Darra to Springfield Stage 1 construction Darra to Richlands

[#Metro]

Groan   

[Peter J]

I'm also concerned at the lack of train and bus timetables two weeks out from the scheduled opening... 

If going by my above post in regards to the email I received from QR, maybe the opening is going to be delayed so therefore they haven't installed the timetables yet.
If that isn't the case, I stand corrected.

[ozbob]

There have been a number of commitments made that commencement of passenger services at Richlands will be the 24th January. There is no reason to vary that, the reason that was the chosen date is it is the commencement of the school year as well.

There is no reason why the 'official opening' couldn't be on the Friday the 20th January with trains, if the track closure weekend is locked in concrete.

The lack of detailed timetable information is typical of TransLink, they have done it many many times before ..

The latest official advice I have received is that the opening will still be on the 23rd using shuttle buses, and trains commence 24th.  (Judging by the response from QR this could change, but I would be surprised as  local news 'The Lake News' - piece from the desk of the local MP  has gone out in the Inala electorate inviting all to Richlands on the 23rd - no mention of no trains though ...)

[#Metro]

Why not make it Australia Day 26th January and offer a BBQ and entertainment. Solves all problems.

[ozbob]

Why not make it Australia Day 26th January and offer a BBQ. Solves all problems.

No muffins?    Could work ...  but will require some back tracking but achievable I would think ...  services still commence on the 24th as planned, just have the opening on the Wednesday (services will be running).

[#Metro]

MUFFINS!!! 

[mufreight]

Why not make it Australia Day 26th January and offer a BBQ and entertainment. Solves all problems.

Why not make it Australia Day 26th January and offer a BBQ. Solves all problems.

No muffins?    Could work ...  but will require some back tracking but achievable I would think ...  services still commence on the 24th as planned, just have the opening on the Wednesday (services will be running).

A logical and practical solution, but with the previously demonstrated intransigence of the Premier, Transport Minister, Transport Department and Translink logic or practicalicty do not enter the equasion, however one never knows there must be at least one person amongst those listed who knows how to turn on some light.

[#Metro]

A logical and practical solution, but with the previously demonstrated intransigence of the Premier, Transport Minister, Transport Department and Translink logic or practalicty do not enter the equasion, however one never knows there must be at least one person amongst those listed who knows how to turn on some light.

Sometimes I wonder if the proverbial chook raffle could be arranged.
Chickens anyone???

[somebody]

Anything stopping the opening from being brought forward to the prior weekend?

[frereOP]

This issue was communicated to several key persons who requested the opening be on that date. Queensland Rail has made representations to the Minister's office requesting the date was to be reviewed. This review is still taking place and we hope to have a definitive answer very soon.
...m
I suspect the opening will be brought forward 1 week as making it later will give the impression of delays and will look bad publicity wise.
I could be wrong on this and stand corrected if so.

Presumably this will depend on a number of key issues including:-

• Whether there is a bronze plaque or some other "token" commemorative thingy that has already been struck with the opening date on it, and how quickly they can change that or make a new one.
• Whether the Minister is available - can't have an opening without the Minister or god forbid the Premier being there for a photo opportunity
• Whether all the required support staff (food stalls, St John's Ambulance, other support organisations etc) and their infrastructure can be reorganised so quickly and are available.
• Whether any commemorative printed matter (certificates, stickers etc) needs to be reprinted and is the budget there to do it?

So its not just a simple matter of changing the date.  These things often take months of organisation.

Call me cynical, but I do agree, for the politics, it will be moved forward and the Premier can then tout the project was delivered AHEAD of schedule as opposed to a week later where they would have to defend it's lateness.

[ozbob]

...  The lack of detailed timetable information is typical of TransLink, they have done it many many times before ...

I am sure this most deliberate, in an attempt to dissuade any serious feedback or discussion on changes and additions etc.  There is no public discussion just implementation and very short public notice.  Not the way a community focused organisation would behave IMHO.

[colinw]

Wow, such confusion & appalling lack of information about the opening of a simple single station extension.  

How the heck are they going to be able to manage something with the scale & complexity of CRR, let alone the rest of those imaginary lines on a map that consititute the 2031 "aspirational vision" (or is that "electoral carrot"?).  Anyone who believes that any of this 2031 vision stuff has a snowball's chance in hell of getting built the way things run in QLD is invited to submit an offer for the Storey Bridge to me via PM - you'll have a higher chance of that being delivered.

This is getting beyond a joke - time for some rolling heads, and outright abolition of TransLink.

The transfer I have on offer to our UK office is starting to look fairly darn attractive.  I'd get a better rail service in a small west country village than anywhere in QLD.  It is also no great surprise that my employer is focusing on growing its Melbourne & Perth offices at the expense of Brisbane - QLD is no longer an attractive place to do business like it was 5 - 10 years ago.

[ozbob]

I just tried to the TransLink journey planner to see if any rail options came up for travel Richlands to Darra rail on and after the 24th January, nothing other than 103 and 462 bus.  So that hasn't been updated with anything by the looks of things.  I do wish to travel from Darra to Richlands by rail on the 24th Jan, as previously advised but the journey planner doesn't work ... lol

[p858snake]

I just tried to the TransLink journey planner to see if any rail options came up for travel Richlands to Darra rail on and after the 24th January, nothing other than 103 and 462 bus.  So that hasn't been updated with anything by the looks of things.  I do wish to travel from Darra to Richlands by rail on the 24th Jan, as previously advised but the journey planner doesn't work ... lol

Tried ringing them yet?

[mufreight]

...  The lack of detailed timetable information is typical of TransLink, they have done it many many times before ...

I am sure this most deliberate, in an attempt to dissuade any serious feedback or discussion on changes and additions etc.  There is no public discussion just implementation and very short public notice.  Not the way a community focused organisation would behave IMHO.

I for one would have no doubt that this is a deliberate tactic by Translink and the Minister to attempt to avoid public dissent before the opening, afterwards well yes we will look at that then (two or three years time) but in the meantime be thankful that you have a train service regardless of how inconvenient it may prove to be for comuters to use it.

I must express surprise that the Translink bus centric transport, planners? are going to run trains at all, based on their previous ill concieved transport reorganisations surely their prefered option would be to use Richlands as a park and ride with bus shuttles operating to Darra station and not operate trains at all using a lack of patronage as the justification.

[mufreight]

Phone call just made to the Translink call centre at 2.12pm 9th January received the response that they have no advice that train services to and from Richlands are to commence on 24th Jan at 5.40 am, they have no timetable and will have no timetable avaliable for Richlands line services until such time as to quote the operator "the timetable is set in stone", copies of a provisional timetable have been letter box dropped in the immediate area.
Guess that says it all, but then even the local member doesnt care and her electorate office knows nothing either.

[ozbob]

copies of a provisional timetable have been letter box dropped in the immediate area.

Anyone know someone who might have a copy?

[somebody]

This is getting beyond a joke - time for some rolling heads, and outright abolition of TransLink.

There's nothing wrong with the model.  It's just the talent within it.

Why did we need the P88, that is one of the main questions I would be asking.  The answer is pure incompetence.  The other day the 160 left the CBD with 3 people on it at 6:30pm.

[#Metro]

There's nothing wrong with the model.  It's just the talent within it.

It seems to work in Perth, WA!

[Arnz]

This is getting beyond a joke - time for some rolling heads, and outright abolition of TransLink.

There's nothing wrong with the model.  It's just the talent within it.

TransLink as a concept is fine, The people running TransLink is not.

Firing the lot running TransLink (including the duplicity) would be a good start.  Followed by restructuring or merging TransLink into another department and hiring people that do have a clue.

[colinw]

I have no problem with the concept of a single transit agency, and would be supportive if we had a real one with sensible policies and fare structures like many other cities worldwide.

BUT - TransLink as it is now simply has to go.  The wrong people, the wrong approach to planning, a secretive approach, and worst of all the wrong fare structure. Things which are taken as standard practice elsewhere seem to be "too hard" here in Queensland.

Every time I travel interstate or overseas (other than, perhaps, Sydney - but at least the trains are frequent), my experience on public transport just reinforces how 3rd rate Queensland is in comparison, and how we seem to be able to consistently achieve less with more.

I consider the TransLink brand to be damaged beyond repair. Abolish the lot & start again.

[Arnz]

I have no problem with the concept of a single transit agency, and would be supportive if we had a real one with sensible policies and fare structures like many other cities worldwide.

BUT - TransLink as it is now simply has to go.  The wrong people, the wrong approach to planning, a secretive approach, and worst of all the wrong fare structure. Things which are taken as standard practice elsewhere seem to be "too hard" here in Queensland.

Don't think anyone would disagree with this.  I even noticed that the younger commuters hate TL, considering somebody started the "If translink was a person...I would punch it in the face!" page with many 'fans' on it under the "younger" demographic.

Firing the entire TransLink board and starting again would be a good start, a rebranding of TL to another name and merging the "Integrated Public Transport Body" under another Government department is another suggestion.

Some may go to the extremes and have SEQ PT running separately/un-integrated again, but that is their (backwards) choice.

[somebody]

worst of all the wrong fare structure.

I would have said that is the least important issue, if it even is an issue.  Why do you say this is the most important one?

Every time I travel interstate or overseas (other than, perhaps, Sydney - but at least the trains are frequent), my experience on public transport just reinforces how 3rd rate Queensland is in comparison, and how we seem to be able to consistently achieve less with more.

Sydney isn't too bad IMO.  It's just the fare structure which is poo.  The weekend train service is quite mediocre in a number of places, but no worse than Brisbane, and there are a number of places that it is still better than here.

[ozbob]

The go card fare structure (particularly the lack of capping), and the looming fare increases are without doubt the issue we receive most public feedback on.  Next is the poor frequency and failed bus rail connections.   Pretty stations and free muffins are perhaps the least important ..  

e.g.

I am down in Sydney having a family Christmas and New Year.  We are heading back to Rosewood on Sunday.  Have had many train rides and each time I have been able to purchase a "Day Rover" $2.50 (Pensioner Rates of course).  Today I travelled from Gosford to Sydney - an hour and a half ride part express but I could have caught an even better express 15 minutes before.  Gosford is approximately the same distance if not a bit further from Sydney as Rosewood or Laidley and all I had to pay was $2.50.  The rail line down here even though on some lines the trains are old and dingy my train from Gosford this morning was very comfortable.  All for $2.50.  Whom ever thought of the fare structure for the Brisbane Area - pay for the first two trips of the day and then thereafter the trip is free.  Really stingy compared to NSW Metropolitan Area.  We really have to lobby lobby and do some more lobbying to get a fairer fare structure for Pensioners.  All those volunteers who travel on the train each day for approx $5.80 from Rosewood to the City return, not to mention travelling for Medical Appointments.

It is funny to think about it, but most effort seems to be going into pretty stations and free muffins, the core issues are largely left to wither ...

[Arnz]

Here's the page I was referring to earlier.  and correct my mistake earlier the title is "If translink was a person...I would punch it in the face!"

It has 8000+ users, mostly of the younger demographic.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/If-translink-was-a-personI-would-punch-it-in-the-face/411169470178

[ozbob]

Anyway back on topic.   I might go and check out the station tomorrow.  I wonder how wet the car park is?

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
10/01/2011

Trains getting ready to roll from Richlands

Hundreds of new public transport customers will have access to train services when the state-of-the-art Richlands station opens for business from Monday 24January.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said a special community day will take place on Sunday 23 January to mark the opening of the new station.

The first passenger train service to run from Richlands Station will be at 5.40am on Monday morning the next day

"The community day is an opportunity for people and particularly school children on the last day of their holidays, to see the new station for the first time," Ms Nolan said.

"Similar to the openings of the Gateway Bridge and Clem7, people will be able to take their time, walk through the station and inspect this new state-of-the-art facility in safety.

"It's part of a vital new rail corridor that will service one of Brisbane's fastest growing regions and ultimately extend to Springfield by 2013.

"The new Richlands train station includes a bus interchange for up to four buses at a time, a park 'n' ride with 650 car parks, secure storage for 88 bicycles and 32 bike racks, 15 kiss 'n' ride bays and three taxi zones," she said.

An interim timetable will consist of 10 morning peak and 12 afternoon peak trains, including some all-stations trains between Richlands and the CBD, as well as shuttles between Richlands and Darra stations.

The timetable will run from 24 January until the new Ipswich and Caboolture timetable is finalised and begins operating during the first half of 2011.

Customers will have the option to park 'n' ride at the station, or use the two new suburban feeder bus routes which will service Richlands station from day one.

Route 465 (Heathwood via Forest Lake shops to Richlands) and Route 466 (Willawong via Inala to Richlands) will be delivered by Brisbane City Council and run seven days a week.

Route 462 (Darra station to Forest Lake and Inala) will also have a new timetable to provide a feeder service to nearby Darra station.

"I would like to invite all local residents and train enthusiasts to come along on Sunday 23 January for the station opening," Ms Nolan said.

"Buses on the new routes 465 and 466 will run free of charge on the Sunday from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

"There will also be free shuttle buses operating to and from the event plus entertainment and food stalls."

Queensland Rail has advised there will be a track closure between Corinda and Rosewood on the weekend of the 22 and 23 January while the finishing touches are made to the overhead power grid for trains operating between the Richlands and Ipswich lines.

The interim Richlands line train timetable, changes to local bus services, free event shuttle buses, and track closure information is available at www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

[#Metro]

Good!
These bus timetables are not up yet, but shouldn't be long now.

[Stillwater]

Translink site says trains will operate Richlands to Central 'every 12 minutes' between 7am and 8am and every 12 minutes Central to Richlands between 4.30am and 5.30pm.  Actual departure and arrival times not shown.  Shuttle buses will serve the Richlands-Darra route.

[johnnigh]

I continue to have trouble navigating the Translink site. I eventually found the Richlands line information. Even there they seem to have hidden the information that the current off-peak Corinda terminators will go through to Richlands (ie, Richlands-Shorncliffe). A simpler communication would have said 'The interim timetable extends to Richlands the current services terminating at Corinda. Additional morning peak services (etc, etc)'. This puts the best spin on the interim service, ie, current services plus these wonderful extras .

[Derwan]

Details of the open day.  It's only a 4-hour period between 10am and 2pm.

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/AboutUs/MediaCentre/Campaigns/Pages/RichlandsStationopening.aspx

There is an official Facebook Event:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137840589609216

[colinw]

Well, I must say that timetable and feeder bus network is rather ordinary effort. 

Effectively they have extended to offpeak Corinda timetable to Richlands, but Richlands is left with a handful of through trains in peak.

We appear to have built a new line for no better than half hourly offpeak service and HOURLY trains on Sunday morning.  In the middle of the day the Forest Lake / Inala buses are hourly.  And as for Springfield, no bus to feed the rail at all as far as I can tell.

I hope this is, as claimed, an interim effort.  BUT - QR & TransLink have known for years that this opening day was coming. Surely something more sensible could have been done.

Why the heck do we bother building railways at all if we're going to run services this bad?

[Golliwog]

A fair point on it being rather ordinary, but given how major the restructure that is planned for sometime withing the next few months, I see little point in changing the whole Ipswich lines peak timetable just to give Richlands a decent service on opening, only to change it all again so soon afterwards. That wouldn't be popular with the current passengers.

[Gazza]

Yeah, but it would've been cheaper to just push the Ipswich line timetable consultation foward, and have it ready to go on opening day. I imagine mucking around with the interim timetable has resulted in additional costs.

[frereOP]

Firing the entire TransLink board and starting again would be a good start, a rebranding of TL to another name and merging the "Integrated Public Transport Body" under another Government department is another suggestion.

I believe the problem lies in the Queensland bureaucracy, not Translink.  Translink is just a victim.  As a bureaucracy the Queensland Government is right up there with the worst of them.  I work for an organisation which was independent but now under the control of government.  The problem is Treasury which scrutinise EVERYTHING.  My organisation It is now a bureaucratic nightmare.  I'm just grateful I don't need the signatures of 3 higher level mangers, the Project Control Group and the CEO to take a toilet break.

[somebody]

Well, I must say that timetable and feeder bus network is rather ordinary effort. 

Feeder buses are better than I expected, but I expected nothing at all, which was pretty close to what happened at Varsity Lakes.  I don't see much point to having the feeder bus network in full swing if you then have to change again at Darra.

As for the timetable, at least there are through trains evenings and weekends, for a 4tph service Darra-city.  Most of the time.  So long as you aren't heading inbound 7pm-8pm or either direction after 10pm or so.  Unfortunately not clockface, but I was fearing that even the Richlands branch wouldn't improve the train service to the city-Indro-Darra corridor.

Why the heck do we bother building railways at all if we're going to run services this bad?

My exact thoughts on both QR and CityRail generally.

worst of all the wrong fare structure.

I would have said that is the least important issue, if it even is an issue.  Why do you say this is the most important one?

Still interested in your reasons here?

[#Metro]

I find the timetable for the bus just bamboozling?! 
I mean, there so much information and so many different variations, symbols, little x to transfer, weekend
is inconsistent thanks to QR not running a standard weekend timetable the same for all weekend days.

They need BRT from Springfield direct to Darra. ROCKET!!!         

[#Metro]

And does anyone know when the 462 extensions run? It's not clear at all.
Variances in the pattern can confuse.

Rocket bus Springfield to Darra
Forget Richlands, rocket straight to Darra, higher frequency there.

[somebody]

And does anyone know when the 462 extensions run? It's not clear at all.

Looks to be counter peak.  It's in the timetable.

[colinw]

worst of all the wrong fare structure.

I would have said that is the least important issue, if it even is an issue.  Why do you say this is the most important one?

Still interested in your reasons here?

Sorry, missed that.

The reason I say it is the most important one, is because the combination of fares & service standard is - in the eyes of the vast majority of my friends & workmates - a major disincentive toward getting out of their cars.

My major gripes with the fare structure are lack of sensible capping arrangements which make it unattractive for multiple journeys in a day, and fare rises that have been disproportionately large compared to CPI & rises in the  cost of motoring, and have not been matched by service improvements.

Brisbane public transport is now quite expensive by world standards, although not as expensive as in the UK & parts of Europe.  There is a perception amongst many of the people I talk to that it is simply too expensive, horrendously inconvenient, and they therefore prefer to drive their car.  Consequently on many occasions I have been the only person in my workplace arriving or leaving by public transport.

When I compare what is on offer here to Melbourne & Sydney (haven't been to Perth), we are charging premium fares for a substandard service.

The only exceptions to this are some of the BUZ routes, and the quarter hourly bit of the Ipswich line.

Based on the opinions of most of my friends & workmates, the current combination of fares & service standard is highly unlikely to attract most of them out of their cars.

To get them out of their cars we're going to need either much cheaper fares with a daily cap or much more frequent, convenient & fast services, or some combination of both.

That is particularly true for my suburban Eight Mile Plains workplace, with its free parking.