Article: UQ bus station revamp on cards

[david]

From --> http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/west/uq-bus-station-revamp-on-cards/story-fn8m0u4y-1226204435836

THE UQ Lakes bus station is to receive a major overhaul as services to the campus rise.

Work is set to begin next month on doubling the capacity of the station, at the St Lucia end of the Eleanor Schonell Bridge.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said normal service would continue through construction, due to finish in mid-2012.

"This expansion caters for extra bus services that were introduced as part of the two new eastern busway stations located at Stones Corner and Langlands Park ... which included the new high-frequency route 29 (Woolloongabba-UQ)," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The University of Queensland is the second largest public transport hub on the TransLink network after the Brisbane city. A lot of UQ students and staff already use public transport and we expect ... significant growth in the coming years."

[david]

More info --> http://translink.com.au/about-translink/what-we-do/infrastructure-projects/uq-lakes-station-upgrade

Hooray! Looks like they are also making the shelters consistent with the rest of the busway network as well. Long overdue!

[achiruel]

The University of Queensland is the second largest public transport hub on the TransLink network after the Brisbane city.

I must say I was a little surprised by this.  I expected Garden City would be bigger, at least in terms of numbers of buses passing through.  Or is this not so because the interchange and Upper Mt Gravatt Busway Station are counted separately?

[somebody]

I don't think this upgrade will double the capacity.  What are they smoking?  There is already a stop on the other side.  Adding 2 stops from 4 existing stops seems like it couldn't be more than a 50% upgrade.  But layover capacity isn't increased as much.

[Golliwog]

Depends on what they do. Can't see very well from the artists impression, but if in the upgrade of the southern platforms they lengthen the saw teeth then thats extra capacity there as currently when the longer buses use the further forward stops they can block in buses further back.

Also, the extension of the northern stop looks long enough for maybe 4 buses, so I can see how this could double the capacity of the stop. Hopefully they re-jig which stop the routes use as I think the 169 and 139 should use the lengthened northern platform as they regularly have one from each attempt to pull into stop C at the same time.

[Golliwog]

The University of Queensland is the second largest public transport hub on the TransLink network after the Brisbane city.

I must say I was a little surprised by this.  I expected Garden City would be bigger, at least in terms of numbers of buses passing through.  Or is this not so because the interchange and Upper Mt Gravatt Busway Station are counted separately?

Not sure how they would count those two, I would have thought together as thats how they operate. But I expect they count not on bus numbers but passenger numbers. They also say The University of Queensland, not just UQ Lakes, so it includes both bus stops, and possibly also the ferry terminal.

[somebody]

The only way I can imagine UQ exceeding Garden City is in passenger boardings + alightings.  Even on that measure, I expect Garden City, Indooroopilly, Chermside and Carindale aren't too far behind.  Also note that they don't say "UQ Lakes", just "UQ".

[Mr X]

It is the third biggest traffic generator (car/bus/walk/ferry) in Brisbane, after the Airport and CBD.

[O_128]

Tbh it's a half assed effort. It does nothing to address the massive lines for the 109 in the afternoon who then get wet when it rains.

[Golliwog]

Tbh it's a half assed effort. It does nothing to address the massive lines for the 109 in the afternoon who then get wet when it rains.

It sort of does. Now that theres a decent cover along stops A, B and C, with what looks to be a full glass back to it, that area should remain relatively dry if it rains. So if the line went down the platforms, rather than back towards the uni, then it wouldn't be an issue. Besides, unless they construct covers for the walkways then people are going to get wet walking from UQ Lakes to the uni anyway.

[dwb]

Tbh it's a half assed effort. It does nothing to address the massive lines for the 109 in the afternoon who then get wet when it rains.

You'd think that they could at least put some markings on the concrete to try and encourage people to queue under the cover.

Yet I wonder, will the new cover offer any improvement for shade on the platform which is sadly lacking!

[Golliwog]

Tbh it's a half assed effort. It does nothing to address the massive lines for the 109 in the afternoon who then get wet when it rains.

You'd think that they could at least put some markings on the concrete to try and encourage people to queue under the cover.

Yet I wonder, will the new cover offer any improvement for shade on the platform which is sadly lacking!

Here's hoping that the trees they plant in the median will be a variety that grows big like the one nearby that's dropping the yellow flowers at the moment. It's massive and provides a huge amount of shade.

[dwb]

More info --> http://translink.com.au/about-translink/what-we-do/infrastructure-projects/uq-lakes-station-upgrade

Hooray! Looks like they are also making the shelters consistent with the rest of the busway network as well. Long overdue!

As this information often disappears/changes:

UQ Lakes station upgrade

Where   Off Sir William Macgregor Drive and Eleanor Schonell Bridge
University of Queensland Lakes, St Lucia
New station operational   Mid-2012 (weather permitting)
Contact us   Phone: 1800 192 112 (free call)*
Email: uqlakes@tmr.qld.gov.au
*Higher call rates apply from mobile phones and pay phones. STD rates will apply if calling outside of Queensland
Project update

Project stage   Status
Concept   
Preliminary design   
Detailed design   Underway
The project team is gearing up to start construction very soon. Keep an eye out for notices at the station and in your local newspaper.

We will continue to update this page as the project progresses.

What is the UQ Lakes station upgrade?

The upgrade to the UQ Lakes station is part of TransLink's $48 million Station Upgrade Program (TSUP).

The upgrades will improve the efficiency and overall capacity of the station to ensure it meets the increasing demands for public transport to the university.

The station upgrade will be occurring within the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.


Artist's impression - southern platform looking east



Artist's impression - aerial view


The upgrade will provide:

a new sheltered platform on the northern side of the station
upgrading the existing southern platform
improved lighting and security through 24 hour video surveillance
relocating the existing bus layover area to the centre island to increase capacity
a safe and comfortable waiting environment for customers with sheltered seating
access for those with mobility impairments
landscaping using drought-resistant, mature plants.
The University of Queensland Senate has approved the design of the station.


Concept design image


Why is it needed?

The upgraded station caters for extra services introduced as part of the busway expansions, most recently the Eastern Busway which included high frequency route 29 (Woolloongabba - UQ).

It will address the transport and traffic issues in the area, and upgrade and expand the existing facilities.

What are the benefits?

The upgraded station will help to:

reduce the number of cars travelling to the university by catering for the future growth in bus services
provide improved customer waiting facilities
improve bus capacity, service reliability and efficiency at the station
improve station accessibility and convenience for TransLink's customers.

Artist's impression - view looking west


How will this affect me?

Services
Although there will be some temporary movement of stops within the station during construction, there are no planned changes to services at this stage.

We will always let customers know well in advance about any changes through this website and advertising in local papers.

Traffic
Some additional vehicle movements on Sir William Macgregor Drive are expected from construction vehicles during the construction period.

Construction
Staged construction works will be carried out from December inside UQ's St Lucia campus grounds to minimise disruption to customers and pedestrians.

The majority of the works are planned to be completed before the university's Orientation Week in mid-February, 2012.

During construction, both signage and staff will be in place to help direct passengers around the construction works and ensure efficient bus operations.

Temporary changes to the pedestrian and cycle routes through the University and on the Eleanor Schonell Bridge will be required.

Clear signage will direct pedestrians and cyclists to use alternative pathways. The university will be informed of the temporary pathway locations prior to closing the existing pathways.

We thank you for your patience.

[SurfRail]

Part of me wonders if one side will be used for setting down and the other side will be used for picking up.

Ideally the platform would be your set-down stop and the existing side configuration would be you departure stops, but I would say they are on opposite sides to where they need to be to get the most advantageous layout (ie people not having to queue through the park).  Bus sets down anywhere and then lays over, dedicated departure stands on the other side to allow several queues.

[dwb]

Part of me wonders if one side will be used for setting down and the other side will be used for picking up.

Ideally the platform would be your set-down stop and the existing side configuration would be you departure stops, but I would say they are on opposite sides to where they need to be to get the most advantageous layout (ie people not having to queue through the park).  Bus sets down anywhere and then lays over, dedicated departure stands on the other side to allow several queues.

I'm surprised this isn't employed in more locations.

[Golliwog]

Sawtooth (ie: what most of UQ Lakes is now) platforms work best for both pick up and set down as buses can pull in and out independantly of one another, unlike a straight edge platform. Straight edge platforms take up less room though.

[SurfRail]

Sawtooth (ie: what most of UQ Lakes is now) platforms work best for both pick up and set down as buses can pull in and out independantly of one another, unlike a straight edge platform. Straight edge platforms take up less room though.

Assuming the stops aren't completely saturated...

[Golliwog]

Sawtooth (ie: what most of UQ Lakes is now) platforms work best for both pick up and set down as buses can pull in and out independantly of one another, unlike a straight edge platform. Straight edge platforms take up less room though.

Assuming the stops aren't completely saturated...

But if they were completely saturated, so too would any straight edge platform. Even if the stops are saturated, the buses can still pull in and out independantly of buses in the other bays, it's just the next bus to use that bay that may need to wait (which happens a lot with bay C in peak, and semi frequently with bay A) and that waiting can be done in the layover area where they are out of the way of other buses.

[dwb]

Sawtooth (ie: what most of UQ Lakes is now) platforms work best for both pick up and set down as buses can pull in and out independantly of one another, unlike a straight edge platform. Straight edge platforms take up less room though.

Assuming the stops aren't completely saturated...

But if they were completely saturated, so too would any straight edge platform. Even if the stops are saturated, the buses can still pull in and out independantly of buses in the other bays, it's just the next bus to use that bay that may need to wait (which happens a lot with bay C in peak, and semi frequently with bay A) and that waiting can be done in the layover area where they are out of the way of other buses.

Dare I suggest if the buses had wider back doors, station tagging and all door boarding/deboarding it would take a lot more services to 'saturate' the platform?

[SurfRail]

But if they were completely saturated, so too would any straight edge platform. Even if the stops are saturated, the buses can still pull in and out independantly of buses in the other bays, it's just the next bus to use that bay that may need to wait (which happens a lot with bay C in peak, and semi frequently with bay A) and that waiting can be done in the layover area where they are out of the way of other buses.

A straight edge platform can function with a lead stop and accommodate buses at any point of the platform, and requires less pulling out in front of other buses.  Do you honestly think the CCBS would work with saw-teeth?

[dwb]

A straight edge platform can function with a lead stop and accommodate buses at any point of the platform, and requires less pulling out in front of other buses.  Do you honestly think the CCBS would work with saw-teeth?

Is it not contentious to say that CCBS "works"?!

[Golliwog]

But if they were completely saturated, so too would any straight edge platform. Even if the stops are saturated, the buses can still pull in and out independantly of buses in the other bays, it's just the next bus to use that bay that may need to wait (which happens a lot with bay C in peak, and semi frequently with bay A) and that waiting can be done in the layover area where they are out of the way of other buses.

A straight edge platform can function with a lead stop and accommodate buses at any point of the platform, and requires less pulling out in front of other buses.  Do you honestly think the CCBS would work with saw-teeth?

If there was space available, yes I think it would work better with sawteeth. I don't think you'd go for assigning routes to a particular bay, though it could be done. Part of the problem at CCBS in peak is that you have 4 buses pull into all 4 spaces along the platform, and while it usually happens that they leave roughly in order, it is difficult for a bus to pull in front of another bus already stopped along the platform there without hanging out into the passing lane blocking it off. Also, if bus no.2 pulls up too close behind bus no.1 then bus no.2 can't leave until bus no.1 does. Having a sawtooth would stop that.

[ozbob]

Queenslander! 

[somebody]

I think one of the major factor restricting CC capacity is the lack of will of the drivers to pass other buses before serving the stop.  There is also cash fares as dwb points out, but you could just make the stop pre-paid again, even if only enforced by the drivers.

[Golliwog]

But with how close they stop to fit 4 buses in, that can easily lead to buses stopped with their ends hanging out blocking the passing lane. I have seen them do it, but it's usually only 1 bus that goes past and pulls into stop 1 when there is still a bus in bay 3, or 2 buses if it's a bus stopped in bay 4 and the others are empty.

[dwb]

I think one of the major factor restricting CC capacity is the lack of will of the drivers to pass other buses before serving the stop.  There is also cash fares as dwb points out, but you could just make the stop pre-paid again, even if only enforced by the drivers.

Is it no longer prepaid only?

[somebody]

I think one of the major factor restricting CC capacity is the lack of will of the drivers to pass other buses before serving the stop.  There is also cash fares as dwb points out, but you could just make the stop pre-paid again, even if only enforced by the drivers.

Is it no longer prepaid only?

That is my understanding.  I believe it changed when weeklies were removed.

[dwb]

I think one of the major factor restricting CC capacity is the lack of will of the drivers to pass other buses before serving the stop.  There is also cash fares as dwb points out, but you could just make the stop pre-paid again, even if only enforced by the drivers.

Is it no longer prepaid only?

That is my understanding.  I believe it changed when weeklies were removed.

Interesting, I guess they figured with 80% go card usage it was too expensive to keep the whole place staffed up, still I thought the policy was that drivers would refuse you if you weren't prepaid (either go card or transfering paper)...

[dwb]

ps.. probably a poor decision, I'm still amazed at how many people board buses I'm on and scratch around for money!

[ozbob]

Just for interest, so far the yes response rate for go card use for our survey is around  88%

[Fares_Fair]

Are there any other interesting interim statistics you can share on the survey ?

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[ozbob]

Give it a few days more yet.   The go card question is confirming the official usage rates.

[Golliwog]

Give it a few days more yet.   The go card question is confirming the official usage rates.

Though how many non-RBOT users are doing the survey?

[ozbob]

Give it a few days more yet.   The go card question is confirming the official usage rates.

Though how many non-RBOT users are doing the survey?

A lot I hope ...  tell your mates about it!

[dwb]

Give it a few days more yet.   The go card question is confirming the official usage rates.

Though how many non-RBOT users are doing the survey?

A lot I hope ...  tell your mates about it!

What survey is this??

[ozbob]

Give it a few days more yet.   The go card question is confirming the official usage rates.

Though how many non-RBOT users are doing the survey?

A lot I hope ...  tell your mates about it!

What survey is this??

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