South Brisbane station closure

[somebody]

Has anyone had a problem on 6?  Can't recall any,  but plenty at Indooroopilly and the other Central platforms which are not full height.

It is always a balance between step up height and lateral distance.  Some would suggest that the step ups actually lead to more falls etc.

Personally, I prefer a vertical gap over a horizontal gap (depending on how big said gap actually is, at least). At least with a vertical gap, in the unfortunate times when someone does fall, it is extremely difficult for them to fall between the train and platform (would have to be away from the door due to the footplate on all QR electric stock to fall between train and platform in most locations).

+1

Does simple machines version 2 have a "Like" button?

[ozbob]

The ultimate intention is for all platforms on the network to be full height.  That is the requirement.

All new platforms from this point and refurbs are to be full height as I understand it (this includes South Brisbane).  Step ups increase dwell times and make access for mobility impaired more difficult, hence the full height move.  The gap between the carriage step and the platform is trivial on full height platforms, and greatly facilitates accessibility.

[somebody]

The arrangement at Fortitude Valley would be probably the most ideal if it extended the entire length of the platform.  That way you have no step AND no chance of putting your foot between the platform and the train.  Or at least you only go about 6 inches if you do so.

[ozbob]

From 612 ABC Brisbane radio Breakfast with Spencer Howson  click --> here!

South Brisbane station closing for a month, but will it still be pink?

South Brisbane station closing for a month, but will it still be pink?

28 September 2011 , 8:08 AM by Spencer Howson

South Brisbane station will close on October 31th for six weeks as part of the upgrade of a number of City Network stations.

Some of the changes will be a raised platform, the addition of an accessible toilet and improved seating.

We sent 612 reporter Katrina Davidson to South Brisbane to see if commuters knew about the closure.

She asked them how it would affect their daily routine. Quensland Rail's Chief Operator Officer then explains why the station's not being closed in stages:

[O_128]

big sob story, its a 5 min walk to south bank if you can't handle that then perhaps just stay at home.

[mufreight]

big sob story, its a 5 min walk to south bank if you can't handle that then perhaps just stay at home.

Many will have no option and you wonder why with pathetic service frequency coupled with unafordable fares and less than customer friendly service there is a drop in public transport usage particularly rail.

[STB]

big sob story, its a 5 min walk to south bank if you can't handle that then perhaps just stay at home.

Agreed.  People nowadays only think of themselves and hate having to be a little bit flexible with their travelling arrangements.  Heck, there's a busway right next door and QR are throwing on a free shuttle service for heavens sake!  Such as sad day when you hear people having to be 'babied' their way for one station.

I listened to that radio story and it irks me how people aren't thinking beyond their own tunnel vision in ways of getting around.  There were a few people saying that they would have to leave much earlier, or having to go to Roma Street, oh grow up commuters!  It should only really add no more than 10 extra minutes a day and that's really stretching it, personally it should only really take about 5 extra minutes if that.  And I use South Brisbane myself to get to uni, no problems for me as I know how to get there using the busway - I'll just get off at Southbank and catch route 66, easy!

[mufreight]

big sob story, its a 5 min walk to south bank if you can't handle that then perhaps just stay at home.

Agreed.  People nowadays only think of themselves and hate having to be a little bit flexible with their travelling arrangements.  Heck, there's a busway right next door and QR are throwing on a free shuttle service for heavens sake!  Such as sad day when you hear people having to be 'babied' their way for one station.

I listened to that radio story and it irks me how people aren't thinking beyond their own tunnel vision in ways of getting around.  There were a few people saying that they would have to leave much earlier, or having to go to Roma Street, oh grow up commuters!  It should only really add no more than 10 extra minutes a day and that's really stretching it, personally it should only really take about 5 extra minutes if that.  And I use South Brisbane myself to get to uni, no problems for me as I know how to get there using the busway - I'll just get off at Southbank and catch route 66, easy!

It would seem that many have lost sight of the fact that for public transport to be effective it has to be ecenomical, convenient and frequent, none of which seem to be encompased by the culture of Translink's transport planners or the other Government agencies involved or indeed the Government itself.
While for many who are physicaly fit your proposition might to a degree have some merit, but, you overlook the fact that there are a high proportion of people who have no alternative other than to use public transport who for a number of reasons will find what you propose as an alternative impractical or impossible and these people are as much entitled to usable public transport as yourself.

[Gazza]

So Mu, tell me, how were these people currently getting to their final destination once outside South Brisbane?

[Mr X]

If they are going to the GoMA, museum etc. they go past the cultural centre anyway... and for south bank you can just use the south bank busway/train stations.

[O_128]

People need to get over them selves, this isn't a suburban station with no other transport options, It has a busway PARALLEL to it for gods sake, What the hell are all these disabled and elderly people doing when they get to the station? our do they just sit inside the station as they are obviously incapable of going anywhere. Most people will end up walking down around south bank anyway.

And to all the people having a cry they have to leave half and hour early, To be honest I want nothing to do with someone that pathetic and would like to know how they got there jobs as they obviously can't think properly.

[Mr X]

You only have to leave 1/2 hr early if you arrive at "work" right on starting time. Every single bus from South Bank goes to the CC so there isn't a shortage of buses  :conf

[Gazza]

What the hell are all these disabled and elderly people doing when they get to the station? our do they just sit inside the station as they are obviously incapable of going anywhere.

Agreed!

See, I'll even illustrate the ridiculousness of what you are saying Mufreight.

It's only 172m from South Bank Rail to the lead stop of South Bank Busway.


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Therefore, if these people cant walk that far, it means from South Brisbane station, they would only be able to make it as far as the area in the yellow circle....They wouldn't even be able to make it to GoMA or the State Library or the exhibition centre entrance!


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[STB]

It is very obvious Gazza with that map.  Evidently mufreight has some sort of chip on his shoulder with TransLink and has to poke a stick at something that in this case isn't even there.

If people like mufreight exist and can't help but whinge over a short walk to a BUSWAY! Where buses are running ALL THE TIME, very frequently I might add!  Or even whinge at having to take a FREE shuttle bus that QR is putting on!  I certainly don't want anything to do with these types of people, they obviously just don't like change, don't like TransLink, don't like QR and can't help themselves to think outside the box and do something slightly different for a change.

Nothing personal mufreight, but what you are saying is just simply silly, which is further emphasized by the maps provided by Gazza.  And it sounds to me that either he doesn't know the layout of Southbank and South Brisbane stations, or, he just needs to attack something (or at least attempt to) in order to continue his well known hatred of TransLink.  

And if you are worried about disabled or elderly people having to access a busway, there are lifts and low floor buses to take care of that.  Zero to complain about, move along!

[O_128]

It is very obvious Gazza with that map.  Evidently mufreight has some sort of chip on his shoulder with TransLink and has to poke a stick at something that in this case isn't even there.

If people like mufreight exist and can't help but whinge over a short walk to a BUSWAY! Where buses are running ALL THE TIME, very frequently I might add!  Or even whinge at having to take a FREE shuttle bus that QR is putting on!  I certainly don't want anything to do with these types of people, they obviously just don't like change, don't like TransLink, don't like QR and can't help themselves to think outside the box and do something slightly different for a change.

Nothing personal mufreight, but what you are saying is just simply silly, which is further emphasized by the maps provided by Gazza.

I have a better solution for them, buy a car! These people are totally useless anywhere else in the world the station would shut down with a sign saying please use busway 200m walk.

[somebody]

And if you are worried about disabled or elderly people having to access a busway, there are lifts and low floor buses to take care of that.  Zero to complain about, move along!

Agree.

Further, service interruptions are a part of any transport system.  The airline industry has them, buses have them, even private cars have to deal with road closures sometimes.  Rail has more than other systems as diversions are generally impossible (except for via Tennyson).

[Gazza]

I have a better solution for them, buy a car!

Well, not necessarily a car, but you can of course get mobility scooters.

And for those not 100% familiar with the area...The busway lifts are on the left, the Southbank station exit is the white coloured gable.
This short distance, crossing a street, is apparently too far for some?


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A final nail in the coffin for this debate. The distance to change between Rail and Busway at Southbank is actually less than the distance required to walk to get out of Roma St


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Do people with impairments avoid Roma St then?

[mufreight]

Do people with impairments avoid Roma St then?

Yes many do.
Again I would repeat my post, to STB, Gazza and Simon I would suggest that you reread my post and the consider the context in which it was posed. I would also question as to the personal experience upon which you base your concept relative to actualy dealing with passengers and more particularly those with varying levels of disability who have no alternative but to utilise public transport, to take things to the extreme using your arguments as you have presented them then it would be rational based on the beancounter approach to simply shut down South Brisbane Station altogether.
It would seem that many have lost sight of the fact that for public transport to be effective it has to be economical, convenient and frequent, none of which seem to be encompased by the culture of Translink's transport planners or the other Government agencies involved or indeed the Government itself.
While for many who are physicaly fit your proposition might to a degree have some merit, but, you overlook the fact that there are a high proportion of people who have no alternative other than to use public transport who for a number of reasons will find what you propose as an alternative impractical or impossible and these people are as much entitled to usable public transport as yourself.

[Gazza]

You're avoiding the point I made. Are there people that use South Brisbane who only go as far as the yellow circle?

[STB]

Do people with impairments avoid Roma St then?

Yes many do.
Again I would repeat my post, to STB, Gazza and Simon I would suggest that you reread my post and the consider the context in which it was posed. I would also question as to the personal experience upon which you base your concept relative to actualy dealing with passengers and more particularly those with varying levels of disability who have no alternative but to utilise public transport, to take things to the extreme using your arguments as you have presented them then it would be rational based on the beancounter approach to simply shut down South Brisbane Station altogether.
It would seem that many have lost sight of the fact that for public transport to be effective it has to be economical, convenient and frequent, none of which seem to be encompased by the culture of Translink's transport planners or the other Government agencies involved or indeed the Government itself.
While for many who are physicaly fit your proposition might to a degree have some merit, but, you overlook the fact that there are a high proportion of people who have no alternative other than to use public transport who for a number of reasons will find what you propose as an alternative impractical or impossible and these people are as much entitled to usable public transport as yourself.

Mufreight, I did, and your argument still does not stand up.  You've also haven't responded to Gazza's quite clear visual post on the distance involved and what certainly  appears to be little impact to those who catch the train normally to South Brisbane who are elderly and/or disabled.  I do have experience with disabled people, I've got friends who are in wheelchairs and I spent most of my teenage hood and childhood at the PA hospital renal unit and the Mater Hospital dealing with my chronic renal (kidney) condition.

Like I said, move along.  The facilities to deal with disabled and elderly people are there, including customer service staff to help people get to South Brisbane.  It's also only for six weeks, certainly not to the scale of Fortitude Valley station.

[colinw]

I fail to see what more could be done than is being done anyway. Between the busway and a free shuttle service I can't see what else TransLink, QR or anyone else could hope to provide.

[mufreight]

I fail to see what more could be done than is being done anyway. Between the busway and a free shuttle service I can't see what else TransLink, QR or anyone else could hope to provide.

On that you are right, the only possible thing that they could have done is possibly shorten the time of the closure which is pretty tight anyway by only doing the work on the actual station and platform 1 then opening the station and platform 1 while the work was carried out on platforms 2 and 3.
It will be of interest to see if they work on it 24/7 for the period of the upgrade which I would think from the six week timeframe would be the case anyway.

[Gazza]

I fail to see what more could be done than is being done anyway. Between the busway and a free shuttle service I can't see what else TransLink, QR or anyone else could hope to provide.

On that you are right, the only possible thing that they could have done is possibly shorten the time of the closure which is pretty tight anyway by only doing the work on the actual station and platform 1 then opening the station and platform 1 while the work was carried out on platforms 2 and 3.
It will be of interest to see if they work on it 24/7 for the period of the upgrade which I would think from the six week timeframe would be the case anyway.

Are there people that use South Brisbane who only go as far as the yellow circle?

[O_128]

I fail to see what more could be done than is being done anyway. Between the busway and a free shuttle service I can't see what else TransLink, QR or anyone else could hope to provide.

A private chauffeured limousine with QR customer service staff bowing down at them constantly apologising for the closure.

[mufreight]

Are there people that use South Brisbane who only go as far as the yellow circle?

Surprisingly quite a few who go to the culteral centre, you have overlooked the fact that in the intrim period they will have to do neqotiate the walk twice once at South Bank then again between the Cultural Centre Bus Station and the Cultural Centre itself, easy if one is fit but less so if one is infirm.

[Gazza]

Surprisingly quite a few who go to the culteral (sic) centre, you have overlooked the fact that in the intrim (sic) period they will have to do negotiate the walk twice once at South Bank then again between the Cultural Centre Bus Station and the Cultural Centre itself, easy if one is fit but less so if one is infirm.

No sorry, its a stupid argument on your part, it really is....So many flaws in it.

[Mr X]

South Brisbane is basically as close to the Cultural Centre complexes as Cutural Centre station is...? CC is closer to GOMA and the Museum as well!

Cultural Centre station also has lifts.

I don't understand what you're arguing.

[HappyTrainGuy]

On that you are right, the only possible thing that they could have done is possibly shorten the time of the closure which is pretty tight anyway by only doing the work on the actual station and platform 1 then opening the station and platform 1 while the work was carried out on platforms 2 and 3.

Can't be done due to OH&S, the limited available space and moving equipment/materials between the fare gates. The fare gates will be removed and reinstalled during the works with the concourse being the last thing modified iirc.

[ozbob]

Twitter

AnnastaciaMP AnnastaciaPalaszczuk
$10 million renovation of South Brisbane Station will commence at the end of the month. http://t.co/6QDqFxOh http://t.co/iaGAimFR
5 minutes ago

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Historic South Brisbane Station on track for upgrade and restoration

4 October 2011

Major work to upgrade and restore the 120-year-old South Brisbane Station is set to begin at the end of the month, meaning the station will need to be closed for six weeks.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $10 million project would restore and preserve the historic rail landmark, including structural maintenance, improving access for people with a disability and upgrading general station facilities.

"This is an important piece of Queensland history," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The station was a vital commercial centre during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was used as a major terminal until 1986.

"South Brisbane was a popular stop for trams in their day, and a tram stop was located right outside the main entrance of the building.

"The masonry work and platform furniture are found at only three other stations built by 1901.

"All these heritage elements demonstrate the importance of restoring and preserving this station as part of Brisbane's history for generations to come."

Ms Palaszczuk said most of the work would be carried out during the closure, with some ongoing works including brick restoration to take place next year while the station remained open.

"During the six week closure from October 31, they'll be doing the major work that would otherwise impact normal station operations to ensure the historic integrity of this inner-city landmark," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"As someone who worked in the station during Expo '88, I'm pleased the pink paint is being removed and the historic red brick being revitalised.

"The external plaza area will also get a facelift with new landscaping, modern facilities, improved paving and a new Kiss and Ride facility to improve pedestrian safety at the front of the station."

"Train services will still travel through the station between Monday October 31 and Friday December 9 but will not stop there," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"During the closure, people can go to South Bank station and use regular bus services on the nearby South East Busway at the Cultural Centre and South Bank busway stations.

"Queensland Rail will also supplement the existing services with a shuttle bus service between South Brisbane and South Bank stations, with an optional stop at the Queensland Art Gallery.

"Or, if you want some exercise, you can also stop at Roma Street and walk across the Kurilpa Bridge which links South Brisbane to Tank Street."

The station is entered permanently in the Queensland Heritage Register.

Information on the closures, the restoration work and transport alternatives is available from the Queensland Rail website at www.queenslandrail.com or from Translink at www.translink.com.au. There will also be station announcements, flyers and local community information available during October.

[ozbob]

Seems all platforms are now to be raised ..

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/NetworkServices/ConstructionUpgrades/CityNetworkStationUpgrades/Pages/SouthBrisbaneStationUpgrade.aspx

The South Brisbane Station Upgrade Project will focus on heritage and structural restoration and preservation, improving access for people with disabilities, and adding modern amenities for customers. Some of the key improvements of the upgrade include:

    raising of platforms to improve train access
    a new accessible toilet
    a new accessible ticket office window
    upgrade of lighting, station subway and access pathways
    refurbishment of the existing toilet facilties
    new and improved seating and station signage
    fresh painting and station cleaning
    installation of addtional security cameras.

[O_128]

I fail to see what more could be done than is being done anyway. Between the busway and a free shuttle service I can't see what else TransLink, QR or anyone else could hope to provide.

On that you are right, the only possible thing that they could have done is possibly shorten the time of the closure which is pretty tight anyway by only doing the work on the actual station and platform 1 then opening the station and platform 1 while the work was carried out on platforms 2 and 3.
It will be of interest to see if they work on it 24/7 for the period of the upgrade which I would think from the six week timeframe would be the case anyway.

Are there people that use South Brisbane who only go as far as the yellow circle?

old lady got off 199 at adelaide st today, took her 3 min ( got my timer out =p) to get off the bus she then hobbled to the seat at the stop, obviously some people travel and do just stay at the station 

[Stillwater]

Finally, that gawd aweful pink paint is set to go, revealing the beautiful brickwork beneath.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail click here!

South Bank or bust for train travellers as South Brisbane station closed for renovation

South Bank or bust for train travellers as South Brisbane station closed for renovation

    by: Robyn Ironside
    From: The Courier-Mail
    October 29, 2011 12:00AM

THOUSANDS of commuters face six weeks of disruption from Monday, when South Brisbane station is closed for a major renovation.

Translink is advising passengers to allow an extra 10 minutes for their journey, adding up to one hour and 40 minutes to their weekly commute.

Shuttle buses will instead ferry passengers just over a kilometre from South Bank station to the heritage-listed station which is used by an average of 4000 people every weekday.

Commuters who use the station said they would probably need to catch an earlier train in the morning and a later train at night, to allow for the extra travel time.

"We're assuming from past experience, the shuttle buses won't be frequent," said Andrew Skurrie who commutes from the Gold Coast to South Brisbane each day.

"Some of us are contemplating just walking from South Bank."

He said for people with children needing to be picked up at a set time each day, the change in travel arrangements would "cause issues".

The station will remain closed until December 10, for six weeks of renovation including the raising of the platform.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $10 million project would restore and preserve the historic rail landmark.

She said it would also improve access for people with a disability and upgrade general station facilities.

"The station was a vital commercial centre during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was used as a major terminal until 1986," she said.

"The masonry work and platform furniture are found at only three other stations built by 1901.

"All these heritage elements demonstrate the importance of restoring and preserving this station as part of Brisbane's history for generations to come."

Ms Palaszczuk said most of the work would be carried out during the closure, with some ongoing works including brick restoration to take place next year while the station remained open.

Travellers using the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines will also need to allow extra travel time this weekend because of a track closure between Dutton Park and Varsity Lakes stations.

TransLink spokesman Andrew Berkman said buses would replace all inbound and outbound trains between the stations from the first service today to the last train tomorrow.

Trains will still operate between Dutton Park and city stations.

[ozbob]

Next to a 'world class' busway I don't think  there are any real issues.  Plus there are shuttles as well.

The fact that some will choose to walk is a great outcome!  Good on them!!  The station upgrade is needed and would have happened at some time to meet DDA requirements.

[Golliwog]

Next to a 'world class' busway I don't think  there are any real issues.  Plus there are shuttles as well.

The fact that some will choose to walk is a great outcome!  Good on them!!  The station upgrade is needed and would have happened at some time to meet DDA requirements.

I was just thinging that too. The busway between South Bank and CC has 9 BUZ services as of Monday, plus the 66, 109 and 555, and all the other less frequent routes. I don't think you can really complain about frequency.

[Derwan]

Typical Courier Mail "journalism"... focussing on the negatives.

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Inner-city railway station to close

Inner-city railway station to close
Bridie Jabour
October 29, 2011

The 120-year-old South Brisbane train station will be closed for six weeks from Monday as part of a $10 million state government upgrade.

The heritage listed train station will undergo major renovation and reconstruction and, while trains will still be able to travel through the station, no services will stop at the station.

A shuttle bus service will run from South Brisbane to South Bank station and people will be charged the normal fare they would be for travelling from South Brisbane station.

People are also being told they can catch the bus at the South East Busway at the Cultural Centre and South Bank busway stations.

The train station will reopen to the public on December 9.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/innercity-railway-station-to-close-20111028-1mo3b.html#ixzz1c7Xu5Zik

[O_128]

"Nearly a kilometre" Dear god what is the world coming to if I have to walk nearly one kilometre, some interchanges in london are about a k.

[Golliwog]

Typical Courier Mail "journalism"... focussing on the negatives.

I don't know what you're talking about. CM has always had the best approach to articles. I mean, read this story by the CM and compare it with the Brisbanetimes version here.