Flood information - links

[ozbob]

How reduced is the reduced frequency to Sherwood?

Not sure ...

Ed:  one hour according to the PID (see below)

[ozbob]

Just had a look at Darra railway station.  PID platform 4 is showing next train 2.49pm City and Caboolture!

[ozbob]

Looks like services resuming Darra to CBD soon  PID platform 4 Darra








Main down and up lines, rusty rails ..  not for long!




Go card equipment turned off



Photograph R Dow 14th January 2011

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Coronation Drive 'may fall in river'

[ozbob]

False alarm,  Logan Coaches on rail bus substitution turned up at Darra rail station.  Very confusing for pax, waiting on platform oblivious to the buses.  Managed to steer them down stairs ...





Photographs R Dow 14th January 2011


Footnote:  Noted a Bus Queensland (Westside Bus) between Oxley and Darra as well on rail substitution.

[colinw]

We've been hearing trains again at Kuraby for a few hours now.  Not very many, but it sure is nice to have them back.  

Just got letterboxed with a QR Noise Notice for resleepering between Moorooka & Beenleigh.  Possibly some more wooden sleepers getting replaced with concrete?

[ozbob]

I have been advised that trains are now running through to Darra

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1294949792

Ipswich/Rosewood Line

Services are running at reduced frequency between Darra and Roma Street stations only. Tracks between Sherwood and Darra opened about 4.15pm Friday.

Trains are running to Darra station, then shuttle buses stopping all stations to Ipswich (except Goodna station).

A loop shuttle bus service stopping all stations between Ipswich and Rosewood is also operating.

Please note that due to road closures and a significant amount of traffic using available roads, shuttle bus services are being delayed. Customers are asked to be patient.
The 529 RailBus (Ipswich-Toogoolawah) and the 539 RailBus (Helidon-Rosewood) services remain suspended.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
14/01/2011

Regular bus timetables resume this weekend

Buses around South East Queensland will run to a regular Saturday timetable tomorrow as public transport services continue to return to normal.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said Brisbane Transport bus routes were now coming back on-line regularly with only a few routes, primarily in the western suburbs, remaining off-line due to flooding.

"As the flood water continues to recede we are continuing to restore bus routes across the region, including NightLink services late Saturday night," Ms Nolan said.

Currently, the following disruptions remain in place:

    * The busway network between Woolloongabba and Cultural Centre stations
    * The Ipswich/Rosewood train line between Darra and Ipswich/Rosewood
    * Local diversions are in place on some bus routes across Brisbane

TransLink CEO Peter Strachan said a few bus routes were still unavailable but they aimed to have these back on the road as soon as possible.

"Route 444 has resumed today between Moggill and Toowong and we're looking to restore many more of the 400 bus series routes across the weekend," Mr Strachan said.

"Buses in areas outside Brisbane including Ipswich have returned to normal with only a few exceptions."

Queensland Rail will continue to operate an hourly timetable on most lines across the weekend with half hourly services on the Airport line and services every two hours to the Sunshine Coast.

Ipswich line trains are running to Sherwood station, with shuttle buses from Sherwood and Ipswich and Rosewood.

Ms Nolan said customers could travel free on all TransLink services until the last service on Friday, January 21 to help with the initial flood recovery.

"People can travel free on all bus, train, Airtrain and Ipswich FlexiLink services on the TransLink network, whether they have been directly affected by the floods or not," Ms Nolan said.

"The ticketing equipment won't be operating for the week, so customers need to board their mode of public transport and relax for a while.

"We're suggesting people who have not been affected by the floods to make a gold coin donation to the Premier's appeal to help out those doing it very tough at present."

For the most up-to-date public transport information and service disruptions, customers should check the 'service updates' section of the TransLink website www.translink.com.au

The following services are not expected to run tomorrow morning: CityGlider, CitySights, 88, 100, 105, 110, 116, 169, 196, 197, 198, 199, 261, 299, 300, 301, 310, 411, 412, 415, 417, 425, 428, 430, 433, 435, 450, 460, 470, 471, 475, 476, 500, 512, 513 and 529.

The following services are running but being diverted: 125, 174, 175, 184, 243, 250, 251, 257, 261, 265, 267, 270, 275, 279, 281, 310, 315, 444, 463, 502, 503, 522, 524, 525, 526, 530, 540, P546, 551, 555, 561, 569, 571, 573, 575, 577, 579, 581 and 680.

[ozbob]

Just noted the first down service out of Darra 4.49pm (new SMU 6 car) run past at reduced speed between Darra and Oxley ... YAY!!

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
Ipswich line train services have resumed between Roma St - Darra. Shuttle buses operating between Darra - Ipswich and Ipswich - Rosewood.
4 minutes ago via TransLink SEQ

[somebody]

With the lack of PT it is unsurprising that traffic congestion is a real problem.  What about 15 minute service to Darra + Indooroopilly starts for 425/430/450/460 and Toowong starts for 411/412/417?  Wouldn't that make it easier for people to get around?

Or am I getting too carried away?

[ozbob]

I think as more roads become traffic-able things will settle down a bit for the weekend.  

Monday will be the real test.  I would expect essentially normal bus and rail timetables from that point.

But I think both bus and rail are doing a great job.  Many crew have their own problems at home as well (themselves, family, friends, neighbours) and so time is needed to sort.  I am impressed with the resilience of the rail network.  It was operating very late into the floods and has recovered reasonably well I think.  This indicates good disaster planning and management.

[Stillwater]

A big problem is a lack of crew.  Understandably, crew are flooded in or can't get to work, or their cars are a write-off.  We must be considerate of transport workers whose homes are mud heaps.  The free travel and the limited operations are a remarkable effort in the circumstances.

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLink SEQ
 
Beenleigh/Cleveland/Gold Coast trains will not be stopping at South Brisbane station for the remainder of the evening
9 minutes ago via TransLink SEQ

[ozbob]

Clean-up starts tomorrow Saturday 15th January ...

As the flood waters recede and people are allowed to return to their homes, our attention turns to the clean-up and to the massive task that lies ahead.

Our top priority is re-opening major arterial roads and removing debris to enable traffic access.

Concerns remain for the structural integrity of parts of Coronation Drive, which will be subject to lane restrictions outbound. However the following roads have been cleared and re-opened either all or in part:

    * William Jolly Bridge
    * Kingsford Smith Drive
    * Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
    * South Brisbane roads (most open)
    * Riverside Expressway (partially opened to Hale St)
    * Hale Street
    * Ipswich Motorway (partially re-opened)
    * Inner City Bypass (partially re-opened)
    * Abbotsford Road
    * Sandgate Road

My Council team has been humbled by the response we have received from people wanting to help. My message to everyone however is this clean-up is a marathon, not a race. The last thing we need is everyone jamming the roads in their eagerness to help.

That is why we have arranged shifts for volunteers. For those people that wish to volunteer and help with the recovery efforts, tomorrow (Saturday 15th) and Sunday 16th Council will open fully staffed registration centres at the following locations:

    * Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall
    * Doomben Racecourse, Hampden Street, Ascot
    * MacGregor State High School Assembly Hall, MacGregor (please park at Eight Mile Plains Bus Station, a bus shuttle will transport you to MacGregor State High School)
    * Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens carpark, Toowong

Once you have filled out the necessary paperwork, a bus will shuttle you out to your designated clean-up area. Two shifts have been organised over the two days, morning registration starts at 7am and afternoon registration will start at 12:30pm.

It is essential for those that wish to volunteer to bring along their own tools to assist with the clean-up, wear sun protection as well as long pants, long sleeves, gloves and closed in shoes. Also bring photo ID with you to assist in the registration process.

If you cannot help this weekend but may be able to assist in the future, we would like to hear from you. I am particularly appealing to members of the community who own a bobcat, dump truck, front-end loader, water tanker or other heavy equipment that can be provided to assist with the clean-up. Please email lordmayor@brisbane.qld.gov.au and you will be contacted and provided with details of how you can best assist.

Rubbish collection
Council will have industrial bins and kerbside collections for flood damaged goods in affected areas once floodwaters recede. Detailed information on industrial bin locations, collection areas and times will be advised as soon as possible via the media and Council's website. For insurance purposes, take photos and note serial numbers of damaged equipment before you dispose of damaged goods.

Water
We have been advised by the State Government's Queensland Urban Utilities that water in the greater Brisbane area is perfectly safe to drink. Those residents living in non flood affected areas are encouraged to be conservative with their own water use as the clean-up is a priority.

Electricity
As floodwaters recede, Energex is working hard to return power to as many homes as possible. The focus has been placed on the western suburbs. Please do not attempt to use electricity if your home has been inundated by floodwaters, until your power has been checked by a qualified electrician.

Donations
Unfortunately the Evacuation Centres can no longer receive items to assist with the flood relief efforts, please check with your local charity store before you drop off your goods, as many have indicated that they have reached full capacity.

Buses
For information on public transport and affected services, please visit the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30.

Campbell Newman
LORD MAYOR

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Brisbane public transport set to slowly improve but services still limited

[ozbob]

Just noted inbound (down) 6 car EMU service between Darra and Oxley.

Timetables from  this link --> here!

[ozbob]

Media Release 15 January 2011

SEQ:  Free public transport please use it

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 has suggested that road traffic problems would be eased if more people accessed the free public transport available up to and including next Friday.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"There have been many reports of severe traffic congestion.  The public transport system is up and running, buses and trains. There are no ticketing requirements for a week (1, 2).  Please use the public transport where you can.  This will help the recovery effort overall."

"Details of all public transport services can be found out on the TransLink website at http://www.translink.com.au"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5246.0

2. http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/weather-and-flood-affected-services

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Looking down Oxley Station Road in the early morning

15th January 2011




14th January 2011




13th January 2011



Photographs R Dow 13th, 14th and 15th January 2011

[#Metro]

Unfortunately the frequencies are just too low too be useful. Tried to catch a train- hourly- completely unusable at that frequency, gave up and caught a bus, hardly anyone on it.

A lot of congestion around the suburbs- insane amount of cars- a mix of volunteers, sightseers, relatives etc- traffic jams on local streets are very common.

Zero fare is great, but if frequency is not there...

[Derwan]

Tramtrain, this is NOT the time to be complaining about frequency.  As many have pointed out, QR has done a mammoth effort to continue to run ANY services.  Spare a thought for the QR employees who have lost their homes.

[ozbob]

Zero fare is great, but if frequency is not there.

It is adequate.  For people moving around to go to work or a shopping trip it is better to use the public transport.  It is not normal week day frequency but if more folks left the cars it would greatly facilitate the recovery effort.  At Oxley it is a mad house with traffic.  Buses are being caught up in the roads.

I am confident normal timetables will be operational from Monday.

[ozbob]

Twitter

# TransLinkSEQ
 
Logan buses 553 and 566 services will now complete their standard route.
2 minutes ago


# TransLink SEQ
 
444 running btwn Moggill to City, not stopping Coro Dve. Shuttle bus approx 30 mins running btwn Toowong shopping centre & Adelaide St
3 minutes ago


# TransLink SEQ
 
CityGlider is suspended today check out http://bit.ly/dV0oad for more info
7 minutes ago via

[ozbob]

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1294990497

Brisbane Transport bus service changes

Suspended services

    * CityGlider
    * CitySights
    * 88
    * 105
    * 116
    * 169
    * 197
    * 198
    * 300
    * 301
    * 411
    * 412
    * 415
    * 417
    * 425
    * 428
    * 430
    * 433
    * 435
    * 450
    * 460
    * 470
    * 471
    * 475
    * 476

[ozbob]

Called into Darra on the way back from a relief run.  Noted points set for for the branch line.  Red boards on the up sub and down sub up from branch points.

Platform one entrance is open!  IMUs for the next service platform 4 Darra.

Terminating service arriving at platform 4 Darra.  Good load of pax too.














Westside buses at Darra!  On the Darra to Ipswich run.





Photographs R Dow 15th January 2011

[ozbob]

Twitter

TransLinkSEQ
 
196 & 199 running partial route btwn City & New Farm. 197, 198 & CityGlider are still suspended until further notice.
about 1 hour ago via Mobile Web

[somebody]

I do wonder why the 425 in particular can't run.  I don't think there are any low lying areas it runs through west of Toowong.

What of train services, are they back to normal?  The Translink website doesn't really say.

[ozbob]

No, effectively Christmas day timetable ie.  one hour service all lines, rail bus Doomben, 2hr Sunshine Coast, bus Darra to Rosewood.

1/2 hour Roma St <-> Airport effectively.

Rail timetables --> http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1294949792

[somebody]

Ok, I wasn't entirely clear that was still in effect.  Still Xmas timetable tomorrow?  Why's it taking so long to get back to normal, when buses are able to do it much better.  I know the Ipswich crews are effectively isolated.

Other thing is do we know when trains will be able to run Darra-Ipswich again?

[HappyTrainGuy]

Track/network conditions and crew availability mostly. Buses take 1 person to run while train needs two. Add in the network length and you start to need a large amount of crew that just isn't available to keep a reliant on time schedule. Hence the modified schedule till everybody can get back on their feet. Better having 2 trains in 2 hours rather than having 4 trains in 2 hours then nothing for 2 hours.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Traffic gridlock hampers flood clean-up

[Derwan]

Nearmap has now been updated with images taken on Thursday morning.

www.nearmap.com

[Derwan]

From the QPS Facebook page:

Queensland Rail is working around the clock to get South East Queensland's City Network back up and running, however efforts are being hampered by cars parking across access gates to the rail corridor. Motorists are asked not to block these gates, which are clearly marked. Doing so may delay the commencement of full services, particularly on the Ipswich line.

[ozbob]

Darra

Terminating train running up on the main down ..












Westside Bus on rail bus duties - Darra to Ipswich



Photographs R Dow 15th January 2011

[ozbob]

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2011/01/15/2135408/420gridlock-420x0.jpg

Traffic gridlock on Moggill Road, approaching the Indooroopilly roundabout. Photo: Marissa Calligeros

Brisbanetimes --> Traffic gridlock hampers flood clean-up

[Stillwater]

Why is it taking so long to get back to normal?  Because that is what it takes to recover from the biggest natural disaster in Australia's history.  All that is possible to be done is being done, and it is unreasonable to expect something more, over and above what has been achieved, or the rate at which it is being achieved.  Even allowing for crewing (un) availability, more frequent bus services can't be achieved on arterial roads clogged with cars.  Some buses are being used to ferry 8000 volunteers to and from work clean-up sites.  Be patient folks.

[ozbob]

Courier Mail --> Brisbane traffic chaos as clean-up volunteers swamp flood-affected suburbs

[ozbob]

http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/community-recovery/support-assistance/index.html

Community recovery support and assistance

Queensland Floods

Assistance is available to individuals and families who have been flooded in Balonne, Banana, Barcaldine, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Cherbourg, Fraser Coast, Goondiwindi, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Mackay, Maranoa, Moreton Bay, Murweh, North Burnett, Rockhampton, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Western Downs council areas.

See --> http://www.communityservices.qld.gov.au/community/community-recovery/support-assistance/index.html

[#Metro]

The buses are more frequent than the trains.
QR is doing a good effort.
Spent the day shoveling stinky brown sop mud out of my neighbours' and friends' homes
I have no car, and there was horrendous congestion on the roads. It was hard for met to get around for the clean up.

Just stating the facts, not intending to stir people up.