Dead running

[somebody]

It has been posted over on ATDB that BT have 28% dead running (down from 29%).  I think this is something of a disgrace, although I wonder what QR's figure is.  Bus industry standard is 16-18%.

Here's a link if anyone is interested: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/2010%20Library/2009%20PDF%20and%20Docs/1.About%20Council/1.10%20News%20and%20publications/news_and_publications_a_t_kearney_report.pdf

Reasons could include:
- addled depot/run pairings
- refusal to implement counter peak northern busway route
- more

[somebody]

Here's a comparison: http://www.statetransit.info/global_files/performance_information_09_10.pdf

Sydney Buses were getting just under 20% dead running.  Probably increased a little with some weird Metrobus routes.

[ozbob]

Would the radial nature of much bus running contribute to poor dead running.  I seem to see a lot of not in service buses heading counter peak ..

[somebody]

Would the radial nature of much bus running contribute to poor dead running.  I seem to see a lot of not in service buses heading counter peak ..

Not really, but the rocket services sure do.  Also Nightlink, but that is small beer.

[SurfRail]

Wouldn't be so much of an issue if more of those rocket resources were invested into full-service routes to make the system less peaky.

The Sherwood and Eagle Farm depots also have the potential to bring down the dead running figure, being somewhat closer to the city than other depots like Willawong.

[somebody]

Wouldn't be so much of an issue if more of those rocket resources were invested into full-service routes to make the system less peaky.

The Sherwood and Eagle Farm depots also have the potential to bring down the dead running figure, being somewhat closer to the city than other depots like Willawong.

Sydney also has a pretty peaky system and isn't as bad.

Sherwood depot will help with some runs like 105/104/428/196 but it is hard to see how it won't make a lot of other runs worse than present.  It is similar with Eagle Farm which would help for the Toombul routes, but Virginia isn't really that far away.  It will free up Carina from needing to do them though.

[SurfRail]

Sydney also has a pretty peaky system and isn't as bad.

That can probably be attributed to more virtually inner city depots (eg Leichhardt, Waverley) moreso than any other industrial practices.

[somebody]

Sydney also has a pretty peaky system and isn't as bad.

That can probably be attributed to more virtually inner city depots (eg Leichhardt, Waverley) moreso than any other industrial practices.

That's a fair point, although I don't think it completely explains it.  Tempe depot doesn't do particularly well in Sydney.

I think it was an odd decision to close the Bracken Ridge depot for example.  How many runs is Virginia closer to?  Mostly Chermside terminators and Toombul routes.

[Andrew]

BT are their own worst enemy when it comes to blank running.  I work at Willawong and I can tell you some of the runprints I see are just laughable.  It's my personal opinion that BT isn't really keen on reducing blank running if Translink is willing to pay for it.  A classic example of inefficiency would be one that's slated down for the runprints starting next week.  Here is the second half of a shift:

After a meal at Garden City depot, run empty to Adelaide St, 195 outbound to Merthyr, 196 Merthyr - Fairfield Gardens, run empty back to Merthyr, 196 Merthyr - Fairfield Gardens, 196 Fairfield Gardens - Merthyr, empty back to depot.

It's stupid crap like that which causes BT to score so highly on blank running percentage.  I'm sure if BT were forced to, they could at least get their blank running down to the low 20% range.  I think there are other options such as Willawong could park buses at Bowen Hills or Toowong during the day and shuttle the drivers back to Willawong with others picking them up in the arvo to go do rockets.  The RTBU would be more than happy to explore options such as these and expressed as much during the last EBA negotiations.

[somebody]

Are you sure that Translink pay?  It could just as easily be the ratepayers.

What I wonder is if the operator with a depot at Alderley could take over some of the NW runs (modified 350/351, 352/357/359, 39x, 36x)

[SurfRail]

Are you sure that Translink pay?  It could just as easily be the ratepayers.

What I wonder is if the operator with a depot at Alderley could take over some of the NW runs (modified 350/351, 352/357/359, 39x, 36x)

In the old days, Brisbane Bus Lines did have more route service responsibilities - they operated what are now the 397 and 398 for one.

[somebody]

Think some more about this, I can think of at least one Sydney counter peak only route - the 305.  This carries quite a number of pax - I've been denied boarding due to it being too full.

There are also numerous feeders into Bondi Junction.  Given that Bondi Junction is really a TOD, the train services in both directions get a reasonable seated load.  Chatswood is similar, but Parramatta is largely served by other operators.  Feeders reduce the distance covered by the "rockets".

[somebody]

Is this a suitable topic for a media release?

[ozbob]

Is this a suitable topic for a media release?

Could well be, with some solutions ...

[SurfRail]

The important thing is that this is what our increased fares are paying for - not new services, but new buses wandering around the city without passengers.

There should be a commitment from all operators to maximise efficiencies in their services so these (frankly appalling) statistics and the need to jack up fares annually by 15% can be can be overcome.

[somebody]

I think it has to be said: If the depots aren't in appropriate locations, then who's fault is that?  Yes, partly the bitter opposition to depots even in industrial areas such as Sherwood, but it is really the role of the operator to get a depot in the appropriate place, and the role of council to have zoning/town planning which allows for such things.

EDIT: and the closure of Larapinta depot will certainly make things even worse.

[Fares_Fair]

The important thing is that this is what our increased fares are paying for - not new services, but new buses wandering around the city without passengers.

There should be a commitment from all operators to maximise efficiencies in their services so these (frankly appalling) statistics and the need to jack up fares annually by 15% can be can be overcome.

Hello Surfrail,

The fares are jacking up 15% to reduce the government's subsidisation of public transport from current 75% down to 70% by January 2014.
Essentially, we will pay more and the government will pay less.
The former Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan stated on 15 October 2009;
"the fare strategy also aimed to return the State Government's per-trip subsidy from 75 per cent back to 70 per cent
within five years. To help reach that goal fares will increase 15% a year from 2011 to 2014 – or around 40 cents to 60 cents a year for a typical
two-zone ticket." Unquote.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[SurfRail]

The important thing is that this is what our increased fares are paying for - not new services, but new buses wandering around the city without passengers.

There should be a commitment from all operators to maximise efficiencies in their services so these (frankly appalling) statistics and the need to jack up fares annually by 15% can be can be overcome.

Hello Surfrail,

The fares are jacking up 15% to reduce the government's subsidisation of public transport from current 75% down to 70% by January 2014.
Essentially, we will pay more and the government will pay less.
The former Transport Minister, Rachel Nolan stated on 15 October 2009;
"the fare strategy also aimed to return the State Government's per-trip subsidy from 75 per cent back to 70 per cent
within five years. To help reach that goal fares will increase 15% a year from 2011 to 2014 – or around 40 cents to 60 cents a year for a typical
two-zone ticket." Unquote.

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

That subsidy of 75% needs to be reduced by them paying for less dead running and more in-service kilometres and by pursuing other efficiencies (like maximising patronage in the off-peak with better frequencies...) – not by having a crack at our pockets as a matter of first resort.  Plent of obvious ways to save money, yet not many are seriously being pursued.

[#Metro]

UP off peak frequency on trains- carrying high patronage off peak closes gets the cash in for less cost]
Use vehicles more efficiently- if you have heaps of routes overlapping, make one core frequent, expand the vehicle size and then turn the rest into feeders. This squeezes air of of the system.
Cut dead wood & steam iron Routes like 105 Yeronga Loop, 198 Loop of utter waste etcetera should have steam iron full blast

I don't mind paying for public transport, but I will NOT pay high prices for rotten apples!

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Brisbane buses running empty

Brisbane buses running empty
Marissa Calligeros
June 8, 2011 - 12:58PM

The proportion of dead running bus services in Brisbane is significantly more than that in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

More than a quarter of Brisbane's buses are running empty, a review of the public transport network's sustainability has revealed.

The Securing 2026 review by management consultancy AT Kearney on behalf of Brisbane City Council shows 28 per cent of bus services are "dead running", where passengers are unable to board.

The majority of dead running services are understood to be express or BUZ services returning empty to stations at the beginning of a route or to depots.

The proportion of dead running services in Brisbane is significantly more than that in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, where between 12 and 22 per cent of buses run empty.

In comparison, under 20 per cent of Sydney buses are dead running on a weekdays during school terms.

Commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the council and state government could save between $15 and $17 million if dead running was reduced to 20 per cent.

"Current operating costs are approximately 11 per cent more than what would be the case if dead running was reduced to 20 per cent," he said

"Residents of southeast Queensland are paying for dead running through their taxes, fares and council rates.

"Rather than the soft option of relentless fare increases, it is time that operators improved their efficiency.

"If the dead running could be brought to standards that operators in other states are able to achieve then the need for government subsidy would be reduced and so would the burden on the punter as a result."

Comment has been sought from Translink.

Mr Dow said wasted running time could be reduced on pre-paid express services 331, 332 and 341 returning to the CBD on the inner-northern busway if buses stopped at stations between the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Roma Street.

"[We] can not see why this has not been done already," he said.

Mr Dow said increasing demand for the 66 and 88 services from Garden City Shopping Centre was also leading to dead running on these routes.

"It's time bus operators got smart about these express services," he said.

"If these issues were resolved it would be more effective at reducing the council and government subsidies than several years of the 15 per cent year on year fare hikes."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-running-empty-20110608-1fs25.html#ixzz1OeMoXtAX

[ozbob]

Media release 8 June 2011

SEQ: Dead running is dead money

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 on TransLink and Brisbane Transport to reduce bus dead running.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"A report has come to our attention that Brisbane Transport runs 28% of its services as dead running services, or trips without passengers being able to board (1).  We compared this to operators in SA and Vic and two operators in WA, and found that these operators had dead running percentages from 12% to 22%.  Further, Sydney Buses achieve just under 20% dead running on a school term weekday (2), obviously this would be lower if the overall figure was quoted.  Further, the more important metric of dead running would be time rather than distance and the report shows Brisbane Transport perform even worse on this metric."

"RAIL Back On Track applauds the public release of the report without anyone needing to make an RTI request."

"RAIL Back On Track has previously suggested that the returning buses particularly the returning P331/P332/P341 buses be put into service between RBWH and Roma St bus stations (3,4,5).  This would at a stroke resolve peak time overcrowding issues and ease pressure on the 66 run, which also has a lot of dead running from Garden City to Woolloongabba at least.  RAIL Back On Track cannot see why this has not been done. Garden City depot is straining and the requirement to run so many 66 buses as well as the P88 buses is only making the dead running worse. Larapinta depot's imminent closure will not help things either."

"If these issues were resolved it would be more effective at reducing the subsidy than several years of the 15% year on year compound fare hikes, at least for Brisbane Transport's part of it.  Current costs are approximately 11% more than what would be the case if dead running was even 20%.  If the dead running could be brought to standards that operators in other states are able to achieve that would be better than meeting the government's goal of reducing the subsidy to 70% as the actual amount of the subsidy would be lower.  This does assume that similar efficiencies can be found in other operators, of course."

"Patronage growth has been stunted largely by the fare hikes, and it is likely that as the fare hikes continue patronage could decline.  While more revenue has been taken in with the fare hikes, the subsidy has still been growing at a high rate while the service-kms are little changed (6).

"Residents of South East Queensland are paying for dead running through their taxes, fares and/or council rates. Rather than the soft option of relentless fare increases it is time that operators improved their efficiency. Fair fare deal?"

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

References:

1. http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/2010%20Library/2009%20PDF%20and%20Docs/1.About%20Council/1.10%20News%20and%20publications/news_and_publications_a_t_kearney_report.pdf  pages 55-58.

2. http://www.statetransit.info/global_files/performance_information_09_10.pdf  page 4

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4521.0

4. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5144.0

5. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5510.0

6. http://translink.com.au/resources/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/2010-11-quarterly-report-oct-to-dec.pdf

[ozbob]

Updated article:

From Brisbanetimes click here!

Brisbane buses running empty

Brisbane buses running empty
Marissa Calligeros
June 8, 2011 - 2:31PM

Buses, cars and pedestrians jostle for position on Adelaide Street in Brisbane's CBD.

The proportion of dead running bus services in Brisbane is significantly more than that in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Photo: Tony Moore

More than a quarter of Brisbane's buses are running empty, a review of the public transport network's sustainability has revealed.

The Securing 2026 review by management consultancy AT Kearney on behalf of Brisbane City Council shows 28 per cent of bus services are "dead running", where passengers are unable to board.

The majority of dead running services are understood to be express or BUZ services returning empty to stations at the beginning of a route or to depots.

The proportion of dead running services in Brisbane is significantly more than that in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, where between 12 and 22 per cent of buses run empty.

In comparison, under 20 per cent of Sydney buses are dead running on a weekdays during school terms.

Commuter lobby group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the council and state government could save between $15 and $17 million if dead running was reduced to 20 per cent.

"Current operating costs are approximately 11 per cent more than what would be the case if dead running was reduced to 20 per cent," he said

"Residents of southeast Queensland are paying for dead running through their taxes, fares and council rates.

"Rather than the soft option of relentless fare increases, it is time that operators improved their efficiency.

"If the dead running could be brought to standards that operators in other states are able to achieve then the need for government subsidy would be reduced and so would the burden on the punter as a result."

A Translink spokesman said reducing dead-running across the network remained "a high-priority" for the public transport operator and that Monday's timetable changes had reduced the practice by 600,000 kilometres a year.

"We reduced a large amount of dead-running by introducing more high-frequency routes, including the 412 (St Lucia and UQ to the city via Toowong), the 196 (New Farm to the CBD and Fairfield Gardens) and the 120 (Garden City to the CBD)," he said in a written statement.

"These routes consistently operate in and out of the CBD at high-frequency and encourage 'turn up and go' passenger behaviour."

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the council was building new bus depots at Sherwood and Eagle Farm to reduce the need for buses to make long journeys with no passengers.

"We are currently building two brand new bus depots within 10 kilometres of the city so that we can reduce the number of buses needing to travel all the way out to the city limits to refuel and park for the night," he said.

Mr Dow said wasted running time could be reduced on pre-paid express services 331, 332 and 341 returning to the CBD on the inner-northern busway if buses stopped at stations between the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Roma Street.

"[We] can not see why this has not been done already," he said.

Mr Dow said increasing demand for the 66 and 88 services from Garden City Shopping Centre was also leading to dead running on these routes.

"It's time bus operators got smart about these express services," he said.

"If these issues were resolved it would be more effective at reducing the council and government subsidies than several years of the 15 per cent year on year fare hikes."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-buses-running-empty-20110608-1fs25.html#ixzz1OepKFu1F

[ozbob]

Some interesting blog comments at Brisbanetimes ...

[somebody]

Some interesting blog comments at Brisbanetimes ...

Indeed.  It's not the worst response from Translink.  My calcs are that if dead running is reduced by 600 000kms then on 2009 service distance it has reduced it to a 21.x%.  Service distance would have increased in that time so those calcs would be invalidated.

The response did imply a lot of resistance to our main suggestion though.  Perhaps I'm being pessimistic there.

[ozbob]

"We reduced a large amount of dead-running by introducing more high-frequency routes, including the 412 (St Lucia and UQ to the city via Toowong), the 196 (New Farm to the CBD and Fairfield Gardens) and the 120 (Garden City to the CBD)," he said in a written statement.

How would that reduce 'dead running' Simon?  To me it does nothing for the basic issue, just more route km, which artificially reduces dead running as a relative %.  More spin?

[O_128]

"We reduced a large amount of dead-running by introducing more high-frequency routes, including the 412 (St Lucia and UQ to the city via Toowong), the 196 (New Farm to the CBD and Fairfield Gardens) and the 120 (Garden City to the CBD)," he said in a written statement.

How would that reduce 'dead running' Simon?  To me it does nothing for the basic issue, just more route km, which artificially reduces dead running as a relative %.  More spin?

Thats a complete non-answer, I always see dead 412s running to and from UQ

[somebody]

"We reduced a large amount of dead-running by introducing more high-frequency routes, including the 412 (St Lucia and UQ to the city via Toowong), the 196 (New Farm to the CBD and Fairfield Gardens) and the 120 (Garden City to the CBD)," he said in a written statement.

How would that reduce 'dead running' Simon?  To me it does nothing for the basic issue, just more route km, which artificially reduces dead running as a relative %.  More spin?

With the 412, it actually runs more often counter peak than in the peak direction.  Every 5 minutes towards UQ in the AM peak, every 10 minutes to the city, and vice versa in the PM.  I'd have expected that this is done with empties (i.e. mediocrity), but you never know.

It does show the anti rail bias though.  It would be far better to increase train frequency to Toowong and have more shuttles of course.  Especially with the amount of dead running in the rail system.

With the 120, I think that was already running every 10 minutes in the peak direction.  Perhaps adding some extra counter peak trips have helped.

With the 196: Possibly the same.  Not so sure about that one.

I really struggle to believe that they have gotten a 600 000km p.a. reduction in dead running from these initiatives though.

[Jonno]

If we run buses up and down a series of lines all day and with well located depots does this not reduce dead running to much lower levels.  Same for trains...just keep them running back and forth on a regular cycle?

[somebody]

I wonder if we should follow up regarding the 600 000km reduction?  What is the forecast dead running % for 2011/2012?

[ozbob]

I wonder if we should follow up regarding the 600 000km reduction?  What is the forecast dead running % for 2011/2012?

Plan to follow it up with TL when time permits ..

[somebody]

I also think cutting the 119 back to QEII would have been a net reduction, although small.

[dwb]

Interestingly in the centre of Rio is this massive multilevel carpark. Its top levels serve commercial buildings for private cars and its bottom level/s serve two different bus companies. Apart from access into and out of the park for buses, this seems to drastically reduce deadrunning - enough so that it is actually financially viable here!

[somebody]

Interestingly in the centre of Rio is this massive multilevel carpark. Its top levels serve commercial buildings for private cars and its bottom level/s serve two different bus companies. Apart from access into and out of the park for buses, this seems to drastically reduce deadrunning - enough so that it is actually financially viable here!

Bowen Hills depot isn't far from the CBD either.  The problem is getting the driver (the main cost) back to the depot that they started their shift at.

[dwb]

Interestingly in the centre of Rio is this massive multilevel carpark. Its top levels serve commercial buildings for private cars and its bottom level/s serve two different bus companies. Apart from access into and out of the park for buses, this seems to drastically reduce deadrunning - enough so that it is actually financially viable here!

Bowen Hills depot isn't far from the CBD either.  The problem is getting the driver (the main cost) back to the depot that they started their shift at.

I don't mean near, I mean in... like right in, see here: http://goo.gl/maps/HOMG

Re drivers, surely there must be a smarter way of getting drivers from home to the depot and back?

[SurfRail]

I'm curious about how the Willawong runprints work for the 196.  I would have thought perhaps W could cover some more western suburbs work and free up Toowong to cover more of the routes close to the city.

[somebody]

I'm curious about how the Willawong runprints work for the 196.  I would have thought perhaps W could cover some more western suburbs work and free up Toowong to cover more of the routes close to the city.

They cover most of the 460s from my observations.  453/454/450 seem to be largely covered by Richlands still.

Re drivers, surely there must be a smarter way of getting drivers from home to the depot and back?

I'd be keen on them operating some Bowen Hills routes and then dribble back in service.  Although there isn't much point in that idea for Toowong depot routes, with Toowong depot still quite close to the CBD.  It definitely makes sense for Larapinta (ignoring the fact it is closing).

[somebody]

Saw W1477 arrive at Indooroopilly A showing City - P157 at around 9am.  Obviously it had run dead from the city.  I didn't see where it was going to go to, but I would guess a 468.

My calcs are that if dead running is reduced by 600 000kms then on 2009 service distance it has reduced it to a 21.x%.  Service distance would have increased in that time so those calcs would be invalidated.

I can't reproduce these calcs.  My calcs now are that the difference was a reduction from about 28% dead running to 27.55% dead running.  Nothing to crow about.