Redcliffe Peninsula Line [was MBRL (Petrie to Kippa Ring)]

[tazzer9]

Hey, BCC are going ahead with a $600 million "upgrade" of Kingsford smith drive to save commuters 30 seconds.   So anything is possible. 

[HappyTrainGuy]

The quack Metro is so flawed as proposed, that there is simply no way a competent State Government would allow it to proceed and wreck public transport in Brisbane & SEQ.  In fact the problems with MBRL, may well help to put the pie-in-the-sky quacker metro under very tight scrutiny - and it will fold or morph eventually into a real automatic metro with 6-8 car trains etc.  Much the same way as the ' Cleveland Solution - which featured light rail in the Brisbane River '  which soon disappeared down the river, and the much celebrated non-acronym BaT - which flew away into the night with the flying foxes!

Onwards!   

Hopefully they don't start letter drops with small *terms and conditions* like how they currently do not own any of the busway infrastructure down at the bottom haha.

[ozbob]

Some information on M-Lok New Generation Interlocking Suite

• MAcroLok®
• MicroLok®

>> https://t.co/w0WSXnAfrU [ext PDF]

[tazzer9]

Its nice to know that this new software isn't used in the two nations which I consider to have the best railway networks.  Germany and Japan.

[#Metro]

The quack Metro is so flawed as proposed, that there is simply no way a competent State Government would allow it to proceed and wreck public transport in Brisbane & SEQ.

Queensland Government hasn't been competent since Peter Beattie left it.

Anything is possible with the LNP Demolition Team.

Hopefully they don't start letter drops with small *terms and conditions* like how they currently do not own any of the busway infrastructure down at the bottom haha.

Ah, HTG. They will surely write: project subject to new mathematical proof showing that 1+1=5

[Stillwater]

Former Transport Minister Scott Emerson should clarify his handling of a report submitted to him, titled Independent Audit into the Reliability of Queensland Rail's South-East Queensland Network, dated June 2012.

This report examined the circumstances surrounding safety incidents at Roma Street in February 2012 and Milton in March 2012, but also looked to the wider ramifications.  The report lists 26 recommendations.

It found that the SEQ rail network is in relatively good condition for its age, but does need significant upgrade.  This extract is worthy of note: "The signalling system, while functional, is at capacity, and the end of its life must be planned in the very near future to enable timely delivery."

And this: "The report notes that at times Queensland Rail has demonstrated a piecemeal approach to planning significant capital investments, including their asset replacement and enhancement programs.  The Audit team also noted that the state has multiple TSC purchasers which complicates the prioritisation and management of rail capital investment. The opportunity exists to improve the practice to better deliver on Government transport objectives and value for money outcomes."

In one of its principal findings, the audit team found that: "An overarching Queensland Rail asset management strategy is not currently available."

The report contains this observation: "The Signalling Reliability Team consists of eight engineers managed by the Signalling Reliability Engineering Manager. The team is responsible for the short and long term development of the signalling system as well as supporting the maintenance staff with technical issues as and when they arise."

A critical finding of the audit report was that: "The staffing complement of the Reliability Engineering teams is considered inadequate." AND "The staffing complement of the Below Rail Assets teams is considered inadequate."

Another observation: "Formalised detailed processes for prioritising corrective actions for various defects is not available to responsible staff. Further, there is no evidence of a formal review process for asset defect prioritisation."

And another adverse finding: "There was no evidence of a formal review process of defect prioritisation. In the absence of such reviews, outstanding defects that exist beyond a certain timeframe may get reprioritised without documented reason to do so."

Regarding track access for maintenance crews, the audit said: "Due to limited track access, minor maintenance work is often not addressed until the priority for corrective action is raised to a higher level."

The audit said: "A process to review the quality of maintenance appeared to be lacking. Due to staff shortages, no internal audits on the quality of work being performed are conducted. Formalised processes or standards for undertaking internal audits are not in place."

The picture painted in 2012 was of a Queensland Rail management and operational division under-resourced and under-staffed in critical areas.

What steps did Mr Emerson take at the time, in response to the audit findings?  Had the signalling reliability team been boosted, would there have been any different outcome re the MBRL?

[ozbob]

A close-up look at the Kippa-Ring train station. Ready to go, but no new opening date yet. pic.twitter.com/OfWtK4Uk2j

— Patrick Williams (@PatrickWilliams) June 29, 2016

[bladesplace]

I just can't believe this is happening, I really can't. We wait over a hundred years for this railway. And when it finally gets built, this happens. I just cannot fathom how the previous government could cripple it by refusing to let the operator get involved until it was too late.

Has anyone heard any news or updates?

[verbatim9]

A close-up look at the Kippa-Ring train station. Ready to go, but no new opening date yet. pic.twitter.com/OfWtK4Uk2j

— Patrick Williams (@PatrickWilliams) June 29, 2016

I reckon the trees around the station will be fully grown before that line opens!

[kram0]

I was talking to a friend that worked on the MBRL project, and he informed me they are still aiming to have operations running prior to EKKA.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Push for shuttle bus continues despite delays to Moreton Bay Rail Link

DESPITE the Moreton Bay Rail Link being delayed by signalling problems, plans for a shuttle bus to tourist spots are pressing ahead.

State Labor MP for Redcliffe Yvette D'Ath, Redcliffe City Chamber of Commerce president Ryan Elson, and Moreton Bay Regional Council councillors Koliana Winchester and James Houghton recently met to discuss the service.

Mr Elson said the group, named the 'Shuttle Alliance', was committed to making it work.

After some investigations, Mr Elson said the plan was to get local businesses to fund a trial shuttle bus every hour on weekends, free for visitors, to prove it is viable. He said it would cost about $1400 per weekend for a 20-seater bus.

"I don't want to sit and wait to see who will run it, who will pay ... I want this thing to be up and running – we need to get it off the ground," Mr Elson said.

The shuttle bus would help move people from Kippa-Ring railway station to major tourist spots including Redcliffe Leagues Club, Scarborough, Redcliffe Parade, Woody Point and Clontarf.

"I have been investigating options ... whether we go with a local bus provider, or use buses not being used on the weekends with volunteer drivers," Mr Elson said.

"I would love to have businesses, council, State Government and Federal Government all chip in."

Ms D'Ath said discussions were ongoing and all options were being investigated.

Cr Winchester said: "It's in the very early stages but things are progressing".

Cr Houghton said a lot needed to happen before it could "come to pass".

[Gazza]

Their heart is in the right place, but why not tip the funds into good weekend frequency on the routes that pass near these landmarks.

[Stillwater]

It is about time the Minister issued a media statement informing Queenslanders of the progress being made re the signalling fix for the MBRL.

[ozbob]

It is about time the Minister issued a media statement informing Queenslanders of the progress being made re the signalling fix for the MBRL.

Don't think there is much chance of that.  The Transport Minister is presently involved with other duties ..
The Acting Transport Minister is in FNQ.

Enjoyed joining @aushcuk to spread the word on opportunities for businesses to join our Games family for @GC2018 today in London.

— Stirling Hinchliffe (@StirlHinchliffe) July 8, 2016

[ozbob]

Although a social media correspondent did report he saw a train at Kippa-Ring two days ago.

[ozbob]

TMR --> Rothwell Intersection Upgrade

Construction is scheduled to start in July 2016.

[Stillwater]

MBRL timetable....

This timetable will maximise the benefits for the greatest number of customers across the northern rail corridor and will allow Queensland Rail to service the Moreton Bay Region with its existing train fleet.

http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/resources/about-translink/projects-initiatives/mbrl/moreton-bay-line-draft-timetable.pdf

TransLink says the MBRL will deliver:

•   more than 650 train services a week
•   high frequency trains every 6-12 minutes in morning and afternoon peak periods, consistent with the current frequency at Petrie station
•   trains will run express between Northgate and Bowen Hills, all day, stopping only at Eagle Junction station (in both directions)
•   departures every 30 minutes in off-peak and on weekends
•   consistent 55 minute journey from Kippa-Ring to Brisbane Central stations.

[ozbob]

Hopefully, not too long to wait.  Meanwhile ..   

[achiruel]

Or maybe more like

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> 'Good progress' but no end in sight to train line delay

IT IS still unclear when the Moreton Bay Rail Link will open, despite "good progress" on the signalling system issues that stalled it.

State Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said on May 27 it would not open midyear as expected, and an independent audit would determine how the system was selected and the costs associated with it.

The report is due by the end of July.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said QR was "urgently working to resolve the signalling issues".

"QR is taking the lead in finalising the commercial and technical arrangements required to get the signalling system up to standard, online and tested," she said.

She said QR was working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the contractor, to ensure "an efficient, safe and reliable service" was delivered.

"We have made good progress, but the task is complex and safety must be paramount ... we hope to have a clearer picture in the coming weeks about the timeline for opening the line," she said.

Federal Transport and Infrastructure Minister Darren Chester did not rule out extra funding for the rail link during a visit to Mango Hill last month.

[red dragin]

Just saw a 3 car 100/200 series head into Kallangur Station and stop,  Petrie bound. 

[ozbob]

 

[petey3801]

Crew training Kallangur to Kippa Ring.

[ozbob]

Crew training Kallangur to Kippa Ring.

Are the signals functional ?   

[petey3801]

Have been functional since they were switched on from Kallangur to Kippa Ring, it is the interaction between new and old around Petrie that is the problem (safeworking forms are used for trains to travel from Petrie p3 to Kallangur and vice versa.

[ozbob]

^ thanks! 

[ozbob]

Reports of trains on the branch this morning.  I assume crew training is going on 7 days a week then?

[nathandavid88]

The Federal MP for Petrie has raised the idea of running a shuttle service on the Kippa-Ring line, until the line can be properly integrated to the rest of the network, according to the Courier Mail

Moreton Bay Rail Link shuttle service could connect Kippa-Ring and Petrie

Jamie-Leigh Mason, Quest Newspapers
July 22, 2016 10:00am
Subscriber only

QUEENSLAND  Rail should know in the "next few weeks" when the Moreton Bay Rail Link will open, as calls grow for a "shuttle" train service ­between Kippa-Ring and Petrie.

Federal LNP MP for Petrie Luke Howarth said he met with state Transport and Main Roads Department officials last month.

He has since echoed the thoughts of residents, who suggested the trains could run on the new line and have passengers disembark and change trains at Petrie to connect to the existing Caboolture line.

"They informed me the system was working well on the new line and there were only a few issues when the new line meets the existing line at Petrie," Mr Howarth said.

"From my point of view, if the system is working well on the new line, this should allow the line to open soon and not hold up the project."

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the independent review — due by the end of the month — would provide "clarity and a proposed timeline and next steps" for the commissioning of the project.

"This will inform decision making on whether shuttle trains are necessary, or are a viable option, while work is completed to open the line to its full capacity," she said.

Mango Hill Progress Association president Laurence Christie said he would like to see the shared pathway open as soon as possible so people could use some part of the project.

A Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the idea was being considered.

"The project team is investigating the opening of a section of the shared user path so the community can benefit as soon as possible," the spokesman said.

"The remaining shared user path will open with the rail line, planned to open by late 2016."

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/moreton/moreton-bay-rail-link-shuttle-service-could-connect-kipparing-and-petrie/news-story/6d14745615e3a7221d25739d65109bd5

My uneducated guess would be that QR might not have enough trains to operate a decent shuttle, and they wouldn't really be able to work on the signalling with trains running on the line at the same time.

[#Metro]

If a train were to be put on the line and an incident were to occur, the lawyers would be all over it because it is a known thing that there is a fault with the signalling.

Trains need maintenance etc, hard to believe that the train would always be confined to the branch.

[red dragin]

I'd suspect that once passed the signals in the cutting you'd be interacting with the existing system in some way?

The frequency probably wouldn't be able to be high enough either, you'd be limited to single track working into platform 5 at Petrie (as the all stopper sits in platform 3.

[James]

I can't see this really being a viable option, sadly.

The issue is with the Petrie junction - you'd have to stop trains at Murrumba Downs, which makes the service pretty useless. The alternative would be to run the MBRL shuttle in physical isolation to the rest of the network (terminating on Platform 5 at Petrie), but this could prohibit work on fixing the signals while the line has trains running on it.

I like the idea, but given QR's zero (c)harm approach, I am very doubtful we'll see any kind of shuttle introduced.

[BrizCommuter]

BrizCommuter predicted (over a year ago) that the MBRL would open with a half-baked shuttle service...

[#Metro]

I like the idea, but given QR's zero (c)harm approach, I am very doubtful we'll see any kind of shuttle introduced.

Another project half-baked - didn't we have a list of half-baked stuff around here somewhere??

[SurfRail]

I think its more a case of working out what isn't mucked up...

[#Metro]

I think its more a case of working out what isn't mucked up...

You got a good deal with Gold Coast Light Rail. That is the absolute exception here, and I am fascinated to know
how it is possible that this project has avoided stuff ups so far. Perhaps it is because a private company is delivering it and any stuff ups will come out of the company's said profits.

[SurfRail]

I think we were ;ucky with the timing.  There just happened to be competent people on the ground at the time it was being scoped out and worked up, and the most important thing they did was to realise that they did not know how to build a light rail system.  That prompted them to go and look elsewhere and figure out what worked.

There are some compromises (eg the bridges and island platforms mean buses can't use the corridor when trams are out of action, and fixed bogie trams punish the infrastructure a bit more than pivoting bogies), but the really importnt things they got right - especially signal priority.

[tazzer9]

GCLR has had stuff ups, but since fixing it comes out of private money, not taxpayer money, not many people care.   

[mufreight]

As a shuttle between Petrie and KippaRing operating peak hours they could use the SX set top and tailed with the AC16 and the C17.  It would be interesting but not practical, what is the latest now on sorting out the problems with the signalling at the present rate of progress the first of the NGR sets will be in service before the opening.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 281 koala deaths around Moreton Bay Rail project