Roads - articles and discussion

[colinw]

Single person cars can use a T2 if they pay a toll, I'd be happy for that.

How the heck do you enforce that?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Spend the butt load of money we have to develope the technology.

[nathandavid88]

I don't have much experience with the T2 as we normally use Gatweway to M1 route, but last coming back in peak from city, T2 seemed to be working well with lighter and faster traffic flows in T2 compared to other two lanes. But the main issue I saw was that it finishes just before the Gateway intersection and this is where you have 5 lanes merging into 3, first T2 then Gateway.

You've hit the nail on the head with the T2 lane on the M1 – it a small stretch that doesn't really go anywhere and contributes to a nasty traffic snarl where the 5 lanes become three. As a T2 lane, this one just doesn't really work correctly because you've got to merge back into regular traffic to complete the majority of your trip, rather than having the lane take you the majority of the route, but in the same breath getting rid of it won't change anything. Only if that stupid merge can be removed/reconfigured will anything change.

[somebody]

I believe the tech to have infrared person counting isn't that far off, and we may see an increase in transit lanes then.

[colinw]

Followed closely by the tech to have a 37 degree C / 98.6F mannequin in your left seat :-)

But seriously, some kind of sensor like you suggest would do nicely. Few people would try to beat it with ruses like I suggest above, and they could be dealt with by suitably punitive fines and a bit of police or video monitoring.

[WTN]

Detecting the baby in the back seat could be a problem. Adults in the back, not really a problem.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Motorway transit lanes may hit dead end

[achiruel]

I don't really have a problem with getting rid of the M3 (not M1 as the article states!) T2 lanes as they don't really achieve much but I would hate for the ones on Waterworks Rd to go.  They definitely help the buses!

[WTN]

I don't really have a problem with getting rid of the M3 (not M1 as the article states!) T2 lanes as they don't really achieve much but I would hate for the ones on Waterworks Rd to go.  They definitely help the buses!

Coronation drive suffered the same fate. There should also be a review where T2 lanes should be added. Coordinate it with the bus review and BUZ routes.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Traffic jams eased but Airport Link feeder roads congested

[ozbob]

Twitter

2m Cameron Atfield  ‏@CameronAtfield

Didn't see THAT coming! MT @MichaelCoombes: Airport Link's first week traffic volume well below forecast 135,000/day. Just 77,320/day

Sent to all outlets:

29th July 2012

Airport Link Traffic Projections - call for Transport Rethink

Greetings,

Interesting opinion piece in the Couriermail on Friday.

Australia's largest road project, the now (sic) Airport Link is unlikely to pay its way, http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/australias-largest-road-project-the-now-airport-link-is-unlikely-to-pay-its-way/story-e6frerc6-1226436024272

You don't have to be a transport expert to work out the vehicle projections for Airport Link are in the realm of fantasy land.

Oh dear ....

Enjoy it while you can.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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



Media release 22 March 2012 re-released 29 July 2012

SEQ: Airport Link Traffic Projections - call for Transport Rethink

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers says the revelations that Brisconnection's own projections show Airport Link will increase traffic volumes and congestion is the 'last straw'.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"It is recognised around the world that freeways, tunnels and bypasses have never reduced congestion but in fact they actually make it worse (1). Every major road construction project claims to be the solution to our traffic problems yet our roads are getting more and more congested (2)."

"It is time to acknowledge that we have spent the last 50 years claiming to be solving congestion and air pollution but actually making them worse. Channel 10's News report on Tuesday confirmed that congestion is continuing to get worse in Brisbane.  Reducing congestion by building more roads is an urban myth! Never again can the media, political parties or lobbyists claim that the latest road project will reduce traffic and congestion!"

"Close to 1600 people are killed each year on our roads, 1000's more injured and maimed and all too often written  off as part of modern life. In 2012 road toll is already looking likely to be even worse than 2011.  The cost of road trauma is costing our nation nation something in order of $40 Billion a year. (3,4) That is $40 Billion that cannot be spent on schools, hospitals, police and other essential services.  Building more roads means more people drive and unfortunately this means more road trauma."

"Finally our economy has been significantly exposed to the reality of rising fuel prices with every cent increase in the price of fuel directly impacting the cost of living."

"RAIL Back On Track calls on all political parties to accept the 'road-based transport experiment' of the last 50 years has failed and to sign up to the following 10 simple transport principles:

1. Planning principles/controls/investments to plan for more than 50% of all trips being by public/active transport and freight rail.

2. City and town design principles that prioritise walking, cycling and public transport over driving.

3. Halting any further investment in urban freeways, bypasses and tunnels and redirecting funds to address major rail and public/active transport bottlenecks and increasing service frequencies.

4. Design guidelines to convert existing road capacity into public transport right of way such as bus lanes and cycling and pedestrian space.

5. Core Frequent Network and Maps in all our major cities and towns.

6. Off-site car parking in commercial centres reduced close to zero.

7. Public transport fares to encourage people to think Public Transport as their first/fastest option not last.

8. Developing safe and active urban centres around our major transit stops.

9. Increased Long- distance passenger rail services between major cities and towns.

10. Providing frequent  off-peak services major centres."

References:

1. Goodbye-ways: The downfall of urban freeways - http://grist.org/cities/goodbye-ways-the-downfall-of-urban-freeways

2. Southeast Queensland motorists stuck at 40km/h in peak hour on clogged major roads - http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4767

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

4. http://www.ara.net.au/UserFiles/file/Publications/TheCostofRoadCrashesReport.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robyn Ironside ‏@ironsider

Airportlink's daily average for first week of operation was 57 per cent of traffic forecasts, at 77,320 a day. "a +ve start" says Dr Wilson

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

Remember there are no tolls at present  .....   

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane's Airport Link reveals patronage figures for first week

[Golliwog]

No mention of how many are still using Lutwyche Rd either. I still think now would be the best time to push for them to install the buslanes between Truro St and Federation St.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Airport Link reveals traffic numbers

Airport Link reveals traffic numbers

Date August 2, 2012 - 11:23AM Tony Moore

An average of 77,320 vehicles have travelled daily on the Airport Link tunnel between Bowen Hills, Kedron and the Brisbane Airport during its first week of trading.

However brisconnections unit prices have dropped more than 13 per cent, from $1.06 to 92 cents a share - albeit on very small sales (32,000 units) in the first week.

The 77,320 vehicles is a seven-day a week average figure, with more motorists using the tunnel from Monday to Friday and fewer vehicles over the weekends.

In the first week, slightly more than 85 per cent (85.3 per cent) of the traffic was private cars, about 10 per cent were light commercial vehicles and about three per cent were heavier trucks.

Motorycles made up 1.3 per cent of the vehicles using the tunnel.

Last month, BrisConnections chief executive Dr Ray Wilson predicted Airport Link would attract about 135,000 vehicles a day one month after it opened.

Dr Wilson said 165,000 vehicles were expected on the toll road each day by the end of the ramp-up period, in 15 months time.

The market reacted by dropping the price of brisconnections units by more than 13 per cent in the first week; from $1.06 per unit on July 27 to 92 cents a unit on August 1.

The biggest decrease came on July 30 when the unit price dropped from $1.06 a unit to $0.95 cents a unit.

In a statement issued this morning, Dr Wilson said the traffic numbers had grown over the first week.

"It is important to note that this is a daily average across our first week of operation and that we have witnessed steady growth over the week as people have adjusted their travel patterns," Dr Wilson said.

The first week's figures showed fewer vehicles using the tunnel on the opening day - Wednesday, July 25th - but it slowly increased throughout the week, according to a Airport Link spokeswoman.

However, daily figures for the tunnel are not going to be released, similar to the operations of other toll tunnels, according to the BrisConnections spokeswoman.

Until last month, RiverCity Motorway released daily figures for the Clem7 tunnel.

Airport Link is free for all drivers until 22 August and discounted fares apply until October 2013.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/airport-link-reveals-traffic-numbers-20120802-23gso.html

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Airport Link gives Clem7 a boost

[ozbob]

There is an article in the QT today bemoaning the inadequacy of the Ipswich Motorway upgrade ....  fancy that.

Should be online later today ...

[Stillwater]

The QT, and journalist Peter Foley in particular, advocated for an extra lane on the existing Ipswich Motorway at ginormous cost when the traffic predictions showed there would be very little improvement in congestion.  The figures indicated there would be some relief but, because of the state-sanctioned growth planned around Ipswich, congestion would occur soon after the work finished.

Can people imagine the Ipswich Motorway once the Ripley Valley has been developed?

An alternative plan was proposed, and funds notionally allocated, for an alternative 'Goodna Bypass' motorway of six lanes (with provision for eight) to parallel the then four-lane Ipswich Motorway.  This would have provided 10 lanes between Brisbane and Ipswich, not the six that we have now.  Part of the thinking was, should there be a pile-up on the Ipswich Motorway, alternative access would be available via the Goodna Bypass.

Mr Foley was part of the team that killed off the Goodna Bypass.  That group also killed off the political career of Mr Cameron Thompson, the then federal Member for Blair.  The current incumbent proudly trumpted that the Goodna Bypass project would be dead if he was elected.

Mr Foley and others were offered 10 free traffic lanes between Ipswich and Brisbane, but they said 'no', we want just six please.

Well, in three or four years the Goodna Bypass planning will have to start.  In the current economic climate, the plan will be for a tollway linking Ipswich and Brisbane.  To travel the fast motorway to Brisbane, the motorists of Ipswich will have to pay for their daily commute, back and forth, or to the footy games or to go to the coast etc.

At that point, perhaps consideration should be given to renaming the current motorway 'Foley's Folly'.

Some intervention is required between now and the start of planning for the Goodna Bypass so that fast and frequent rail between Ipswich and Brisbane is examined.  Yes, it will cost money, but far less than a new tollway.  A tollway would be planned on Mr Newman's watch as Premier, most likely in his second term.  His attitude would be why build fast rail Ipswich-Goodna-Brisbane at state government expense when the private sector can build the Ipswich Bypass project and charge motorists for the privilege of travel.  The plebs can use the 'old' motorway.

How did we get to the planning?  How did we get to this thinking?

Read this, written in 2010, by Peter Foley:  http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/02/26/documents-confirm-bypass-still-a-goer/

[ozbob]

Here is today's article .. 

From the Queensland Times click here!

Is the new Motorway out of date?

Is the new Motorway out of date?

Peter Foley | 7th August 2012 6:00 AM

THE upgraded Ipswich Motorway is only a few months old, but there is already evidence it is well on the way to being out of date.

Crowds of cars particularly in peak hour have the Transport and Main Roads department already talking of the need for more lanes.

But the department says the motorway will be able to handle twice the vehicles it carries now before it gets to that point.

The motorway upgrade from Dinmore to Goodna was designed to increase capacity, improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

But while it is a big improvement on the 'car park' conditions of its previous incarnation, there are signs that traffic snarls aren't far away.

As an example, all three lanes are full of cars around Goodna heading towards Brisbane around 7am on weekdays.

A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said about 90,000 vehicles used the Ipswich Motorway between Dinmore and Goodna each day.

The spokeswoman said the motorway would be able to carry "almost double that number from Dinmore and Goodna, which we're not expecting to reach until about 2032".

"The upgrade was also designed so it could be expanded to eight lanes in the future by changing the current line markings and adjusting the lane widths," the spokesman said.

The State LNP has called for the full upgrade of the motorway including the section from Darra to Rocklea, which Labor promised before the 2007 federal election.

"Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, Ipswich motorists are hitting a brick wall and stuck in a slow crawl when they get to Darra," Member for Ipswich Ian Berry said.

"It is time for Shayne Neumann to honour his promise to the people of Ipswich by committing immediately to providing federal funds for a full upgrade of the Ipswich Motorway.

"Anything less will mean that tens of thousands of Ipswich residents who commute to Brisbane every day will continue to sit in traffic jams because of Labor's broken promise."

Mr Neumann said he had "lobbied the Prime Minister very hard to do the Darra to Rocklea section of the motorway".

He also said Transport and Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese "strongly wants to look at that in the next funding round in the Nation Building Program".

"It's too blocked up and so I am lobbying very hard - as is Bernie Ripoll - for that final section to be completed," Mr Neumann said.

"The other aspect is it gets very busy between 6.30am and 8.30am between Dinmore and Goodna."

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Road to ruin

Road to ruin

Kieran Banks | 1st March 2012

THE multi-billion dollar project to double the capacity of the Ipswich Mwy has been branded a waste of money by a public transport lobby group.

The motorway carries 80,000 cars to and from Ipswich every day and its upgrade is part of a 20-year blueprint to improve transport in the region.

Some $3.14 billion is being invested in the Ipswich Mwy and associated projects such as upgrades of the Centenary Hwy and Logan Mwy Interchange

Main Roads Minister Craig Wallace has even boasted that $250,000,000 is being spent for each kilometre of the 12km Darra to Dinmore upgrade.

However, Rail Back On Track spokesman Robert Dow said if 1km worth of motorway funding was invested into the Translink system now far more motorists would be off the road in 20 years time.

"It's a waste of money. I live in Goodna and I can see the monstrosity they have created," he said.

He said investing in a cross-river rail link in Brisbane and maintenance programs would also avoid infrastructure failures like the one which paralysed the rail network on Tuesday.

The State Government's transport plan aims to increase the number of Ipswich travellers using public transport from 8.6 per cent to 17% and to cut the percentage of people travelling by car from 83.3% to 70% by 2031.

It also includes lifting the percentage of people walking to their destination from 9.5% to 11% and those cycling from 0.7% to 7%.

Mr Dow said that even if the targets set by Main Roads were achieved, they were still far too unambitious.

He indicated the targets should be closer to 30% for people using public transport, 50% for car trips and 20% for cycling and walking.

But RACQ senior traffic and safety engineer Greg Miszkowycz said the targets were ambitious.

The RACQ predicts private car trips in Ipswich will increase by 165% by 2031 as the population rises.

"While the reduction of private vehicle trips from 83.3% to 70% would mean more people are taking up alternative transport options, overall private car trips will increase due to greater population and travel demand," he said.

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller said Ipswich residents had called for the upgrade for years.

"We have put our money into increasing public transport through the rail and bus system. But there has to be good roads," she said.

Bundamba LNP candidate Michael Kitzlemann said the comments from Rail Back on Track were fair and reasonable.

"The facts are we need the investment in both road and rail," he said.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said it's important both are funded.

"You can move more and more commuters by improving public transport services - and we have been. But you also need good roads to improve travel times and boost freight efficiency."

:bi

[huddo45]

I have been driving to Ipswich every few weeks for some time. A good alternative route is the Centenary Hwy which has been extended to Yamanto where it joins the Cunningham Hwy. It is only two lanes with one overtaking lane in each direction but traffic is light and the limit is 100k/hr all the way except for a few roundabouts that are 60 km/hr.
If this road was improved to four lanes with no roundabouts it would be able to take more traffic off the motorway.
I usually take the Ripley turnoff and go via Ripley Rd but unfortunately the Ripley Rd overpass over the Cunningham Hwy has been closed for months due to a high vehicle strike, repairs are supposed to be completed this month. Alternatives are via Deebing Creek (expect roadwork delays) or carry on to Yamanto.
This is a much more pleasant drive thru the countryside than the motorway and even seems to take less time, check out the new Springfield Central station on the way past

[#Metro]

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller said Ipswich residents had called for the upgrade for years.

"We have put our money into increasing public transport through the rail and bus system. But there has to be good roads," she said.

Bundamba LNP candidate Michael Kitzlemann said the comments from Rail Back on Track were fair and reasonable.

"The facts are we need the investment in both road and rail," he said.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said it's important both are funded.

"You can move more and more commuters by improving public transport services - and we have been. But you also need good roads to improve travel times and boost freight efficiency."

250 million per kilometre - that's TWICE the cost of the usual busway construction, and for orders of magnitude LESS capacity.

"We have been improving transport services" - BULLSH*T! Off peak train frequency is the SAME as it was decades ago (still no 15 minutes to Ipswich) AND not only that, the actual train services are SLOWER.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> A tale of three tolls: road network impact varies

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

Road rage as Brisbane streets hit capacity despite projects like Airport Link and Legacy Way

Road rage as Brisbane streets hit capacity despite projects like Airport Link and Legacy Way

    Robyn Ironside
    The Courier-Mail
    August 16, 2012 12:00AM

EVEN projects such as Airport Link and Legacy Way will not be enough to save Brisbane from worsening gridlock.

A report on future traffic movements prepared by Transport and Main Roads has highlighted the issues facing southeast Queensland roads, and particularly those around Brisbane.

It found 340km of Brisbane roads are above or approaching capacity, and that will jump to 720km of roads by 2031, even with planned investments such as Legacy Way and upgrades of Kingsford Smith Drive and Gympie Road.

For residents, that means spending longer in their cars over greater distances, with average vehicle speeds in greater Brisbane expected to drop from 48.7km/h to 43.7km/h.

Part of the problem is the reluctance of residents to ditch their cars or share their ride into work, with peak-hour traffic in Brisbane averaging just 1.5 people per vehicle.

It is even worse for commuters travelling from the Gold and Sunshine coasts, with vehicles averaging 1.05 and 1.04 people respectively.

Despite the outlook, Griffith University Urban Planning expert Matthew Burke said some congestion was good.

"Some congestion ... shows the city is alive and there are happening places," Dr Burke said.

"It's just when the level gets too high and when there are no alternative travel options that there are major problems.

"Things are nowhere near that bad in Brisbane, nor are they likely to be given our planning is ahead of the game."

Early data shows Airport Link has made a difference to surface roads, with Sandgate Rd carrying about 8000 fewer vehicles a day.

The tunnel is averaging about 80,000 vehicles a day, still a long way from its target of 135,000.

[WTN]

And the answer to the problem?

1. Further increase public transport fares to insane, unsubsidised levels to kill it off
2. Rip up every square millimetre of footpaths, walkways , pedestrian crossings, cycleways and bike lanes across SEQ, under the guise of "we have no maintenance money".
3. Rip up every metre of railway. "We can't afford to run an antiquated mode of transport".
4. Pay out the GC LRT project before track laying starts. "Sorry we have to side with locals".
5. Replace all of above with car lanes
6. Outright ban cyclists and pedestrians from public roads and impose extreme penalties in the guise of road safety. "Who walks anyway. That's a prehistoric mode of transport".
7. Outright ban buses of any operator to pick up or drop off on any public road, or from running any "commuter" service
8. Impose hefty registration fees on motorbikes, buses and both their operators to reduce their numbers
9. Tear up square kilometres of every suburb to make way for supermassive freeways and carparks that make LA's look microscopic. "Let's beat LA. It's good for society I'm happy to lose my house"
10. Convince everyone that air pollution and loud noise is normal. "Build your own noise barriers in your front yard if it's a problem"
11. Encourage valet parking or travelators at "sizeable" carparks as people shouldn't walk more than 10m from their car.
12. Lower the legal driving age to just 14 for L's and 15 for P's. Build driver training into the school curriculum. Install massive carparks at schools.
13. Allow senior citizens to continue driving by relaxing restrictions. "We are living longer anyway"

Force the car to be the sole mode of land transport and problem solved! No more competition (funding or otherwise) between modes. The car takes 100% of all land transport. Being the most popular at nearly 90% trip share, it shouldn't be hard! Walking, cycling and running are all Olympic sports, they should be reserved for that purpose only.

(sorry, I couldn't help myself after reading some recent news articles)

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Tolls for Kingsford Smith Drive a possibility: Council

Tolls for Kingsford Smith Drive a possibility: Council
August 22, 2012 - 1:00AM

City Hall is set to turn to the private sector to help fund the beleaguered Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade and won't rule out the possibility of tolling if it means getting the $700 million project off the ground.

Deputy Mayor and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Adrian Schrinner said the bare funding cupboards at the state and federal level meant council would look to new public private partnership models to deliver the road infrastructure.

While no commitments to a toll had been made, Cr Schrinner said the council was "open to ideas, whatever they may be.

"There are multiple models of PPPs – some of them include tolls, some of them don't," he said.
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"There are, for example, large superannuation funds both in Australia and internationally that want to invest in road projects in Australia as a long-term investment.

"We're certainly open to anyone's suggestions for private sector involvement - we'd like to see this happen, the Lord Mayor wants to see it happen, and based on the financial situation of the federal and state governments we could be waiting a long time."

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has previously said council would not charge tolls on existing roads, and that the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade was a priority project in the wake of Airport Link's completion.

But the upgrade has been on the agenda for some time, and no end design has been confirmed.

Cr Schrinner said Airport Link had had a positive impact on reducing congestion on Kingsford Smith, but residential growth at the Hamilton Northshore and burgeoning industry in the city's north meant complacency was not an option.

The upgrade was initially flagged under former Lord Mayor Campbell Newman under the umbrella of his 'TransApex' road infrastructure project, which included the $2.2 billion Clem7, $4.2 billion Airport Link and $1.5 billion Legacy Way tunnels and the $328 million Go Between Bridge.

A request for $500 million funding from Infrastructure Australia was rejected in 2009, leading council to consult with community over five different options:

    Option one: Retaining wall in the river, upgrade to six lanes. Estimated cost $850 million.

    Option two: Partial upgrade in sections, upgrade to six lanes. Estimated cost $255 million.

    Option three: Elevated structure over the river, upgrade to six lanes. Estimated cost $1.35 billion.

    Option four: Double-storey tunnel, upgrade to eight lanes. Estimated cost $3.2 billion.

    Option five: Side-by-side tunnel, upgrade to eight lanes. Estimated cost $2.43 billion.

The 2011 floods and subsequent $440 million recovery cost to council returned the project to the backburner, but Cr Quirk vowed to put Kingsford Smith Drive back on the agenda when he took over as Lord Mayor following Mr Newman's move to state politics.

Detailed designs of stage one of the project between Harvey Street to Theodore Street have already been released.

At the recent council budget, Cr Quirk boosted the upgrade's funding, allocated a further $8.5 million from the $2 million forward estimate in 2011-12.

The increase was to enable preliminary design work for stage two and traffic assessment and modelling for stage three currently underway, as well as land resumptions, Cr Schrinner said.

He said the estimated cost of the stages stood at $100 million and $600 million respectively, and that the community consultation revealed a tunnel "wasn't the preferred option.

"We don't have a final design but we're certainly working on that right now," he said.

"Ultimately, what we want to achieve out of it is the extra road capacity, but also a boulevard - a tree-lined boulevard with a cyclist/pedestrian path along the riverfront, and also an indented bus bay because at the moment we're getting a lot of congestion with buses stopping to let off passengers."

"The project needs to happen."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tolls-for-kingsford-smith-drive-a-possibility-council-20120821-24kdv.html

[ozbob]

Use the rail line .... 

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



Media release 19th August 2012

SEQ: No more lazy Sundays for the Doomben line

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers calls for the Government to commit to the reintroduction of Sunday services and expanded weekday and Saturday services for the Doomben line (1).

The Doomben line is one of only 2 railway lines in Australia's capital city rail networks not to receive any service at all on a Sunday, a "distinction" shared only with the Tonsley line in Adelaide.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With an enormous influx of development occurring in the adjacent Northshore Hamilton precinct, the time has come to make the Doomben line pull its weight.  The fact there are no Sunday services on this line and no competing freight traffic except seasonal grain trains make this even more compelling."

"Initially, we call on the government to duplicate the Saturday timetable on Sundays and public holidays.  Over time, we call on the government to commit to a minimum half-hourly frequency on the Doomben line from 6am to 9pm, 7 days a week, with additional trains in the weekday peak running at least 20 minutes apart.  These services only need to operate between Doomben and Roma Street to ensure connectivity to the rest of the railway and busway network.  Ultimately, the Doomben line's service profile should be directly comparable to the Shorncliffe line, with trains running well into the night - there is no reason for the mediocre to non-existent levels of service offered."

"Passengers on an inner-city railway line should not have to frantically consult a timetable to work out whether their train has magically turned into a bus depending on what time of day it is.  This is simply not good enough for a 21st century transport system."

"Even 3-car sets would be adequate - it would be a 3-car improvement on the current Sunday timetable!"

"With no firm commitment from any level of government to the proposed upgrades to Kingsford-Smith Drive, and thousands of people moving into the Hamilton region, RAIL Back on Track members consider that the State Government and Brisbane City Council should consider funding this upgrade in lieu of further road upgrades.  These additional services could be delivered for substantially less than the $18 million frequency upgrade being planned for the longer and busier Ferny Grove line, and certainly for less than widening Kingsford-Smith Drive."

"Building a high-density residential precinct near a working railway with practically no trains, when there is no reason why they cannot be put on will continue to entrench a culture of transport failure that we can ill afford (2)."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/network-information/timetables/120723-doomben-line.pdf

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4852.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson

Toll on Kingsford Smith Drive

22 August 2012 , 7:35 AM by Spencer Howson

In the future, there may be no way of getting to the airport by car from the City without paying a toll.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has personally ruled out charging tolls on existing roads, but that may changed with City Hall now saying that all options are being considered to fund the upgrade.

Julian Simmonds is the Chairman for Finance in the Brisbane City Council:

--> http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/08/toll-on-kingsford-smith-drive.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

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

My blog comment:

BCC is locked in the 1960s car centric mind set. Simply extend the Doomben rail line into Hamilton Northshore. No more roads are needed in inner Brisbane, what is needed are improved public and active transport options.

No jurisdiction has built itself out of congestion by building more roads.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd August 2012

Re: SEQ: No more lazy Sundays for the Doomben line

Greetings,

This morning on 612 ABC Brisbane radio Spencer Howson interviewed Cr Julian Simmonds concerning speculation on tolling funding upgrades to Kingsford Smith Drive.
http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2012/08/toll-on-kingsford-smith-drive.html?site=brisbane&program=612_breakfast

Estimates range from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars for this upgrade.  It is not needed.

BCC is locked in the 1960s car centric mind set. Simply extend the Doomben rail line into Hamilton Northshore.  In the interim frequent local feeders into the rail line.

No more roads are needed in inner Brisbane, what is needed are improved public and active transport options.

No jurisdiction has built itself out of congestion by building more roads.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Use the rail line .... 

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



Media release 19th August 2012

SEQ: No more lazy Sundays for the Doomben line

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers calls for the Government to commit to the reintroduction of Sunday services and expanded weekday and Saturday services for the Doomben line (1).

The Doomben line is one of only 2 railway lines in Australia's capital city rail networks not to receive any service at all on a Sunday, a "distinction" shared only with the Tonsley line in Adelaide.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With an enormous influx of development occurring in the adjacent Northshore Hamilton precinct, the time has come to make the Doomben line pull its weight.  The fact there are no Sunday services on this line and no competing freight traffic except seasonal grain trains make this even more compelling."

"Initially, we call on the government to duplicate the Saturday timetable on Sundays and public holidays.  Over time, we call on the government to commit to a minimum half-hourly frequency on the Doomben line from 6am to 9pm, 7 days a week, with additional trains in the weekday peak running at least 20 minutes apart.  These services only need to operate between Doomben and Roma Street to ensure connectivity to the rest of the railway and busway network.  Ultimately, the Doomben line's service profile should be directly comparable to the Shorncliffe line, with trains running well into the night - there is no reason for the mediocre to non-existent levels of service offered."

"Passengers on an inner-city railway line should not have to frantically consult a timetable to work out whether their train has magically turned into a bus depending on what time of day it is.  This is simply not good enough for a 21st century transport system."

"Even 3-car sets would be adequate - it would be a 3-car improvement on the current Sunday timetable!"

"With no firm commitment from any level of government to the proposed upgrades to Kingsford-Smith Drive, and thousands of people moving into the Hamilton region, RAIL Back on Track members consider that the State Government and Brisbane City Council should consider funding this upgrade in lieu of further road upgrades.  These additional services could be delivered for substantially less than the $18 million frequency upgrade being planned for the longer and busier Ferny Grove line, and certainly for less than widening Kingsford-Smith Drive."

"Building a high-density residential precinct near a working railway with practically no trains, when there is no reason why they cannot be put on will continue to entrench a culture of transport failure that we can ill afford (2)."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/resources/travel-information/network-information/timetables/120723-doomben-line.pdf

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4852.0

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

http://www.scottemerson.com.au/media-releases/queensland-adopts-national-heavy-vehicle-law.html

Queensland adopts national heavy vehicle law

Thursday, 23 August 2012 16:59

The Newman Government has today paved the way for Australian States and Territories to create a unified national heavy vehicle industry with a Bill that slashes red tape.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the passing of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Bill 2012 through the Queensland Parliament was an historic occasion for the heavy vehicle industry.

"This Bill cuts through the red tape and will replace a confusing array of eight separate regulators and nine pieces of state, territory and Commonwealth legislation," Mr Emerson said.

"A national regulator and a single national law will greatly benefit those vehicles travelling from one state to the next. The regulator will be a one-stop shop.

"Cross-border confusion and delays will become a thing of the past under the new regulator.

"The reforms mean more jobs for Queensland and benefits to the local economy of at least $1.5 billion.

"The legislation will allow the new independent regulator, based in Queensland, to be responsible for regulating all vehicles in Australia over 4.5 tonnes.

"The national law will bring clarity, safety and productivity improvements to the entire heavy vehicle industry," he said.

[mufreight]

It will also bring the use of B tripple combinations on Queensland roads.

[SurfRail]

Note they are very careful not to criticise Labor failings when announcing things which Labor basically did all the legwork on? 

Same thing will happen when the LNP (inevitably) get turfed again and the ALP is back.  Swings and roundabouts...

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Clem7 'doesn't make me nervous', Quirk says, as Legacy Way tunnelling begins

[WTN]

Toowoomba 2nd range crossing now up on Projects Queensland, but appears to be road only. 

http://www.treasury.qld.gov.au/projects-queensland/projects/toowoomba-range-crossing/index.shtml

[Golliwog]

Toowoomba 2nd range crossing now up on Projects Queensland, but appears to be road only. 

http://www.treasury.qld.gov.au/projects-queensland/projects/toowoomba-range-crossing/index.shtml

I'm sure the government's response as to why a parallel rail line can't be incorporated would be something to the effect of: "Have you heard how bad the State's finances are?"

[Mr X]

[WTN]

^ With cuts to both public and active transport?

Wouldn't it be much better if they can get everyone off bicycles, footpaths, buses, trains and into cars? After all, we only need one mode of land transport.  Then they can charge anything.

[Golliwog]

Just out of curiosity, who is part of "Projects Queensland"? They're a part of Queensland Treasury and Trade, so I wonder what sort of expertise they have to assess transport projects?

[WTN]

Good question. Having had a look at http://www.treasury.qld.gov.au/projects-queensland/about/index.shtml , doesn't give much info on technical expertise. It seems more about getting funding, developing business cases and project management.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Bridge too far: Car in Cairns clocks toll in Brisbane

Bridge too far: Car in Cairns clocks toll in Brisbane
August 29, 2012 - 3:00AM Tony Moore

A north Queensland woman is bewildered why her car was fined for driving over Brisbane's Go Between Bridge - when it has never travelled to the capital.

Sue Brennan believes Brisbane City Council, the operator of the Go Between Bridge, has photographed a false registration plate on a car that was travelling over the bridge.

Ms Brennan, who lives in Townsville, was living in Cairns at the time she received a letter from Brisbane City Council telling her that her Hyundai Getz travelled over the Go Between Bridge on June 26, 2012.

The letter ordered her to pay a toll of $2.42 and an administration fee of $10.25.

That came as a surprise because on June 26, Ms Brennan flew from Cairns to Townsville for a job interview and left her car at Cairns Airport.

"That day was a Tuesday - and I had an interview down in Townsville - and I flew there and back," Sue Brennan said yesterday.
The infringement notice.

The infringement notice sent to Ms Brennan. Photo: Supplied

"So my car was at the Cairns airport."

She provided email proof of her job interview to brisbanetimes.com.au yesterday.

Ms Brennan bought the Hyundai Getz in November 2010 and is positive it has never been to Brisbane.

She believes the car captured on the bridge had false plates because the letter from Brisbane City Council did not contain a photograph.

"I just got the letter. There is not even details of the car. All it is, is just the registration number," she said.

"But they have my address from the registration number."

Brisbane City Council was asked yesterday afternoon what sort of vehicle registration system was used on the Go Between Bridge, how frequently mistakes on registration plates were made, and what the council believes happened in this situation.

A spokesman for Lord Mayor Graham Quirk was unable to answer questions yesterday and said he would seek them this morning.

Ms Brennan, meanwhile, said she was not worried she was being wrongly asked to pay the fare and fee.

"I just want to find out if other people are getting these letters," she said.

"I am curious to see if other people are getting these bills for stuff that they did not do."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/bridge-too-far-car-in-cairns-clocks-toll-in-brisbane-20120828-24ynq.html