Ekka 2012 9-18 August

[ozbob]

Additional train services and 14 loop services will also be running to and from Exhibition station during the Ekka. Trains between Roma Street and Exhibition station will operate approximately every 15 minutes.

http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/ekka

vs.

Scheduled services

Train arrival and departure platforms are located in the middle of the RNA showgrounds (Exhibition station). A loop service operates between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave these stations every 10 minutes from 8:20am, returning frequently until 10:00pm. The train ride to Exhibition station takes about 10 minutes from Central Station.

RNA Showgrounds are close to RBWH and RCH Herston busway stations.

http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/ekka

vs.

Scheduled services
Train arrival and departure platforms are located in the middle of the RNA showgrounds (Exhibition station). A loop service operates between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave these stations every 10 minutes from 8:20am, returning frequently until 10:00pm. The train ride to Exhibition station takes about 10 minutes from Central Station.

http://www.ekka.com.au/media/514598/translink%20conditions%20of%20use.pdf

[#Metro]

What I don't understand is why we need special Ekka 500 services.
What's the point? Just get any bog standard bus to Roma Street or Adelaide street and get the train!

[BrizCommuter]

Next issue is what is the frequency of the Ekka loop services going to be?  15 minute frequency will not cut it with such generous fare arrangements!

10 minute frequency by the looks of things ....

That'll be alternating 17 and 3 minute frequencies then.

[ozbob]

I have asked re the frequency of the rail services.

Re go card.  The issue for a flat fare on the go card too is greatly complicated by the bus.  How would that work, with no differentiation between normal travelling and Exhibition destination as such?  Rail is captured at Ekka station but there are a lot of options for bus.  So I think that has driven the paper ticket option.  Yes, it would be a lot simpler and better if the entry ticket to the Ekka was the public transport ticket but it seems that deal was not able to be made (as for other major events, eg. football).

So under the circumstances it is a workable solution.  Certainly makes public transport the affordable option, people can still use go cards if they wish, but seriously most will probable buy the paper ticket.

Message is pre-purchase the Ekka admission tickets, go to the local rail station or buy when in CBD public transport tickets in advance.  Users of public transport tickets from rail stations are to write the date on the ticket in biro on the day they travel.  Having admission tickets pre-purchased will make entry quicker to I think.

[ozbob]

Media release 20th July 2012

SEQ: Public transport first choice for many for Ekka

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 has welcomed the improved public transport ticketing options for the 2012 Ekka (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The availability for this year's Ekka of a special paper ticket for public transport travel is a major improvement on previous years' arrangements, and is affordable."

"It is important that patrons understand that pre-purchasing Ekka admission tickets is necessary in order to purchase the special public transport tickets on all modes.  Admission tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ekka.com.au/"

"Many railway stations are not staffed around the clock, so intending patrons planning to use rail need to organise their tickets in advance."

"Removing the additional fare surcharge for rail travel to Exhibition station is a welcome move, and will further encourage maximum use of public transport for travel to and from the Ekka."

Reference:

1. http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/fares/ekka

Contact:

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

[beauyboy]

RNA Showgrounds are close to RBWH and RCH Herston busway stations.

That line was not on the RNA website yesterday morning because I sent of an email asking why they were not promoting existing bus services!

Donald

[somebody]

IMO all that was ever needed was removing the surcharge from the Ekka station and making it just a normal zone 1 station.

[colinw]

Next issue is what is the frequency of the Ekka loop services going to be?  15 minute frequency will not cut it with such generous fare arrangements!

10 minute frequency by the looks of things ....

10 minute frequency on a QLD rail line? The universe will implode.

[ozbob]

Next issue is what is the frequency of the Ekka loop services going to be?  15 minute frequency will not cut it with such generous fare arrangements!

10 minute frequency by the looks of things ....

10 minute frequency on a QLD rail line? The universe will implode.

The universe is safe ... 

I have been advised that the frequency is 15 minutes.  The TransLink website has been updated to fix the inconsistency.

[ozbob]

I have asked re the frequency of the rail services.

Re go card.  The issue for a flat fare on the go card too is greatly complicated by the bus.  How would that work, with no differentiation between normal travelling and Exhibition destination as such?  Rail is captured at Ekka station but there are a lot of options for bus.  So I think that has driven the paper ticket option.  Yes, it would be a lot simpler and better if the entry ticket to the Ekka was the public transport ticket but it seems that deal was not able to be made (as for other major events, eg. football).

So under the circumstances it is a workable solution.  Certainly makes public transport the affordable option, people can still use go cards if they wish, but seriously most will probable buy the paper ticket.

Message is pre-purchase the Ekka admission tickets, go to the local rail station or buy when in CBD public transport tickets in advance.  Users of public transport tickets from rail stations are to write the date on the ticket in biro on the day they travel.  Having admission tickets pre-purchased will make entry quicker to I think.

I have been advised that as speculated above the technical issues with the bus situation meant that the go card was not an option for this year for the special Ekka fare.  It is planned to look at a go card option for future years if it can be developed.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Ekka ticket changes should stop repeat of last year's commuter chaos

Ekka ticket changes should stop repeat of last year's commuter chaos

    by: Douglas Estwick
    From: Quest Newspapers
    August 02, 2012 12:00AM

A new Ekka transport ticketing system will look to prevent a repeat of last year's commuter chaos that saw queues at the Exhibition Station's ticketing machines creating safety issue.

When daily tickets were scrapped, Ekka goers were required to travel within two hours of buying their fare or face delays lining up for a ticket home.

At the heights of the transport meltdown police ordered officials to let patrons board trains free of charge to ease the congestion.

This year, patrons can pre-purchase Ekka re-entry tickets then show them at any attended Queensland Rail station or on board any TransLink bus or ferry to buy an "Ekka travel ticket'' for $6 return for adults and $3 return for children and concession card holders.

The price applies across the entire TransLink network.

Commuter advocacy group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow forewarned organisers of a "meltdown'' prior to last year's scenes but said the changes to travel options for 2012 were, "a big step forward.''

"The perfect solution would be you buy an Ekka ticket and travel free but this is the next best thing and not a bad outcome,'' Mr Dow said.

"It's a good  in the sense that it makes going to the Ekka affordable for people and encourages public transport which is sensible.''

Mr Dow said a repeat of last year's delays would not occur provided people were educated about the ticketing system and planned ahead.

He also reminded commuters that increased train and bus services would be in operation and people could even travel free to the Ekka if they racked up nine journeys on a go card beforehand.

[somebody]

Not sure if this should be here or in its own thread, but Ekka services have been posted:

Ekka 2012

    Dates:Thursday, 9 August to 18 August 2012
    Venue:RNA Showgrounds
    Start:8:30am
    Finish:9:30pm

Public transport services to the event
Dedicated Ekka shuttle buses

Ekka shuttle buses will run inbound to the Ekka every 20 minutes each day from 9am until 7pm.
Shuttle bus routes

    Service A - Chermside - starting from Chermside Shopping Centre platform A, continuing to Chermside on Gympie Road, Kedron North (near Edinburgh Castle Road), Kedron Brook busway station, Lutwyche busway station, Truro Street bus stop, Windsor (stop 13 on Lutwyche Road), then express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka).
    Service B - Langlands Park - starting from Langland's Park (Coorparoo) busway station, continuing along the busway to Stones Corner, Buranda, Woolloongabba, Mater Hill, South Bank, Cultural Centre, King George Square, Roma Street, Normanby, QUT Kelvin Grove, RCH Herston, then express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka).
    Service C - Boggo Road - starting from Boggo Road (Dutton Park) busway station, continuing along the busway to PAH station, Mater Hill, South Bank, Cultural Centre, King George Square, Roma Street, Normanby, QUT Kelvin Grove, RCH Herston, then express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka).
    Service D - Northgate - starting from Ridge Street (outside train station), continuing to Nundah (on Station Street near Nundah Street), Toombul (outside shopping centre), then express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka).
    Service E - Eagle Junction - starting from Junction Road (stop 28), continuing to Wooloowin (Dickson Street), Albion (Ekka stop at Mawarra Street), then express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka).
    Service F - Shorncliffe - starting from Shorncliffe station, continuing to Sandgate bus interchange at Sandgate station, then running express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka).
    Service G - Beenleigh - starting from Beenleigh bus interchange (outside train station), then express to O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka)
    RBWH - Eight Mile Plains - All stops on the South East Busway, then all stops on the Inner Northern Busway to RBWH.

Additional trains

Additional trains and Exhibition line loop services will run to Exhibition station during the Ekka. Trains between Roma Street and Exhibition stations will run approximately every 15 minutes.

Exhibition station is located in the middle of the RNA showgrounds.

The Exhibition line runs between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave these stations every 15 minutes from 8.20am, returning frequently until 10pm. The train ride to Exhibition station takes about 10 minutes from Central station.

Please note that times for Exhibition line services are subject to change. Please check the latest information available on arrival at Roma Street, Central or Fortitude Valley stations.
Scheduled services

The Ekka is located at RNA Showgrounds, close to RBWH and RCH Herston busway stations.

Use the journey planner to find out which scheduled bus and train services travel to the RNA Showgrounds.
Public transport services from the event
Dedicated Ekka shuttle buses

Ekka shuttle buses will run outbound from the Ekka every 20 minutes each day from 11am until 11pm*.

*Last outbound shuttle on first day of Ekka (Thursday 8 August) departs at 6pm.
Shuttle bus routes

    Service A - Chermside - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), running express to Windsor (stop 13 on Lutwyche Road), continuing to Truro Street bus stop, Lutwyche busway station, Kedron Brook busway station, Kedron North (near Edinburgh Castle Road), then express to Chermside Shopping Centre platform A.
    Service B - Langlands Park - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), running express to RCH Herston busway station, continuing along the busway to QUT Kelvin Grove, Normanby, Roma Street, King George Square, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Mater Hill, Woolloongabba, Buranda, Stones Corner and Langland's Park (Coorparoo).
    Service C - Boggo Road - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), running express to RCH Herston busway station, continuing along the busway to QUT Kelvin Grove, Normanby, Roma Street, King George Square, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Mater Hill, PAH and Boggo Road (Dutton Park).
    Service D - Northgate - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), running express to Toombul (outside shopping centre), continuing to Nundah (on Station Street near Nundah Street) and Northgate (Ridge Street, outside train station).
    Service E - Eagle Junction - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), running express to Albion (Ekka stop at Mawarra Street), continuing to Wooloowin (Dickson Street) and Eagle Junction (Junction Road stop 28).
    Service F - Shorncliffe shuttle service - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), running express to Sandgate bus interchange at Sandgate station, then continuing to Shorncliffe station.
    Service G - Beenleigh shuttle service - starting from O'Connell Terrace (at the Ekka), then express to Beenleigh bus interchange (outside train station).
    RBWH - Eight Mile Plains - All stops on the Inner Northern Busway, then all stops on the South East Busway to Eight Mile Plains.

Additional trains

Additional trains and Exhibition line loop services will run from Exhibition station during the Ekka. Trains between Roma Street and Exhibition stations will run approximately every 15 minutes.

Exhibition station is located in the middle of the RNA showgrounds.

The Exhibition line runs between Roma Street, Central and Fortitude Valley stations. Trains leave for these stations every 15 minutes from 8.20am, returning frequently until 10pm. The train ride to Central station takes about 10 minutes from Exhibition station.

Please note that times for Exhibition line services are subject to change. Please check the latest information available on arrival at Exhibition station.
Scheduled services

The Ekka is located at RNA Showgrounds, close to RBWH and RCH Herston busway stations.

Use the journey planner to find out which scheduled bus and train services travel from the RNA Showgrounds.
Other information

Check service updates for current service status and upcoming changes before you travel.

Normal TransLink conditions and fares apply on all services (see below for information on the special Ekka travel ticket). There will be no additional charge for customers travelling to Exhibition station on the Ekka loop service.
Ekka travel ticket

This year, you can travel to and from the Ekka easier and cheaper than ever with TransLink's new Ekka travel ticket.

Simply pre-purchase your Ekka entry ticket online at ekka.com.au then show it at any attended Queensland Rail station or TransLink bus or ferry to purchase your Ekka travel ticket for only $6 return for adults and $3 return for children/concession. Present your pre-purchased Ekka entry ticket and you can also pre-purchase your Ekka travel ticket from any attended Queensland Rail station..

Check the Ekka travel ticket page for more information, and for conditions of use.
Ekka show holiday

There will be some service changes for the Ekka show holiday on Wednesday 15 August. Please check the website for the latest information, and don't forget to plan your journey before travelling.

Visit the Ekka website for more information or to buy tickets for the event.

http://translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/event-transport/details/721

[Mr X]

Good to see additional services rather than the standard 500/600 routes

Why isn't route C starting from UQ lakes? Or don't they want people to use it as an alternative to the 109?

[Golliwog]

Good to see additional services rather than the standard 500/600 routes

Why isn't route C starting from UQ lakes? Or don't they want people to use it as an alternative to the 109?

Kind of agree, but a bit intrigued by that fact that there's so many different additional services. Do they really need an bus from Beenleigh, Shorncliffe, Eagle Junction and Northgate?

[#Metro]

I just don't understand this at all. Why are they're any buses? And now they also leave from directly outside the train station car park too? What? Perhaps they are frequency boosters.

A decent PT system would just put on extra 111, 222, 333 and 444 services. They're should be no need for buses.

[Mr X]

I note there is no "direct" city - EKKA bus now like the 500 used to be, the new ones go via the inner northern busway, which is significantly slower. Maybe they are trying to get everyone onto trains?

[somebody]

Why isn't route C starting from UQ lakes? Or don't they want people to use it as an alternative to the 109?

I'd suggest UQ Lakes capacity.

[Mr X]

But UQ lakes was just upgraded.... 

[somebody]

Perhaps, but was it upgraded just to cope with the existing level of services?

I'd also question the demand for travel from UQ Lakes to Ekka direct.  Most students would go home first.

[Mr X]

Not if they are planning to go after a lecture..

[Golliwog]

Perhaps, but was it upgraded just to cope with the existing level of services?

I'd also question the demand for travel from UQ Lakes to Ekka direct.  Most students would go home first.

Pretty sure one of the releases said for future capacity as well. 139 and 169 both used to leave from stop C but now have their own bays and IIRC they didn't add any extra services to those when the upgrade opened. 209 also has a bay to itself, so there's plenty of capacity.

[ozbob]

Media release 6 August 2012

SEQ: Exhibition services good, but why not have more trains?

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 supports the service increase for this year's Ekka as compared to last year's, but wants more trains.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Overcrowding is nothing new on Ekka rail services, even according to a Translink spokesman (1).  It is good that additional bus services are planned (2).  However, the question has to be asked, what is so hard about running additional trains, increasing to 8 per hour between the peaks?  That would only be 12 trains per hour through Roma St platform 9, a clearly achievable outcome."

"While peak hour is less easy to handle, solutions are possible to fit in Ekka services such as by starting Roma St starters at Exhibition instead and running selected Bowen Hills platform #4 terminators to Exhibition instead of Bowen Hills."

"It seems that an indirect solution is preferred.  Which is very odd."

"It is disappointing that opportunities to increase rail travel are not taken. This is a good time to use the mass capacity of rail to great effect."

References:

1. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/train-ticket-queue-chaos-at-ekka-forces-translink-to-change-system/story-e6freoof-1226114983698

2. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/event-transport/details/721

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson
08/08/2012

Ekka travel plans made easy

Planning your journey to the Ekka will be that much simpler with bus services to the show published on the TransLink Journey Planner.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said this was the first time the Journey Planner included the Ekka bus timetable and full train timetable.

"This year show-goers can map out their best trip before they leave the house and take advantage of 370 extra buses and trains running each day of the Ekka*," Mr Emerson said.

"Travelling to the show by public transport will also be more affordable following the introduction of the special Ekka travel ticket.

"The travel ticket is $6 for adults or $3 for children/concession and is available from all attended Queensland Rail stations and on bus and ferry services upon presentation of a valid Ekka entry ticket.

"This will mean a more affordable journey to the show, especially for families travelling from Ipswich, and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts."

Trains will be running every 15 minutes on the Exhibition Loop between Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley and Exhibition train stations.

Dedicated Ekka shuttle buses will run from more places than ever before, to and from the show every 20 minutes between 9am and 11pm daily

For more information on public transport, visit www.translink.com.au, or call 13 12 30, anytime.

[ENDS] 8 August 2012


*see over for Ekka services

Ekka shuttle buses will operate to/from the following locations:

·Beenleigh train station, then express to showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Chermside bus interchange, all stops to Windsor , then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Boggo Road busway station, all stops on the South East and Northern busways to RCH Herston busway station, then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Eagle Junction train station, Wooloowin train station and Albion train station, then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Eight Mile Plains busway station, all stops on the South East and Northern busways to RBWH busway station, then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Langlands Park busway station, all stops on the Eastern, South East and Northern busways to RCH Herston busway station, then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Northgate train station (Ridge Street), Nundah train station (Station Street), Toombul bus interchange, then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

·Shorncliffe train station, Sandgate train station, then express to the showgrounds (O'Connell Terrace)

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

[somebody]

A big advance.  If they can do this, then they should be able to do the same for other events and trackwork.

[ozbob]

BB18 ¼ 1089 - Ekka Steam Train Services 2011

Steam might be on the job again this year ... possibly first weekend, Ekka Wednesday and last Saturday.

[ozbob]

No publicity but steam will on the Ekka loop today and tomorrow, Wednesday and next Saturday.

BB18¼ 1079 + SX 45   late morning, early afternoon.

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/ekka-services-more-translink-mediocrity.html
The BrizCommuter word on bus services duplicating train services. Just a sec, aren't these supposed to be eliminated?

[somebody]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/ekka-services-more-translink-mediocrity.html
The BrizCommuter word on bus services duplicating train services. Just a sec, aren't these supposed to be eliminated?

BrizCommuter is sure this has previously been every 10 minutes in past years?

Reference?  I've gone looking and I can only see 15 minute services in 2010 and 2011.

What are all of these extra Brisbane Transport buses doing when it's not Ekka time?

Notice they only start from 9am - when AM school services have stopped operating.  PM school services don't coincide with the PM peak so there are plenty of buses.

6/hour through Roma St #9 looks like this:

05
   8
   17
20
    28
35
   38
   47
50
   58
red = Ekka services

Surprisingly, 8/hour is operationally easier between the peaks .  PM peak just have all the trains starting at Roma St pick up at Exh. departure.  You might have to drop back to 4/hour Exh. bound in the PM peak.

[ozbob]

Media release 11 August 2012

SEQ: Ekka Services highlight flaws in bus network direct service dogma

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 highlights how this year's Ekka bus services illustrate the problem with direct services in the general Brisbane bus network.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Unlike previous years, TransLink has decided to run extra bus services direct to the Ekka, in direct competition to train services and duplicating existing busway services.

"While we understand that there will always be a need for direct services, this year's Ekka services serve as a useful parable illustrating why our current 'everything to the city' bus network philosophy is problematic, costly and why connections are so important."

Backgrounder ---> http://www.humantransit.org/2009/04/why-transferring-is-good-for-you-and-good-for-your-city.html

"With connections, passengers can get the next busway service and connect to the Ekka train at Roma Street. Given that there are buses every 2-5 minutes on the busways, existing bus services combined with an Ekka train connection outperform all dedicated Ekka services which only appear every 20 minutes."

Lesson: Overall travel times are significantly faster with a connection, rather than direct services, because waiting time is significantly reduced.

"Many of our members have observed empty Ekka Buses. When people catch usual TransLink services, the bus can pool passengers going to many destinations - it is more versatile and useful for a range of trips through one connection. When people catch an Ekka bus, the bus is SOLELY for those going to the Ekka, and nowhere else - a limited market, hence empty buses."

Lesson: Dedicated services will have limited patronage because they have a limited market. With connections, multi-destinational trips are possible, and the one bus trip can be used to get anywhere, with a connection. Dedicated services are very costly, connected services are cheaper overall because they can be used for many different kinds of versatile trips.

"These two lessons are just some of the reasons why we are so against the Maroon CityGlider, which should be scrapped in favour of BUZ services to Bulimba, Centenary and the Northwest!"

"We thank TransLink and the Minister for Transport for sorting out the ticket mess with a simple $6 Ekka paper ticket. It had taken many, many years of inertia and excuses and a major public overcrowding incident to get to this point, so we are glad indeed."

"We suggest that next year that no special direct buses are put on at all, just augment existing routes and simply signs go up at busway stations advising passengers to catch the next bus to the city and get a train at either Roma Street or Central. It will be both cheaper and faster for everyone concerned."

"We also look forward to the bus network review."

References:

1. 'Transferring' can be good for you, and good for your city http://www.humantransit.org/2009/04/why-transferring-is-good-for-you-and-good-for-your-city.html

2. Ekka services http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/ekka-services-more-translink-mediocrity.html

Contact:

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

[somebody]

Hmm, Wednesday has 8/hour trainsin both directions.  That hasn't been promoted.

[somebody]

Sat, Sun and Mon do not appear to have Exhibition loop services in the journey planner.

[BrizCommuter]

Reference?  I've gone looking and I can only see 15 minute services in 2010 and 2011.

Can't find proof (might have a look at wayback machine), but pretty sure that 10 min services were run a few years back. Interesting that 10 minute services were mentioned by TransLink recently, then changed back to 15 minutes. Old HTML template?

Notice they only start from 9am - when AM school services have stopped operating.  PM school services don't coincide with the PM peak so there are plenty of buses.

So BCC can find enough buses and drivers for Ekka services, but not solve often overcrowded pm peak services such as 66, and 345?

[/quote]

[somebody]

So BCC can find enough buses and drivers for Ekka services, but not solve often overcrowded pm peak services such as 66, and 345?

You would know my opinion there all too well.

Having said that, AM peak is the limiting case for buses, and rolling stock.  It's the same across the world I am sure.

[ozbob]

No publicity but steam will on the Ekka loop today and tomorrow, Wednesday and next Saturday.

BB18¼ 1079 + SX 45   late morning, early afternoon.

Heading to @theekka on board a steam train! How cool! Thanks @queenslandrail #Ekka #EkkaGram #EkkaGram twitter.com/AaronLucasBris...

— Aaron Lucas (@AaronLucasBris) August 12, 2012

[#Metro]

I think it is great they use steam ^^^ perhaps that should be standard ?

[ozbob]

I think it is great they use steam ^^^ perhaps that should be standard ?

+1      

<rant>  It is hopeless that TransLink, Queensland Rail and the Government did very little (like nothing) to publicise the fact that steam would be on the loops. And hiding the extras in the journey planner.  Pathetic performance all round ... </rant>

As far as I know, steam to run again on Wednesday and Saturday.

[ozbob]

Additional trains now listed ...

http://jp.translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/details/1343710909

Ekka show holiday services

Train services

Airport, Beenleigh and Ferny Grove lines

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable.

Caboolture line

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with some additional and altered services:

    Caboolture to City: departing Caboolture at 5.22am
    City to Caboolture: departing Central at 5.35am
    Petrie to Exhibition: departing Petrie at 8.24am, 8.54am, 9.24am and 10.24am

Cleveland line

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with some additional and altered services:

    City to Cleveland: departing Central at 5.16am
    Manly to City: departing Manly at 8.30am

Doomben line

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with some additional and altered services.

Doomben line trains will run every 30 minutes from 7pm until 10pm.

Gold Coast line

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with some additional and altered services:

    Varsity Lakes to City: departing Varsity Lakes at 5.18am, 8.18pm, 9.18pm and 10.18pm
    City to Varsity Lakes: departing Central at 6.54pm, 7.54pm, 8.54pm and 9.54pm

Ipswich/Rosewood line

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with some additional and altered services:

    Rosewood to Ipswich: departing Rosewood at 5.35am, 6.35am, 7.35am, 8.35am and 9.35am
    Ipswich to Rosewood: departing Ipswich at 6.05am, 7.05am, 8.05am, 9.05am, 10.56pm and 12.26am (Thursday morning)
    Ipswich to City: departing Ipswich at 8.27am

Nambour and Gympie North lines

All trains will run to a standard Wednesday timetable.

Shorncliffe line

All trains will run to a Saturday timetable, with some additional and altered services:

    City to Shorncliffe: departing Central at 5.52am.

For more information, including standard services and scheduled arrival times, please check the journey planner. Please note that these services are subject to change on short notice. Be sure to check our website on the day for the most up-to-date information.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail

The steam train back tomorrow and Saturday. More info at http://ow.ly/cWXMP

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

[BrizCommuter]

http://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/translink-ekka-rip-off.html
TransLink charging peak fares on a Brisbane public holiday again. 

[somebody]

Pretty sure that happened last year too.

There is legal reason that makes it technically correct. Still, arguably it could be done as a gesture of good will.  The other way of looking at it is that they are funding a lot of Ekka specials and that's a gesture of good will in itself.