New Timetables 2011 June

[colinw]

If we ever get the multi-tier service that was promised, longitudinal seating & more standees might make sense for "UrbanLink" level of services, which are the most like a Metro.

For longer "ExpressLink" journeys conventional seating should be the go.

And for "CoastLink", more comfortable seats like the original IMUs, and toilets in all trains.

Really long journeys like Gympie North could even benefit from repealing the ban on food, and having a small snack bar selling sandwiches, etc.

[HappyTrainGuy]

If we ever get the multi-tier service that was promised, longitudinal seating & more standees might make sense for "UrbanLink" level of services, which are the most like a Metro.

For longer "ExpressLink" journeys conventional seating should be the go.

And for "CoastLink", more comfortable seats like the original IMUs, and toilets in all trains.

Really long journeys like Gympie North could even benefit from repealing the ban on food, and having a small snack bar selling sandwiches, etc.

But now your starting to reserve even more rollingstock for certain routes which they already currently do with EMUs/SMUs and IMUs/ICE (Not uncommon to see trains operating Caboolture line then moved to Doomben/Beenleigh/Ferny Grove lines after peak and vice versa).

Journeys to Gympie North have those services already available on the TiltTrain and Sunlander both of which run before and after the CityTrain services. If that was to happen on CityTrain facilities on the ICE train would need to be installed, cleaners needed at Gympie North, staff needed for food prep/servicing. Basically you get what you pay for.

[somebody]

My research found that standing indeed uses less room then sitting.

Well, der.

But my argument still remains that much of this capacity is used up by feet.

[colinw]

But now your starting to reserve even more rollingstock for certain routes which they already currently do with EMUs/SMUs and IMUs/ICE (Not uncommon to see trains operating Caboolture line then moved to Doomben/Beenleigh/Ferny Grove lines after peak and vice versa).

I strongly contend that EMUs/SMUs should NOT EVER be used for longer journeys where an IMU or ICE is appropriate, particularly Nambour.  I once sat through Cooroy to Roma St on an EMU, never again!

[petey3801]

If you're the first train in, you start on yellow signals just after Auchenflower. However, with this timetable, if something minor goes wrong, it would be quite possible to be sitting behind another train such that you only recieve yellow signals (running on yellows). I wasn't at work this morning, so I don't know how the timings are going to go personally.

Keep us updated?

Shall see what I can do, although will be a couple weeks before i'm back onto mornings.

[O_128]

Bit of a shame that there is a 19min gap between Morayfield and Dakabin in the morning peak.


Also probably the best quote comment Ive seen

Gay Price of Murrumba Downs Posted at 10:27 AM Today

Absolutely disgusted and very disappointed. I catch the train from Lawnton (live at Murrumba Downs) as there is no parking at Petrie after 6.30am. So what do the idiots do, decide to have the express trains running only from Petrie. No longer can commuters at Lawnton, Bray Park or Strathpine get an express train unless they get on at Petrie. What an absolutely stupid decision. Who is responsible? Obviously someone who never uses public transport! Typical. BRING BACK THE PREVIOUS TIMETABLE!

Ms Price, If you want we can give you an express to all those stations. Its called the All stopper 

[BrizCommuter]

Going by the CM comments, there is a mass outbreak of "I want an express to my stationitis" in the Strathpine area. FFS, you have an am peak train every 6 mins. Stop whinging!

Anyway, a few loading observations today:
The 06:42am ex Caboolture had approx 20-25 passengers standing per carriage, seen at Bowen Hills. Surprisingly busy!
The 04:19pm from Central to Petrie had a few spare seats, seen at Fortitude Valley
The 04:22pm from Central to Caboolture had up to 8 passengers standing in middle cars, but a few empty seats at the ends, seen at Fortitude Valley.

[somebody]

Going by the CM comments, there is a mass outbreak of "I want an express to my stationitis" in the Strathpine area. FFS, you have an am peak train every 6 mins. Stop winging!

I'll respond with my own FFS.  All stopping to Northgate is a poor compromise that I hope is not with us for long, doesn't allow for any Nambour trains in the busiest part of the peak and will not be adequate if Kippa-Ring is built before CRR, which is likely.  Further, not allowing in the Nambour trains to the busiest part of the peak means no temporal spreading is possible.  At a minimum it could have been express Eagle Junction-Northgate with 15 minute frequency Shorncliffe trains express Bowen Hills-Eagle Junction.

[Derwan]

Just saw mufreight on the channel 7 story on the new timetables!   

[david]

Is it just me or were there a LOT more people using the trains today? A lot of the trains to and from Richlands were very well loaded and the PM expresses to Ipswich had standees to Darra!

Also noticed that a lot of the trains were running right on schedule. Gotta love timetable padding!

On another note, it's interesting to see that City-bound services in the PM peak on the Ipswich line are using the mains, rather than the suburbans. Definitely reduces all those conflicting that would have occurred at Corinda and Milton by crossing to the from mains to suburbans and vice versa! A refreshingly new wave of thinking from Queensland Rail!

Looking forward to Phase 2!

[ozbob]

I understand OTP was around 91% this morning AM peak, not a bad effort day one!  There will be some minor tweaks, and I am sure you have noticed the counters out on the network at various stations see what the loads in and out are.

[ozbob]

Just saw mufreight on the channel 7 story on the new timetables!  

--> http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/queensland/watch/25479392/

I was interviewed at length, but at least my comments on off peak frequency got up.  As is the way with these things the negative tends to get emphasised.

Most commuters on the lines with new timetables have a vastly improved service now, sorry Mr Emerson. The problem with the Sunshine Coast is not a timetable issue per se, it is a failure of all governments to actually improve the infrastructure.  Reliability overall will be improved.  The trains have been running constantly late, the changes in actual journey time are not as big as some people are making out as well.

I travelled on the first service out of Goonda this morning. Darra to Richlands, Richlands to Darra, Darra to Indooroopilly, Indooroopilly to Central. Central to Roma St.  Roma St to Gympie North.  Gympie North to Roma St.  Roma St to Goodna.  Overall I thought it was a pretty good effort for day one of a major structural change.

[Gazza]

0:48min .....Guy with the backpack, get the F*** out the way of the door when people are trying to get off idiot!

[justanotheruser]

I would suggest that the comments on Courier-Mail are not representative of the broader community view.  I have more or less given up taking anything CM says seriously, and would attach even less credibility to the views of the miserable cranks that inhabit its feedback forums. 

Have you ever seen that bumper sticker that says

Are you telling me the truth or did you read it in the CM?

[justanotheruser]

If we ever get the multi-tier service that was promised, longitudinal seating & more standees might make sense for "UrbanLink" level of services, which are the most like a Metro.

For longer "ExpressLink" journeys conventional seating should be the go.

And for "CoastLink", more comfortable seats like the original IMUs, and toilets in all trains.

Really long journeys like Gympie North could even benefit from repealing the ban on food, and having a small snack bar selling sandwiches, etc.

But now your starting to reserve even more rollingstock for certain routes which they already currently do with EMUs/SMUs and IMUs/ICE (Not uncommon to see trains operating Caboolture line then moved to Doomben/Beenleigh/Ferny Grove lines after peak and vice versa).

Journeys to Gympie North have those services already available on the TiltTrain and Sunlander both of which run before and after the CityTrain services. If that was to happen on CityTrain facilities on the ICE train would need to be installed, cleaners needed at Gympie North, staff needed for food prep/servicing. Basically you get what you pay for.

at least allowing people to eat but bring own food & drink would be good imo. People eat & drink on trains anyway and you have to be careful about stopping them as there could be medical reasons behind it.

[awotam]

"Instead of trains arriving every three to four minutes in peak periods at Toowong, Strathpine, Corinda, Oxley, Geebung, Carseldine, Virginia, Sherwood, Graceville, Chelmer, Taringa, Auchenflower, Zillmere, Sunshine, Lawnton, Bray Park and Bald Hills, passengers will be waiting six to 12 minutes."
Don't know where she gets this from. 3-4 minute peak frequency at Sherwood/Graceville/Chelmer?!?  Tell her she's dreaming!! There was one 4 minute gap and one 5 minute on the old timetable, average wait would be closer to 10 mins. Now there are 4 more trains prior to 9am so I'd say that was an improvement despite what the Curious Wail is trying to say.

[ozbob]

Media release 7 June 2011

SEQ: Major timetable changes phase one, a new beginning

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 has congratulated TransLink and Queensland Rail on day one of the new timetable.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The first major structural change in the rail timetables in south-east Queensland was implemented yesterday, 6th the June. Overall feedback and direct observations suggests that generally the changes went well. On time running for the first day was 92.8%, an excellent result for such a major change (1)."

"There were some minor issues however, for example the 5.20pm service from Central for Nambour was heavily congested.  One of the deficiencies on our rail network at peak is poor counter-peak frequency (2).  This impacted on this particular service however we are aware that Queensland Rail is working to resolve this situation."

"A particular highlight of the new timetable is the new day return rail service to Gympie North (3). RAIL Back On Track members travelled on the first service yesterday, which was widely welcomed by the communities in the Sunshine Coast hinterland."

"Communication of changes, particularly for some of the bus alterations has been late.  We note the the many TransLink and Queensland Rail staff out informing commuters of the rail changes, but improved communication for bus changes needs attention."

"We look forward to the next phase of consultation for the remaining lines!"

References:

1. http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/RailServices/City/Pages/PeakOn-TimeResults.aspx

2. 31 May 2011: SEQ: Counter peak services - the weak link http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6086.0

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5795.msg58963#msg58963

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Commuter anger builds on Queensland Rail timetable changes

Commuter anger builds on Queensland Rail timetable changes

   Rob Kidd
   From: The Courier-Mail
   June 07, 2011 12:00AM

COMMUTERS angry at the new Citytrain timetable may have to ride out their frustrations after Queensland Rail refused to commit to making any major changes.

The first major timetable changes to Citytrains in 15 years received mixed reviews on their first day of operation yesterday, with some commuters complaining of delays and increased congestion on already overcrowded trains to Brisbane CBD.

The new timetable offers Sunshine Coast commuters two extra services between 5am and 7am but one less between 7am and 8am. From Caboolture, eight extra morning peak hour services will run, but 14 express services will not stop at Lawnton, Bray Park, Strathpine, Bald Hills, Carseldine, Zillmere, Geebung, Sunshine and Virginia between 5.30am and 9am.

Fed up commuters voiced their anger on couriermail.com.au, complaining of trains running late and a lack of standing room on the altered services.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the timetable was a result of "extensive community consultation" and it "encouraged customer feedback", but would "not re-write the whole timetable".

QR said it would continue to monitor passenger loads on the altered services and had "already made operational changes" at Northgate station following congestion of trains through the area.

Other passengers reported an improvement in their service. Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new timetable will add an extra 150,000 train seats and 50,000 on buses.

 

LOL, there was more positive feedback than negative, but the Courier Mail cannot help it self.  At least a minor sign of balance in the last line ..

[Mozz]

Caught the 7.07am in from Oxley this morning - today announcements over the station PA telling people that platform 3 is no longer to be used and to travel to platform 2 for city bound trains - some punters getting some extra fitness in with the stair climbing to travel across to platform 2. First carriage was 3/4 seats taken leaving Oxley - around 10 school children standing. Arriving at roma street 23 minutes later (to the scheduled arrival time of 7.30am) there were around 25 people standing and all seats taken. All good from here.

[ozbob]

Caught the 7.07am in from Oxley this morning - today announcements over the station PA telling people that platform 3 is no longer to be used and to travel to platform 2 for city bound trains - some punters getting some extra fitness in with the stair climbing to travel across to platform 2. First carriage was 3/4 seats taken leaving Oxley - around 10 school children standing. Arriving at roma street 23 minutes later (to the scheduled arrival time of 7.30am) there were around 25 people standing and all seats taken. All good from here.

Thanks for the report Mozz, looking good ..

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Spencer Howson  click here!

Translink CEO on day two of new train/bus timetables

Translink CEO on day two of new train/bus timetables

07 June 2011 , 8:00 AM by Spencer Howson

Matt power New train and bus timetables were introduced yesterday. Dozens of bus routes are affected as well as trains between Rosewood and the Sunshine Coast including the Richlands leg.

This morning, Translink Transit Authority CEO Peter Strachan came into the studio to hear your feedback about the new timetables.

At the same time, commuters on the Gold Coast line this morning faced delays because of a power outage at Helensvale station. Commuters were bussed from Nerang to Coomera.

Dr Who Matt Smith (or at least a figurine of Matt Smith) is shown here training his sonic screwdriver on the Translink map. Shortly after this photo was taken and tweeted, the electricity issue was resolved. Queensland Rail says electricians fixed the problem but was it, in fact, the Doctor's intervention? You decide while you listen to Peter Strachan:

[Cam]

3) Poor 12 minute frequency of Ipswich services outbound during the busiest half hour in the afternoon i.e. leaving Brisbane between 5pm & 5.30pm. I believe that the 5.04pm & 5.16pm ex Central will be overcrowded.

The 5.04pm ex Central wasn't as crowded as I expected. I guess it leaves too early for most commuters finishing at 5pm. However, the 5.16pm certainly was overcrowded. My colleague said that after catching this service at Roma St, there were no available seats in the carriage he was in, until Wacol - 22 minutes into the trip.

An additional Ipswich service departing Central at 5.10pm is required urgently.

[Cam]

No complaints about the 6 minute frequency of services departing Ipswich between 6.39am & 7.15am. Commuters boarding at Darra are still finding seats.   

[somebody]

No complaints about the 6 minute frequency of services departing Ipswich between 6.39am & 7.15am. Commuters boarding at Darra are still finding seats.   

Quite a few standees at Indooroopilly on the last express at 8:19am.

[O_128]

Out of curiosity would it be worthwhile to extend every second caboolture train to beerburrum so that there is an hourly frequency off peak and a 24 min frequency during peak??

[#Metro]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/queensland/watch/25479392/


Well done everyone. This is great stuff. And while I was watching it, I felt like this was Melbourne... highlighting the issues will get us there!

[ozbob]

http://www.facebook.com/notes/queensland-rail/queensland-rail-closely-monitoring-timetable-implementation/216231821743336

Media release

Queensland Rail closely monitoring timetable implementation
by Queensland Rail on Tuesday, 07 June 2011 at 19:10

Queensland Rail continues to closely monitor the implementation of its new timetable with reduced crowding on some services on the second day.

Feedback from customers, as well as CCTV and passenger loading monitors, identified a handful of services which were crowded during Monday's PM peak period, with a 5:22pm service to Nambour among those highlighted.

"The good news is day two has seen a noticeable reduction of crowding, particularly on this service, as customers select other services to get home in the evening," Kevin Wright, Chief Operations Officer said.

"This was as expected, typically when a new timetable is implemented customers choose certain services early on, but then modify their commuting patterns to better meet work, time and comfort requirements.

"We are closely watching and keen to give our customers the best information to help them choose the right service for them, and to smooth out train loading.

"For example, some customers on the 5:22pm service may find a service immediately prior or after will be more suitable; feedback from customers on the following 5:34pm train was there were available seats for customers leaving the CBD.

"At other CBD stations we have observed trains with crowding issues, followed by trains following minutes later with free seating capacity.

"A change of just a few minutes either side of your current journey may deliver a much more comfortable service for you.

"Our special operations room will continue to monitor the performance of our new timetable and we are grateful for the regular and constructive feedback from our customers through Translink's call centre on 13 12 30 and social media.

"Monday's timetable improvements, which have by and large been well accepted by commuters, provide an extra 150,000 seats a week on trains across the TransLink network."

Follow @QueenslandRail on Twitter, or visit www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-timetables-how-did-they-go.html

[Arnz]

Some people might rage here, but this comment from the QR Facebook spokesperson explains the rationale for excluding Toowong from the Express pattern.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=216231821743336&comments

The issue of changing trains is a new one (when travelling on the same line).
We appreciate some customers do not want any change trains, particularly not on the same line, however it allows a substantial increase in capacity.
Similarly, the decision to exclude Toowoong from express services followed extensive consideration and consultation. It was not taken lightly and was only done following a review and enhancements of bus links to UQ. Requiring a peak hour express train to stop at Toowong would reduce the number of total trains we could provide on that line (more than 800 customers carried).

[ozbob]

Thanks Arnz.  I have been getting the message out as well, particularly to journalists.  Some folks are very refractory though ...

[ozbob]

Feedback received, thanks ..

Just wanted you to know that, since these new timetables and the so-called extra seats,
they have taken away the 8.31 am train, leaving Wilston, going to the city, Ferny Grove line. 
Instead, they are sending a small, 3 carriage train which is so crowded it's impossible to board. 
This is a strategically important, peak-time train that they have compromised and I now have trouble making it to work by 9am.
I think this is unacceptable considering the fares we pay.

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Mixed response to train timetable

Mixed response to train timetable

Zane Jackson | 8th June 2011

NEW train timetables that started this week have left some Ipswich commuters frustrated, with changes to service times and station stops in Brisbane.

The timetable shake up – the biggest overhaul of services in 15 years – has been lauded for adding 150,000 seats a week to the public transport network.

But while some commuters are enjoying the new express peak hour services, some Ipswich train users say the changes have left them worse off.

Ipswich resident Kira Gray, 19, works in Toowong and on the previous timetable the morning train stopped at the station.

Ms Gray said she now has to change trains at Indooroopilly to get to Toowong.

"It's a pain. I don't think it is faster," she said.

"I will get used to it because I have to."

One Mile student Daniel Garner, 21, said the changes had affected his travel back to Ipswich.

"In the afternoon it leaves earlier, and it's a bit harder to get to the station earlier," he said.

"It was better the way it was."

Robert Dow, from commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track, said it would take some commuters time to adapt to the revisions.

He said there had been positive feedback about reduced congestion on the Ipswich line trains but said the lack of a stop at Toowong had been contentious for some users.

"There are always winners and losers with timetable changes, they can't please everyone all the time," Mr Dow said.

"Anyone who has an issue should give their feedback to TransLink. They have said they will listen."

Mr Dow said while people where used to not regularly changing train services while on the one trip, it did lead to more frequent and less crowded services.

He said one of the issues with the new timetables was that a lot of people did not get involved in the consultation phase.

He said traditional working hours should be taken into account when changing timetables, especially for limited services and counter-peak trains.

TransLink did not respond to questions about the number of complaints raised by commuters but said they expected a settling-in period as passengers adjust their travelling patterns.

"The timetable changes were introduced following a community consultation period that received more than 2000 pieces of feedback," a spokesman said in a statement.

"Travel patterns were also examined to ensure the changes suited the majority of passengers."

The spokesman said extra bus connections have been added to Indooroopilly train station to take students to the University of Queensland's St Lucia campus.

LNP Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the train timetable change had been given a big thumbs down by many commuters.

But Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk hit back at the claims.

"Monday's timetable improvements, which have by and large been well accepted by commuters, provide an extra 150,000 seats a week on trains across the public transport network," she said.

New timetable

Timetable changes came into effect on Monday June 6

More information on the new train timetables can be found online at www.translink.com.au or by calling 13 12 30

[ozbob]

A refreshing and informed editorial in the Queensland Times ...

From the Queensland Times 8th June 2011 page 8

It's churlish to knock extra peak services

[ozbob]

Feedback received, thanks ..

Just wanted you to know that, since these new timetables and the so-called extra seats,
they have taken away the 8.31 am train, leaving Wilston, going to the city, Ferny Grove line.  
Instead, they are sending a small, 3 carriage train which is so crowded it's impossible to board.  
This is a strategically important, peak-time train that they have compromised and I now have trouble making it to work by 9am.
I think this is unacceptable considering the fares we pay.

I contacted QR and they will monitor this service closely.  The loading figures for the last 4 quarters indicate max pax of around 350 on this service.  It may have changed with the cooler weather, but good that it will be monitored.

[#Metro]

It's churlish to knock extra peak services

That's right people, its called "interchange".

[justanotheruser]

It's churlish to knock extra peak services

That's right people, its called "interchange".

it is a universal truth that people don't like change. With not having to interchange on the same train line before it is different and people affected will complain. Given time they may see things differently.

[BrizCommuter]

Feedback received, thanks ..

Just wanted you to know that, since these new timetables and the so-called extra seats,
they have taken away the 8.31 am train, leaving Wilston, going to the city, Ferny Grove line.  
Instead, they are sending a small, 3 carriage train which is so crowded it's impossible to board.  
This is a strategically important, peak-time train that they have compromised and I now have trouble making it to work by 9am.
I think this is unacceptable considering the fares we pay.

BrizCommuter wonders if QR count this service on a Friday? Whilst this isn't the busiest of services (most FG Line commuters travel earlier), it can quite often get 400-450 pax, which would make a 3 car unit overcrowded.
I contacted QR and they will monitor this service closely.  The loading figures for the last 4 quarters indicate max pax of around 350 on this service.  It may have changed with the cooler weather, but good that it will be monitored.

[wbj]

'"At other CBD stations we have observed trains with crowding issues, followed by trains following minutes later with free seating capacity.

"A change of just a few minutes either side of your current journey may deliver a much more comfortable service for you.'

What a ridiculous statement.  The trains following a few minutes later are a completely different stopping pattern eg. one will be an express which stops all stations Petrie to Caboolture and the next train a few minutes later will be an all stations terminating at Petrie.  The services aren't interchangeable if you are after a destination past Northgate.

The bozos decided to make 12 minute separations for Caboolture express trains in the PM peak.  And the problem with the 5.21 pm Caboolture/Nambour express is that it replaces the previous Nambour express train and the Caboolture express which ran at 5.25 pm.  No wonder this new service was sardineland on Monday PM.  Today was not as crowded but it was still standing room only as it left Roma Street but picked up fewer commuters at Central.

[justanotheruser]

I'm looking forward to my first train trip since the new timetables to see how it goes. The bus so far has been good but hard to tell about reliability due to roadworks. Although today one bus turned down the wrong street and had to reverse back 150m onto a reasonably busy road as the road he took was closed at one end.

[ozbob]

Twitter

QueenslandRail

We're closely monitoring the timetable implementation, including the loading on services. Here's the control centre live http://ow.ly/i/cEh6
9 hours ago

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

This control centre is not 'train control at Mayne' but a special centre to coordinate the introduction of the new timetables.  Demonstrates the real committment to getting it right by Queensland Rail.  Well done!