17 Sept 2010: SEQ: Airtrain needs an improved service

[#Metro]

While I think Skybus is good, I don't think it matches the same service as rail.
I've used it too. It's the frequency that is the problem and whole organisation of the rail service to BNE Airport, not the mode.

Many places the world over, with lower populations than Brisbane, manage to get it right with rail, be that light or heavy rail.
Thanks to Brizcommuter for doing the research info on this  

[ozbob]

The blog feedback at Brisbanetimes on all the 'Airtrain' articles has been rather devastating as well, even considering the nature of blogs.
I am sure all are reading it ...

Good work by Brisbanetimes.  Latest blog feedback click --> here

[somebody]

The blog feedback at Brisbanetimes on all the 'Airtrain' articles has been rather devastating as well, even considering the nature of blogs.
I am sure all are reading it ...

Good work by Brisbanetimes.  Latest blog feedback click --> here

Yes, it definitely seems that many are not happy with Airtrain.

I think it was a great opportunity to reduce congestion on Airport Dr, which unfortunately was wasted by being a PPP, and worse, one with a 35 year duration.

[Jonno]

Can Traslink operate train services outside Airtrain operating times? Operate or loose monopoly?

[somebody]

Can Traslink operate train services outside Airtrain operating times? Operate or loose monopoly?

Seems like that is something which is being investigated, and probably the only real thing that the Minister could threaten Airtrain with, besides a state takeover (which I would think cause Airtrain to rub their hands with glee).

[#Metro]

I doubt that Airtrain would allow the Government to operate train services after hours.
The Government needs to pay a subsidy to subsidise the unprofitable services.
Do that and the whole sorry saga will suddenly end.

No amount of chatting will over-ride the reality which is this: If a service is not profitable, it just does not get put on.
Period.

Vertically integrated private rail operations can work, but only if the traffic at the airport is sufficiently high.
I'm thinking places like London or Hong Kong. Will it work in Brisbane and still have an acceptable service level???

[ozbob]

The agreement with Airtrain Citylink Limited was put in place before Translink mark 1 was around.  It was a Queensland Transport function.  Clearly it was set up in a different era and environment.  But it would appear commonsense safeguards may have been missing.  Piecing together what has been published today it is clear that there is a prohibition in the agreement on public transport competing with Airtrain.  Whether this can be got around when Airtrain is not running services is a moot point, and I assume being looked at seriously.

For a long time, at least two years we have regularly highlighted the farce of the fare ripoff - Airtrain receiving a premium from rail travel on the public rail network (break your journey to save the rip-off) which arose with the different fare structure. Obviously little forethought from QT side as to the future.

I know many people have complained to their local members and at Ministerial level about air train. I think the outcry the past week or so has furthered brought the issue to a head.  Personally I am delighted that the Minister for Transport is acting.  Not before time though, but hopefully some way forward with the present impasse and mess might be achievable if good spirit prevails.

In terms of bad PR for Airtrain, it has been deadly this past week.  Even got traction in China!  Not good for tourism in Queensland either.   This may have helped things along a bit as well.

[#Metro]

The agreement with Airtrain Limited was put in place before Translink mark 1 was around.  It was a Queensland Transport function.  Clearly it was set up in a different era and environment.  But it would appear commonsense safeguards may have been missing.  Piecing together what has been published today it is clear that there is a prohibition in the agreement on public transport competing with Airtrain.  Whether this can be got around when Airtrain is not running services is a moot point, and I assume being looked at seriously.

All of the taxi and charter bus companies are going to scream.
On the other hand, customers will benefit because the price is low, TL will benefit because such a service would likely generate a profit which could then be used via cross-subsidy to prop the rest of the PT network up too.

The problem with Airtrain isn't the finances- they've done well. It isn't the mode chosen- trains to airports work well in other cities overseas also. It's the organisational and regulation issues which has led to the current situation, which is what the government didn't get quite right.

It's hard to write a perfect contract, because perfect and complete information is never available.

All of this seems oddly similar to how Brisbane trams and buses were bought off the private operators by governments.

[ozbob]

Airtrain Citylink Limited owns the track and stations on the line to the Airport.  Bizarre as it may seem, I doubt  that they would allow another operator.  Maybe this could be challenged in the changed environment of today with open access etc.  but who would do it?  TransLink TA?  This is shaping up as a test for the TTA as well?

[ozbob]

All of the taxi and charter bus companies are going to scream.

Tough.  Airtrain can ramp up tomorrow and what are they going do? Nothing.  The taxi setup is another gouge as well.  Gouge gouge gouge, welcome to Brisbane where the temperature is 46oC!  Ha!!

[somebody]

Sorry, I was thinking of bus services to the Airport after hours.

[#Metro]

Courier Mail ran a story but it was buried on their website:

Traffic congestion drives profit increase for Airtrain

ROADWORKS, increased taxi fares and horrendous traffic congestion to Brisbane Airport helped the Airtrain group post a record 35 per cent increase in full-year profit yesterday to $10.02 million.

"This record result shows that local residents, business travellers and tourists alike have truly embraced Airtrain as the most reliable way to travel to and from Brisbane Airport," Airtrain chairman Mike Pelly said.

Mr Pelly, who is also chairman of Stadiums Queensland, said as demand increased the frequency of services would also rise.

"We have already increased services and as more people use the train we will continue to do so but it is pretty pointless sending a train to the airport at midnight for a single flight," he said.

I liked this one:

Bob  Posted at 1:56 PM Today

    'it is pretty pointless sending a train to the airport at midnight for a single flight' only shows it is not there for service, purely profits. Pretty much sums up the whole airport monopoly

Comment 6 of 6

http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/traffic-congestion-drives-profit-increase-for-airtrain/comments-e6freqmx-1225937863078

[ozbob]

But one thing is clear.  This is not going away, can no longer be pushed aside and all the authorities pretend that all is well, the comments by the Minister in the article are clear, some sort of action is finally underway.

The very first radio interview was on the Airtrain 17 August 2006.  Patience is a virtue ...  

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=31.msg60#msg60

...I represented RAIL Back On Track on an interview on radio ABC Brisbane 612 yesterday (17th August), and expressed this point of view essentially.  Feedback that has been broadcast since has confirmed that the major issue is the cost, and the lack of any concession travel, and the timetable (frequency and too late for first train, and too early for the last train).
I suggested that patronage would be increased significantly if the fare cost was reduced, and this in turn would like to an increase in revenue for AirTrain Citylink.  It will also go a long way to easing traffic problems, and impact on the environment.

Best wishes
Ozbob

http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=31.0

Media Release  16 August 2006

RAIL  Back On Track (http://backontrack.org)   a new web based community organisation for the promotion of rail throughout Australia has suggested that an important issue for the Queensland State Election on September 9th is the future operation of the railway line to the Airport.

RAIL Back On Track spokesman said that  "The service to the Brisbane Airport uses Queensland Railways suburban trains.  The cost of the travel from the City to the Airport is at a cost that actively discourages people from using it.  It should be brought into the same fare structure as for the rest of metropolitan railway network.   The Airport effectively lies in Zone 3.  This equates to a normal return fare of $6 compared to the present $22 Airtrain return fare.  It is a cost differential that results in empty trains, and because of that a decrease in train frequency, which in turn leads to fewer passengers.  An irreversible slide.

If the State Government took back management from Airtrain City Link Ltd, or at least subsidised the fares to normal fare structure, the trains would be well patronised and be available for not only domestic and international passengers, but people employed in the airport precinct.
Road congestion, delays and costs would be minimised."

Contact:

Administration RAIL Back On Track
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

A recent blog comment by a punter at Brisbanetimes

I can not beleive that a contractual arrangement like this has been enterred into by any Government. Clearly there should have been some stipulations the Airtrain would run at times suitable to airplane travel. Why on earth we should be considering sending buses to do the trains job defies logic?

(sic)

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/travel/minister-questions-airtrains-monopoly-20101013-16iqr.html?comments=14#comments

[ozbob]

Bit of history ..

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

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=3679

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Vaughan Johnson

Tuesday, September 02, 1997

BRISBANE AIRPORT RAIL LINK DEADLINE EXTENDED

State Cabinet has granted Airtrain Citylink Ltd a further extension of time to finalise a detailed proposal on the Brisbane Airport Rail Link Project.

In a joint announcement today with Treasurer Joan Sheldon, Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson said the July sale of Brisbane Airport to the Brisbane Airport Corporation Ltd (BACL) had "added a degree of complexity to Airtrain's original plans".

Mr Johnson said while Airtrain had been diligent in the development of the rail link proposal, there were a number of matters that needed to be finalised such as detailed land requirements and access configuration issues concerning the proposed rail stations at the airport's international and domestic terminals.

The outstanding matters had been beyond Airtrain's control. Consequently, Mr Johnson and Mrs Sheldon successfully recommended to Cabinet that the company be granted an extension of time until the end of the year.

Airtrain was awarded an exclusive mandate by the State Government in May 1996 to deliver and develop a detailed proposal for a rail link to the Brisbane Airport. The proposal was originally due in October 1996 but was extended to June 30, 1997.

Under the comprehensive proposal, Airtrain indicated it would commit $160 million of private sector funds to the construction, operation and maintenance of the rail link without current or future cost to the State Government. Airtrain's proposal included detailed engineering and project definition and a financial feasibility study.

"This project has substantial potential benefits for travellers, the private sector and State Government alike," Mr Johnson said. "We want to maximise those benefits for all concerned, and if that means granting an extension of time to Airtrain to do so, well then so be it."

He said Queensland Rail, Brisbane City Council and BACL all supported the proposal and had been working closely with Airtrain to finalise the submission.

A Project Advisory Group comprising officers from Queensland Transport and Treasury has been overseeing the project on behalf of the State Government.

=================
http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=6295

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Joan Sheldon

Tuesday, April 21, 1998

Joint Release with Joan Sheldon MLA, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for The Arts and Vaughan Johnson MLA, Minister for Transport and Main Roads

BRISBANE AIRPORT RAIL LINK DEED SIGNED

The Coalition Government and Airtrain Citylink Ltd have entered into a legal agreement which will lead to the construction and operation of a rail link to Brisbane Airport.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Joan Sheldon, in a joint announcement with Minister for Transport and Main Roads Vaughan Johnson, said today that a deed had been formally signed which would allow Airtrain, a private sector proponent, to finance, design, construct, maintain and operate the Brisbane Airport Rail Link (BARL).

Mrs Sheldon said the execution of the deed would allow Airtrain to begin on-site construction of the rail link by July.

"The construction program allows Airtrain to meet its obligations within two years and allow the rail link to be operational by June 2000, in time for the Sydney Olympics," she said.

Airtrain, whose shareholders are Macquarie Corporate Finance Ltd, Transfield, Reduct Pty Ltd and Clarke and Kann, was awarded an exclusive mandate by the State Government in May 1996 to develop a detailed proposal for a rail link to the Brisbane Airport.

"Under the subsequent proposal, Airtrain indicated it would commit $190 million of private sector funds for the construction, operation and maintenance of the rail link.

"Airtrain has told us that the project will provide 400 jobs for its two year construction period and 50 full time equivalent positions for its operational phase."

"The signing of the deed represents a major milestone in the implementation of State policy on Private Sector Involvement in Public Infrastructure and Service Delivery.

"Airtrain has proposed a dedicated rail link joining the existing North Coast line at Eagle Junction," the Treasurer said.

Mr Johnson said that the rail link would transport passengers to two elevated stations one adjacent to the Brisbane International Terminal and the other to the Brisbane domestic terminal.

Under terms of the agreement, Airtrain will transfer the Brisbane Airport Rail Link back to the State Government after 35 years.

Mr Johnson said the Airtrain proposal had been underpinned by detailed engineering and project definition and a financial feasibility study.

"This project will have significant positive ramifications for the people of south-east Queensland, not only in terms of increasing transport options to Brisbane Airport but also environmentally by reducing a large number of road trips," Mr Johnson said.

"Detailed patronage studies have been undertaken for the project by Airtrain, forecasting rail passenger numbers of around 2.3 million for the first year of operation.

"Airtrain has forecast patronage figures to rise to 4.6 million in the fifth year, and eventually to 16.5 million by 2035.

"The obvious positive impact, both environmentally and from a co-ordinated transport perspective, will be enormous," said Mr Johnson.

A draft Impact Assessment Study has been completed and is currently on display at Brisbane City Council and the Department of Environment.

[ozbob]

In September 2009, Mr Basche said Airtrain patronage had increased by 11 per cent to a record 1,889,549 people, an extra 250,000 passengers from the previous year.

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=25119

Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Thursday, February 11, 1999

Brisbane Airport rail link to go ahead

The State Government has finalised arrangements for a privately-funded $200 million rail line to link Brisbane's central business district with the international and domestic airport terminals by 2001, Premier Peter Beattie announced today.

"An airport-city train link is essential if Brisbane is going to rank as a major international city and I congratulate all those who have played a part in making this link a reality," said Mr Beattie.

"Such a link is one of the few assets that Brisbane has been lacking and I am proud that once again we are demonstrating that Queensland is the action state. We're making things happen."

Making the announcement with the Premier were Airtrain Citylink Limited Chair James Cutts, Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer and Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley.

"This multi-million dollar rail link will bring enormous economic, employment and public transport benefits to Brisbane," said Mr Beattie.

"We expect the project to provide the equivalent of more than 500 full-time jobs during the 27-month design and construction period."

Mr Bredhauer said the link was a great boost for public transport in South-East Queensland, where it was important to promote public transport as a viable alternative to using cars.

"One of the best ways to successfully improve public transport usage is to provide infrastructure providing reliable, comfortable and easy travel such as the new rail link," he said. "It is significant that the project has attracted private funding because it shows the private sector has the confidence to invest in public infrastructure in Queensland."

Mr Cutts said it would take just over two years to build the link, with construction due to start later this year. Design work would start this month.

Airtrain would build 8.5 km of new rail, linking the existing Queensland Rail network near Toombul to the Airport, said Mr Cutts.

Most of the link would be elevated and feature two stations - one at the international terminal, the other at the domestic terminal.

Passengers would be travelling to the Airport by train by mid-2001, Mr Cutts said.

"Services will run directly from the Airport to the City and to the Gold Coast by linking into the Citytrain network run by Queensland Rail," Mr Cutts said.

Mr Beattie said the State Government had finalised agreement on the basis that Airtrain would build and operate the rail link to the airport at the company's expense.

The project had been approved on the basis that Airtrain would pay for the project in return for the right to operate the rail link for 35 years.

After 35 years, it would be turned over to the State Government.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley said Brisbane City Council had played a key role in bringing Airtrain to fruition.

"Council, as a major land holder along the route, gave the project full support because we recognised the significant benefits of Airtrain to the city," Cr Soorley said.

"We receive a valuable rail corridor for residents and tourists linking the city and the Gold Coast to the airport," he said.

"At the same time it will help reduce traffic congestion and assist in maintaining our city's air quality," Cr Soorley said.

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=26750

Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Wednesday, July 14, 1999

Work starts on 200m airport rail link

Brisbane will join the great cities of the world with direct rail access from the central business district to the domestic and international airport terminals, Premier Peter Beattie said today.

Speaking at the official start of work on the $200 million rail link, Mr Beattie said the project would also set new standards for co-operation between the public and private sectors in the delivery of infrastructure.

Mr Beattie said that the rail link would be built, owned and operated by private consortium Airtrain Citylink Ltd and transferred to the State after 35 years.

The Premier noted that the rail link was the second major project announced for Queensland in the past 24 hours. The State Government yesterday gave the go ahead for a $1.4 billion power station to be built by the Millmerran Power Project consortium.

"Queensland is the engine room of economic development in Australia," the Premier said.

"This project brings Brisbane into line with developments across the world, where accessibility to rail links is an essential feature of the strategy for growth of a major airport."

The Premier said Airtrain Citylink also marked the revival of private infrastructure investment in Queensland.

"Importantly, it also means jobs. The Millmerran power station will generate 1300 jobs, and Airtrain Citylink will create a further 300 constructions jobs, and 100 operational jobs," Mr Beattie said.

"It also enhances the development of infrastructure in support of the Brisbane Gateway Ports area development which will create even more jobs."

Mr Beattie said the rail link would be completed by mid-2001, providing a "four trains an hour, seven days a week, 16 hours a day world class rail service".

That would be of benefit to the 10.3 million passengers a year who use Brisbane Airport.

"This is forecast to grow to 33 million in 20 years, so the need for increased public transport to the airport is obvious," the Premier said.

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=33516

Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Premier Completes Viaduct To Signal Airtrain on Track

Premier Peter Beattie installed the final piece of galvanised floor planking at Airtrain's Brisbane International Terminal Station today (Wednesday) to mark the closing of construction of the 8.5km Airtrain viaduct structure.

"With the viaduct structure complete, the $200 million Airtrain Citylink is on track to be completed by May 8 next year," said Mr Beattie.

"Work will now focus on completing the track, power system, signalling and stations.

"Anyone who has travelled to Brisbane Airport recently would have witnessed the remarkable progress being made in constructing the 250-span viaduct linking Toombul to the International and Domestic Terminals.

"The link is being built, owned and operated by private consortium Airtrain Citylink Ltd and will be transferred to the State after 35 years.

"It's a credit to Transfield, QR and the Airtrain Citylink team.

"And it is a shining example of the opportunities available in Queensland for private investment in infrastructure.

"The project has set new standards for co-operation between the public and private sectors in the delivery of infrastructure.

"My Government is delivering on a promise to work in partnership with the private sector to create a new era of economic growth for Queensland.

"It also enhances the development of infrastructure in support of the Australia TradeCoast development which will create even more jobs.

"Accessibility to rail links is an essential feature of the strategy for growth of a major airport.

"When complete the link will provide a "four trains an hour, seven days a week, 16 hours a day service.

"It means Brisbane will join the great cities of the world which have direct rail access from the central business district to the domestic and international airport terminals.

"This project is delivering about 250 construction jobs and is another example of my Government delivering for the people of Queensland."

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=8307

Premier
The Honourable Peter Beattie

Monday, May 07, 2001

Airtrain Citylink the latest transport boost for Brisbane

Brisbanes passenger transport system has received another significant shot in the arm with the official opening of Airtrain Citylink at Brisbane Airport today.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said Airtrain Citylink would transfer passengers from the airport to the city in just 22 minutes.

Even a trip from Brisbane Airport to Robina on the Gold Coast will take just 92 minutes, with tourists staying on the Gold Coast having the added convenience of a bus connection at Nerang. Mr Beattie said.

The $200 million Airtrain project is a smart move for a Smart State and constitutes a strong vote of confidence in the dynamism of the Queensland economy, Mr Beattie said.

The project has created around 250 jobs during construction and about 50 full time positions now that services have commenced.

Last weekend we officially opened the $350 million South East Busway, the centrepiece of the $600 million South East Transit Project, which is revolutionising public transport on the south side of Brisbane.

The State Government has also given a commitment to complete the Inner Northern Busway linking the City to Royal Brisbane Hospital at Herston.

Airtrain Citylink complements both those projects which have catapulted Queenslands passenger transport network into the 21st century, Mr Beattie said.

This reflects the partnership between the private sector and the government to develop and deliver significant projects.

Airtrain shows how the private sector and public sector can work together to create the infrastructure for an integrated public transport system to meet the future needs of south east Queensland.

Mr Beattie said it was estimated that traffic to Brisbane Airport would be cut by 6,000 vehicle journeys a day.

It isnt just travellers who benefit, Mr Beattie said.

There are 8,000 people employed by 150 different companies around the airport, with Airtrain offering special concession rates for airport employees.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Call for Airtrain contract to be revisited

Call for Airtrain contract to be revisited
Tony Moore
October 14, 2010 - 5:00AM

The Airport Link tunnel may not have been needed if efficient public transport was in place, according to one transport expert.

Brisbane must question whether the half-hour frequency of airport trains was suitable for its "new world city" tagline, a leading transport expert said last night.

Research fellow at Griffith University's Urban Research Program Jago Dodson, who has written about the private Airtrain service in a transport study called A Climate for Growth, said their contract should be revisited.

Dr Dodson said while airport trains in the morning were more frequent, most trains left for the airport every half-hour.

Translink says it is working with Airtrain operators to fix a pricing anomaly.

Airtrain has been criticised as having a lack of services at night.

"For a new world city that Brisbane claims to be, one can only wonder whether a half-hour connection to the airport is actually sufficient to sustain that sort of claim," he said.

Dr Dodson said other expensive infrastructure projects may have been unnecessary if Airtrain had been more effective for tourists and airport workers.

"I have the sense that if the Airtrain were playing a much bigger role and a much more effective role in providing transport to the airport, then some of those major roadworks to fixing the congestion around the airport, especially at the intersection with the Gateway Motorway, may have been less necessary than they have proven to be," he said.

Brisbane Airport Corporation last year spent $220 million on a new network of roads, while the state government has added a $327 million overpass of the airport roundabout as part of the $4.8 billion Airport Link toll tunnel project.

Hundreds of millions of dollars has been spent on the Gateway Motorway sections near the Brisbane Airport, however much of that is north-south traffic.

Airtrain is a private company, which leases Queensland Rail rail fleet to run on a $220 million elevated rail line between Eagle Junction and the airport's international and domestic terminals.

This week, Airtrain revealed it had paid back all its debt 10 years before projections, recorded a 35 per cent increase in profit to $10.02 million and would increase its dividend to shareholders by 10 per cent to $2.75.

Chairman Mike Pelly said yesterday Airtrain had added six extra services in the last 18 months and would look at extra services when passenger demand dictated.

Dr Dodson questioned whether Airtrain was meeting the community objectives of a transport alternative.

"My concern is that some of the expediency undertaken by the government in seeing the opportunity to get a piece of infrastructure built, that might not otherwise be built, has tempted the government into a set of governance arrangements that 10 years down the track are making the integration and management of southeast Queensland public transport system more complicated than it should be," he said.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Rachel Nolan told brisbanetimes.com.au yesterday that commuters would have to wait until the "first quarter" of 2011 until the fare problems between Airtrain and Translink were resolved.

For more than two years, commuters using the Go Card and travelling to Brisbane Airport on the Airtrain have paid up to $5.70 more than they should have.

"There is a extension which involves a technical fix that becomes possible when Translink makes some back of house changes to their ticketing system next year," Ms Nolan said.

"So while it is not a done deal - that technical fix still needs to come through - I am hopeful that this can be resolved in the new year."

[ozbob]

Blog comment:

Folks, to get around the fare ripoff break your journey.  Say you are travelling in from Ipswich or Varsity Lakes etc.  Touch on at your departure station, when you get to CBD or Eagle Junction, touch off.  Wait a minute and then touch back on.  Touch off normally at the Airport.  It is disappointing that this ripoff has been going on for years, and thanks to Brisbanetimes has been highlighted.  Not acceptable is it to allow punters to done over.

Airtrain must increase service frequency and hours of operation if they are too survive.  If not there is a strong case for action to drive it.  As Dr Dodson has indicated, the failure to drive the airport rail line is a transport basket case, so typical of much of the tranport blunder in Queensland unfortunately.

[ozbob]

Blog comment;

And further, the general train frequency in south-east Queensland is the worst in Oz for comparable systems. and when one looks globally is also the worst for rail systems of similar size and structure. The abysmal train frequency is anti-public transport.

If the general train frequency off peak was 15 minutes during the day and early evening, 20 minutes later in evening weekends and public holidays public transport uptake would improve dramatically. The cost of the fixed infrastructure assets is further returned as farebox increases. Problems with bus-rail coordination are greatly reduced. Further economic benefit in terms of reduced road trauma costs, reduced congestion costs and reduction in environmental impacts. The roads are more free for delivery vehicles, tradies and those who really do need to drive.

Airtrain is part of the solution!

[ozbob]

So we have a scheme hatched in the 1990s by the then National Liberal State Government.  Carried on the Labor Governments when elected.

Obviously some smart minds in the financial side of things worked out a buck could be made.  The Deed apparently restricts competition, courtesy of the Government of the day.

So instead of a few hundred millions that would have cost the public to put in place a proper service, we now have billions of dollars on road solutions which won't do much in the longer term.

The only ones laughing are the backers of Airtrain Citylink Ltd ....  the whole mess is just so representative of failed transport policy in Queensland.

[ozbob]

Blog comment:

Clearly the excess fare bonus from unsuspecting punters has helped them to pay off the initial debts? Maybe this 'fare bonus' could be used to actually provide services when folks need them??

[O_128]

Jujust arrived in Sydney, train to city ever 10 m in peak and 15 off, now enjoying a comfy ride on a tangara set, wake up brisbane

[#Metro]

Jujust arrived in Sydney, train to city ever 10 m in peak and 15 off, now enjoying a comfy ride on a tangara set, wake up brisbane

Aaargh! 

[ozbob]

There was an interview on 612 ABC Brisbane with Chairman Airtrain Board and Spencer Howson this morning.  Hopefully will be up on their blog later.

Couple of things:  There was a 9pm curfew on train operations until three years ago.  40 pax is the break even point on a service with present fare.  Seems some difficulty between Airtrain and TransLink, they were all set to sign a MOU some time back and was not agreed to.  Further negotiations going on.

Callers to the radio station after the interview highlighted the issues we have been raising constantly as well.  The fare ripoff (breaking cf. single journey) and the difficulty for airport workers using go card as well.

Interesting times ..

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Interview click --> here!

A must listen interview this! 

Airtrain answers its critics

18 October 2010 , 9:21 AM by Spencer Howson

The state government is considering running train services to the Airport after 8pm after criticism the Airtrain doesn't adequately services travellers at night.

Airtrain's contract prohibits any competing public transport services.

But the Transport Minister is seeking advice about where the government can run services when Airtrain is NOT operating - without breaching the contract. Mike Pelly is Chair of Airtrain:

[somebody]

Seems some difficulty between Airtrain and TransLink, they were all set to sign a MOU some time back and was not agreed to.  

Translink preventing public transport services?  Who'd have thunk it?

[somebody]

In fact, I am confused why Translink needs to have anything to do with Airtrain, except in the sense of ticketing.  I thought Airtrain's agreement was with QR rather than Translink.

[somebody]

One other thing which confuses me, why would they think about running extra peak hour services?  The single track pretty much precludes this doesn't it?

Only 40 pax on the last service in each direction?  I'd have said more than that.  Perhaps I am often using it on Friday night, when it might be busy.

I also want to know what reason Translink had for refusing to sign the MOU.

A couple of things which weren't mentioned: the alleged extra charge for running to Roma St as opposed to Bowen Hills, and loadings of the 5:27am arrival/5:42am departure.  I'm dumbfounded that they think this is better than a later finish.

[ozbob]

There was a brief report on Airtrain in tonight's Channel 7 News highlighting the early finish.  In that was mention of a $460 charge for the each service.

I was able to highlight "worlds worst frequency" ...

Thanks for the interest Channel 7.

Not shown in the interview was further comment on possible approaches for a trial and the need for Airtrain to be a little more aggressive and provide services 8pm through 11pm.  There is the consideration for many passengers (as again highlighted in feedback to ABC radio 612 today) that they cannot be sure of making the early deadline of 8pm so elect transport by others means both directions.

[#Metro]

In that was mention of a $460 charge for the each service.

What, for one train service?
It sounds about right. That actually sounds like a marginal unit cost.

If that is a unit cost... then there is a lot to answer for re: poor train frequency in SEQ.

[ozbob]

I have always thought that Airtrain  gets a 'mates rate deal' seems confirmed now, the Director said on radio this morning that 40 pax breaks even and now the report in the news ... and it is the taxpayer who has funded the trains etc.

Clearly the initial deed setup was a shambles.  And when you consider that Airtrain has been taking a premium for travel on the public network as well (avoided by breaking journey ) it is not a good look now is it?  I wonder if this is why the MOU was not proceeded with?  Maybe there is a move to charge higher costs for trains?  We have vague commitments that something will be done to sort the fare ripoff as well.  

All in all, just a basket case really.  

We are watching a game of double bluff unfold. Government blustering about buses, Airtrain positioning for trains after 8pm free of hire charges.

At the rate of $460, cheaper to run trains than buses I reckon ...

[#Metro]

$460 divided by 40 people to break even (this morning) = $11.50 per person
which is VERY CLOSE to the advertised airtrain fare of $15.00

I think this is the information we need- how much does it cost to put a train on.


Now, let's check this against the knowledge that the goverment provides 75% subsidy
and we should get a number close to the ticket price for that zone...

$11.50 x 75% = $2.90

Compare with TransLink ticket price for 2 zones (adult, one way)... $2.70

Seems reasonable...

[ozbob]

Airtrain would not be viable without the access to taxpayer trains, crews, signalling support etc.  Imagine if they had to run their own train setup?

There is a case for all to give a bit and put services on 8pm to 11pm.  If the Government is prepared to put on TL buses, then they should rethink that and offer same subsidy to Airtrain in a introductory period. My guess is once the trains become regular after 8pm pax will increase significantly.

[#Metro]

I have always thought that Airtrain  gets a 'mates rate deal' seems confirmed now, the Director said on radio this morning that 40 pax breaks even and now the report in the news ... and it is the taxpayer who has funded the trains etc.

I don't know about this. See Airtrain really had no choice over who was going to run trains- unless they were going to build their own works depot and buy their own trains (which is extrodinarily expensive). So there is a bit of a monopoly situation going on here- so what is stopping QR from adding on a profit margin to that? Surely they aren't supplying trains and crew at subsidised rates- so the question is are they providing services at break even cost to Airtrain OR is there like a "kickback" to QR (and therefore the government) from this?

[somebody]

$460 each way is extraordinarily expensive for the Bowen Hills-Airport journey IMO.  You are talking about something like 20mins of 2 crew members time, and using up some electricity and signaling.  I suppose also the train's time too isn't free in the peaks.  I think a more reasonable price should be offered for improved off peak services.

[#Metro]

$460.00 / 20 minutes = $23/minute x 60 minutes/hour

= $1380 to run a QR CityTrain per hour.

So, if we could get enough people off peak to catch trains by increasing the frequency
could the financial position of the rail system be improved?