Cleveland line

[ozbob]

Hey Briz, you Ok if I put this blog up on our Facebook page?  I think it will go right off!  Be referenced back to your blog ..

No problems. Just a sporadic post, still in semi-hibernation whilst working on other projects.

Thanks !   

>> https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2174506589230183

[Monster]

Will be chatting on ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast about some of the Cleveland line issues, ~ 7.20am this morning .. 

Nice interview Bob, really liked it! You have to think someone of political influence is listening. Surely? Somebody?.... Anybody?..........

[ozbob]

Will be chatting on ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast about some of the Cleveland line issues, ~ 7.20am this morning .. 

Nice interview Bob, really liked it! You have to think someone of political influence is listening. Surely? Somebody?.... Anybody?..........

Thanks!  I should be able to extract it later today!   

[ozbob]

Hey Briz, you Ok if I put this blog up on our Facebook page?  I think it will go right off!  Be referenced back to your blog ..

No problems. Just a sporadic post, still in semi-hibernation whilst working on other projects.

Thanks !   

>> https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2174506589230183

Strongest fastest response ever on our Facebook page Briz!  Talking up the Cleveland Line issues on the wireless this morning has helped a bit, but it shows the pent up frustration with the Cleveland issues and #railfail generally. Day 677 today ... 

You have to come out of ' retirement ' more often!   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026614002795696128

[ozbob]

Will be chatting on ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast about some of the Cleveland line issues, ~ 7.20am this morning .. 

Here is the interview.

ABC Radio Brisbane Breakfast 7th August 2018 with Craig Zonca and Rebecca Levingston

> https://backontrack.org/docs/abcbris/abcbrisbane_7aug18.mp3 11MB

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026638074149711875

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1026867345187205120

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027075605374746624

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027099319860527104

[ozbob]

Hot topic!   



Near 2000 over 2000 over 3600  over 4000 over 5000 people reached! 

>> https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2174506589230183

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027220051949117440

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027221010334896130

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1027222539221655552

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

9th August 2018

Cleveland Line - Brisbane's Misery Line

Good Morning,

There has been a very strong response to our Facebook post on the Cleveland line ( https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2174506589230183 ).  Something needs to be done now.  Suggest some extra PM services for a start. Punters have had enough on day 679 of railfail. Next step consistent Monday <> Friday rail service timetable.



Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

[ Attached:  Cleveland Line - Brisbane's Misery Line https://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2018/08/cleveland-line-brisbanes-misery-line.html ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/redlandbulletin/status/1027825727574605824

Redland City Bulletin -->Commuters dub train service to Cleveland as the Misery Line

THE train service to Cleveland has been dubbed the Misery Line by commuters so frustrated that they are resorting to buses and cars.

Lobby group Rail Back on Track's Robert Dow said services to Cleveland were not frequent enough and unreliable.

"There is a lot of frustration," Mr Dow said.

"People are giving up. They may use buses or are going back to cars which is just adding to congestion."

A commuter said on a Rail Back on Track social media post there were also bad connections with Redland Bay buses at Cleveland.

"... You usually have two minutes to get from the station to the bus stop which means you are hoping for a late bus. The big hold-up is at Wellington Point where the train to Cleveland has to wait for the city service," the commuter said.

Mr Dow said congested trains sometimes skipped stations, meaning that people had to wait longer.

He said changing the timetable could give a better outcome and giving an extra peak afternoon service would boost commuter confidence.

Mr Dow said the single line between Manly and Cleveland, with the lack of a third platform at Manly, contributed to failures.

"The Inner City Rail Capacity Study in 2008 said that a third platform would be needed at Manly by 2012," he said.

Mr Dow also called for a consistent timetable on weekdays, saying there were fewer services on Friday.

"It's been like this since January 2017."

Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson said Labor's Rail Fail had hit the Cleveland line harder than the rest.

"Local Labor MPs Kim Richards, Mick de Brenni, and Don Brown must start to support our community and demand their Transport Minister Mark Bailey do something about it," Mr Robinson said.

"This is their responsibility as elected members."

Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said controllers ran trains express through stations to minimise or prevent delays to other services.

"These decisions are about achieving the best possible outcome for our customers and the network by ensuring the effects of disruptions are minimised," Mr Easy said.

"Queensland Rail is aware of the impact express running can have on Cleveland line customers and is actively seeking to minimise the need to take this action."

Mr Easy said Queensland Rail usually ran a train express if the next service was less than five minutes away.

"In most cases, changes to stopping patterns only affect one to three stops, mostly commonly stops closer to the city like Norman Park and Coorparoo.

"We are continuing to listen and monitor customer feedback regarding our timetable and will be working to implement additional services once we are in a position to sustainably do so."

"Timetable planning is complex and is not just dependent on train crew numbers.

"In addition to crewing requirements, timetabling involves a number of factors including rollingstock availability, stabling capacity and management, and network capacity."

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1028012100172402688

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Fed-up commuters christen our rail link the 'misery line'

RAIL services on the Cleveland line through Manly have become so unreliable, long-suffering commuters have christened it the "misery line".

Many have reportedly abandoned rail services, opting for buses or private cars to travel to the city for work while others are looking at quitting their jobs in the CBD so they no longer have to travel on the line.

The internet has been running hot with criticisms of the line since online blogger Brizcommuter claimed the Cleveland line was the worst in the city.

Poor infrastructure, including single track sections between Manly and Cleveland and lack of a third platform at Manly were causing havoc with on-time running and track capacity, according to the blog.

As well, train services were often "expressed" past stations, with Queensland Rail claiming "congestion on the network" and "heavy passenger loading".

"In other words, 'we are bypassing stations so that the train can get to the terminus on-time and meet our KPIs'," Brizcommuter suggested.

Other problems included overcrowded three-car trains, gaps between services during busy periods and the "notoriously" early finish of the afternoon peak express service at 4.54pm from Central, before most people finished work.

"The Cleveland Line is so bad, that commuters has dubbed it Brisbane's "Misery Line"," Brizcommuter said.

"The train service is so infrequent and unreliable, that many of my work colleagues who use the line have taken to using buses, or even driving instead.

"Some are even looking at leaving their jobs in Brisbane's CBD as they can't handle the terrible commute."

The claims drew strong support when shared on facebook by rail lobby group Rail Back On Track.

"Very frustrating lack of information when tracks are closed. I'm tired of walking to the station to catch a non-existent train then walking back home to drive to the city," Shirley Mahon wrote.

Amy Lawson listed inconsistent timetable, tiny carparks in disrepair, unattended stations and bathrooms locked during peak times as her main gripes.

"The 4.24pm Central to Cleveland is only three cars - a sardine can by South Brisbane," Diana Sendt added. "Oh yeah, the 4.24 is cancelled every Friday."

Nattie Gee pointed to the lack of a third platform at Manly while Rod McShane described trains running late at least three times a week as "atrocious".

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Rail boss defends against commuter criticisms

THE boss of Queensland Rail has defended his organisation against criticisms the Cleveland line through Manly is the worst in Brisbane, with poor infrastructure and unreliable services.

The Herald this morning reported the line had become so bad that long-suffering commuters have christened it the "misery line".

Many have reportedly abandoned rail services, opting for buses or private cars to travel to the city for work while others are looking at quitting their jobs in the CBD so they no longer have to travel on the line.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy has responded to the criticisms, saying the on-time running of services was a top priority and every effort was made to ensure that services ran to the published timetable.

In the 2017-18 financial year, Queensland Rail exceeded its on-time running targets, with more than 95 per cent of trains running on-time and a service cancellation rate of only 0.29 per cent, he said.

"From Cleveland to Manly, Queensland Rail's services utilise a single track and, as a result, trains travelling this area must wait for clearance to safely pass another train.

"In some cases, train controllers may make a decision to run a train express through stations to minimise or prevent delays to other services on the network.

"These decisions are about achieving the best possible outcome for our customers and the network, by ensuring the effects of disruptions are minimised.

"Generally, Queensland Rail only runs a service express through some stations if the next service is less than five minutes away to minimise disruption to customers. In most cases, changes to stopping patterns only affect one to three stops.

"Overall, in 2017-18 less than one-half of a per cent of services were reported having skipped one or more stops, representing a very small portion of Queensland Rail's services."

Mr Easy said Queensland Rail was aware of the impact express running could have on Cleveland line customers and was "actively seeking" to minimise the need to take this action.

"We are focused on achieving an improved timetable for our customers, which is why we are delivering upon the recommendations of the Strachan Inquiry including increasing our traincrew supply through the accelerated recruitment and training of additional train drivers and guards.

"Timetable planning is complex and is not just dependent on train crew numbers. In addition to crewing requirements, timetabling involves a number of factors including rollingstock availability, stabling capacity and management, and network capacity.

"We are continuing to actively listen and monitor customer feedback regarding our timetable and we will be working to implement additional services once we are in a position to sustainably do so.

"Queensland Rail's Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) trains will be progressively retired as the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) fleet are rolled out on the Citytrain network. EMU trains are being safely operated and maintained and meet all Queensland Rail rollingstock standards.

"Each train is subject to a rigorous safety inspection prior to entering service each day, with a comprehensive inspection of each train occurring every 12 weeks."

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2018/2018_08_21_DAILY.pdf

Queensland Parliament Hansard

Adjournment

Cleveland Electorate, Rail Services

Dr ROBINSON (Oodgeroo—LNP) (7.18 pm): The Cleveland rail line is now the 'misery line'. This
unfortunate new moniker has been adopted by residents, commuters and now the local paper, and I
table the front page of the Redland City Bulletin headlined 'Train line misery' by Cheryl Goodenough.
Tabled paper: newspaper article, dated 15 August 2018, from the Redland City Bulletin, titled 'Train line misery'.
Labor's rail fail continues to hit the Redlands region hard and nothing has changed in almost two
years since this fiasco first began.

Constituents who were until recent times daily commuters on Cleveland's misery line are so fed
up with the unreliability of service that they are getting back in their cars and driving in peak hour, further
increasing—not easing—congestion on our crowded state roads. Recently, one commuter said—
I stopped catching the train or bus months ago. I drive and plan to move out of the Redlands shortly. Not because it's not a
beautiful place to live and raise kids but the unbearably expensive and long commute.

Recently, Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track shared an article that lists the common issues
that commuters have with what he calls Cleveland's misery line. That list included services that are
often 'expressed' past stations without fair warning, leaving people stranded; the overcrowded three-car
trains on some services; a 30-minute morning peak gap between the 6.24 am and the 6.54 am from
Cleveland city bound; on Fridays, multiple 30-minute gaps between trains in the afternoon peak; and,
the most significant one of all, the single-track sections between Manly and Cleveland causing havoc
with on-time running and track capacity.

Local Labor MPs put forward the Cross River Rail as the solution, yet this solution will do nothing
for many years—if it is ever built. Locals want relief now. The government can start by restoring the
peak services that it cut, including the 450 additional peak seats capacity that was installed by the LNP
government. The government should then restore all 42 services that were cut from the Cleveland line
in 2016. That would attract back some commuters. The rail duplication is the next big step that will
make a difference. The Cleveland to Manly duplication will help greatly. It should be the next big
duplication line commitment by the government in South-East Queensland.

In my recently conducted community survey, the duplication of the Cleveland line rated as the
No. 1 transport priority in the region, the single-most important public transport project. Out of nine
projects or services, guess which ranked last. The Cross River Rail project. I hope that the people of
Redlands hold their silent local Labor MPs to account for this mess. They need relief now, not on the
never-never. I call on the transport minister to act and act now for Brisbane's south-east. Only the LNP
is fighting to take Labor's misery out of the Cleveland line.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1033863995352997889

[STB]

Just having a read through these posts....as people may know, I lived in the Redlands (Wellington Point/Birkdale being my closest stations) for over 20 years.  I began pushing for duplication of the line back in the early 00s (around 2003-ish - when Darryl Briskey was the state member for Cleveland).  The Cleveland line is complex, with the single track between Manly and Cleveland and the requirement to have a free train path at off peak times to allow train crew training/departmental trains access to Cleveland so boosting up the frequency with the single track during off peak times can't be currently accomplished.

The reliability issues I found is with trains pulling in late into Thorneside station delaying the inbound trains to the city which then delays the trains departing from Manly, which then requires it to run part express to avoid issues with train paths in the inner city core (the on time requirements honestly is a political furphy, it's more a practical reason why Manly trains will be changed to run part express).

The issue with trying to push for a duplication of the track between Manly and Cleveland though is that it becomes hard to justify it when there are so few train paths over the Merivale Bridge during peak hour, ie: why duplicate the line when you won't be able to improve anything other than reliability?  That may be important to commuters, but from a political level it's not a shiny new service ie: you can't really add additional trains due to the lack of train paths in the city core (except for Fridays which is a different issue altogether with the need to spread the finite train crews out over a longer period of time with trains finishing much later on a Friday than Monday-Thursday).

When I was working at TL about a decade ago, when the Inner City Rail study was underway, the idea was to build Cross River Rail first before anything else, so the train paths would become available that it would be easier to justify expanding the outer network and add additional services through the now cleared inner city core.

I honestly don't think anything will be done until CRR is built.  My experience with chatting to the Premier at an event a while back is that Cross River Rail must be built before anything else (except on the mains of course ie: Nambour-Rosewood corridor which isn't really impacted by CRR compared to the Merivale Bridge).

[ozbob]

Yes that is the case STB to put it bluntly.  However, the Cleveland line pax and their reps will continue to agitate and we will support them.  I think QR really does need to do something about the lack of peak services particularly PM, a real sore point.  Also the third platform at Manly with better turnback capability can proceed independent of CRR.  It was recommended in 2008 to be done by 2012 from memory.  Even before CRR was really happening ...

The Redlands Council is getting involved too, so I do expect further attention to brought into focus on the Cleveland line.

[ozbob]

The Couriermail has the Cleveland Line yarn as its lead article at present on its front page (online)  ...   

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1033904165682987008

[ozbob]

Hey Briz!

Our Facebook Post Cleveland Line - Brisbane's Misery Line >> https://www.facebook.com/RAILBackOnTrack/posts/2174506589230183

is now 5,483 people reached !

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1033907061094924288

[BrizCommuter]

Pretty good coverage today. About time!

[ozbob]

Just completed an interview with 9 News and spoke with ABC News 📰 too!

[brissypete]

The service gap between 5-5:30pm is probably one of the greatest needs, i often get the Beenleigh train immediately after the sardine can to Cleveland that leaves South Brisbane 5:25ish and it usually runs a bit late due to the extended dwell times as people try to cram into the Cleveland train.

I think a full timetable rewrite is needed instead of the railfail cut job we have at present, distribute services more evenly to avoid these silly gaps and separate Mon-Thurs and Fri timetables.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

[Stillwater]

DB findings:

QR is slowly moving toward a data driven organisation 
QR doesn´t yet aggregate the amount of data available across the organisation, especially in the fields of HR and maintenance, to support a more efficient planning process

[ozbob]

 

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/1033995395683180545

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1034218499361533952

[ozbob]

Quest Wynnum Herald 30th August 2018 pages 1 and 5

Rail line misery

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1034834282777178114

[ozbob]

Cleveland, run trains when you like it seems ...

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1036535016048787456

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/1036561716354732033

[ozbob]

Wynnum Herald --> QR defends decision to run a train 12 minutes ahead of schedule

THE reliablility of services on the Cleveland rail line through Wynnum and Manly has been highlighted again, with a train reportedly departing 12 minutes ahead of schedule.

Public transport watchdog Rail Back on Track revealed the 6.39pm Cleveland to Central service on Monday departed at 6.27pm because of an "earlier rollingstock issue".

The unusual problem happened just days after Queensland Rail defended the service against claims by commuters it was the city's worst rail line and was known as the "misery line" by many patrons.

While Rail Back on Track's Robert Dow described the situation as "tragic", a Queensland Rail spokesman said the train was run early as an express service after a technical fault with an earlier train left Cleveland with only one platform in operation instead of two.

"To prevent further impacts to Cleveland-bound peak services, a decision was made to depart the 6.39pm Cleveland to Central service 12 minutes early from Cleveland station and run the train express through the two stations of Ormiston and Birkdale," the spokesman said.

"The train arrived at Manly and departed on schedule.

"Had this decision not been made, all Cleveland-bound services that departed Central after 5.30pm would have incurred a 20 minute delay at Wellington Point.

"Impacted customers were able to be accommodated within 15 minutes on the 6.54pm Cleveland to Central service."

The spokesman said that when an unplanned disruption occured, network controllers may make a decision to alter the running of a train service in order to keep the network moving, minimise compounding delays and ensure the best possible outcome for the majority of our customers.

"Queensland Rail has the most strict on-time running target in the country, with a target of 95 per cent of metropolitan trains expected to arrive at their destination within 3 minutes and 59 seconds of the schedule.

"In the 2017-18 financial year, Queensland Rail exceeded this target with 95.89 per cent of trains running on-time."

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1037108375408930816

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/1037114541182599168

[HappyTrainGuy]

3rd platform at Manly has been designed by Queensland rail but vetoed by Bligh and Newman when the infrastructure design arm of Queensland Rail was sacked and replaced by TMR.

[ozbob]

3rd platform at Manly has been designed by Queensland rail but vetoed by Bligh and Newman when the infrastructure design arm of Queensland Rail was sacked and replaced by TMR.

Thanks, interesting. TMR are a disaster ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

I'd be surprised if tmr even know about them. QR was strutting it in publications but all mention of it vanished when the razor gang came through.

[ozbob]

Wynnum Herald --> Fixing the 'misery line' focus of council strategy

THE state of the Cleveland rail line - dubbed the "misery line" by commuters - will be a key focus of Redland City Council as it formulates a broad strategy for its region's future transport needs.

Redlands Mayor Karen Williams said upgrading of the Cleveland rail line, which runs to the city through Wynnum and Manly, would be one of the key focuses of the draft transport strategy council endorsed this week.

The line has been in the spotlight recently, with commuters saying services are so unreliable that many of them are opting for buses or private transport.

Others are even reportedly looking at quitting their jobs in the CBD and finding work closer to home so they can avoid the commute.

The impact of having only a single rain line from Cleveland to Manly and the fact Manly Station has only two platforms have been among the major concerns.

Those situations appear unlikely to be resolved in a hurry, although Transport and Main Roads has indicated they are on the horizon.

A TMR spokesman this week said the Cross River Rail was the Government's highest infrastructure priority as it would "unlock the inner city transport bottleneck" and enable delivery of other rail network growth projects, including the Cleveland line.

"TMR is also preparing a Rail Network Strategy, which will set the plan to implement the broader network-wide benefits of Cross River Rail, including the timing for duplication of the Cleveland Rail Line," he said.

"Planning is underway to identify corridor requirements to enable TMR to protect the Manly to Cleveland corridor for future duplication.

"This will ensure future development does not impede the corridor."

Redlands Mayor Karen Williams said endorsement of the Draft Redlands Coast Transport Strategy would give residents the chance to have their say on the rail line as well as a range of other transport issues.

Central to the draft strategy was public input from a series of transport forums in 2015, as well as engagement with key transport organisations and providers.

"Our community has told us they want to be able to get around the city faster and safer and want to see the major roads in and out of the city upgraded, along with key public transport infrastructure such as the Cleveland rail line," Ms Williams said.

"The State Government is responsible for many of the major transport opportunities across Redlands Coast, including the majority of roads in and out of the area, public transport and rail.

"This is why a key part of this strategy will be to advocate to other levels of government and encourage them to prioritise the projects, road upgrades and public transport services our community needs."

An important next step of the strategy would be hearing from residents, businesses, schools and transport partners on what transport issues were important to them.

"As part of the consultation process we will ask residents what they think our priorities should be to help guide delivery of Council's transport initiatives and advocacy to state and federal governments, transport providers and neighbouring local governments.

"State and federal MPs will also be engaged directly and information will be provided to raise community awareness about the transport network and which level of government was responsible for which transport corridor and service.

"The Redlands Coast Transport Strategy will be followed by a series of implementation plans, which is where the rubber hits the road through the identification of on the ground priorities and projects our residents will see in their neighbourhoods and along their daily commute."

[SurfRail]

Mate the only way the duplication is getting done any time soon is if you put council money on the table to help build it.  That's the short of it.

[ozbob]

Wynnum Herald --> 'Misery line' upgrades on drawing board but timing is unclear

THERE might be light at the end of the tunnel for commuters on the Cleveland rail line — but it could just be a train.

And it looks like it might be a very long tunnel.

Commuters on what has been dubbed the "misery line" have complained long and loud about unreliable services and a lack of infrastructure forcing many of them to opt for buses and private vehicles.

Some have even reportedly begun looking for jobs closer to home so they can avoid the commute to the city on what has been called "Brisbane's worst rail line".

The single rail line from Cleveland to Manly and lack of a third platform at Manly have been highlighted as major concerns and Transport and Main Roads has promised it is looking at the situation.

But it's making no promises on how long that will take.

In a statement to the Wynnum Herald, a TMR spokesperon said Cross River Rail was the Queensland Government's highest infrastructure priority because it would unlock the inner city transport bottleneck and enables delivery of other rail network growth projects, including the Cleveland line.

"It will allow more trains to run more often and will integrate with new busways and new roads to provide a turn-up-and-go transport system for the whole of southeast Queensland," the spokesman said.

"TMR is also preparing a Rail Network Strategy, which will set the plan to implement the broader network-wide benefits of Cross River Rail, including the timing for duplication of the Cleveland rail line.

"Planning is underway to identify corridor requirements to enable TMR to protect the Manly to Cleveland corridor for future duplication.

"This will ensure future development does not impede the corridor.

"That strategy will consider future service plans and infrastructure investments in the rail network over a 10 to 30 year horizon, including timing for the duplication of the Cleveland Rail Line and considerations such as a third platform at Manly."

The news came as Redland City Council revealed it would make upgrading of the Celeveland rail line a priority in its new transport strategy.