4 Sep 2011: SEQ: Special event public transport services good, but ...

[ozbob]

Media release 4th September 2011

SEQ: Special event public transport services good, but some further improvements needed

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 thanks TransLink and public transport operators for their efforts with the Riverfire passenger demands and special events generally. Some tweaking of services is needed though to optimise the utility of the public transport network under heavy loadings.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Currently train services to and from events such as Riverfire or special events generally stop at all stations, even when heading as far as Ipswich or Caboolture.  More trains should have express stopping patterns to improve journey times and reduce crowding as is done in normal weekday peak times. This also applies to the Gold Coast trains which have their express pattern reduced from normal rather than utilise the third track to Kuraby."

"RAIL Back on Track welcomes the fact that some trains to Riverfire from Ipswich ran express Corinda to South Bank via Tennyson.  The limitation with this was that no such express patterns applied returning from the event, and interchange at Roma St for an all stopping train was enforced."

"Additionally those heading to special events who check TransLink's website more than a few days in advance are asked to check closer to the event to see the information about additional trains.  There doesn't appear to be any reason why special train information cannot be provided with more notice, especially given that the bus information is shown.  Similarly, these trains are not shown in the journey planner as they would be in other jurisdictions such as NSW.  This generally results in severe overloads on the regularly scheduled services and lighter loads on the special services."

"Early and timely publicity helps folks plan out their travel options. Better publicity concerning the free travel option on the return leg after Riverfire would have also assisted those working out their best travel plans for the event."

Reference:

1. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6657.0

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Discussion thread --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=6657.0