ACT Bus Forum

Discussion => Routes and Timetables => Topic started by: Barry Drive on September 02, 2014, 02:04:15 PM

Title: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on September 02, 2014, 02:04:15 PM
Apart from Weekends and that appalling mess in Lyons / Chifley, the new route structure for Network 14 isn't all bad. The bigger problem has been timing and scheduling which leaves much to be desired.

So what's next? If ACTION were to aim for a minor revision next time, what is needed and/or where do you start?

New suburbs need to be a priority. Coombs needs a service ASAP, as does Jacka. Casey / Ngunnawal might benefit from an additional route.

Thoughts?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: King of Buses on September 02, 2014, 04:21:57 PM
Coombs will probably get the 83 diverted (and 783 maybe), Jacka will get either the 55/255 or 59/259 extended in true ACTION style IMO.
Weekend runs will remain stuffed up I imagine (e.g. I see no need to send the 940 along Benjamin Way with no weekday run, so why not along Hennessy St? Because they sent the 980 down there because of the 940 going along Benjamin Way  ???

Timing and scheduling is the main issue though. A particular route comes to mind here...

(And yes, that mess in Lyons/ Chifley needs to be sorted out...)
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Skitube on September 02, 2014, 05:01:50 PM
i wonder if lawson and throsby would be developed enough to get a bus route by then
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on September 02, 2014, 07:21:15 PM
Quote from: Skitube on September 02, 2014, 05:01:50 PM
i wonder if lawson and throsby would be developed enough to get a bus route by then

Moncreiff is the next suburb being constructed, Throsby is at least a decade away (knowing my luck they'll start it next year). I know we have to wait ages between networks, but not that long.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Skitube on September 02, 2014, 08:19:53 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 02, 2014, 07:21:15 PM
Moncreiff is the next suburb being constructed, Throsby is at least a decade away (knowing my luck they'll start it next year). I know we have to wait ages between networks, but not that long.

going down Baldwin Dr, seems like there's quite a lot going on in Lawson...
I do wonder what will happen when we run out of numbers in 5x series, do we combine east and west gungahlin routes, or would we go for 3 digits again?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Skitube on September 02, 2014, 08:23:49 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on September 02, 2014, 02:04:15 PM

New suburbs need to be a priority. Coombs needs a service ASAP, as does Jacka. Casey / Ngunnawal might benefit from an additional route.


Forgive my ignorance, but how much Jacka has been built? last time i went up there, about 8 months ago, hardly anything...
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on September 02, 2014, 08:33:11 PM
You have a real route number fetish don't you?
I'd be more concerned with the new suburbs getting a bus in the first place. Route number is of no concern. I'm sure there are enough numbers to choose from that we wont run out anytime soon.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Buzz Killington on September 02, 2014, 09:57:48 PM
There's one main road in Jacka (Appleford Av) at the moment and a few side streets. I'm not even sure Appleford is particularly bus friendly. Access to the 55 on Roden Cutler Dr is appropriate for now.

The newly completed Horse Park Drive may provide alternatives for routing in Gungahlin.

I get why late night services were cut, but there should still be a basic service until around 11pm. Run 300s every 30 minutes, connecting with flexibus services - perhaps two services per district ie one for East Belconnen, one for West Belconnen. Definitely needs be done for Thu/Fri/Sat nights.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: vnguyen on September 02, 2014, 11:51:00 PM
I wonder if Hall would need a bus route?

Also they should start doing services to Canberra Airport with services extending to Oaks Estate and maybe Beard.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on September 03, 2014, 06:54:41 AM
QCity/Transborder already provide services to Hall & Oaks Estate. With a stop just out on the main road of Beard should be good enough.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on September 03, 2014, 09:39:48 AM
If you can get Canberra Airport Group to drop the access fee for each service then I'm sure ACTION would happily run a service there.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on September 03, 2014, 12:21:29 PM
While I'm in favour of running empty buses through new suburbs, there's no justification to add services to Hall, Oaks Estate or Beard if they are not going to attract passengers. There is a finite limit to resources.

Without Brindabella and Fairbairn parks, an airport service would also be a waste - ACTION's last attempt got canned after about a year.

If there are viable roads, then 31 could divert through Lawson - it's just a matter of timing.

I'd suggest a reworking of 55/59 to service Jacka, even if only as an interim measure. For instance, instead of just running along Horse Park, 59 could go Mulligans Flat, Mabo, Mobourne, Roden Cutler then into Jacka and back to Amaroo. 55 could then turn left at Mabo and run through the middle of Bonner.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Buzz Killington on September 03, 2014, 01:11:06 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 03, 2014, 06:54:41 AM
QCity/Transborder already provide services to Hall & Oaks Estate. With a stop just out on the main road of Beard should be good enough.

Nobody is going to catch a bus to Beard. Have you been through there?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on September 03, 2014, 01:40:39 PM
There's a few joiners, couple of building companies are based out there & our Scania base is there. Plus an meat cutting place & a bus depot among other things.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on September 03, 2014, 11:57:32 PM
Re-route route 1 via east Curtin (Theodore St) rather than Hughes....
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Buzz Killington on September 04, 2014, 09:46:19 AM
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 03, 2014, 01:40:39 PM
There's a few joiners, couple of building companies are based out there & our Scania base is there. Plus an meat cutting place & a bus depot among other things.

Summary: not your average bus passenger.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: King of Buses on September 04, 2014, 07:39:36 PM
Quote from: smitho on September 03, 2014, 11:57:32 PM
Re-route route 1 via east Curtin (Theodore St) rather than Hughes....

On the 1 from Woden, send it to Hughes (as per current run) then up Kent to Yarralumla. Then send the 3 from Woden to Hughes Shops via current, then onto Groom, Carruthers, Denison, Strickland. In the process, extending the Gold Line (or just the 2 & 3 now thats gone) from City to Carruthers St inbetween Groom and Denison. Theodore St never really produces any passengers (except the oldies who got the 76/77 to Woden). Although, if it needed a service, send the 83 through Curtin via Theodore, Carruthers (at the Shops), McCulloch (serving that extra SSO stop) and then onto Wright via Cotter Rd thus serving the park n ride on Cotter Rd. The Lyons and Weston bit would need to be covered too though. Maybe the next route for Molonglo could do Lyons/Weston or Curtin (Theodore) or just a restructure of Weston Creek Runs (again).
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on September 06, 2014, 08:38:44 AM
Agree that the Brindabella Nursing Home patients would not have produced many (if any) patrons for ACTION as they are mainly confined to barracks....but there is a chunk of East Curtin between Theodore St and Yarra Glen to be considered.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busnerd on September 09, 2014, 11:03:52 AM
Not sure how new it is but noticed a sign on Gundaroo Dr that looked quite shiny with Ford and Throsby listed on it
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on September 09, 2014, 01:11:11 PM
Quote from: Busnerd on September 09, 2014, 11:03:52 AM
Not sure how new it is but noticed a sign on Gundaroo Dr that looked quite shiny with Ford and Throsby listed on it

Hopefully that sign had FORDE with an "E" on it, as I understand that the suburb is named after the former Australian Prime Minister, Andrew Forde.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on September 09, 2014, 02:06:07 PM
Close. I'll give you a hint: his name is on the main street.

(Answer: Francis Forde, aka Frank.)
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on September 09, 2014, 07:43:48 PM
Quote from: Busnerd on September 09, 2014, 11:03:52 AM
Not sure how new it is but noticed a sign on Gundaroo Dr that looked quite shiny with Ford and Throsby listed on it

That sign has been there for years, roughly since Gundaroo Road was spilt from Mulligans Flat Road.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on September 09, 2014, 10:50:44 PM
You're right - it is FRANK Forde (not Andrew)....
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on September 11, 2014, 10:02:21 AM
It's worth suggesting, but why can't the 26/926 do that dog leg past the nursing home? Rather than the 27/927 does now & the 25/925 did previously. It would mean all Woden to Weston Creek buses would depart from the same stop among other benefits.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on September 11, 2014, 11:11:40 AM
It's interesting that the draft master plan for the Weston Centre has all buses using the top bus stop at Cooleman Court (the one the 26 uses)...quicker, more direct access I suppose....and gets buses out of the hair of Mr Woolworths (just as is the case with the proposed removal of the Erindale interchange from its current location next to the Woolies dock).
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: WalesCentre on September 11, 2014, 11:53:02 AM
Was just looking at Route 81 and it seems to represent all the issues with ACTION routes. It takes the longest possible way and doesn't service many of Canberra's tourist highlights. Telstra Tower was big in the 80's but I wonder is it worth taking a route bus all the way to the top these days? Similarly, is it necessary to drive along every inch of road at the Arboretum? I would suggest skip Telstra Tower, go into National Musem, go quickly in & out of the Arboretum, then National zoo, across Scrivener Dam, down past Parliament House & NGA, across Kings Ave Bridge and then to City via Constitution Ave. This would make a good useful tourist loop without much extra run time.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: belcodriver on September 13, 2014, 12:08:09 AM
Quote from: WalesCentre on September 11, 2014, 11:53:02 AM
Was just looking at Route 81 and it seems to represent all the issues with ACTION routes. It takes the longest possible way and doesn't service many of Canberra's tourist highlights. Telstra Tower was big in the 80's but I wonder is it worth taking a route bus all the way to the top these days? Similarly, is it necessary to drive along every inch of road at the Arboretum? I would suggest skip Telstra Tower, go into National Musem, go quickly in & out of the Arboretum, then National zoo, across Scrivener Dam, down past Parliament House & NGA, across Kings Ave Bridge and then to City via Constitution Ave. This would make a good useful tourist loop without much extra run time.

Ok genius how would one quickly go into the arboretum? There's nowhere for a bus to turn around until the big carpark up the top which is I presume where most people want to go. Doing the full loop around isn't much longer than going up the northern side then coming back the same way.

A fair few people still go to Telstra Tower and it's a much harder walk than any of the other tourist attractions.

Other buses service the NMA, APH and NGA.

They never should have canned the 100 because that was very well patronised.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busnerd on September 13, 2014, 11:47:09 AM
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 09, 2014, 07:43:48 PM
That sign has been there for years, roughly since Gundaroo Road was spilt from Mulligans Flat Road.
Yes it did have an 'e' and that sign has been there for years yes, but they have replaced it with a new sign (as it is brand new style with the reflective lines etc) the old one had rounded edges and was lower down.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busfanatic101 on September 15, 2014, 06:59:09 AM
They should reconsider some of the platforms for routes in future. last week, I saw 4 buses picking up passengers at platform 8 (civic), 2 laying over, and a 200 waiting for about 5 minutes with another car waiting behind it completely blocking the mort/bunda st intersection. now that platform 2 isn't being used and platform 1 has double the space, the southbound 200 should be moved to platform 1 with the blue rapid- there hardly ever more than 3 at once. If that's too hard, maybe use platform 10.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on September 15, 2014, 09:39:36 PM
During afternoon peak, Platform 1 can be chockers. Another point is, how do you expect 200 series buses to get from London Circuit to Platform 1 & back to Northbourne Avenue without greatly affecting other services? If you wantthings to change, all services from Platforms 1,3 & 8 could be load & go. Using NXTBUS, if you were after the 259 for example,  you could track your bus into the City.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on September 16, 2014, 09:37:06 AM
I think he may have meant 200s from platform 9 rather than the 200s off platform 8.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busfanatic101 on September 16, 2014, 05:46:14 PM
Yeah, I meant platform 9, with the southbound 200s. If platform 1 is that busy, platforms 10 would be an alternative (if people are willing to walk that far)
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on September 18, 2014, 08:41:07 PM
Platform 0 on London Crt (Sydney Building) gets pretty congested at certain times during the morning peak, with buses queuing to offload there.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Skitube on October 25, 2014, 09:39:24 PM
woden could be redesigned as well, put 60/62/67 somewhere else, or swap platform 4 with 5 so that the less used platform is behind the blue rapid platform, or just put platform 5 out of use...
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on October 25, 2014, 09:53:38 PM
Alternatively, move your 80, 88, 749, 732 & 988 somewhere else.  Move your platform 5 services to platform 4. Then provide additional space for 300 south services.
Although,  I've caught the 62 from there for over 14 years. As long as I can remember, 300 series buses have backed up along there. But it is rarely an issue as they all dump & go. The biggest hold up is at the lights of Bradley Street & Callam Street. 2 weeks ago these lights caused buses to be waiting next to platform 7 2 buses wide & banked up to platform 4. But for those few minutes no suburban services were due to depart. So nothing was held up much.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 25, 2014, 10:20:37 PM
oh yeah, something so needs to be done about plt 5. the other day at about 3:45pm, 4 Blue Rapids (1st few running late), and 60, 62, 67, 80, & 88 all came at the same time. So crowded that the stag on 313 hit the 67 as it(313) was leaving from the equivalent of plt 3, and buses piled up on the main bit waiting for others to leave
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Skitube on October 26, 2014, 09:26:39 AM
put blue rapid on 10 instead of 9, have 791/792 depart from 8
something should be done with 14 as well, now that routes 1-5 all depart from there
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on October 28, 2014, 05:49:19 PM
Platform 10 may not be long enough at peak times; perhaps amalgamate 9 and 10 into a single platform for intertowns and Xpressos only.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on October 28, 2014, 11:37:36 PM
Or just leave it as it's due for the bulldozer in the near future
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 29, 2014, 07:21:55 AM
Quote from: The Love Guru on October 28, 2014, 11:37:36 PM
Or just leave it as it's due for the bulldozer in the near future
Genius ::)
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on October 30, 2014, 09:28:02 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on October 28, 2014, 11:37:36 PM
Or just leave it as it's due for the bulldozer in the near future

Things have a habit of being delayed in our fair City; Woden Interchange was supposed to go around the year 2005, but Lend Lease then pulled the plug on running Woden Plaza .... so that particular Grand Plan for the redevelopment of the Interchange site came to nothing.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on October 30, 2014, 09:53:20 PM
Still not worth spending and time or money shifting the platforms around.
I'm pretty confident it won't be operating this time next year.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Busfanatic101 on October 31, 2014, 07:26:08 AM
Quote from: The Love Guru on October 30, 2014, 09:53:20 PM
Still not worth spending and time or money shifting the platforms around.
I'm pretty confident it won't be operating this time next year.

:(  i'll miss it  :(
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on October 31, 2014, 10:45:26 PM
Quote from: The Love Guru on October 30, 2014, 09:53:20 PM
Still not worth spending and time or money shifting the platforms around.
I'm pretty confident it won't be operating this time next year.

Agree...only one to benefit would be Westfield...but with the Plaza facing tough trading conditions and with Myer dropping its Woden development plans, Westfield might decide just to sit on the land formerly occupied by the interchange. Even ACTPLA seems to publicly recognise this by stating that it has no idea how long the interim interchange would operate as it all depends on the private sector "developers" ....
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on October 31, 2014, 10:58:38 PM
From what plans I've seen,  the former bus station is to become a pedestrian walkway. You could just as easily move the platforms around the corner so they are on the extended Bowes Street.
Westfield could move the Asian Grocery store & the el cheapo store & create the "waiting lounge" there.
If in a few years time, Westfield decide to expand. They could without affecting the new bus station.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on November 02, 2014, 09:46:44 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on October 31, 2014, 10:58:38 PM
From what plans I've seen,  the former bus station is to become a pedestrian walkway.

That's correct...idea is to create a more obvious link between the Town Centre and the town & district parks and ovals to the east.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: pckong on November 04, 2014, 03:44:54 PM
Hi guys, I was searching for public opinions on Jacka's bus service. Here is my view and suggestion as I am a new resident in this suburb.

The bus service in Jacka is pretty grim at the moment, taking about 1.5km walk from centre of Appleford Ave to either route 59 bus stop at Amaroo school or route 55 bus stop at Bonner Mobourne St. That is 20 mins walk! It makes the bus unusable.  >:( Hate it  >:(

I suggest to either extend route 59, running along Horse Park Drive, to Appleford Ave, to Roden Cutler Dr, then crosing Horse Park Drive and back Katherine Ave to bus 59 usual route;
Or extend route 55, running Mobourne St, to Roden Cutler Dr, to Appleford Ave, to Horse Park Dr, and then back to Roden Cutler Dr and Mobourne St.

It is probably better to extend the route 55 as above, and route 59 extension would be used to connect Moncrieff with Horse Park Dr, and then back to Amaroo.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on November 04, 2014, 04:29:40 PM
Making perfect sense. We all know how that works out!
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: smitho on November 04, 2014, 09:08:52 PM
Although it is easy to make light of it, Woden Interchange does have some genuine heritage significance in that it dates back to when ACTION was a national leader in urban bus service innovation and the Interchange was the first of its kind in the country.

At the time (early to mid 70s) the Commonwealth (led by PM Gough Whitlam) had lofty ambitions for public transport and it used its ownership of ACTION to demonstrate the kinds of services and infrastructure which it saw as the way ahead for the whole country.

Unlike most bus facilities elsewhere around the country, the Interchange was a showcase for demonstrating how feeder and trunk services could be coordinated with minimal inconvenience to passengers, including avoidance of having to cross the paths of moving buses.

Other innovations demonstrated by the Interchange (which we now take for granted) included close proximity to retail, social and community facilities and public service offices, secure public waiting places with all-weather protection for passengers, heated bus waiting room bays, compact form, a primitive electronic information system for passengers, grade separation of pedestrians (including rooftop walkways), electronic PA system, proximity to Park N Ride parking area....

Although neglected and run down and now isolated from major retailers due to ACT government planning decisions, the form of the Woden Interchange is still highly effective and efficient. Based on the recent experience at Belconnen, the community has reason to ask whether the new Woden interchange will necessarily be an improvement.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on November 07, 2014, 10:27:44 AM
Quote from: pckong on November 04, 2014, 03:44:54 PM
I suggest to either extend route 59, running along Horse Park Drive, to Appleford Ave, to Roden Cutler Dr, then crosing Horse Park Drive and back Katherine Ave to bus 59 usual route;
Or extend route 55, running Mobourne St, to Roden Cutler Dr, to Appleford Ave, to Horse Park Dr, and then back to Roden Cutler Dr and Mobourne St.
See above for my thoughts on changes to 55 & 59. But not likely to occur anytime soon.

Would an additional bus stop on Roden Cutler Dr help at all?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: pckong on November 07, 2014, 04:52:07 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on November 07, 2014, 10:27:44 AM
See above for my thoughts on changes to 55 & 59. But not likely to occur anytime soon.

Would an additional bus stop on Roden Cutler Dr help at all?

An additional bus stop on Roden Cutler Dr does help.

It will reduce the walking distant to Route 55 bus stop by 500-600m. However, there are still probably average 800m walk from many of the residents in Jacka to Roden Cutler Dr (that is different to the 400m promise from ACTPLA).

To have a suburb accessible to bus service, the bus must be go into the suburb, if it makes sense.
But I agree, it is a better-than-nothing solution. Thanks a lot for the reply.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on November 08, 2014, 11:43:18 AM
Quote from: pckong on November 07, 2014, 04:52:07 PM
However, there are still probably average 800m walk from many of the residents in Jacka to Roden Cutler Dr (that is different to the 400m promise from ACTPLA).
Next step is to write / email / tweet ministers Rattenbury and Gentleman to point this out.

The provision of bus services to new suburbs has been poor for the last 5 - 10 years, if not longer.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: pckong on November 11, 2014, 11:05:05 AM
Oh well, I hope the public transport service in Jacka to be better soon. 
:D looking forward to hop on, reading a book in the bus, and hop off 
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on April 26, 2015, 06:58:42 PM
Quote from: Bus 400 on September 02, 2014, 07:21:15 PM
... Throsby is at least a decade away (knowing my luck they'll start it next year).

By chance I found this page: Throsby FAQs (http://www.lda.act.gov.au/en/throsby-faqs) which says the following -

Quotethe first blocks to be available for sale in the 2015/16 financial year

It also says -

QuoteA bus route will be provided along the main collector road in Throsby. Bus stops will be located to cater for a 400m walking catchment. Bus services will be provided through the estate by ACTION buses to meet demand. Horse Park Drive is also proposed as a high frequency rapid bus transit route.

- without actually stating when said bus route will commence.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: ajw373 on April 28, 2015, 11:50:57 PM
Quote from: ACTbusspotter on November 08, 2014, 11:43:18 AM
Next step is to write / email / tweet ministers Rattenbury and Gentleman to point this out.

The provision of bus services to new suburbs has been poor for the last 5 - 10 years, if not longer.

About 30 years that I know of.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 503 on November 09, 2015, 06:56:16 PM
With houses in Lawson in the process of being constructed, when would buses would service Lawson?

I would think the route 31 would service Lawson, so instead of buses turning left into Baldwin from Maribynong (from Kaleen South) they would continue into Stockman Avenue. Maybe Starllight Avenue would also receive a bus service?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: The Love Guru on November 09, 2015, 08:15:33 PM
At least 3 years away if previous form is anything to go by
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on November 10, 2015, 11:19:34 AM
Quote from: Bus 503 on November 09, 2015, 06:56:16 PM
Maybe Starllight Avenue would also receive a bus service?
Wanderlight Avenue? Not sure, given that it runs (mostly) parallel to Baldwin Drive. I don't know whether they intend to run a bus service into Lawson before Stockman Avenue connects with Aikman Drive.

In any event, Jacka and Coombs would (should) be next in line for bus services. Although the next major network change may be as much as 12 months away, by which stage Moncrieff (Crackajack Way / Bernard Heinze Ave) could be done as well.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Skitube on November 10, 2015, 07:47:42 PM
Not sure how Jacka could be serviced at this stage given Appleford Ave is pretty windy and narrow, probably wouldn't be too safe to have a bus going through there
Coombs should definitely get a bus service, could just divert the 83, 783 and 983 into Harold White and Fred Daly, since those already have bus bays
Funnily enough, got asked how to catch a bus to Lawson the other day by an Asian lady at Belco Westfield, bit of trouble explaining to her that there is no bus into Lawson at the moment
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Bus 400 on November 10, 2015, 08:05:37 PM
Quote from: Skitube on November 10, 2015, 07:47:42 PM
Not sure how Jacka could be serviced at this stage given Appleford Ave is pretty windy and narrow, probably wouldn't be too safe to have a bus going through there
Coombs should definitely get a bus service, could just diver the 83, 783 and 983 into Harold White and Fred Daly, since those already have bus bays
Funnily enough, got asked how to catch a bus to Lawson the other day by an Asian lady at Belco Westfield, bit of trouble explaining to her that there is no bus into Lawson at the moment
Jacka could be serviced from Horse Park Drive (an unused bus bay is nearby) & Roden Cutler Drive.

Lawson is easily fixed, catch a 30, 31 or 250 to the second stop on Baldwin Drive. Then walk up the hill towards the traffic lights & turn left.

Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: King of Buses on November 11, 2015, 02:48:25 PM
Regarding Woden...

Quote from: The Love Guru on October 30, 2014, 09:53:20 PM
Still not worth spending and time or money shifting the platforms around.
I'm pretty confident it won't be operating this time next year.

Well it seems your prediction was incorrect.

I have heard rumours once again of a new network in planning for early next year...not sure if they're reliable.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Northside on June 03, 2016, 12:37:23 PM
Can anyone tell me if Action are engaged at all when new suburbs are designed and the road systems planned? Having a look on Google maps, the locations for bus stops seem to be plonked around at random with little thought to the routes that will eventually service the suburbs. I'd hate to be Action who have to play dot to dot and find a way to service these stops with direct routes that aren't circuituos and don't double back on themselves. Looking at the likes of Moncrief and Coombs (still no bus service, yet the opened stages of Coombs are close to completion), it seems like we're going backwards in terms of desired route design.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on June 03, 2016, 12:46:12 PM
Wouldn't be ACTION as such - they don't design bus routes, that's TAMS (soon to be Transport Canberra)'s job.

All new developments must include a public transport plan in their design and also incorporate bus stops into the roads. Not sure if it's TAMS or Land & Planning who approve the design.

But there's no guarantee the designated bus stops will be used - as demonstrated by the unused stops on Banjo Patterson Av in Wright.

(And totally agree - hard to determine what the eventual routes through Moncrieff and Coombs will be.)
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on June 03, 2016, 10:32:19 PM
Also agree it's difficult if not impossible to design non-circuititous bus routes when the suburbs don't have straight roads.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: ajw373 on June 06, 2016, 12:23:40 PM
Quote from: Northside on June 03, 2016, 12:37:23 PMLooking at the likes of Moncrief and Coombs (still no bus service, yet the opened stages of Coombs are close to completion), it seems like we're going backwards in terms of desired route design.

Moncreif looks easy enough to provide bus services too. Interestingly on some early plans for the suburb the intersection of Horse Park Drive and Mirrabai Drive was meant to be an intertown bus terminus. Presumably the plan was for the 200 to continue down to Mirrabai Drive and terminate there. There was meant to be a small group centre and a private school on this corner too. Though with light rail coming, maybe... doubt this will see the light of day.

So to me if I were planning the buses through here, I would start a bus at Casey shops, go through Casey, loop through Taylor when it opens, then run down Mirrabai Drive to the town centre. (could also make it a Gungahlin-Belco route by running from Casey through Nicholls to Belco, but would need to be careful to not make Nicholls too far from Gungahlin).

Then i would have a bus start in Jacka (when it expands) run through Jacka, possibly skirt Taylor (Taylor will have a PS from 2019 and a high school later), then enter Moncreif at Bernard Heinze ave then Mirrabai to the town centre.

Other than Bernard Heinze and Mirrabai drives (plus a stop or 2 on Horse Park Drive) Moncreif does not need any more roads served by buses.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: vnguyen on October 23, 2016, 08:59:50 PM
Since Labour has won control over the government in the election. What will happen in the next network change? While they continue on with the "new rapids" as proposed?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on October 24, 2016, 10:27:59 AM
I see no reason why not. Promised "Rapid" changes for mid-2017 are the Blue Rapid extension to Lanyon (waste of money) and the Black and Green Rapids.

What will be of more interest is what they haven't announced yet. What will replace 250 between UC, Baldwin Drive and Gungahlin (54 maybe)? Will there be bus services to Casey Market town and Moncrieff? What will become of Routes 4 & 5 when the Green Rapid commences? What will happen to weekend services?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Northside on October 24, 2016, 01:24:15 PM
Quote from: Barry Drive on October 24, 2016, 10:27:59 AM
I see no reason why not. Promised "Rapid" changes for mid-2017 are the Blue Rapid extension to Lanyon (waste of money) and the Black and Green Rapids.

What will be of more interest is what they haven't announced yet. What will replace 250 between UC, Baldwin Drive and Gungahlin (54 maybe)? Will there be bus services to Casey Market town and Moncrieff? What will become of Routes 4 & 5 when the Green Rapid commences? What will happen to weekend services?

You're assuming that that amount of thought has actually gone in to the plans! Both Lib and Lab plans are lines on a map, no more than that.

A lot of work will be needed to fit in these lines with the existing network. For example, hopefully the Blue Rapid extension to Lanyon is just a re-jig to 318/319 to both run to the Marketplace and run limited stop between there and Tuggeranong. Then have the stops through Bonython and north Gordon taken up by other 'local' route(s). Of course, there are other options that could be used to avoid duplication with existing services. Ie, so we don't have a repeat of the 182 practically replicating a lot of the 783/83.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: ajw373 on October 24, 2016, 02:00:53 PM
Yeah the short term changes (eg 2017) are essentially rehashing existing routes. In the case of Lanyon extending 300's back to Lanyon as they did in the past and the black rapid seems to be essentially the current 250 service with a new name.

As for the comment above about service to Moncreif and Casey Market town, you won't find any annoucements about what will happen on that front as they are just business as usual/operational type issues. The 'rapid' annoucements are politics hence the annoucements.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: King of Buses on October 24, 2016, 04:39:52 PM
Quote from: Northside on October 24, 2016, 01:24:15 PM
You're assuming that that amount of thought has actually gone in to the plans! Both Lib and Lab plans are lines on a map, no more than that.

A lot of work will be needed to fit in these lines with the existing network. For example, hopefully the Blue Rapid extension to Lanyon is just a re-jig to 318/319 to both run to the Marketplace and run limited stop between there and Tuggeranong. Then have the stops through Bonython and north Gordon taken up by other 'local' route(s). Of course, there are other options that could be used to avoid duplication with existing services. Ie, so we don't have a repeat of the 182 practically replicating a lot of the 783/83.

Lanyon to Tugg and beyond Blue Rapid is likely (in my opinion) to involve the extension of route 300 to Lanyon direct via Athllon/Drakeford/Tharwa (similar to the recently added Kippax extension).

In the case of the 19/319, it'd probably be rerouted direct between LMP and TBS also, combining with the 300 to achieve the anticipated frequency - could also be done by operating 319s all day with a further extension to Kippax on that run. This could alternate with 300 services.

As for route 18/318, that'd probably run via Bonython picking up what the 19/319 dropped (unless the 66 is improved/extended?) with 18s and 318s running the same in terms of timetabling (i.e. 18 off peak, 318 in peak)

Quote from: Barry Drive on October 24, 2016, 10:27:59 AM
What will be of more interest is what they haven't announced yet. What will replace 250 between UC, Baldwin Drive and Gungahlin (54 maybe)? Will there be bus services to Casey Market town and Moncrieff? What will become of Routes 4 & 5 when the Green Rapid commences? What will happen to weekend services?

In the case of Baldwin Dr, what *may* be done is rerouting the 54 through there, then sending the 51 and/or 52 through McKellar. Or alternatively, splitting the 51/52 into three routes (51/52/53?) and sending one or all down Baldwin Dr - could also serve Casey Market Town and/or Moncrieff with one of those runs too. Which still leaves Jacka, I suppose...but Appleford Ave ain't for buses (and I mean that because it really isn't suitable for buses - unlike Annabelle View in Coombs which also 'apparently' is not even if some gunzels can drag an artic down there easily).

The Green Line/Rapid will be an interesting one to watch, though, in terms of how they do it. Maybe introduce the Rapid route as planned, then add a route similar to the 935 in - albeit as a bidirectional loop serving all of Narrabundah/Red Hill/Griffith?


Quote from: Barry Drive on October 24, 2016, 10:27:59 AM
...the Blue Rapid extension to Lanyon (waste of money)...

As a resident of this region, I will agree that that extension is a waste of money.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Barry Drive on October 24, 2016, 06:06:27 PM
The "lines on a map" show the Blue Rapid to Lanyon travelling via Bonython. Which just complicates things further.

I agree with the need for a third route for Casey/Moncrieff, since I don't think 51 or 52 should be extended any further  (other than a short addition of Kingsland Parade). But I can't see that happening without additional buses being added to the fleet.

I think a new route in Griffith, Red Hill and Narrabundah is possible, but how would it operate? Shuttle service running from Narrabundah terminus to Barton maybe?
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: King of Buses on October 24, 2016, 06:33:58 PM
Quote from: Barry Drive on October 24, 2016, 06:06:27 PM
I agree with the need for a third route for Casey/Moncrieff, since I don't think 51 or 52 should be extended any further  (other than a short addition of Kingsland Parade). But I can't see that happening without additional buses being added to the fleet.

I don't see how any of this could be done without any additional buses, in honesty. They've pretty much stretched everything to the limit as it is.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: ajw373 on October 24, 2016, 07:13:23 PM
Quote from: King of Buses on October 24, 2016, 06:33:58 PM
I don't see how any of this could be done without any additional buses, in honesty. They've pretty much stretched everything to the limit as it is.

Assuming all other routes stay the same of course.

Just throwing some ideas out there, but does Casey or Nicholls need a direct bus to Belconnen? Could those buses not terminate at the old Giralang terminus and passengers change to the rapid route? That would free up a bus or two. Or could they start at Gold Creek or even Casey Market town?.

So why not a route that starts at Casey Market town, goes out onto Clarrie H drive, turns right then onto Overall Ave, up Pimsoll, Whitrod, then Horse Park Drive and then along Mirrabai Drive to the town centre. Would cover 2/3rds of Moncreif. Or if instead of turning into Mirrabai Drive it kepted going to the the Appleford Ave intersection and turned right into Monreif and then down to Mirrabai and to the town centre. That would cover 100% of Moncreif.

Then another route starting at Gold Creek, running the current 52, but rather than turning right into Wanganeen turn left, then right at the shops then back to Mirrabai and the town centre via Burrumarra Ave.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: King of Buses on May 30, 2017, 07:42:45 PM
In my boredom last night I came across this video where TCCS director gives a presentation about Public Transport in the Molonglo Valley.

https://www.facebook.com/MolongloValleyMingle/videos/658916987632119/ (https://www.facebook.com/MolongloValleyMingle/videos/658916987632119/)

It mentions that the next network (whenever that may be) will feature an extension to the 182 to serve Denman Prospect. The route seems to take a one way loop from John Gorton Dr onto Coaldrake Ave, Bielski St and Wyndham Ave, before returning to John Gorton Dr. To be honest that could easily be added now given the timing on the 182 being quite loose.

While unrelated to the presentation, a few weeks back the Government brought up the Black and Green Rapid introduction. A trial "starting in 2017" will see these services added, as well as the Blue Rapid extension. Not sure how they'd do it with the current fleet size, but in the case of Black and Green rapid routes (at least initially) they could be operated separately to the regular network similar to how the 101 and 11A operate and how Redex used to run. The Blue Rapid extension though could be too, but it'd create an uneven frequency across the rest of the route (not that it would matter given the late running and service bunching that often occurs with the 10 min frequency). So while running them all separately without a full network change is possible (especially because these services are trial services), from my perspective it would make more sense to start these services alongside a new network and integrate them.
Title: Re: Network the next
Post by: Snorzac on May 30, 2017, 09:20:06 PM
Sooner or later it has to become time where they adjust routes on a need be basis and update time tables in that area. Given that would involve a huge shake up of the way the network is operated to begin with but Canberra is expanding and with new suburbs popping up there needs to be changes.

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