SEQ Bus Network Review

[somebody]

Apart from the fact that this bus review appears to be a thinly veiled slash and burn operation by the State Government, I'm very worried about the lack of details of the proposed changes for some of the routes eg. the 196 extention to Yeronga.  Great idea but the key question is WHERE in Yeronga is it going?  And also some of the suggestions (for example) cutting 104 frequency during the day... to what? It's already an hourly service.  What are they going to make it? 2 hourly?

There's some good stuff in it.

[#Metro]

Apart from the fact that this bus review appears to be a thinly veiled slash and burn operation by the State Government, I'm very worried about the lack of details of the proposed changes for some of the routes eg. the 196 extention to Yeronga.  Great idea but the key question is WHERE in Yeronga is it going?  And also some of the suggestions (for example) cutting 104 frequency during the day... to what? It's already an hourly service.  What are they going to make it? 2 hourly?

Hello Andrew; It has been a while since we've heard from you

I look at it this way - in the same way that people have their toenails cut and hair cut, bus networks need cuts/remodelling/new services/review every now and then so that they keep their services relevant. No cuts is like keeping your nails and hair really really long for like 20 years...

I'm sure more detail will be available as they come to hand. The yeronga extension idea is actually taken from this forum... LOL.

[Gazza]

Quick question, but prior to KGS what stop(s) did the 111 and 160 share?

[SurfRail]

Quick question, but prior to KGS what stop(s) did the 111 and 160 share?

QSBS A9.

In the dim and distant past, the 333 left from A10 using the now gone Albert St portal.

(I could have these stops the other way but it was those 2.)

[somebody]

In the dim and distant past, the 333 left from A10 using the now gone Albert St portal.

And turned right after passing stop A5?  Interesting, I never knew that.  The 330/340 did something different didn't they?

I'm aware of days when the 350 used to leave from QSBS B and run via the Cultural Centre.  I think the 385 did the same.  345 I'm a bit less sure about.

[Gazza]

Cheers.

Currently bus hopping up and down Coro alternating between 444s and P88s seeing firsthand the true effects of duplication. Media release with pics upcoming

[Andrew]

In the dim and distant past, the 333 left from A10 using the now gone Albert St portal.

And turned right after passing stop A5?  Interesting, I never knew that.  The 330/340 did something different didn't they?

I'm aware of days when the 350 used to leave from QSBS B and run via the Cultural Centre.  I think the 385 did the same.  345 I'm a bit less sure about.

The 340 (or at least its predecessor) used to drop down via Spring Hill and service a stop in Adelaide St then terminate on Grey St outside the Museum. The 345 left from Adelaide St 43 and travelled via CC. The 385 used to start in Albert St app Adelaide St and also use CC. The 330 I think used to leave from B platform too IIRC. I can't remember the exact progression and I could be thinking of the routes pre renumbering too.

[triplethree]

In the dim and distant past, the 333 left from A10 using the now gone Albert St portal.

And turned right after passing stop A5?  Interesting, I never knew that.  The 330/340 did something different didn't they?

I'm aware of days when the 350 used to leave from QSBS B and run via the Cultural Centre.  I think the 385 did the same.  345 I'm a bit less sure about.

The outbound 330/340 started at Queen St just past Creek St (L) Wharf (L) Adelaide (L) North Quay (R) Victoria Bridge (R) Grey (R) Roma (L) INB. Same inbound except Adelaide (R) Creek (L) Queen.

Not sure about the 333. Maybe they went via Queen St Portal (L) William (L) Elizabeth (L) George (L) Roma (R) INB? I vaguely recall having to catch the outbound 333 from George St near Herschel St.

The 385 left from Albert St outside where Mos Burger now is and went via the Cultural Centre, 345 just around the corner outside the Commonwealth Bank. While KGSBS was being built they left from what's now the 13x rockets stop on Adelaide St outside Brisbane Square. It was very ugly inbound AMs ... Cultural Centre then (R) William (L) Elizabeth (L) George (L) Adelaide. The worst bit was the two left turns at the casino - an absolute jam of buses including all the 4xx expresses turning against pedestrians who don't realise that red means stop.

[Andrew]

Cheers.

Currently bus hopping up and down Coro alternating between 444s and P88s seeing firsthand the true effects of duplication. Media release with pics upcoming

The problem is not having the two routes. The problem is how they are run. The 444 and P88 usually leave around similar times rather than being spread out. Same problem exists on the SE busway outbound. 160 goes through CC @ 12-13 past, 111 @ 15-16 past and the 555 @ 17 past leaving almost a 10 min gap. Silly really considering the 170 also goes through at 17 past and the 183 is at an odd frquency of 45 mins and suffers from a very low profile.  The 111 should be moved earlier by about 7-8 mins so it goes through around 07-08 past.  To be honest I think of services like the P88 and the Gliders as comparable to Sydney's Metrobuses. I think if they're implemented correctly that they could be a real asset. I think they should have more P8x series routes over the next few years to give capacity on key corridors and help out some of the top performing routes.

[Gazza]

Disagree...if a route is top performing, just add extra buses to that route, at the times needed.
It's completely over the top to do a new 7 day a week high frequency route when the capacity isn't needed offpeak and weekends, and the 444 already has good baseline frequency daily.

[Jonas Jade]

Not sure about the 333. Maybe they went via Queen St Portal (L) William (L) Elizabeth (L) George (L) Roma (R) INB?

IIRC, the 333 went from Albert St portal (L) Adelaide (R) George (L) Roma (R) INB most of the time.

[somebody]

To be honest I think of services like the P88 and the Gliders as comparable to Sydney's Metrobuses.

Which of the Metrobuses runs limited stops directly against a railway line though?

I see what you are saying to a degree though, they help out carrying the loads in peak hour without congesting the busiest parts of the CBD, namely those parts north of Park St.

I can't see how that issue is analogous to anything in Brisbane really.  Through routing to save layover space, is that more what you are referring to?

[SurfRail]

Not sure about the 333. Maybe they went via Queen St Portal (L) William (L) Elizabeth (L) George (L) Roma (R) INB?

IIRC, the 333 went from Albert St portal (L) Adelaide (R) George (L) Roma (R) INB most of the time.

Inbound it was INB, Roma, George St bus lane, Herschel, North Quay, Adelaide, Albert St portal.

[somebody]

Inbound it was INB, Roma, George St bus lane, Herschel, North Quay, Adelaide, Albert St portal.

Surprised it wasn't North Quay (L) QSBS.  425/430/435/453/454/460 can make that manoeuvre now in the AM peak so I'm not sure what has changed.

[Andrew]

Disagree...if a route is top performing, just add extra buses to that route, at the times needed.
It's completely over the top to do a new 7 day a week high frequency route when the capacity isn't needed offpeak and weekends, and the 444 already has good baseline frequency daily.

Although that seems the logical option on face value, it can also lead to greater inefficiency.  The 130 and 150 are classic examples.  All these sweeper services in the afternoon particularly that go right through to Parkinson and Browns Plains.  You have several buses going right to the terminus for maybe 1 or 2 people left on the bus, if that.  Once you're at that stage it might be worth investigating a route that starts/finishes closer into the city and parallells it.  The 133, 374 and 305 are classic examples of this in the peak hour.  That's why I like the idea of routes like the 88 if they're set up correctly.  I think that the corridors that the 88 runs along need reviewing and as a minimum the schedules overhauled to try and get even spacing of buses and then ADVERTISE the fact that there is a bus approx. every 5 mins or whatever it may be.

[Gazza]

I dont really have an issue with a short working to focus capacity where needed, but again, I ask, why is the P88 even running on weekends/ offpeak/ later in the evening after peak?

[#Metro]

What Andrew says is true, but only during peak hour when there IS a load to relieve. Andrew's argument is therefore an argument insofar as peak hour services go, and therefore would only make a case for P88 during peak hour.

More buses are put on in peak anyway, and if there is a rationalisation and simplification of rockets this may be enough to still not need a P88.

There is a saying in Public Administration that once something is in, it is very hard to truely scrub it away. It 'clings'.

During peak hour, BUZ services have buses every 10 minutes, which means a bus every 5 minutes or better down Moggil Road. There would be others also.

I would suggest cutting P88 back to weekday peak hour operation only as a rocket/relief service. Use the funds liberated to give the long suffering residents of Centenary their BUZ services.

[somebody]

I dont really have an issue with a short working to focus capacity where needed, but again, I ask, why is the P88 even running on weekends/ offpeak/ later in the evening after peak?

(a) It stops at about 8pm so not sure why it's such an issue about the evening trips
(b) It runs on weekends for reasons that I have pointed out on numerous occasions.

Disagree...if a route is top performing, just add extra buses to that route, at the times needed.
It's completely over the top to do a new 7 day a week high frequency route when the capacity isn't needed offpeak and weekends, and the 444 already has good baseline frequency daily.

Although that seems the logical option on face value, it can also lead to greater inefficiency.  The 130 and 150 are classic examples.  All these sweeper services in the afternoon particularly that go right through to Parkinson and Browns Plains.  You have several buses going right to the terminus for maybe 1 or 2 people left on the bus, if that.  Once you're at that stage it might be worth investigating a route that starts/finishes closer into the city and parallells it.  The 133, 374 and 305 are classic examples of this in the peak hour.  That's why I like the idea of routes like the 88 if they're set up correctly.  I think that the corridors that the 88 runs along need reviewing and as a minimum the schedules overhauled to try and get even spacing of buses and then ADVERTISE the fact that there is a bus approx. every 5 mins or whatever it may be.

I agree, but the 88 is a poor example.

[ozbob]

Media release 12th December 2012

SEQ: Bus review - the effect of duplication

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport has highlighted why the bus review is important for network improvements.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Recently, Translink announced a review of bus routes to with the goals of increasing usage eliminating service duplication, simplifying the network, increasing connectivity between modes, and reducing overcrowding (1)."

"Duplication of bus services in Brisbane is a big issue. Many areas have several bus routes competing with each other and wasting resources, whilst other areas crying out for better services remain ignored."

"One such example of duplication (of many) is the 444 and the P88, which operate between Indooroopilly and the CBD, via Coronation drive."

"The P88 was established in late 2010 as an alternative to the 444 (And a number of other routes) running to the Western suburbs. In fact, from the CBD the P88 then continues to 8-Mile Plains, so it also duplicates a number of busway routes in the process."

"This sort of duplication has the effect of simply scattering passengers across a larger number of buses, so you're using extra resources to do the same job done previously. It's costly compared to other options to relieve overcrowding (2)."

"Part of the justification of the P88 is to relieve overcrowding on other routes, and whilst this is indeed true in peak hours, for the rest of the time it is needlessly piling extra buses on an area already well serviced."

"A RAIL Back On Track member took to the two competing routes over the course of a couple of hours to observe this effect (see images below), and obvious waste is embarrassing, with all buses under half full. Several were carrying less than 10 passengers. Why wasn't the capacity on existing routes considered adequate?"

"It is worrying that the Maroon Cityglider is set to make exactly the same mistakes... (3). A weakly justified new addition to the network, duplicating several bus routes in Inner Brisbane. Can we really afford to be thoughtlessly heaping resources upon some areas whilst continuing to ignore others?"

Contacts:

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

Gavin Seipelt
Brisbane West Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review

2. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=8073.msg94042#msg94042

3. http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9356.0

Images - 11th December 2012

1. 13:13 Indooroopilly. Inbound 444. 11 Passengers onboard.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6840/20121211131304.jpg

2. 13:23 Toowong. Inbound P88.2 Passengers onboard (Smallest load observed)

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/1559/20121211132318.jpg

3. 13:37 Roma Street. Inbound 444.14 Passengers onboard.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/648/20121211133736.jpg

4. 13:59 Milton. Outbound P88.29 Passengers onboard (Busiest bus observed)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2284/20121211135905.jpg

5. 14:09 Brisbane Boys College. Outbound 444.25 Passengers onboard.

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/1574/20121211140904.jpg

6. 14:45 Auchenflower. Inbound P88.3 Passengers onboard.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3318/20121211145158.jpg

7. 14:52 Cribb St. Inbound 444.9 Passengers onboard.

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/3446/20121211150215.jpg

8. 15:02 Roma St. Outbound P88.7 Passengers onboard.

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7995/20121211152822.jpg

9. 15:40. Taringa. Outbound P88.5 Passengers onboard.

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/5481/20121211153432.jpg

10. Observation - 15:27. Toowong Village. Outbound 444. 20 Passengers onboard. (no image)

[ozbob]

Message from TransLink re bus review:

11th December 2012

SEQ Bus Network Review

Hello

You may be aware of the state government's review into the South East Queensland Bus Network.  The review, being conducted by TransLink, will result in the development of recommendations for government's consideration in early 2013 on improving service frequency, reliability and affordability. 

TransLink has completed its initial analysis of each route, and members of the public are welcome to submit feedback on those routes that are of interest. 

Following is a link to the TransLink website which contains advice on each bus route and how to provide feedback:

Click here for SEQ Bus Network Review

The ability to provide feedback via the website is available until 17 December 2012.  Alternatively, feedback can be submitted up to and including 19 December 2012 via the following page on the TransLink website:

Click here for Feedback Form

The greater the number of people that submit feedback, the greater the opportunity to influence the final outcomes.  Have your say today!

Kind regards

Matthew Longland
A/Deputy Director-General
TransLink Division | Department of Transport and Main Roads

[Golliwog]

Regarding encouraging feedback, we got a letter from our local councilor, informing us the route 362 was being reviewed and directing us to give feedback on the Translink website. From the way it was written, and addressed to the household I'm pretty sure he sent it to most of the suburb.

[ozbob]

Media release 12th December 2012

SEQ Bus Review: Do the bus stop!

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 highlighted the upcoming conclusion of the first stages of the SEQ Bus review (1).

"TransLink has embarked on a major review of the bus network. It is a complex task, but also a rare golden opportunity for a 'spring clean' of the network at large. The keys to an improved network are frequency and simplicity and changes need to be aggressive to properly recast the network."

"We are not aware of a wholesale review or rationalisation of bus stop spacing having ever been done in Brisbane. Indeed some bus stops date back to the tram era! Stop spacing is important because services that have stops too close are slower, use more fuel, are prone to more delay and use more labour hours (time) and are thus more expensive to run and attract lower patronage (2,3,4)."

"Conversely, services that have stops further apart are faster, are less prone to delay and use less labour and because of this, also attract higher patronage and more farebox revenue. Where a bus route is a 'community service obligation' route, close stops may well be appropriate, however for core high frequency quality services and those running down arterial corridors, it is not."

"We would like the bus review to consider some rationalisation of bus stop spacing and locations in Brisbane where appropriate."

"Furthermore we also believe that consultation is necessary for the public to suggest removing or adding bus stops, as the case may be.  We propose that this could be done through the TransLink website. There isn't an average speed indicator beside the bus services listed on the TransLink SEQ Bus Review website, so it is hard to tell."

"We look forward to the next stages of the review, thank you and keep up the good work."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review

2. Human Transit, Jarrett Walker, Stop Spacing
http://www.humantransit.org/stop-spacing/

3. Stop spacing: the endless, thankless, and essential struggle
http://www.humantransit.org/2010/03/stop-spacing-the-endless-thankless-and-essential-struggle.html

4. Basics: the spacing of stops and stations
http://www.humantransit.org/2010/11/san-francisco-a-rational-stop-spacing-plan.html

Contact:

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

[Set in train]

Redland newspaper, the Bayside Bulletin is covering the review:

http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/story/1176247/redland-bus-routes-set-to-change/?cs=213

[ozbob]

Media release 13th December 2012

SEQ: Core Frequent Network: Overhaul The Great Circle Line



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 highlighted the upcoming conclusion of the first stages of the SEQ Bus review (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The Great Circle Line (GCL) route 598/599 is an orbital bus route that links Brisbane suburbs and major suburban centres with each other without having to go to the CBD."

"The problem with the GCL is it's a 'legacy route' - low frequency, indirectness, general lack of service span and extreme length which makes it unappealing to catch and unreliable. Its circular shape also means staggered starts, inconsistent destination displays and passenger confusion about whether the clockwise or anticlockwise service was the one to get."

"An overhaul of The Great Circle Line to be faster, more direct, more frequent and with a greater span of service to allow for connections is a key part of creating a bus grid covering Brisbane, and a larger Core Frequent Network of services that are easy to market and use."

The following reforms should be considered:

(a) Breaking up the GCL into four or five discrete component routes to improve reliability, legibility and destination display consistency. All routes can still be marketed as 'Great Circle Line'.

(b) A greater span of service hours, say 6 am until 9 pm, including weekdays and weekends. People need to be able to trust the service will be there when they need it.

(c) More direct services, exploiting the speed of main arterial roads such as Metroad 5. The introduction of a separate Mt Coot-tha shuttle between Toowong and Mt Coot-tha may be required to allow the GCL to be removed from the Botanic Gardens at Toowong, allowing an improved GCL to directly travel up Metroad 5 upon departing Toowong. Route 471 (Mt Coot-tha) could also be routed to end at Toowong Shopping Centre. Passengers for Mt Coot-tha could catch any bus or train that stops at Toowong and catch the proposed shuttle.

(d) Amalgamation of the 599/598 and 590 so that all buses travel via Murarrie Station and allow connections with the Cleveland line.

(e) 15 minute frequency for greater convenience and easier connections, rather than the current 30 minute frequency.

"The Melbourne Smartbus sets a precedent for many of these reforms (3). These services can be, in part, funded by efficiencies identified in the Bus Review."

References:

1. http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-updates/seq-bus-network-review

2. Great Circle Line http://www.qldbuses.info/index.php?page=routedetail&search=599&oprequired=BRT

3. Melbourne Smartbus http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/buses/smartbus/smartbus-map-and-routes/

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

From Quest South West News 12th December 2012 page 4

Decide on bus routes future

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Bus in pipeline for Drewvale residents

Bus in pipeline for Drewvale residents

    by: Angela Ranke, Southern Star
    From: Quest Newspapers
    December 13, 2012 12:00AM

TRANSLINK is considering a bus service to Drewvale as part of a review of the south-east Queensland bus network.

The transport provider has released stage one of the review which aims to improve service frequency, reliability and affordability.

Among the suggestions is an extension of route 153 to service Drewvale.

Additional trips are also being considered to improve the frequency of services for local residents.

Drewvale resident Carmen Martin has been campaigning for better public transport since she moved to the area a decade ago.

``If my car breaks down I can't go anywhere because we don't have a bus here,'' she said.

``The nearest bus stop is at Browns Plains (shopping centre) and it's too hard to walk there.''

Local Councillor Kim Marx - who has campaigned for better public transport in the area - welcomed the news.

``It's a really good thing and it's certainly a lot further along then we've been in the past where we've had a flat no,'' she said.

Cr Marx urged residents to provide feedback to ensure the bus service will be delivered.

``What we need is Drewvale residents logging on and providing feedback saying they will patronise the service,'' she said.

Visit translink.com.au to have your say before Monday, December 17.

[STB]

Redland newspaper, the Bayside Bulletin is covering the review:

http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/story/1176247/redland-bus-routes-set-to-change/?cs=213

And a very poorly researched article at that.  Typical regional newspaper  .

[Fattious]

Regarding the Wynnum Road corridor, with particular attention to the Canon Hill / Morningside area:

"There are no proposed changes at this time to the 227", which is unfortunate given it's frequency and hours of operation are lacklustre.

"Additional trips are being considered on the P221", despite patronage being moderate. The P221 should be converted from a rocket to a bullet, by placement of additional key stops along the current express portion (Morningside Central, Morningside Rail, Norman Park). This would extend peak frequency for key stops along the 227 route, and elevate over-crowding on the 227, as is currently performed at the Kangaroo Pt Shaftston Ave stop. The 227 and P221 also pass common stops outbound through the city. Same should be performed on the P216, which is also receiving moderate patronage.

"Additional trips are being considered to improve the frequency of services for local residents and to grow patronage" on the 220 (Richmond Road), despite it currently providing moderate value for money and patronage. Yet the 227, offering "high value for money and very high patronage" is not to receive a frequency boost, or extended hours of evening operation. I also note that there is presently more 220/215/214 services than the 227, and the 215/220 operates into the evening (227 finishes departing around 7PM).

It is unclear what the new frequency of the 220/215/214 will be (there will be more 220's but less 215 and 214). It is disappointing that there is no improvements in frequency for Wynnum Road planned, especially as improvements would help identify response to BUZing the corridor (CFN).

It also looks like the service improvements for the 235 and P236 will be minimal, with the 230 being the main service that will see improvements. Hopefully there will still be an early evening frequency boost to the outbound 235, although this may not be necessary with the increase of the 230 frequency.

PS, I should disclose, Wynnum Road is 400m walk, Thyne Road is 800m walk and Riding Road is 1200m walk. Despite the excessive amount of stops on the 227, it is still the most convenient service for this neighbourhood.

[somebody]

Great comments, I'd back those.

[Set in train]

Redland newspaper, the Bayside Bulletin is covering the review:

http://www.baysidebulletin.com.au/story/1176247/redland-bus-routes-set-to-change/?cs=213

And a very poorly researched article at that.  Typical regional newspaper  .

Where did they go wrong? What's the poor research?

[somebody]

Second that.

[Gazza]

Quick question, but is there much support for having the 333 serve Truro and Federation Streets? The stops either side are a long way apart, the area has the density (Moreso at Truro St) and they kinda deserve the frequent direct connection to the INB stations.

Also, any ideas as to why they would truncate/increase frequency the 430 at Indro, but no propose any changes to the 445.....
They should both terminate at Indro as far as I'm concerned.

[nathandavid88]

The local rag is getting the word out there, albeit through some scaremongering over some of the routes to be cut.

Bus services may go after route review
14 Dec 2012 | Albert and Logan News

LOGAN could lose five bus routes in the new year and there are only four days left to have your say on Stage Two of the Southeast Queensland Bus Network Review.

A Translink spokesman said the review recommended bus routes 543, Browns Plains to Heritage Park; 544, Browns Plains to Forestdale; 556 Griffith University to Loganlea; 557, Garden City to Springwood via Underwood and 558, Logan Central Loop should be scrapped due to poor patronage and funding issues with less than 15 per cent of operating costs covered by fares on these routes.

He said bus routes with low patronage had less than seven passengers per trip on average.

Meanwhile, if the review recommendations are adopted, Logan could also gain services along route 547 with extra coverage for Browns Plains and Woodridge train station via Drewvale and on route P583 after the Slacks Creek Park 'n' Ride is completed.

Beenleigh's Fay Hicks welcomed the chance to share her opinions with Translink.

Ms Hicks said it could take her up to two and a half hours to get from Beenleigh to Marsden by bus.

''If they (Logan City Council) want services they've got to put money towards it.'' Have your say online before midnight Monday, December 17, at http://translink.com.au/travelinformation/serviceupdates/seq-bus-networkreview

The 556, 557 and 558 are stupid duplicate routes that won't be missed, and the 543 and 544 are suburban routes that leave from Browns Plains and terminate randomly in the middle of Heritage Park and Forestdale respectively. Useful to people who live right on the route, but otherwise both are 20min trips to nowhere. The 560 and 542 all run reasonably close enough to large parts of the 543 route (and there are changes to the 542 route being proposed – taking in more of the 543 route possibly?), while large portions of the 544 route might be taken up with the changes to the 534 to Springfield, which is proposed to be rerouted through Hillcrest.

As an aside, the Fay Hicks mentioned in the article I've see often in the letters to the editor section campaigning for an all day Beenleigh – Brisbane bus route (including dragging the 555 to Beenleigh). She seems to have forgotten about this interesting place in Beenleigh called a train station! 

[somebody]

Also, any ideas as to why they would truncate/increase frequency the 430 at Indro, but no propose any changes to the 445.....
They should both terminate at Indro as far as I'm concerned.

Well if the 433 is to terminate at Indro, the 445 will be the only thing serving the blue stops.  And it doesn't run on Sundays.  Bummer.

[Gazza]

^I wonder why the 444 corridor just doesn't have an all stops alternative like the 204 is to the 200, or like the 370 is the is to the 333.

Seems annoying that someone from Fig Tree Pocket / Southern Indooroopilly should have to sit through an all stops journey for someone elses benefit.

the 445 will be the only thing serving the blue stops

I always mentally call them yellow or white stops, I guess the yellow of the pole stands out from a distance when riding a bus.

[SurfRail]

I've steered clear so far of suggesting we shouldn't bother with expresses on some routes in favour of simply putting a bus stop every 600 metres and running a single pattern.  I have noted though that there are a lot of instances where bus stops are simply WAYTOOCLOSETOGETHER.

[ozbob]

From the Couriermail Quest click here!

Transport Tiff: Councillor says local service cuts are "short-sighted"

Transport Tiff: Councillor says local service cuts are "short-sighted"

    by: Jasmin Lill, City South News
    From: Quest Newspapers
    December 14, 2012 12:00AM

A REVIEW of bus services in the southern suburbs has turned into a nightmare Christmas gift, says Councillor Nicole Johnston.

The Tennyson ward councillor said the Newman Government's proposal to cut the 107 and 108 routes servicing Graceville, Tennyson, Yeerongpilly, Yeronga and Fairfield was "short-sighted and stupid''.

"Despite living up to 2km from their nearest rail station, many residents, including those at a local retirement village, will be left with no bus service at all,'' she said.

Cr Johnston said elderly residents could not access rail stations because of steep stairs, walking long distances and lack of parking.

"Often their only means of transport to shops and doctors is by bus,'' she said.
Member for South Brisbane and shadow transport minister Jackie Trad said the consultation process was a sham.

But commuter advocacy group Rail Back on Track's spokesman Robert Dow said it was a welcome bus review.

"It is a complex task and perhaps major reviews should be conducted more regularly. At least every six to eight years,'' he said.

He said the focus should be on ``inter-meshing'' the grid.

At the review launch Transport Minister Scott Emerson said data showed patronage had fallen on 13 of the 16 providers in southeast Queensland.

Some buses were doubling up on train services and some were carrying less than three people a day. Anyone can object via the Translink website by December 17.

[Gazza]

I've steered clear so far of suggesting we shouldn't bother with expresses on some routes in favour of simply putting a bus stop every 600 metres and running a single pattern.  I have noted though that there are a lot of instances where bus stops are simply WAYTOOCLOSETOGETHER.

Agreed, but I can't be bothered having the debate either.
Sir Fred Schonell drive is the prime example of where the system of two tiers is dumb.

Top pic shows the I/B yellow stop in relation to the O/B white stop. You cant see the I/B white stop due to trees.
But the bottom pic shows that the two white stops are directly opposite, proving the closeness. 200m to be exact.


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[SurfRail]

Where does Nicole Johnston think there will be places that are 2km from a bus in her ward that aren't already?

Perhaps this in itself is evidence that the network is so complicated that people can't even identify when and where there buses run with anything approaching ease.

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Last days to comment on TransLink's proposed bus changes

Last days to comment on TransLink's proposed bus changes

    14th Dec 2012 2:19 PM

SUNSHINE Coast Council is encouraging people to carefully check TransLink's suggested changes to local bus services to see how it could affect them.

Council's Transport Strategy Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said people have until midnight Monday December 17 to provide feedback to TransLink as part of its South East Queensland (SEQ) Network Review.

"TransLink released suggested bus service changes last week based on the first stage of the review undertaken in September - we're encouraging people to look up the routes they normally use and understand what changes, if any, are being proposed for those services," he said.

"It's important people are aware of what is being suggested and considering how these changes could affect their day to day travel around the Coast.

"Of the more significant changes being suggested is the removal of three services in our area, including the Hinterland Connect service between Nambour and Maleny.

"Now is the time to speak up and put forward your views direct to TransLink.

"Council will also be providing comments to TransLink on the suggested service changes."

Some of TransLink's proposed service changes include:

    Potential removal of three services - Hinterland Connect (Nambour to Maleny) and routes 601 (Caloundra to Maroochydore limited stops) and 613 (Twin Waters to Maroochydore)
    Up to four services may see an improvement in frequency - 600, 605, 615, 631
    Frequency of route 618 suggested to be reduced from every 30 minutes to 60 minutes
    Potential realignments of services may include routes 600, 602, 607, 609, 610, 617, 618, 620, and 622

TransLink will consider feedback from this stage of the review. People can check the proposed service changes on TransLink's website and provide comments via its online feedback form.