Is TransLink losing the plot?

[ozbob]

TransLink have lost a number of staff ( around 70 I understand ), there are obviously complex pressures following this and with the move to TMR.  Additionally being tasked to take over Q Connect, long distance rail.  I think the signs are already there that they are starting to struggle a little.  Attention to fine detail seems to be lacking, eg. visitor go card information, constant timetable/journey planner issues, haphazard web comms at times, go card issues.  Network plan not available. 

Political leadership is not good either IMHO, at times bordering on delusion.  As recent events have unfolded some interesting revelations starting to surface.  With the move of the DDG TL to acting DG TMR I think this doesn't necessary help, although I have a lot of confidence in Mr Scales, he can only do so much and has been dealt a difficult hand at this time.

Loosing the plot? Yes, and I don't think it is going to get better for some time either.  Fewer people spread wider with less resources?

The Government has failed to outline exactly how the ' new ' TransLink will function.  Do they actually know??

[BrizCommuter]

TransLink have lost a number of staff ( around 70 I understand ), there are obviously complex pressures following this and with the move to TMR.  Additionally being tasked to take over Q Connect, long distance rail.  I think the signs are already there that they are starting to struggle a little.  Attention to fine detail seems to be lacking, eg. visitor go card information, constant timetable/journey planner issues, haphazard web comms at times.  Network plan not available. 

Political leadership is not good either IMHO, at times bordering on delusion.  As recent events have unfolded some interesting revelations starting to surface.  With the move of the DDG TL to acting DG TMR I think this doesn't necessary help, although I have a lot of confidence in Mr Scales, he can only do so much and has been dealt a difficult hand at this time.

Loosing the plot? Yes, and I don't think it is going to get better for some time either.  Fewer people spread wider with less resources?

TransLink were just as incompetent before the staffing losses.

[Golliwog]

I think I actually hope that Mr Caltabiano stays on at DG. While I disagree with how it appears he was appointed, and some of the stuff going around about Mr Gommers, as an engineer, he is critically reviewing most projects. As he has an engineering degree and did a Masters (or some form of post graduate study) in pavement engineering (so basically roads, but it would also apply to most subgrade situations, so road and rail) so he knows a bit about it and it's keen to not spend money where it isn't needed. I've heard a few cases where the design has come in and there's a bit of "Why is do you have so much of xxx? I've done a project that had heavier traffic, and more traffic which only used yyy of xxx, so why do you need so much?"

There has been a habit over the years to overdesign things, as well as over cater for things, some of which is justifiable, but some isn't.

That said, I'm not sure how exactly this will translate to working with Translink, as there is a fairly big difference between physical engineering (geomechanics, structures, etc) and transport systems. Hopefully he gives Mr Scales room to move and do what he needs, and I'm also hoping that when they take over Q Connect and the rest that they gain the staff currently overseeing those areas.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Translink lost the plot ages ago 

[Stillwater]

The plot was to castrate Translink and bring Mr Scales under the direct control of Mr Caltibiano -- everything under the control of Mr Caltibiano.  Falsetto singers all, with Mr Caltibiano the base baritone.

[ozbob]

Yes, Stillwater, the grand plan is failing miserably ...  much more to play out yet ...

[longboi]

You morons just don't have a clue 

[ozbob]

You morons just don't have a clue 

People have their opinions.  Please desist from frank abuse.  Facts and evidence speak for themselves ...

Can you outline how the new TransLink is to function?  No one else seems able too ...

[somebody]

I would echo ozbob, nikko.

TTA did very little for its entire existence.

[somebody]

Oh, and you lose an 'o'.  Should be 'losing the plot'.

[ozbob]

Thanks,  the plot is possibly a bit loose too .. lol

[HappyTrainGuy]

TTA did very little for its entire existence.

Hey, me and you know that's not true. You remember that full network review they did when they first took over back in 2004? It................. hmmmm that still hasn't happened has it. Ummmm..... frequent trains, frequent and direct buses, sunday bus services, the ability to travel east/west quickly, feeder support networks, intergrated ticketing... ding ding! ummm what else removal of 90min-2 hour frequencies within 10km of the CBD..... the 336/337/354 so that's a no... ummmmm

[somebody]

intergrated ticketing... ding ding!

Actually that was done by Translink mk1.  TTA was the incarnation from 2008-2012

[HappyTrainGuy]

Same thing. Both have done hardly little since taking over PT in SEQ 

[SurfRail]

You morons just don't have a clue 

TransLink is an exemplar of how to run and manage a public transport system.  Obviously nothing they do can be questioned, because they are beyond reproach, as are all of their decisions and products.

We have a world-clarse public transport system and it behooves us to remember that it can never get better than it is now.

[somebody]

Same thing. Both have done hardly little since taking over PT in SEQ 

I think the timeline went something like this:
BUZ 111 (or that effective level of service)
Translink mk1
BUZ 130, 150, 199, 200, 333, 345, 444 + some additional peak hour train services + more SMUs (not sure if TL had anything to do with this) (4 years elapsed)
TTA formation, Strachan appointed CEO
BUZ 140
RCH interim timetable
New IPS/RCH/CAB timetable (3 years elapsed)
Stachan announces resignation
BUZ 120, 196, 222
Strachan leaves
BUZ 100, 180, 330, 340 (tad over 1 year elapsed)

I don't count Cityglider or track amplifications as I don't believe they were TL initiatives.

[Jonno]

Always love a good ol behooving?

[Golliwog]

What about the new JP, and various go card support improvements. They've done a few things and listened to feedback. EG: my old student card meant my go card was going to expire last year, but I am graduating this year. When it came around to the expiry, all you got was the same colour lights at the reader, just an extra beep and the screen would say something about expiring soon. Really had to be looking for it though. I gave feedback suggesting making it more obvious and maybe sending emails where possible to notify people of expiry dates. Low and behold, my actual graduation date is approaching, I have the same extra beep and on screen message, but the lights flash red (no actual error, but it gets your attention). I also just received an email telling me what to do to update the expiry date, or how to transfer to a normal go card.

I think Translink had its issues, but on the whole I think they were manageable. I would have preferred for it to have stayed separate from the department. If you want the one body for PT in QLD, then transfer QConnect to TL, not TL into TMR. While I'm sure on the whole there won't be much of a difference, I really don't trust the government not to meddle in transport planning and have politicians thinking they know how to plan a 'good' route.

[SurfRail]

As usual with Queensland it's only half-way correct.

We should have a Public Transport Authority, same as WA.

[ozbob]

TransLink - mark 1 and 2 has rolled out the go card.  The fare path is completely botched, but the system is out there and operating.  Still hope yet for a decent fare path ...

[Jonno]

All the restructuring in the world will not help if Govt Policy is wrong.. Which we know it is