Darra to Springfield Stage 1 construction Darra to Richlands

[somebody]

I certainly have also spoken to a number of people who have said that the fare levels are uncompetitive with the costs of driving.  Even when the costs of parking are roughly equal to the fares!

I think the service levels are the priority, then fare levels.  Fare structure is the lowest priority IMO.

You aren't wrong about Sydney.  To get a round trip on the 620X for $8.60 cash fare through roads that would incur over $15 in tolls on a route that you couldn't drive as fast in peak and not much difference off peak.  MyZone has really made the long distance trips cheap.  Rouse Hill (610X terminus) would probably be further from the CBD than Ipswich and still only $4.30 each way.  Shortest trips are also cheaper but only if on a bus and not by as much.

[colinw]

Indeed.

In Sydney, the fares represent significant value for money compared to the alternatives, and are for the most part appropriate fares for the level of service provided.

Ditto in Melbourne.

In Brisbane the fares do not represent value for money given the services that are provided and the costs of driving & parking, therefore staying in your car remains a more attractive option.

[somebody]

I actually think that the fare levels in Sydney before MyZone were more appropriate.  Now, you get a very cheap trip if you are going long distance.  I also don't think the higher price for a train trip is exactly appropriate.

[ozbob]

Called into Darra on the way back from a relief run.  Noted points set for for the branch line.  Red boards on the up sub and down sub up from branch points.

Platform one entrance is open!  IMUs for the next service platform 4 Darra.

Terminating service arriving at platform 4 Darra.














Westside buses at Darra!  On the Darra to Ipswich run.





Photographs R Dow 15th January 2011

[ozbob]

Darra

Terminating train running up on the main down ..












Westside Bus on rail bus duties - Darra to Ipswich



Photographs R Dow 15th January 2011

[QGT]

From Translink

Richlands train station will open from Monday January 17 one week early, to assist flood recovery efforts in Brisbane's western suburbs. A shuttle train service between Richlands and Darra stations, with limited service through to Brisbane's CBD, will operate from January 17 to January 23. Trains will run every 15 minutes to and from Richlands station during the morning and afternoon peak period with half hourly services running at all other times.

Local residents should make use of the station, where it is safe to do so, by driving and parking at the station or taking local bus services. Please check later for details on local bus services. The station has 650 car parks to provide access to the TransLink network. Services between Darra and Richlands will revert to their original timetable as of January 24 2011.

http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295072148

Cheers,
QGT

[ozbob]

Media Release 16 January 2011

SEQ:  Queensland Rail First Class!  Richlands rail to open early!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has thanked Queensland Rail, the Queensland Government and TransLink for bringing forward the commencement of regular passenger rail services on the Richland line (1,2).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Exceptional dire circumstances demand extraordinary actions.  Queensland Rail has stamped itself with class, with the obvious forward thinking  that has gone into the preparation for recovery from the floods. Queensland Rail was able to keep most of the suburban and interurban network operating till the late in the flood development, and was then able to recommence services on most lines as soon as flood peaks passed."

"The suburban/interurban rail network has proved to be very resilient and has continued to provide an important transport communication link independent of the road network. This is not chance and is the result of very careful planning and management."

"The commencement of rail services to and from Richlands tomorrow means passengers will be able to access convenient rail transport more directly from suburbs such as Inala, Ellen Grove, Forest Lake as well as Richlands and Springfield.  Bringing the opening forward just highlights how organised Queensland Rail is to allow this occur, and also for the support from TransLink and the bus operators for the necessary associated bus arrangements."

"Richlands station is a superb railway station and the early commencement of services will be welcomed by the community (3). Thank you!"

References:

1.   http://www.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/bulletin/1295072148

2.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5232.0

3.   http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=639.0

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Joint Statement:

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
16/01/2011

Rail link and station opening brought forward to help with flood recovery

Queensland's latest piece of transport infrastructure will be opened early to help flood recovery efforts.

Premier Anna Bligh said Ipswich and the western suburbs were some of the worst hit by flooding and opening the new station at Richlands and rail link to Darra would assist recovery efforts.

The Premier said trains would begin running from Richland station tomorrow - one week early - with a link into the city.

"The station is finished and the drivers have been trained," Ms Bligh said.

"Ipswich and the western suburbs were some of the worst hit by flooding this week, and the opening of the new station will help get people on the road to recovery

"As flood waters begin to subside, our focus turns to the mammoth task of rebuilding and recovery.

"That's one of the reasons we're providing free public transport to the residents of South East Queensland and why we're opening this station early.

"Many residents in this area of Brisbane have lost everything and our public transport network is vital in getting them back on their feet again.

"The Ipswich line is the only rail link still not operating fully, with Goodna and Gailes stations badly flooded.

"The early opening of Richlands Station will provide another option for local residents to access the CBD."

The project which includes 4.5 kilometres of new rail line between Darra and Richlands plus the new Richlands station and upgrade to the Centenary Highway has been built at a cost of $800 million.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said the new station included 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.

"I think the 650 car parks are going to be particularly important in helping cut non-essential car travel into the city," Ms Nolan said.

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

"Our priority at the moment is ensuring services are up and running where they are needed most. I'm pleased we were able to open Richlands a week ahead of schedule by reprioritising work using a 24/7 roster.

"We encourage local residents to make use of the station from tomorrow, where it is safe to do so, by driving and parking at the station or taking local bus services from Forest Lakes," she said.

"As a result of the early opening, trains will operate from Richlands on a limited hourly timetable until 24 January when the planned timetable is implemented.

"Opening early means the proposed 24 January timetable is not possible due to traincrew and rollingstock availability. However, in the circumstances we were determined to put this great new asset to use earlier than planned.

"Customers will notice minor works still being completed, including the installation of fare gates and ticket machines, and we ask for patience while the finishing touches are made to this new station."

Member for Inala Annastascia Palaszczuk said the opening of the station and rail link couldn't come at a better time for commuters struggling to get back on their feet.

"Our community has been greatly looking forward to the station opening and residents can now start using this line," she said.

"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."

Full details of the timetable and connecting services will be available on the TransLink website at www.translink.com.au

Ms Nolan said a community day being planned to mark the Richlands station opening on 23 January would be postponed while the flood recovery effort is underway.

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

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> New train station to open early

[david]

This is a fantastic initiative by the Queensland Government and Translink! They have put politics aside to open Richlands early instead of delaying it to have a ribbon-cutting opening ceremony!

I would personally like to call on all RailBOT and general members of the community who are traveling on public transport this week to donate what you would have paid in fares to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. I certainly will be doing this and I'm sure anything amount (even as little as $1) will help.

[ozbob]

This is a fantastic initiative by the Queensland Government and Translink! They have put politics aside to open Richlands early instead of delaying it to have a ribbon-cutting opening ceremony!

I would personally like to call on all RailBOT and general members of the community who are traveling on public transport this week to donate what you would have paid in fares to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. I certainly will be doing this and I'm sure anything amount (even as little as $1) will help.

Good call David, yes I intend to do that.  See --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=5234.msg45250#msg45250

[Derwan]

I would personally like to call on all RailBOT and general members of the community who are traveling on public transport this week to donate what you would have paid in fares to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. I certainly will be doing this and I'm sure anything amount (even as little as $1) will help.

Excellent idea David!  I saw Bob's release on this and immediately wrote a Note on Facebook that everyone can share with their friends.

I have also set up a page that people can "Like" to spread the word:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-am-donating-my-saved-public-transport-fares-to-the-flood-relief-appeal/118966161508556

Hopefully we can get a real push going through the media.

[#Metro]

Rail link and station opening brought forward to help with flood recovery

Queensland's latest piece of transport infrastructure will be opened early to help flood recovery efforts.

GOOD!
See, they can do it good if they want to. They need a bit of a push, that's all. 
Agree with O_128

[ozbob]

Sunday the 16th of January 2011 ...   the last day before regular passenger services!

Some final photographs ..















Photographs R Dow 16th January 2011

At the beginning ..

General view of the site of Richlands railway station corner Progress and Garden roads Richlands
looking in a general westerly direction



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


Looking west at the station site from an up position



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08




Looking towards Progress Corner over the cleared station site area



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08




Looking west at the general station area from an up position further in the reserved corridor



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


BT Bus passes Progress Corner bus stop



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08


Progress Corner shops - soon to very busy!
Opposite side of Garden road to station complex



Photograph R Dow 11 May 08

[ozbob]

Made the first train out Richlands, SMU210/207, left at 5.13am.  Presently at Oxley heading back to Richlands.

3 pax on board!  I left at Darra, then caught a later service to Oxley.

Richlands has opened!

[ozbob]

Some photographs at Richlands this morning.  Excellent pax loads!  On my return to Richlands at around 7.20am, bottom level of car park full, top level about 2/3 full.  Good loads on buses as well.  Well done all on a great start!!














First down service about to depart Richlands 17th January 2011 5.12am SMU210/207.  
History, first new public metropolitan line since 1918 (Mitchelton)








The best way to cross over Ipswich Highway, by train!






Pax boarding a down service at Richlands earlier this morning at 7.15am








Car parks 5am and 7.20am











Photographs R Dow 17th January 2011

[Derwan]

The Open Day has officially been postponed:

The new Richlands station opened today to provide essential public transport services to the Western suburbs.

As a result, the station opening event on 23 January has been postponed while the flood recovery effort is underway.

Customers are encouraged to utilise the new station and its car park for journeys on the City network.

[QGT]

My photos from the Trains running at Richlands today

























More photos
http://picasaweb.google.com/QueenslandsGreatTrains/RichlandsTrainsFirstWeekOperating#

Cheers,
QGT

[HappyTrainGuy]

Going by the number of different trains I assume they were running past Darra to Richlands and not running shuttles between the two?? Or was it a mix of both?

[ozbob]

Yes, yesterday the services where running through to Richlands.  I heard on the radio earlier that shuttles might be running today though.

This might be in case the main line reopens further west.

[ozbob]

Travelled out to Richlands. Car parks near full!

Rail shuttle running between Darra and Richlands. Platform one Darra in use for the shuttles.

Services are moving a lot of pax.  Some TransLink helping hands giving out 462, 465, 466 bus timetables as well.

Platform one Darra



Over the freight loop (up sub)




Traffic gridlock off the Centenary Highway and Ipswich Highway - relax by rail ..





Richlands


















Back at Darra




Richlands - Car park lower full, top level only one or two spaces left ..






465 bus at Richlands





Beginning of a large mural at Darra







Photographs R Dow 18th January 2011

[#Metro]

Excellent stuff.

[colinw]

The Government needs to think very carefully before cancelling any rail projects, as the value of even this short extension to the system has been proved.  Imagine the benefits if it went all the way to Springfield, to Redcliffe via Mango Hill, down the M1 corridor to Elanora & Coolangatta, out to Browns Plains, and to Caloundra & Maroochydore?

[ozbob]

I listened to the Premier this morning on the radio news.  I don't think we will see projects cancelled, some might be delayed a little.  The Premier said the infrastructure needed to support the population growth is to continue.  Rail and a decent public transport system is now even more essential.  The lessons are very clear for all already.

[colinw]

Indeed, the performance and rapid recovery of the suburban rail service has been nothing short of spectacular, and demonstrates conclusively just how valuable our urban rail infrastructure really is.

[colinw]

ARHS are taking steam to Richlands, with SX carriages, on March the 5th.

Details here: http://www.arhs-qld.org.au/Sunshine-Express-Rail-Tours/Upcoming-Tours/suburban-tour-richlands.html

[p858snake]

Out of that last batch of photos, what are those loppy things near the bike lockers?

[Gazza]

Out of that last batch of photos, what are those loppy things near the bike lockers?

Never seen an open air bike rack before?

Beginning of a large mural at Darra

I noticed a few of the trains had murals on them today too.

I was pretty impressed by the station....Wish I had my camera, but one thing I thought was cool was on the Progress Rd side of the car park, they have taken uneeded roadworks signs from the road upgrade, cut them into hexagons, then stuck hundreds of these 'fragments' to the wall in a honeycomb pattern.

Good to see a retail tennancy in the station too.

Perhaps my only fault would be those wedge shaped sculputures on the main path in. I think they tend to obscure the line of sight along the path too much, which makes potential hiding spots for people, and perhaps act as obstructions for the visually impaired.

[Stillwater]

The landscaping at Richlands may not be completed yet, but would be good to see some shade trees planted or shadecloth erected to help break up the concrete.  The heat off the concrete walkways at Richlands (towards Progress Road) is comparable to that at King George Square in the city.

[#Metro]

Yes, a few trees would be good. That concrete looks baking hot. 

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com/2011/01/richlands-more-queensland-mediocrity.html
BrizCommuter's first visit to Richlands was rather eventful.

[#Metro]

Given that Hiroshima managed to get it's trams running 3 days after a nuclear bomb, it's rather concerning that QR can stuff up an interim operation on brand new infrastructure. The journey to Richlands showed that the half-baked infrastructure project - not electrifying the 4th track between Corinda and Darra was a very big mistake, and is causing delays even on the second day of operation of the Richlands Line.

Hi BrizCommuter.

Ouch!!!

Yes, 4th track not electrified (why- rumour has it so that it can be a dedicated freight line), but who knows.

[ozbob]

The reason for the shuttle was that the opening of the Ippy line was expected some time during today and so it would facilitate resumption to Ipswich and Rosewood. Yesterday they did not run the shuttles just extended services to Richlands as you would have preferred.

The failure to fully electrify the 4th line (and not build the 4th platform at Oxley) is something we have been highlighting for a number of years.  It was not a QR problem but rather a failing at a higher level.  It is in the same class as the planned railway line without stations (Springfield, but I digress ..)

I went out today to Richlands, no issues for me.

[mufreight]

Given that Hiroshima managed to get it's trams running 3 days after a nuclear bomb, it's rather concerning that QR can stuff up an interim operation on brand new infrastructure. The journey to Richlands showed that the half-baked infrastructure project - not electrifying the 4th track between Corinda and Darra was a very big mistake, and is causing delays even on the second day of operation of the Richlands Line.

Hi BrizCommuter.

Ouch!!!

Yes, 4th track not electrified (why- rumour has it so that it can be a dedicated freight line), but who knows.

The fourth track (up suburban) is actually electrified for almost a quarter of its length for the operation of passenger services to Richlands so the fourth track is effectively not and can not be a dedicated freight line, had the fourth line been electrified for its entire length and the fourth platform had been constructed at Oxley there would be a factor of redundency built into the system that does not presently exist which would then allow the operation of services beyond Sherwood as far as Richlands rather than only to Sherwood when there are overhead problems on the west.

[BrizCommuter]

The reason for the shuttle was that the opening of the Ippy line was expected some time during today and so it would facilitate resumption to Ipswich and Rosewood. Yesterday they did not run the shuttles just extended services to Richlands as you would have preferred.

The failure to fully electrify the 4th line (and not build the 4th platform at Oxley) is something we have been highlighting for a number of years.  It was not a QR problem but rather a failing at a higher level.  It is in the same class as the planned railway line without stations (Springfield, but I digress ..)

I went out today to Richlands, no issues for me.

The trains could have been through run to Richlands, with a spare train available to start the shuttle when the Ipswich Line resumed. This train could have been parked at a multitude of useful locations. From BrizCommuters experience, the operations at Darra were a total mess and demonstrated the impact of the lack of 4th track electrification.

[somebody]

Was the reason for your (Brizcommuter's) problem heading to Richlands that the Darra bound train was heading to Darra #3 (or #4) where it was to turn around and there was another train which was heading inbound from that platform which had not cleared it yet?  Seems to be the only thing which makes sense to me.

[Derwan]

BrizCommuter's first visit to Richlands was rather eventful.

Bit negative and harsh!  They did extremely well to get things up and running.  Obviously they knew they were restoring service to Ipswich today so were planning for that.  QR has done extremely well.

[QGT]

My Photos at Richlands & Darra yesterday  















Darra Station









Cheers,
QGT

[ozbob]

Thanks QGT,  great photographs!

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

Media release 19 January 2011

SEQ: Richlands rail is an instant success!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has applauded the bringing forward of regular passenger rail services on the Richlands line. The line is an instant success (1)!

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"With Richlands line opening early people can now catch the train and forget about having to sit behind the wheel wasting petrol on the highways in the grid lock and congestion chaos. People now have more freedom to move and more choices about how they travel."

"As predicted,  the 650 space car park is already approaching full capacity. Boosting the feeder buses to frequent Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) standards will be important. There simply isn't much more room left in the car park! We also commend the provision of a busway-style bus-rail interchange."

"The loads of people being moved by the rail service is also highly encouraging. The success of Richlands confirms our views that low patronage on public transport is a supply problem resulting from a lack of access to rail stations by connecting buses and poor service frequencies which result in excessively long waits that discourage patronage. It clearly is not an issue of low demand and certainly not one of densities around stations, as anyone with the internet can see that Richlands station was sited in a paddock!"

"When you consider that it has been open for only a few days and people have to be fed into the station in buses, by bicycles or by car (as the overwhelming majority of residences are outside the 800 metre walk-up catchment area) the results achieved by this project are very commendable."

"We ask TransLink to consider a regular direct bus from Springfield to Richlands to further capitalise on the new station."

"Once again, to all at Queensland Rail, TransLink, the construction alliance and the Queensland Government, thank you for delivering this project and opening during this difficult time. We can only hope that future extensions and stations can be looked at. Projects like Richlands have the potential to become something as transforming as Perth's acclaimed Perth-Mandurah line."

"For instant public transport success, just add trains!"

References:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=639.msg45398#msg45398

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[BrizCommuter]

Was the reason for your (Brizcommuter's) problem heading to Richlands that the Darra bound train was heading to Darra #3 (or #4) where it was to turn around and there was another train which was heading inbound from that platform which had not cleared it yet?  Seems to be the only thing which makes sense to me.

The outbound train was heading to Darra #3. The outbound train was running on time until it was held, and should have arrived at Darra before the inbound train departed. However the inbound train was signalled out first. 

BrizCommuter's first visit to Richlands was rather eventful.

Bit negative and harsh!  They did extremely well to get things up and running.  Obviously they knew they were restoring service to Ipswich today so were planning for that.  QR has done extremely well.

I did want to write a positive story, but the journey proved otherwise.
It is only negative and harsh if you think that the following are acceptable?
- QR's failure to use infrastructure effectively.
- SEQIPRAILs failure to build sufficient infrastructure.
- 67 minute journey time from Roma Street to Richlands.
- QR's failure to hold the connecting train (which would not have impacted upon on-time return journey).
- QR's failure to communicate correct platform to passengers.
The fact that it was an interim service was no excuse for 4/5 above points. Mediocrity and incompetence are not acceptable.