transcended electoral cycles, he said.

"They can't be funded directly but they will inform each budget each year," he said.

However, Mr Dow said he doubted the proposed subway from Toowong to West End and Newstead or Bowen Hills would ever be built.

He predicted the construction of the Gold Coast light rail project would eventually "drive a transformation" and prompt a new focus on light rail options in Brisbane.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Simpson welcomed the emphasis on rail, but said she had some concerns about planning in the nearer future.

Ms Simpson said the government had provided a lack of detail on how it would deal with rail capacity pressures over the next six years before the cross-river rail project was delivered.

She said she was also worried the government was going to convert suburban traffic lanes to bus lanes as part of its transport blueprint.

"Even though they're talking about rail they're still relying on buses to do the heavy lifting," she said.

"I think it's nice to have a plan that talks about visions over the horizon but unless there's an action plan that accompanies it for delivery it is just a PR stunt."

Premier Anna Bligh refused to concede yesterday that some of the projects put forward in the plan may not be built.

Ms Bligh said she expected cynical "knockers" would criticise the plan, but no world-class city was able to implement a top-quality public transport system without first setting out a broad vision.

She said all projects could be funded and delivered by 2031 with help from state, federal and local governments and through public-private partnerships.

"No government has a 20-year budget but governments should have 10- and 20-year plans," Ms Bligh said.

"You simply cannot finance these types of projects unless you plan for them."

But state opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek said the fact the blueprint was not fully funded showed it was "not a policy".

"We are seeing Anna Bligh looking to distract from the failings of her administration and the revolution that she's facing from within her own party," he said.

"Commuters in Queensland don't just want an unfunded vision; they actually want a plan that's going to deliver something."

[#Metro]

They don't beat buses any more than apples beat oranges.
Every great train network has a great supporting bus network that feeds the rail stations and fills in all the gaps.

[Jonno]

A key battle clearly remains which is bus lanes on major roads.  The rail revolution is here BUT DON'T TAKE ANY ROAD SPACE AWAY FROM MY PRECIOUS CARS!!!!

[#Metro]

Put in Light Rail.
Because it is higher capacity, inflexible and is stuck to the track, I think people will respect the fact that it really does need exclusive lanes. Nobody wants to be in the way of a 300 pax carrying tram.
Buses are too flexible. They get a bus lane but then the local pollie comes along with a giant eraser and removes them.

Doing the same for a tram would be harder IMHO.

[#Metro]

Feedback on the plan is now open ---> http://www.connectingseq.qld.gov.au/Have-Your-Say.aspx

[O_128]

Lets hope the trouts road line will get a start before the end of the decade. Would this possibly mean that a quadruplication between straphpine and caboolture would be needed?

[colinw]

You raise an interesting point ... staging & order of projects.

What is the logical order to build all this stuff?

[Derwan]

As well as the new lines, it looks like we're set for other upgrades.  Found this on page 32/33 regarding signalling and off-peak services/pricing:

Improved signalling on the rail system will boost capacity and enhance safety. The rail system will also benefit from higher capacity rollingstock on the inner suburban network, and timetable revisions to expand shoulder services to encourage people to travel just outside the peaks. Increasing use of the go card and offpeak pricing will continue to spread passenger loads throughout the day.

Upgrade rail signals to increase line capacity from 20 to 24 trains per hour

In more detail on page 49:

The existing rail network is equipped with a variety of signalling technologies that have been deployed since the mid-1970s. The signal system has an overall maximum capacity of a single rail line limited to no more than 20 trains per hour per line, or a train every three minutes.

Improving the signalling system by modernising it and adding more circuitry and signals can allow for more trains per hour to utilise the broader network. This could feasibly achieve overall system headway of 24 trains per hour per line at a relatively low cost, allowing for four more trains per hour to use each line.

Advanced signalling technology would allow for communications based signalling which will improve safety and can also be configured to reduce headways substantially and therefore increase line capacity. A higher capacity of 30 trains per line could be achieved across the network, though at a higher cost.

Investigations as part of the rail revolution will confirm the best signals upgrade strategy based on achieving 24, and as much as 30 trains per line per hour over the next 20 years.

[#Metro]

Go for the 30 trains per hour. One every 2 minutes. That's metro frequency.

[ozbob]

From the ABC News click here!

Bligh cops criticism over public transport plan

Bligh cops criticism over public transport plan

By Ez Webb

The Queensland Government has come under fire from experts and the state's Opposition over its 20-year plan for a world-class public transport system.

Premier Anna Bligh released the plan as a blueprint for future transport development in south-east Queensland yesterday.

Super-commuter trains, high-frequency services, bikeway networks and a ring-road system have been proposed, as well as an underground cross-river railway which Ms Bligh says will move up to 240,000 people into inner-city Brisbane during the morning peak, compared to the current 54,000.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said yesterday the entire vision could cost $225 billion.

However, a $25 million feasibility study of the tunnel project is yet to be finalised and the Opposition says it is unfunded.

Robert Dow, a spokesman from transport lobby group Rail Back on Track, also doubts an underground subway is achievable in Brisbane.

"A subway system is very expensive, relative to normal heavy rail," he said.

"At the moment there is no true subway network in any capital in Australia.

"What we have are underground extensions to the heavy rail network and we think that, coupled with the rapid bus transit on the surface, will be the answer rather than the subway system."

Ambitious plan

Ms Bligh acknowledged the plan was ambitious, but pointed to the State Government's 1997 transport plan that first proposed Brisbane's busways to illustrate its proven public transport experience.

Mr Dow agrees with Ms Bligh and says the 1997 plan was not funded either, but still achieved its proposed busways, the creation of a singular transport authority (Translink), and integrated ticketing.

"Transport planning is a lot longer than electoral cycles, so it does need this sort of vision document to indicate a long-term future," he said.

"State governments don't budget 20 years out - it's not possible to allocate funding directly, but we think that most of these projects will see the light of day."

Mr Dow says another concern is the 14 per cent target of all trips to be made by public transport.

"We think it's too limiting," Mr Dow said.

"We'd like to see a public transport share aim for at least 30 per cent and car usage to drop below 50 per cent."

Commuter behaviour

The current share of public transport in south-east Queensland is 7 per cent.

University of Queensland professor in transportation, Luis Ferreira, is also concerned about the target and says improving public transport is not enough to reach 14 per cent.

"We have almost exactly the same goal in the Integrated Regional Transport Plan 1997," he said.

"This will not be achieved without changing the behaviour of commuters - using a congestion charge and higher parking charges.

"We will not achieve desired goals by increasing the supply of road space and public transport infrastructure."

[Golliwog]

I don't think increasing the price of parking is absolutely necessary, but I think what UQ has done is a good example of how to change the way people travel. For quite some time now they have been gradually reducing the amount of parking on campus, most recently by turning the space between the Chemistry and Maths buildings which had some parking in it into grassed areas, and where the current AIBN building is also used to be a parking lot. The Connifers Knoll parking lot has stayed the same size, although they have changed how it is set up. It used to be only the bottom floor was for annual ticket holders and the top two floors were casual $3/day parking, which has now changed to only the top floor being casual parking. They have now started on improving the cycling end of trip facilities across the campus.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
01/09/2010

Vital public transport projects at risk under LNP's admission

Major projects such as the Northern Busway, Cross River Rail and Rail Station Renovation would be under threat if the LNP's Tim Nicholls had anything to do with it.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said Mr Nicholls wants to see tools downed on these multi-million dollar projects because he thinks it's time to "reassess".

"Forget about more public transport services, forget about building vital infrastructure, forget about jobs and forget about boosting the economy - the LNP doesn't see the benefits in investing in the future of South East Queensland," Ms Nolan said.

"When Labor came to power, there were no busways in Brisbane - now there are 24 kilometres of busways with more under construction right now.

"We are currently building the Northern Busway from Windsor to Kedron - it's due for completion in 2012 but if the LNP had its way, work would stop and it would never be finished.

"About 250,000 people a day currently enjoy the convenience and time-savings of the Inner Northern Busway, South East Busway and first stage of the Eastern Busway but Mr Nicholls doesn't see the point in smart public transport infrastructure like busways.

"We are undertaking a detailed feasibility study on Cross River Rail, the single largest public transport project in Queensland's history, which would link Wooloowin on the Northside with Salisbury on the Southside through a predominantly underground rail line.

"Our current modelling shows this project is needed by 2016 to keep up with population and public transport patronage growth but the LNP would be happy to see this project scrapped and Brisbane grind to a halt.

"Eagle Junction train station, which is currently undergoing a total transformation as part of our $200 million Rail Station Renovation project, is also on the LNP's hit-list.

"No major upgrades have been done at this busy station since 1962 so we're spending $10 million on works such as a new ticket office, lifts, escalators, improved security and climate-smart lighting but Mr Nicholls is content being stuck in last century.

"While Mr Nicholls and his LNP mates sit around reassessing, the Bligh Government is getting on with the job of delivering vital projects and planning for the region's future public transport needs."

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

[ozbob]

Opposition Statement

http://www.fionasimpson.com.au/Pages/Article.aspx?ID=774

Connecting SEQ 2031 ...more like Congestion SEQ 2031

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

BLIGH Labor's Connecting SEQ 2031 should be renamed Congestion SEQ 2031 given the total lack of funding for the Premier's latest diversion to her flagging popularity.

LNP Shadow Minister for Main Roads and Transport Fiona Simpson said Connect SEQ 2031 confirmed the Government has failed to deliver any real improvement in public transport or congestion in South East Queensland.

Ms Simpson questioned Transport Minister Rachel Nolan in State Parliament this morning about her admission yesterday that Labor had failed to meet even the Coalition's 1997 public transport targets.

"Labor's bold new plan for transport is totally un-funded and given the Minister's own admission that her government has failed to meet the public transport targets set by the Coalition government in 1997 why should anyone believe her.

Ms Simpson said Connecting SEQ 2031 was a litany of broken promises, re-announcements, and unfunded promises including:

The centrepiece of the plan, the Cross River Rail, with no business case, despite looming gridlock and Beattie's announcement it was a priority six years ago;

Major projects re-announced only changes delayed delivery dates and escalating costs, such as CAMCOS on the Sunshine Coast and the rail link to Coolangatta;

Fast train announced on a rail line that already has fast tilt-trains that are forced to travel at 50km by Labor's neglect;

Greenbank to Flagstone study re-announced, despite being announced in 1997 by the Coalition;

Still no funding to remove level crossings in Brisbane, despite Labor's neglect for the past decade; and

At least 20 per cent more cars on already congested roads over the next 20 years.

"Rachel Nolan should change its name from Connecting SEQ 2031 to Congestion SEQ 2031 ...because that's all Queenslanders living in the southeast can expect under this long-term Labor government."