23 May 2011: SEQ: New Farm bus changes leave some issues unresolved

[ozbob]

Media release 23 May 2011

SEQ: New Farm bus changes leave some issues unresolved

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 applauds the raising of the 196 bus to BUZ standard, but it does leave a few issues unresolved.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The first issue is that the Fairfield Gardens terminus may have made sense in the days before the Eleanor Schonell Bridge was built, but it makes little sense now.  RAIL Back on Track is very supportive of terminating the 196 at UQ Lakes (1).  As for the Fairfield Rd service, that can be provided by 104, 105, 107 and 108 replacements services as previously suggested by RAIL Back on Track (2), with a bus connecting to every train from Ipswich at Graceville as well as Indooroopilly Shoppingtown, however, if the Fairfield Rd routes aren't going to use Annerley Rd but use the Eastern Busway instead (3,4), then a single route via King Arthur Tce is perfectly achievable with few other modifications, rather than the two routes previously proposed by RAIL Back on Track.  It is assumed that a route similar to the 107 would then cover Yeronga West rather than the current loop on the 105 which isn't good for anyone."

"There are issues with space in UQ Lakes bus station due to a planned upgrade being delayed (5).  RAIL Back On Track members question the need for the 192 to continue there if the 196 is to be routed there, so the 196 could take over this stop.  The 192 could be truncated on Gladstone Rd.  This especially applies once the ferry wharf is returned to service, which should occur before classes recommence (6).  The 196 upgrade is planned for after UQ classes end for the semester (7)."

"One other point is that buses need to be allowed to turn right out of Gladstone Rd at Annerley Rd, rather than the round the block manoeuvre which applies now for the current 192."

"The final issue is that no increase in the via Ivory St routings appears to be planned for the 19x series of services.  RAIL Back On Track members are concerned about this as the current system has many confused passengers.  One suggestion is that all peak 199s use Ivory St and a different route follows the 199's route through New Farm but then goes to Royal Brisbane Hospital via Fortitude Valley (8,9).  At a minimum, if the via Valley full time route for the 199 is to be retained, a different number for the peak via Ivory St services could be used, and adding frequencies in peak is also much needed.  It is far more cost effective and a nicer experience for passengers to go via Ivory St rather than enduring the traffic congestion in Fortitude Valley."

"The upgrades are very much welcomed, but it is hoped that Translink do not stop there."

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5910.0

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5808.0

3. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1305777539

4. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1305516415

5. http://westside-news.whereilive.com.au/news/story/storm-over-bus-shelter/

6. http://www.westender.com.au/news/1062

7. http://www.uq.edu.au/events/calendar_view.php?category_id=16

8. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5828.0

9. http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/04/new-farm-bus-changes.html

[ozbob]

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