Roads - articles and discussion

[Jonno]

Reading this is like watching an episode of Twilight Zone.  Our political leaders are operating as though they are in a parallel time and dimension.  In this dimension building more road space actually reduces congestion!

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 14th March 2011 page 2

Roads most travelled

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Add another dollar to your Clem7 trip

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Stuck in traffic? Reach for your mobile

Stuck in traffic? Reach for your mobile
Courtney Trenwith
March 23, 2011 - 1:49PM

Real-time information on traffic conditions delivered to your mobile phone or GPS is just one idea being considered by a new group looking to reduce congestion in Brisbane.

Traffic engineers will join forces with technical experts, mathematicians and social scientists at the Smart Transport Research Centre.

The aim of the facility is to produce new congestion-busting strategies that do not involve building new bridges and tunnels.

For the first time, information on individual traffic networks, including roads and public transport, will be pulled together to create a broad view on transport issues.

Experts will use simulation to work out how to maximise traffic efficiency across the region and to produce predictive information on traffic flow.

"We eventually hope to get to the point where we can provide people with a trip planner that not only tells them the best way to get there but how long it will take," centre chair Cathy Ford said.

"What frustrates people significantly is not knowing how long a journey will take. [The new product] will tell them up to 30 minutes prior if there's any issues with the network, where the issues are so people can manage around it, whether they go later or take a different path."

The team also intends to examine how to better manage traffic flow on arterial roads and motorway off and on ramps.

"We could use the information to manage speeds on the motorway and queues onto motorways, so we don't have this stop-and-start [situation]," Ms Ford said.

"[That could involve] variable speed limits depending on what happening on the network at the time."

Ms Ford said initial modelling of improved motorway flow showed increased capacity and safety, reductions in travel time, fuel savings of up to five per cent, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

She said the integrated traffic model would be the first in the world and could potentially be emulated in other capital cities.

Southeast Queensland had been selected for the pilot because of its position as a growth centre and growing traffic concerns.

According to research used by the centre, 48 per cent of commuters believed road traffic had worsened in the past three years.

The centre will be based at the Queensland University of Technology and combine expertise from QUT, Griffith University and University of Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Motorways Limited, IBM Australia, Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation, Thales Australia and Brisbane Airport Corporation.

[Jonno]

It will only reduce congestion if the real time information System says "take the bus, train or walk or
cycle"

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
24/03/2011

Transport Inspectors to get permanent transit lane powers

Transport inspectors will get permanent powers to enforce proper use of Transit lanes in South East Queensland.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the first stage of a trial that started last year had yielded positive results.

During the trial bus travel times improved by almost 20 per cent.

Previously Transit lane infringement notices could only be handled by police.

"Giving transport inspectors the power to fine motorists doing the wrong thing frees up police resources and means these vital high occupancy lanes remain open for vehicles carrying more than one person," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"This is about providing reliable, green, clean travel alternatives and making more efficient use of existing infrastructure."

Legislation to give permanent powers to transport inspectors was tabled in Queensland Parliament yesterday.

Transport inspectors will be conducting bus and transit lane enforcement, in addition to their other duties of vehicle defect inspection and heavy vehicle safety inspections.

T2 lanes can be used by buses, taxis, bicycles and cars carrying two more people. Similarly T3 lanes for cars carrying three or more people.

These changes to the law form part of the Queensland Government's commitment to managing congestion.

Drivers who don't comply with the rules for using transit and bus lanes can be fined $100. A maximum penalty of $2000 can be imposed by a court.

A Transport Inspector can issue a defect notice on a vehicle for a range of safety related issues such as bald tyres and windscreen damage.

A Prohibition Notice can be issued in circumstances such as a person who is driving on an invalid licence.

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

[somebody]

Who are these "Transport Inspectors"?

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Kingsford Smith Drive back on agenda

Kingsford Smith Drive back on agenda
Tony Moore
April 4, 2011 - 6:34AM

Plans to improve Kingsford Smith Drive, in Brisbane's inner north, are back on Brisbane City Council's planning agenda, incoming lord mayor Graham Quirk said yesterday.

Cr Quirk, who will become Brisbane's latest local government leader at a special council meeting on Thursday, said federal government support was required to ease between the inner-city and airport suburbs.

"The reality is that we don't have the resources in council to take that project forward," he said. "But we will continue to get detailed plans together."

In 2009 a Brisbane City Council request for $500 million was rejected by Infrastructure Australia.

Cr Quirk said he would meet again soon with the infrastructure lobby group as the next federal budget was being prepared.

"It is in the next couple of weeks to progress our discussions in that regard," he said.

A proposal to reduce congestion on the road has long been on the agenda on the agenda as part of former lord mayor Campbell Newman's "TransApex" projects.

One option was for a 3.9-kilometre tunnel connecting to the Inner City Bypass with public transport using a different level to private vehicles.

The state government's decision to stall Brisbane's Cross River Rail Project in the wake of January's floods could open opportunities for other projects, industry sources suggest.

Cr Quirk yesterday committed to continuing Mr Newman's infrastructure work for the city.

"Campbell and I worked on the [TransApex] plans originally and put them together and I have had the day-to-day management of those plans while he has been lord mayor," he said.

"Our commitment to get on with Legacy Way [Northern Link tunnel] is absolutely firm."

Graham Quirk is 53, married to Anne and has three daughters; Sarah, who has cerebral palsy; Elizabeth, who is a speech pathologist at Toowoomba Hospital and 18-year-old Charlotte.

"So between Anne, Elizabeth and Charlotte we have the city's streets pretty well locked up," he said.

Cr Margaret de Wit will take on Brisbane City Council's Infrastructure Committee, with Cr Quirk standing aside, while young councillor Julian Simmonds becomes the new chair of the Public and Active Transport Committee committee, vacated by Cr de Wit.

Cr Simmonds was once the policy advisor to former councillor Jane Prentice, who is now the Federal MP for Ryan.

[Jonno]

Different leader Same blinkered road-centric policies.   

[Golliwog]

Different leader Same blinkered road-centric policies.   

Yeah there was something in the weekend paper from him. Basically saying he wasn't going to deviate from the plans and policies left by Newman.

Council frustrates me sometimes. Why don't they talk to TMR and get their opinion on this? See what they recommend.

[Stillwater]

Golli, there is no consultation.  The roads have been carved up according to responsibility -- 'state roads' and 'local (council) roads'.  Each level of government plans its roads in ignorance of the other.

KSD roadworks back on the (council's) agenda:  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/kingsford-smith-drive-back-on-agenda-20110404-1ctha.html

Of course, the Doomben Line is a state responsibility.  Silence there.

It seems it is a case of never the twain shall meet.

[#Metro]

Funny how the responsibility is carved up but the funding is common pool- "state, federal and local".

[Golliwog]

Golli, there is no consultation.  The roads have been carved up according to responsibility -- 'state roads' and 'local (council) roads'.  Each level of government plans its roads in ignorance of the other.

KSD roadworks back on the (council's) agenda:  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/kingsford-smith-drive-back-on-agenda-20110404-1ctha.html

Of course, the Doomben Line is a state responsibility.  Silence there.

It seems it is a case of never the twain shall meet.

I know there isn't, but there should be.

[longboi]

Who are these "Transport Inspectors"?

QT authorised officers. They usually travel in vehicles with magenta emergency lights and generally focus on heavy vehicles, leaving regular traffic enforcement to the Police.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes -->Gateway gridlock after five-car smash

'8:29am Motorway traffic a 'disaster' and congestion building on alternative routes.'

[Jonno]

Who in their right mind would design a transport system with 100,000 or more minimally trained operators?

Answer: No one

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Today's traffic: Two crashes on the Gateway Motorway

[Jonno]

Courier Mail --> Today's traffic: Two crashes on the Gateway Motorway

PS where it takes only 5 or 6 of those operators to make a mistake and bring the system to it's knees

[mufreight]

Courier Mail --> Today's traffic: Two crashes on the Gateway Motorway

PS where it takes only 5 or 6 of those operators to make a mistake and bring the system to it's knees

Will you settle for only one of those operators to bring the system to its knees

[Jonno]

At the right location indeed just one of those operators can bring the system to a halt

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Clem7 and Gateway Motorway toll glitch could sting motorists

[colinw]

Courier Mail -> Clem7 forecaster Aecom may face class action

[colinw]

Brisbane Times -> RiverCity collapse may take a turn after class action

[Golliwog]

Ugh. Of course they are. Traffic forecasting if hardly ever accurate. IMO so long as AECOM wasn't deliberately deceptive then its tough luck to the investors. You took a risk with your investment and unfortunately you lost. It happens.

[somebody]

Ugh. Of course they are. Traffic forecasting if hardly ever accurate. IMO so long as AECOM wasn't deliberately deceptive then its tough luck to the investors. You took a risk with your investment and unfortunately you lost. It happens.

Yes, but how did they get it so wrong?  Same question for the Lane Cove Tunnel and pretty much every other toll road.  Were their terms of skewed that they would bias the forecasts, and should they be liable for playing along with that?

[Golliwog]

Terms of skewed?

I don't know but it all depends on how much detail they went with the analysis I guess. What assumptions they put on the growth in traffic, peoples value of time, etc. Theres also the fact that with the money value of time thats a real big issue. You get it by asking a series of question and stuff, but even then theres problems with that as you have people who say "Yeah I would pay $x to save y minutes" but when it comes to actually taking the money out of their wallet to pay they don't. I also wonder how detailed the plans were when it came to their entrances and exits. Did they know what the traffic light set up would be and what the max. through put of that would be, or did they have to just assume something for that? I don't know, and I really wish a journalist would sit down with someone from AECOM and go through it.

[somebody]

Terms of skewed?

Terms of reference skewed.  Sorry.

[Golliwog]

Terms of skewed?

Terms of reference skewed.  Sorry.

Thats cool. I guess it also kind of depends on how much AECOM got paid to do it. If they're not getting paid much, they're hardly likely to break out the more accurate but time consuming methods.

[Golliwog]

Ugh. pg 10 and 11 of todays Sunday Mail, they've started a "Fix the Bruce" Campaign. I give them a point that it does need better maintenance for things like potholes and what not, but from what I've read they seem to want it rebuilt as 4 lanes the whole way, as well as built higher so it won't get cut in a flood.

To quote the editorial on pg 50 "But our three key sectors - resources, agriculture and tourism - need top-class, efficient, safe transport ingrastructure to thrive and this highway from hell does not make the grade." I almost thought for a second they were talking about rail.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Minor prang turns Bruce Highway into an Easter carpark

Brisbanetimes --> Gridlock on the Bruce Highway

It would have been a good time to have scheduled some 'Holiday Specials' on the Sunshine Coast to Gympie North, and even further north .... I suppose people are just used to the mediocre timetable they just don't consider the rail option.  Maybe some pro-active work from QR and TransLink is needed ...

[Jonno]

To all those people out there (including all the road lobby groups) who are tempted into thinking that the traffic congestion over the last 2 days is due to a lack of infrastructure, it is time to wake up from you road-centric dream and recognize that the traffic congestion is caused by the infrastructure already built.
railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4349.0

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Bruce Highway at a crawl

Courier Mail --> Five-car crash brings traffic to a halt 

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Traffic lights set for Western Freeway as part of Northern Link tunnel project

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Toowoomba range a budget priority: QCCI

[ozbob]

Crash boom bang,  uh?  is it raining??  Fancy that ...

Brisbanetimes --> Wet weather cascades into car chaos

[Golliwog]

Crash boom bang,  uh?  is it raining??  Fancy that ...

Brisbanetimes --> Wet weather cascades into car chaos

And I saw none of it on my trip to uni this morning. Rail and busway right of way for the win!

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Qld Motorways transferred in $3bn deal

Qld Motorways transferred in $3bn deal
Daniel Hurst
May 10, 2011 - 11:08AM

The Queensland government's investment arm has bought the Gateway and Logan motorways tolling business for more than $3 billion.

Queensland Motorways Limited was one of the five state-owned businesses included in the government's $15 billion privatisation program, but Premier Anna Bligh last year announced plans to effectively keep it in state hands by transferring it to the Queensland Investment Corporation.

Treasurer Andrew Fraser told State Parliament today QIC had agreed to pay $3.088 billion for the 40-year tolling franchise.

Mr Fraser said the reason the transfer would strengthen the state's finances was that QML would become an asset of the state's public sector defined benefit superannuation scheme.

He said the state would continue to own the road and bridge infrastructure in the Gateway and Logan motorways, while QIC would own the QML business and the right to toll the motorways.

Mr Fraser said the government had already legislated to ensure tolls did not rise above inflation.

"Tolls tomorrow will be the same as they are today and into the future will be limited to CPI increases," he told Parliament.

The announcement comes a week after the government finalised a deal to lease out the Abbot Point coal terminal in north Queensland. A subsidiary of the Indian-based resources firm Adani Group agreed to pay more than $1.8 billion to lease the coal terminal for 99 years.

The suite of asset sales has drawn fire from the state opposition and unions and caused political pain for the Bligh Government, which announced the plan several months after the March 2009 election.

However, Mr Fraser said today the state's balance sheet would be $15 billion better off as a result of the privatisation program.

QIC was also part of the consortium that secured a long-term lease over the Port of Brisbane last year.

Ms Bligh said last year the QIC was government-owned but made its own investment decisions to safeguard the government's superannuation scheme for 80,000 workers.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/qld-motorways-transferred-in-3bn-deal-20110510-1egf2.html#ixzz1LvDvYEaa

Why are tolls capped at CPI increases but public transport fares are not?

[Fares_Fair]

Hello Bob, here's why ...

In the Minister's statement on 15 October, 2009 this is what she said;
"Ms Nolan said the fare strategy also aimed to return the State
Government's per-trip subsidy from 75 per cent back to 70 per cent
within five years. To help reach that goal fares will increase 15% a year
from 2011 to 2014 – or around 40 cents to 60 cents a year for a typical
two-zone ticket."

Regards,
Fares_Fair
or unfair in this case.

[SurfRail]

Hello Bob, here's why ...

In the Minister's statement on 15 October, 2009 this is what she said;
"Ms Nolan said the fare strategy also aimed to return the State
Government's per-trip subsidy from 75 per cent back to 70 per cent
within five years. To help reach that goal fares will increase 15% a year
from 2011 to 2014 – or around 40 cents to 60 cents a year for a typical
two-zone ticket."

Regards,
Fares_Fair
or unfair in this case.

In other words, we are paying a premium for:

• people to sit in the middle of a train to push a button that makes a bell go ding (twice, to be fair) when they could be driving another train carrying more fares
• people to drive 60-passenger vehicles along corridors that needs 1,000 passenger vehicles
• a government authority that has more to say on its website about the personalities of its board and its internal employment practices than it does to say on future network planning
• for high-tech architectural masterpieces like Elimbah where you can comfortably wait for hours while your train arrives, or bold statements like Indooroopilly that include classic features like the scintillating scent of raw sewage and challenge people to lose weight by climbing 30cm onto their train.

Did it even occur to them to look at ways of making their operation more efficient instead of having us subsidise the waste?

[somebody]

I would add:
An authority which insists on route 393 to carry fresh air
An authority which insists that counter peak services are largely unavailable to commuters for bus and train
An authority which cannot comprehend why the via Indooroopilly expresses and 160 largely carry air on the outbound run

I might think of more later.
To be fair though, at least at Indooroopilly they have lowered the rails so the gap isn't quite as bad as it once was.  Probably 20cm now at the worst point.  Of course, they did say that it couldn't be done, which is always the default answer for PT up here.  But they then did it.