TransLink Network Plan 2011?

[SurfRail]

Does anybody have any clue as to when TransLink is going to release a cogent plan of service upgrades for the 2011/2012 financial year?  I keep hearing that the next 4-year plan is due out soon, but nobody can tell me its current status.

I think this is something that should be raised at the next PTAG meeting as a pointed, specific question - happy to do so myself if the RBoT agenda is otherwise full.

I'm sure they aren't actually doddering around in a policy and planning vacuum, but I have no documentary evidence to the contrary.  The 2010 "plan" was only a glossy brochure as it was...

[Stillwater]

Unfortunately, the state government can't distinguish between a glossy brochure and a plan / strategy.  The detail is in the plan and the brochure is an outline, or explanation.  Often when you go past the brochure to seek the detail, it is disappointing to be told that the brochure text is 'the plan' for the time being, while the strategy is reviewed.

Or we are told the brochure merely outlines to process to a plan to be finaised several years hence.

People should be wary of these so-called plans coming out at this time.

What it could mean is that government is instructing its agencies to use taxpayer funds (not politicial party funds) to produce glossy brochures about things to happen over the next 3 /4 years (coinsiding with the election cycle).  That way, public sector agencies get roped into the government relection machine and taxpayer funds get hyjacked for the purpose.

In such circumstances, re-election is the REAL plan, the glossy brochure just a means to that end.

I suggest, SurfRail, that the delay in the plan is a delay due to the fact that the government would want to release such a 'glossy brochure plan' at the ideal time in the run-up to the election.

[#Metro]

I too was a bit put off by the level of detail in the brochure, but much of the 'plan' really is just already in SEQ 2031 really.
How much paper do we need to churn out, really?

Core Frequent Network really is the plan.
Better frequency on buses, ferries and the elephant in the room- TRAINS.

PS: They still need to fix up the Great Circle line as per the last plan.

[colinw]

It can only be called a PLAN if you have both the INTENTION and MEANS to implement what is planned.

Otherwise it should be characterised as SPIN or a PIPE DREAM.

I see nothing to convince me that there is or was any genuine intention to implement much of what has been touted in the various "plans" over the years, or that we could afford to do so even if the Government wanted to.  I think Stillwater nailed it - re-election was the only genuine plan.

What really drives home to me how negative & cynical most people are about Government & TransLink "plans" is this: any time I start talking about public transport improvements or projects (as I am prone to doing), the vast majority of people I know just switch off and cut me off with put-downs like "yeah, right, as if that'll happen".  And that includes simple things like quarter hourly trains.  For example, in my immediate circle of family & friends I do not know one person who ever believed CRR would go ahead.  It was simply dismissed as complete B.S. that would be promised then yanked away again once the Government achieved re-election.

[BrizCommuter]

Expecting the 2011/12 network plan only a few days into the financial year? Come on, they still haven't released the tracker for Q3 2010/11 yet!

[dwb]

Does anybody have any clue as to when TransLink is going to release a cogent plan of service upgrades for the 2011/2012 financial year?  I keep hearing that the next 4-year plan is due out soon, but nobody can tell me its current status.

I think this is something that should be raised at the next PTAG meeting as a pointed, specific question - happy to do so myself if the RBoT agenda is otherwise full.

I'm sure they aren't actually doddering around in a policy and planning vacuum, but I have no documentary evidence to the contrary.  The 2010 "plan" was only a glossy brochure as it was...

Maybe it wouldn't be just a glossy brochure if BCC came to the table.

Actually I don't see why TL don't  just publish without their consent and push them into a corner. Big govt is always going to be less nimble on its feet so might as well just go and use its size to achieve the outcome.

TL can then give BCC 2 goes to tender for new routes/ route amendments and if they don't, then let Veolia... and redirect some of those buses Volgren is churning out for TL to Veolia to provide those services, and they can even be painted green.

I won't hold my breath though, someone seems to think consensus will actually be achieved at some stage. Likely! Not.

[SurfRail]

http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=60680

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Wednesday, October 08, 2008

New TransLink Transit Authority CEO to lead 10 year vision

A senior executive with a track record of achievement in transport and operational roles in the UK and Australia has been appointed as the TransLink Transit Authority's new CEO.

Minister for Transport John Mickel today announced the appointment of Peter Strachan while outlining a the 10 year TransLink Network Plan which will now go to local councils for consultation.

Mr Mickel said the new CEO had been selected following a national and international search for a world class executive to lead the new Authority.

"I congratulate Mr Strachan on his appointment, which is a major coup for Queensland and boosts our government's push to improve public transport services across the region," he said.

"He has an enviable resume and reputation and will bring almost 30 years of experience in the transport industry to his new role."

Mr Mickel said the appointment came after a busy first quarter for the new authority, which had included a strategic review of the network and the drafting of the new TransLink Network Plan.

"I launched the new TransLink Transit Authority in July and tasked them with progressing our vision for public transport and providing a blueprint for getting us there," he said.

"I'm excited to see the new TransLink Network Plan taking shape because we know that providing a high frequency mass transit system is vital to addressing congestion through reduced car use."

Mr Mickel said the plan sought to align urban and transport planning at all levels of government and would now be sent to local council for feedback.
It includes:
• A 10-year vision for public transport across south-east Queensland.
• A rolling 4-year program of planned service additions and adjustments.
• Creating more than 100 high-frequency routes, each guaranteeing bus and train services every 15 minutes.

"We've seen a staggering 40% patronage growth across the public transport network in the past four years and it's been a massive task to keep pace with that demand," Mr Mickel said.

"Keeping pace with that growth has been the priority in the short term but building a network of high frequency services is vital in attracting even bigger numbers to public transport in the future.

"We believe Mr Strachan's experience and track record made him the right person to take the plan and make it a reality in South East Queensland."

Mr Mickel said TransLink's new CEO joined British rail operator Network Rail in 2005 as the Route Director of London's North Western region.

"In this role he is currently responsible for overseeing the West Coast Main Line – the busiest mixed traffic railway in Europe – from London to the Scottish border as well the urban areas of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool," Mr Mickel said.

"In 2006 Mr Strachan was appointed as a non-executive director on the Board of Transport Initiatives Edinburgh - the company responsible for developing and building the Scottish capital's new light rail system.

"He is also a director of the Institution of Railway Operators and Trustee of the Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust.

"He became the international public transport company's Chief Executive of the Australian Rail Division, running trains and trams in Melbourne before adding bus companies in Melbourne and Perth to the portfolio."

Mr Strachan said he was keen to return to Australia and live in "a vibrant city like Brisbane".

"I'm relishing the challenge of heading up the TransLink Transit Authority and delivering an effective public transport system for Brisbane and South East Queensland," Mr Strachan said.

"The State has made a huge investment in transport – now it's about really joining up the network and giving passengers the world-class system they deserve."

[Mr X]

100 BUZ routes? 

[#Metro]

Over promise, under deliver.

100 BUZ routes, you have got go to be dreaming- that would take about 20 years at least to do!
Fix up trains! Most people in Brisbane live near a train station! And if they don't put a bus on to it.

[Mr X]

Is that what I thought I saw? Train services every 15 minutes?  Living the big life here aren't we, TL? 15min trains should be a base frequency not a "omg our trainz are so frequentz best PT in the world" over-hyped BS level.

[O_128]

Is that what I thought I saw? Train services every 15 minutes?  Living the big life here aren't we, TL? 15min trains should be a base frequency not a "omg our trainz are so frequentz best PT in the world" over-hyped BS level.

lets not forget that during this period we had what could have been the worst transport minister the state has ever seen. Chances are that Mr Strachan came with all these new ideas which the minister then dismissed, He most likely just gave up.

[Mr X]

John Mickel or Rachel Nolan? Neither seemed to do anything..

[Stillwater]

What's with this 'world-class transport system' that the government keeps telling us we have in SE Queensland?  It must be the case that if the government keeps repeating it, it must be true!  Unreservedly, I accept that a Nobel prize-winning scientist is pre-eminent and 'world class', because I have faith in the system that has determined him/her to be worthy of that status.  What independent and world-respected organisation has judged Queensland's PT system against others the world over and determined that it is 'world class'?

[#Metro]

New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Toronto... Brisbane??

LOL... we think 15 minutes is "high frequency" LOL LOL

[ozbob]

I am travelling down on SMU229.  There is a lady talking to a Japanese exchange student.  She asks " Do you have express trains in Japan?  How often do they come .. "  The lad, in good English replies " Express trains, yes.  They come every 3 minutes .. "

The lady gasps.  "Here they come every 30 minutes ... "

LOLOL  True conversation, next station Darra!  The 'home' of 'high frequency' ...

[Fares_Fair]

I am travelling down on SMU229.  There is a lady talking to a Japanese exchange student.  She asks " Do you have express trains in Japan?  How often do they come .. "  The lad, in good English replies " Express trains, yes.  They come every 3 minutes .. "

The lady gasps.  "Here they come every 30 minutes ... "

LOLOL  True conversation, next station Darra!  The 'home' of 'high frequency' ...

That must be world class .. which leaves me wondering what planet we are on. 

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[dwb]

I am travelling down on SMU229.  There is a lady talking to a Japanese exchange student.  She asks " Do you have express trains in Japan?  How often do they come .. "  The lad, in good English replies " Express trains, yes.  They come every 3 minutes .. "

The lady gasps.  "Here they come every 30 minutes ... "

LOLOL  True conversation, next station Darra!  The 'home' of 'high frequency' ...

Fair go, slightly different population density.

[dwb]

100 BUZ routes? 

"100 high frequency bus and train" if you read it. And no one has actually nailed down that means BUZ hours of operation. TLNP just needs to get out the door, problem is they keep letting Council stop them.

[ozbob]

That is well understood Dwb, it was a funny moment ....  lol, particularly as I just happened to be reading TT's comments ... 

[Mr X]

100 BUZ routes? 

"100 high frequency bus and train" if you read it. And no one has actually nailed down that means BUZ hours of operation. TLNP just needs to get out the door, problem is they keep letting Council stop them.

That might mean levels of service *better* than a BUZ  will we ever see the day?  Unfortunately they use the "high frequency" line so many times people automatically think it means a BUZ 

I am sick of this "world class high frequency same seat journey" tripe that they keep going off. It just appeals to bogans who have no idea how real PT operates.

[Jonno]

I am travelling down on SMU229.  There is a lady talking to a Japanese exchange student.  She asks " Do you have express trains in Japan?  How often do they come .. "  The lad, in good English replies " Express trains, yes.  They come every 3 minutes .. "

The lady gasps.  "Here they come every 30 minutes ... "

LOLOL  True conversation, next station Darra!  The 'home' of 'high frequency' ...

People are making the trips each and every day that would require such a 3 mins service it is just 80% are by car and our planners think only a max of 15% could possibly ever be converted to public transport...and thus the urban  myth of high density continues.

Fair go, slightly different population density.

[Mr X]

The need for high density is not an urban myth. It is harder and more expensive to provide services and transport to a population when it is spread out over a wider area than when it is more compact. You have less outlay when people live closer to the things they require.

[Cam]

I am travelling down on SMU229.  There is a lady talking to a Japanese exchange student.  She asks " Do you have express trains in Japan?  How often do they come .. "  The lad, in good English replies " Express trains, yes.  They come every 3 minutes .. "

The lady gasps.  "Here they come every 30 minutes ... "

I'll finish that gasping statement "Here they come every 30 minutes and, apart from intercity services, they are not express - apart from 3 hours a day on the Caboolture & Ipswich Lines. Here there is also a minute of padding added every few stations when new timetables are introduced to improve on time running so that express services take almost as long as the previous timetabled all station services."

[Mr X]

More often than not, your train will be dirty, slow and late and you'll be in company with many fine citizens like  

[#Metro]

Hahahaha

Trains not on time? ---> add padding and change the definition of on time to include any train that arrives + / - 1 hour either side of schedule. Voila! 100% on time running!

Low frequency? ---> change the definition of high and low frequency to include any bus that is hourly or better.
Voila! 200 + high frequency bus routes

[O_128]

It amazes me how idiotic the QLD government is, World class is London, Paris, New York. Where are these High frequency routes, they sure arent where I live.

[HappyTrainGuy]

More often than not, your train will be dirty, slow and late and you'll be in company with many fine citizens like  

Ah the stories I could tell you that I've seen on trains. From midget spanking to people coat hanging themselves to having police storm the train  

[Mr X]

midget spanking?? 

[HappyTrainGuy]

Not long after the train left Morayfield two midgets came running along the carriage with one spanking the other. When they got to the cab end they paused, looked at each other and the chaser became the chased as they ran back spanking and jumping along the carriage  

[Stillwater]

Perhaps they were consultants, hired by QR to report on the width and size of seats and aisles in trains. 

[Mr X]

I still remember the time I got onto a 197 on Adelaide St that was early so the bus driver waited 2-3 mins to catch up to the timetable and some angry bogan started threatening and abusing the driver  so the driver hopped off, walked 20m into the Police Beat and the bogan followed him. 2 mins later driver returns without bogan  fail!

[ozbob]

Perhaps they were consultants, hired by QR to report on the width and size of seats and aisles in trains. 

Short stature folk do have certain issues accessing public transport --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4072.msg64209#msg64209

Nothing surprises!