22 Nov 2010: SEQ: New timetable a step in the right direction ...

[ozbob]

Media release 22nd November 2010

SEQ: New timetable a step in the right direction for the Ipswich 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 commuters welcomes the draft new timetable for the Ipswich line as a step in the right direction (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There are a number of positives with the proposed changes, namely:

    * Peak express patterns are now simplified
    * Faster express services than the current ones
    * Counter peak frequency is no longer worse than off peak frequency
    * Evening hourly frequency on weeknights no longer applies
    * 15 minute frequency on the inner part is now full time
    * 15 minute frequency as far as Darra for the first time
    * Counter peak services are now clock face
    * One additional outbound weekday through service to Rosewood
    * No compromise clock face timetables

"However, there are a number of aspects which remain to be improved:

    * Peak express trains to/from Ipswich do not serve Toowong
    * Quite a bit of room for improvement in the peak train speed to and from Ipswich
    * High loading station, Oxley, misses out on any kind of express service
    * Slower train services to/from Ipswich off peak
    * Counter peak service is still only 15 minutes.  This is a problem largely at Milton, where it falls short of the mark, however it remains an issue for Toowong and Indooroopilly
    * Shuttle services to Rosewood still apply to the majority of trips.  Why not through services with the rear 3 cars locked with a 2 man crew west of Ipswich?
    * Still hourly or reduced frequency on Sunday mornings
    * Still an early finish on Sundays
    * No improvement to first inbound services on either weekdays or weekends, except from Rosewood
    * New timetable is not to take effect on the opening of the Richlands branch.

"The rationale for not including Toowong and Oxley in the express pattern does need to properly communicated if feedback is not acted upon.

"There are now opportunities to make use of the increased frequency and capacity on the western line, particularly from Darra inwards by more bus feeder routes into the stations. More bus feeder routes into Darra for example would half the journey time for some passengers presently travelling on peak western bus routes to and from the CBD.  A modified BUZ 450 route could be extended into Darra for example to allow passengers the choice between a fast rail journey or a congestion plod on the western roads."

"Overall, the new timetable is a huge forward step for the Ipswich line and should implemented as soon as possible, preferably when Richlands rail services commence in January 2011 (2)."

Reference:

1. http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/queensland-rail-timetable-changes/ipswich-and-rosewood-line

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4881.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4881.0