Department of Transport and Main Roads

South East 's Rail Horizon Foreword

The is All levels of government must work We will roll out 75 new generation committed to revitalising and together to fund critical infrastructure six-car trains from late 2016 to transforming the South East projects such as . We boost the number of trains by 30 per must deliver the right projects at the Queensland (SEQ) rail network cent, and timetable and signalling right time to ensure efficient use of so it can meet the challenges improvements will improve capacity public funds. and access by allowing more trains of a growing population and to move more quickly through the provide customers a high Investment in the rail network network. A taskforce is reviewing fare performing rail service. will give people better access to structures to improve affordability their places of work and connect and introducing practical measures Delivering an accessible, safe businesses and communities. It will to make public transport more and reliable transport system in support our economic growth and accessible for everyone. Queensland is a priority. By 2036, the generate jobs. population of SEQ is forecast to reach As demand continues to grow, there around 4.9 million people, placing ’s (SEQ's) will come a time when new inner- increasing pressure on our transport Rail Horizon highlights the need for city capacity is needed. By around system, particularly in growth a better rail system to keep pace 2021 there will not be any capacity corridors and where the system with growth and provide a better to increase services on parts of converges in the CBD. experience for customers, with the network during our busiest more seats on more trains, more peak periods. The network will be The passenger rail network is stations, shorter journey times and operating at its limits. reaching the limits of its capacity more efficient services. It puts the and if we fail to tackle the challenges customer at the heart of the decisions The core of our long-term strategy for ahead, we will face a transport crisis we make to deliver on our rail network the rail network is the new Cross River in the southeast corner. An efficient vision. Rail project. With over 100 design and and integrated transport network alignment options investigated, this is essential to ease congestion and We are already addressing rail project design responds to feedback improve accessibility and liveability network challenges outside Brisbane from transport experts and the in the region. by delivering projects such as community. Combined with existing Moreton Bay Rail Link, due for rail infrastructure and new service The average travel time budget is completion in 2016, and the Coomera initiatives, Cross River Rail will make about one hour, per person, per day. to Helensvale Duplication, due for it possible to move up to 240,000 SEQ's Rail Horizon outlines network completion in 2017. These projects people by rail into the inner-city solutions to ensure more residents will improve access, reliability and during the two hour peak. in the Brisbane metropolitan region increase service frequency across the can reach their place of work, study passenger network. Stirling Hinchliffe MP or recreation within 30 minutes on Minister for Transport public transport. and the Commonwealth Games

2 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Contents

Introduction 4

Putting the customer first 6

The challenges 8

Community consultation 13

The solutions 14

Cross River Rail 22

Next steps 24

3 Introduction

The region’s population is doubling every 30 years, with a Moving more people by train forecast population of around 4.9 million by 2036.¹

While most residential growth is expected to be outside Brisbane in areas such as the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and the 9-carriage train capacity: 6-carriage train capacity: Standard light rail capacity: Sunshine Coast, almost half of total 1125 people 750 people 250 people jobs growth will remain in Brisbane. Jobs in the Brisbane area are forecast to grow by almost 450,000 by 2031.¹ This means more people travelling to and from work in Brisbane each day.

The Infrastructure Audit Ferry capacity: Articulated bus capacity: Standard bus capacity: Private car capacity: states that unless transport capacity 165 people 95 people 65 people 5 people is improved, congestion on the Brisbane–Gold Coast– Sunshine FIGURE 1 Coast transport network will cost the economy around $9 billion a year by 2031.2 The closer we get to network capacity, Investment in the rail network shapes the greater the impact on customers, a city and improves the quality of life Public transport plays a key role with less reliable rail services and for its residents. Rail infrastructure in alleviating urban congestion by increased overcrowding. Ultimately, has a life span of over 100 years and providing alternative travel options this means reduced access to jobs in that time the majority of a city’s and moving more people more and education and lower productivity. buildings will be built, demolished efficiently. Without investment and built again two to three times in critical rail infrastructure, the Rail is one of the most efficient and over. Rail infrastructure is therefore a network will be unable to expand its sustainable forms of mass transit. frame around which a city grows and reach, trains will be over capacity and Figure 1 illustrates the contrasting evolves. there will be more people standing, capacity of a private car, bus, ferry more often and for longer periods of and train. time.

1 Queensland Government population projections, 2013 edition 2 Infrastructure Australia Audit Report, May 2015

4 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon SEQ's Rail Horizon outlines the develop a transport system that can A new generation signalling system, strategic priorities for the region’s rail realise the region’s potential for the European Train Control System network, which include optimising the liveable, connected communities (ETCS), will be put in place in the core existing network, upgrading services by providing easy access to jobs, of the network where capacity, safety and infrastructure and delivering services and attractions. and reliability is needed the most. critical new infrastructure. It Cross River Rail will unlock inner-city identifies the key capacity challenges SEQ's Rail Horizon will assist rail network capacity, triggering a facing the rail network and solutions Building Queensland, Queensland’s transformation of the entire regional to address them. independent infrastructure transport network and providing advisory body, to develop a a platform for regional growth, SEQ's Rail Horizon aligns with the pipeline of priority projects to help development and prosperity. Longer Queensland Government’s desired ensure the government invests trains will also be used on parts of outcomes for the community and the in value for-money infrastructure the network to significantly boost objectives of the State Infrastructure projects that provide long-term capacity and provide more seats to Plan (2016): community benefits. contribute to the government’s vision for a modern, high-capacity rail • Improving prosperity Many enhancements to the rail system. and liveability network are underway or have been completed recently. Initiatives such The growth driving the projected • Infrastructure that leads and as those illustrated in Figure 3 means increase in demand for public supports growth and productivity the network continues to modernise transport will also drive increased • Infrastructure that connects and meet community needs. However, demand for freight transport. As our communities and markets increasing the reach of the network the regional and interstate freight and adding more services will task grows, there will be increasing • Providing sustainability ultimately depend on addressing pressure on freight capacity in SEQ. and resilience. constraints through the inner-city. Initiatives such as the It also adopts key rail elements of SEQ's Rail Horizon responds to to Brisbane will improve Connecting SEQ 2031: An Integrated key challenges facing the SEQ rail rail freight access between Brisbane Regional Transport Plan for South East network by identifying the key and the rest of Australia, while Queensland. A long-term strategy initiatives needed to unlock network new terminal sites will reduce the for all major transport modes, capacity. competition for scarce capacity on Connecting SEQ 2031 outlines the inner-city rail networks and the government’s vision to continue to reliance on long-haul road transport.

Cross River Rail, combined with existing rail infrastructure and new service initiatives, will make it possible to move up to 240,000 people by rail into the inner city during the two hour morning peak.

5 Putting the customer first

By 2036, there will be nearly 1.2 million daily passenger What rail customers want transport trips in the Brisbane More frequent services, Better interchange metropolitan region.³ less waiting time at with buses stations The quality of the SEQ transport system affects residents, visitors More reliable, on-time Stations closer to key and businesses. Individuals not services activity hubs only benefit in economic terms from effective public transport but also through social connections which Safety and security Services that are contribute to their quality of life. competitive with other modes (cost and time) SEQ's Rail Horizon focuses on Access to seats on delivering a better experience for trains customers, with more seats on more trains, more stations, more frequent and reliable services, and shorter journey times – all in a safe, modern environment.

Figure 2 illustrates the most important factors influencing customer satisfaction for TransLink public transport users. Expanding rail 1.2 million into growth areas and modernising passenger transport the network will ensure rail can trips per day in 2036 respond to the growing transport task and customer needs. In particular, customers throughout the SEQ rail network will benefit from additional capacity provided by the CRR project in combination with longer Population trains and ETCS. These initiatives doubling every 30 will allow the network to grow, years in SEQ reduce rail network congestion and remove conflicting train movements at a number of key junctions. FIGURE 2

3 Cross River Rail Project Model (2015)

6 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Network enhancements being delivered

6 new stations and interchanges Petrie Kippa-Ring 12.6 km

Moreton Bay Rail Link

Save 15mins in Opening peak hour 2016

Coomera Helensvale 8.2 km

Coomera to Helensvale

Total cost of 163 million Opening 2017

8 new bridges

FIGURE 3

7 The challenges

The SEQ rail network spans Accelerating growth and Network demand and crowding on almost 810 kilometres of track, demand trains is forecast to exceed capacity stretching from Varsity Lakes sometime between 2021 and 2026. While population growth is expected on the Gold Coast to Figure 5 shows what crowding on to mostly occur outside Brisbane, North, and from Moreton Bay the SEQ rail network could be like in employment growth in the inner city ten years if SEQ's Rail Horizon is not and Cleveland in the east to and CBD is set to grow substantially. realised. Rosewood in the west. Public transport enables economic growth by getting people to their Forecasts indicate that pressure will The network currently includes place of employment, education or initially be most concentrated on the 149 stations and nine separate rail other activity centres. southern (Brisbane–Gold Coast) and lines that transport passengers and northern (Brisbane–Sunshine Coast) freight traffic throughout the major Increasing growth and demand will corridors. While the north – south metropolitan area surrounding continue to add significant pressure axis is the first priority, substantial Brisbane. With the completion of to the rail network, as illustrated by pressure is also expected on the the Moreton Bay Rail Link in 2016, a Figure 4. Without major investment in western (Brisbane–Ipswich) rail further six stations will be added to the inner-city, there will not be room corridor in the long-term. the network. for more trains and current trains will become increasingly crowded. Without action to address growth and Passenger trains are the vast majority demand, customers will be impacted of traffic on the SEQ rail network. Rail demand is expected to double by reduced reliability, increasing Even with operational efficiencies by 2026, and triple by 2036, yet overcrowding and longer waiting such as timetable improvements the current rail system will soon be times. and signalling upgrades, and the approaching capacity. introduction of New Generation Rollingstock from 2016, the current rail network is approaching capacity Key network capacity constraints for both service volumes and passenger numbers. Rail junction There has not been any major rail approaching capacity infrastructure investment in inner-city around 2021 conflicts Brisbane since 1996 when the track through the inner city was duplicated. Reliance on an Single track Rail projects in SEQ over the past 15 increasingly crowded years have focused on extensions Central Station merges of the network on the outskirts of Brisbane, such as Moreton Bay Conventional Rail Link, Keperra to Ferny Grove Mixed Duplication, the Springfield line and passenger and the extension of the Gold Coast line to freight lines signalling Varsity Lakes, adding more pressure to the congested inner-city network. FIGURE 4

8 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Gympie North Peak period crowding in 2026 North without investment Key

Landsborough Seats available Beerwah

Caboolture North Kippa-Ring Approaching standing room only Caboolture

Excessive level of crowding

Petrie

Note: conceptual map only - not to scale Not all stations are shown Strathpine Shorncliffe

Ferny Grove

Mitchelton Northgate

Enoggera Eagle Junction Alderley AirportAirport (International) (Domestic) Wilston

FIGURE 6 INNER CITY CONSTRAINTS Doomben Roma Street Bowen Hills Milton Fortitude Valley Central

Toowong South Brisbane South Bank Park Indooroopilly Road Buranda MorningsideCannon Hill Wynnum North

Manly

Yeerongpilly Thorneside Oxley Birkdale Darra Salisbury Cleveland Goodna Redbank Springfield Central Altandi

Kuraby

Ipswich Loganlea

Beenleigh Rosewood Ormeau Coomera Helensvale

Varsity Lakes

FIGURE 5

9 Locked inner Brisbane capacity through the CBD to Bowen Hills, Central station caters for the majority which is shared with suburban of passengers, with 62 per cent Around 80 per cent of morning trips services from the Beenleigh and of morning peak rail passengers to work in the Brisbane CBD are made Cleveland lines. travelling to the CBD alighting here. by public transport.⁴ Rail users make The station's capacity is constrained up 35 per cent of the total 602,000 Rail junction conflicts at Roma Street by pedestrian infrastructure such as average weekday public transport and Park Road and a track merge platform size and lift and escalator trips in Greater Brisbane.5 at Milton and Park Road add extra capacity. constraints for southern and western The Gold Coast–Brisbane corridor services by causing operational Inner-city platforms are becoming is Australia’s busiest inter-city conflicts. increasingly overcrowded during commuter corridor.6 Queensland peak hours. Without any new inner- Rail surveys indicate the Gold Coast Through the CBD, all rail services city stations, Central station would and Ferny Grove line trains are merge into one corridor, with every need to accommodate around considerably more crowded than service across SEQ stopping at all four 57,000 passengers in the morning other lines into Central station during inner-city stations from Roma Street peak period in 2036, or 133 per cent the morning peak. to Bowen Hills. The city centre is the above the current situation.7 The most popular commuter destination effectiveness of any improvements Long-distance trains from the Gold on the regional public transport to the outer rail network will be Coast all use a single inbound line network yet there are only two CBD dependent on alleviating constraints across the Merivale Bridge and rail stations. in the inner-city.

4 Household Travel Survey 2009-2011 5 Ticket data for weekdays, March 2015 6 The Gold Coast's seductive lifestyle underpins rise of extreme commuting, KPMG 2013 7 Cross River Rail Project Model, 2016

10 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Figure 6 shows the key constraints Future travel patterns Car commuter travel to the CBD has currently impacting Brisbane’s inner- already plateaued at about 40,000 city rail network. The average distance people travel people per day, therefore the growth to work will increase as more people in inner-city travel demand will need Lack of CBD accessibility move to areas around Brisbane. to be serviced primarily by rail and People commuting from outside bus networks. Rail trips will see Rail can efficiently move more people Brisbane into the CBD will make up a double the growth of bus as more into Brisbane’s CBD than other forms larger proportion of the total travel people travel longer distances to and of transport, making investment demand, up from 18 per cent today to from areas in the north, south and in rail infrastructure critical for the around 33 per cent by 2036 (during west. future. the morning peak). As the road network is effectively at capacity and Major cities around the world rely on car parking is heavily restricted in the heavy rail to transport large numbers inner-city, only marginal increases of people efficiently and to support in private vehicle traffic can be growth and economic prosperity. accommodated.

Rail does not currently serve the whole of the Brisbane CBD, resulting in poor accessibility to some areas. INNER CITY CONSTRAINTS

Roma Street and Central stations are Bowen Hills Overcrowding and congestion at Central station a 10-15 minute walk from southern Increasing demand Increasing demand from the north and eastern parts of the CBD. Major from the west Roma exceeding capacity exceeding capacity current CBD activity centres such Street Fortitude Valley as the City Botanic Gardens, River Milton Stage and Queensland University of Central Poor CBD Technology (Gardens Point campus), station coverage as well as future destinations such as Trains merging onto single All services pass through tracks at several locations the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, single CBD track are all outside a comfortable walk to a South Brisbane Merivale Bridge nearing train station. capacity

South Bank Congested Park Road junction Park Road Trains merging onto single tracks at several locations

Dutton Increasing demand Buranda Park from the south exceeding capacity

FIGURE 6

11 Parts of the SEQ rail network are CBD growth challenges shared between passenger and freight rail services, with freight of workers use public transport restricted from using the network 80% (in the morning peak) in peak periods. Without targeted investment, growth in demand for passenger services and an increase of new jobs in Brisbane to be in in off-peak frequencies over time will 30% the inner city leave fewer paths for freight services in the future. of CBD-bound passengers alight at Central station The main existing constraint on 62% freight connectivity to the port is the section between Dutton Park FIGURE 7 and Salisbury and from Rosewood to Corinda where freight trains and Public transport integration Rail Freight passenger trains must share track. Capacity enhancements focused on Queensland’s future freight task Poorly located rail terminals, getting the right trips on the right is expected to be driven by strong limitations to the length, carrying transport modes are an important economic activity and international capacity and speed of freight trains priority. An effective, integrated trade. Freight volumes are estimated and the need to share with passenger public transport system will better to increase from 871 million tonnes services is currently restricting meet the travel needs of customers in 2010-11 to between 1643 and freight rail’s appeal and growth and support Brisbane’s economic 1741 million tonnes by 2026.⁸ Rail is potential. Significant investment productivity. generally the most efficient mode will be required in the longer-term to for bulk freight travelling from address the growing freight task. Figure 7 illustrates the critical role regional areas to urban destinations of passenger transport in increasing and export hubs such as the Port the efficiency of movements into of Brisbane. As the regional and the Brisbane CBD, with rail and bus interstate freight task grows, there The Australian playing a complementary role in an will be increasing pressure on freight economy is heavily reliant on integrated transport system. For capacity in SEQ. efficient freight networks. example, key rail/bus interchanges It is estimated the transport will enable higher frequency services, An efficient freight rail network will and logistics sectors of the a seamless transition for customers reduce the competition for scarce economy contribute 14.5 between the two transport modes and capacity on rail networks and the per cent of gross domestic less waiting time at stations. reliance on road transport. It will also product, with the supply chain reduce road congestion and road worth an estimated $150 As the city grows and matures, it will crashes, lower carbon emissions billion every year. be important to ensure that rail and and improve amenity in areas along bus work together to create a more current road freight routes. effective and efficient network.

8 Moving Freight Strategy, Department of Transport and Main Roads, 2013

12 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Community consultation

The rail network improvements There was widespread support for There was broad-scale support outlined in SEQ's Rail Horizon the proposed 2031 rail network for the concept designs, with put the customer and the plan and associated projects to many people recognising the community at the centre of the achieve the improved network. need to improve inner-city public decision making process. It transport capacity and frequency. Extensive consultation was However, there was some local delivers solutions that respond undertaken for the previous Cross community concern at high impact to community and stakeholder River Rail and the Bus and Train points along the alignment. Major feedback. project (an alternate tunnel design projects such as Cross River Rail that combined bus and train will result in short-term disruptions Comprehensive community and travel), allowing local residents to some parts of Brisbane City but stakeholder consultation was and the broader community to the benefits will continue to be undertaken in the development of help shape project design. realised for more than 100 years. Connecting SEQ 2031. The plan was released for consultation to the community and a wide range of state and federal government agencies, SEQ local governments, elected Community engagement will continue as the representatives, industry, peak Cross River Rail project planning progresses. bodies and special interest groups.

13 The solutions

Connecting SEQ 2031 New rail lines will expand the reach of There may be opportunity to outlined the strategy for a the network to growing communities progressively reorient targeted bus ‘rail revolution’ – a complete across the region and will provide corridors – where there is a benefit overhaul of the rail system to direct rail connections to the Brisbane to the customer – to more effectively provide a modern, high capacity CBD. feed buses to the rail network at key interchange locations. This network that means, for most SEQ's Rail Horizon acknowledges will further alleviate road traffic passengers, rail transport will the need to maintain, manage and congestion and help address looming be quicker and more reliable optimise the current network to meet capacity constraints on the inner-city than driving a car. future growth and demand, while busway network. minimising investment in temporary A range of rail network optimisation measures and maximising investment A framework for the SEQ rail initiatives have already been in long-term solutions. network implemented such as timetable improvements and measures to The network design principles There is an urgent need to develop reduce train waiting times at CBD outlined in Connecting SEQ 2031 a more integrated rail network to stations and allow more trains include a progressive transition to meet the significant challenges of through the system. Additional track a more connected network within growth and demand. A framework to upgrades, removing key rail crossing the major urban areas, where guide investment and planning and conflicts and targeted inner-city changing between bus and rail is a to achieve a transformation of the rail signal upgrades are also planned to more common feature of travel. The network has been developed as part further optimise the network. This establishment of public transport of SEQ's Rail Horizon and is shown in work will ensure the capacity of the hubs across the region will provide Figure 8. existing rail network is maximised so a foundation for the development as many trains as possible can be run of connected networks by providing on the network. logical transfer points for public transport services.

14 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Investment and planning to achieve an optimal rail network

Optimise the network

Improved timetabling Simplifying services Improved inner city dwell management Timetable improvements Real-time passenger information Station and platform management New Generation Rollingstock Coomera to Helensvale duplication Fare structure review Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade Next Generation Ticketing More peak and shoulder peak services New Generaion Signalling (ETCS wider Outer network stabling network) Targeted freight enhancements

Unlock network capacity

New Generation Signalling (ETCS inner-city) Cross River Rail Higher capacity, longer trains

Expand the network

Moreton Bay Rail Link Gold Coast line extension Salisbury to Flagstone New line Ipswich and Springfield line extensions North West Transport Corridor

Achieved In progress Planned Corridor protection

FIGURE 8

15 Optimise the Next generation ticketing Simplifying services SEQ has one of the largest integrated Removing conflicts will allow the network ticketing networks in the world. rail network to be progressively Following the establishment of improved to transform the way train TransLink and the introduction of services operate. Essentially, this New Generation Rollingstock , the public means different service types (all transport network experienced stops versus express) can operate The New Generation Rollingstock significant growth in patronage, independently of each other. project will deliver a 30 per cent with 175.3 million public transport increase to the current train fleet boardings recorded in 2013-14, a 26 Connecting SEQ 2031 proposes a to meet the growing demand for per cent increase over the past 10 tiered operating strategy: rail services. The project is the years. largest single investment in trains in • Urban all-stops services – high Queensland. It will also allow some The ticketing system is frequency, ‘turn up and go’ older trains to be retired from service. currently used for over 85 per cent allstops, with some limited of all public transport trips in SEQ, express inner-suburban rail Seventy-five six-car trains are with usage as high as 93 per cent services operating inbound currently being built and will deliver on the rail network. As part of the of Springfield, Cleveland, more services across the network next generation ticketing project, Beenleigh, Ferny Grove, when they are rolled out from late investigations are underway into Shorncliffe, Doomben and the 2016. The last train is expected to be options for a future easy-to-use airport. operational by late 2018. automated fare collection system to • Suburban express services – The trains will be permanently replace the go card. new outer suburban express configured in a six-car set enabling services between Brisbane and customers to move through the entire the Gold Coast and Brisbane and length of the train. Modern and the Sunshine Coast, and from more efficient, these trains will offer Rosewood via Ipswich and Kippa- customers improved security and Ring. comfort – each train will be equipped with toilet facilities and wi-fi.

The New Generation Rollingstock project incorporates a rolling program of service improvements including increased peak express services to offer travel time savings to more customers and enhanced off-peak services to offer more travel opportunities for customers.

16 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Timetable improvements

TransLink and have implemented a number of important timetable changes to improve network services and the customer experience. In 2011, major timetable changes were introduced on the Ipswich, Caboolture and Sunshine Coast lines which simplified stopping patterns and increased peak services.

In 2013, the Springfield line opened with the extension of services from Richlands to Springfield and Springfield Central. In 2014, there were major timetable changes on the Gold Coast, Beenleigh, Cleveland, Ferny Grove, Shorncliffe, Doomben and Airport lines which simplified stopping patterns and reallocated resources to areas of greatest need. These timetable changes created additional peak services in available paths to increase the services available to customers.

Timetable changes will be made upon opening the Moreton Bay Rail Link in 2016, with the addition of new services to Kippa-Ring and the all-day express on the Caboolture line.

17 Station and platform Beerburrum to Nambour More peak and shoulder management upgrade services

The time taken to load and unload Building Queensland is developing A range of rail service improvements passengers at stations is a major a business case for the Beerburrum have been rolled out in recent years contributor to dwell time (i.e. the time to Nambour upgrade project. It with ‘turn up and go’ services (trains allocated for each train to pause at will investigate duplicating and every 15 minutes or better, all day, a particular station) and therefore straightening the rail line between Monday to Friday) from Brisbane City impacts service times and capacity. Beerburrum and Landsborough and to Darra, Ferny Grove, Northgate, As patronage demand increases, provide targeted upgrades between Cannon Hill and Coopers Plains. dwell time at the more popular Landsborough and Nambour. stations will rise as the proportion As the network expands and demand of heavily loaded trains increases, The project will provide a range of increases, service improvements will resulting in fewer trains per hour benefits to passengers and freight be an ongoing priority. Improving being able to use the station. services on a 40 kilometre section of peak period services will be the North Coast Line. important, as will progressively If the maximum capacity of the inner- providing more services just before city network is to be achieved, the and after these busy periods (the efficient management of passengers ‘shoulder’ periods). during loading and unloading in the peak will become critical. Examples of station and platform management solutions to control passenger waiting areas, access routes and ensure orderly loading include:

• platform markings to show door positions, loading points and ‘keep clear’ exit routes

• loading managers to safely marshal passengers and ensure loading points and exit

• specific loading announcements via the station public address system.

These and other initiatives will be necessary to improve capacity at our busiest stations.

18 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon More shoulder services will help meet changing travel patterns and ensure optimal use of capacity by managing demand during the busiest parts of the day.

Outer network stabling

Queensland Rail is implementing a $116 million project to construct new train stabling facilities in a number of outer locations including Woombye, Elimbah, Banyo and Robina.

A stabling facility is also being constructed at Kippa-Ring as part of the Moreton Bay Rail Link project.

These stabling facilities will support the rollout of New Generation Rollingstock and improve operational Inland Rail will be a game changer for New terminal sites provide an efficiencies by allowing trains to start improving rail freight access between opportunity to connect rail terminals their service in the most effective Brisbane and the rest of Australia. It directly with the SEQ motorway location. will also enable better speeds, axle network and to co-locate freight loads, train lengths and train path distribution centres. Better terminal capacity from the Surat Basin to the locations would lower overall rail Freight . supply chain costs and help to support rail shuttle services between enhancements With some investment in surface track rail terminals and the Port of Brisbane The Australian Rail Track Corporation infrastructure (e.g. passing loops) in terminal. (ARTC) has begun work designing the Park Road to Salisbury corridor, it an inland railway for freight from is expected that rail freight demand New terminal sites have already Melbourne and Brisbane. Improving could be met up to 2040⁹. After this been established in land use access for freight to the Port of time, a dedicated connection to the planning instruments at Ebenezer Brisbane is also being considered. Port of Brisbane may be needed, and Bromelton. Upgrades to the depending on demand. SEQ network south of Nambour will benefit North Coast line rail freight services in terms of transit times and train path capacity.

9 Inland Rail Implementation Group Report to the Australian Government, 2015.

19 ETCS will be implemented on the Combined with new generation Unlock inner-city network and integrated into signalling, Cross River Rail will deliver the Cross River Rail tunnel to ensure the inner-city capacity and wider network efficient and safe operation. network benefits required as part of a broader vision to revitalise and capacity The cost of the upgrade will be offset transform rail services in SEQ. by reduced maintenance costs as the Unlocking capacity at the core of the outdated lineside signalling system is Higher capacity, longer trains SEQ rail network is a critical strategy replaced. which will trigger the transformation Longer trains, coupled with a new of the entire regional transport Cross River Rail signalling system, will contribute to network. Since the the vision for a modern, high-capacity network relies on capacity through In recent years, two alternative rail system. In the future, nine-car the inner city, unlocking the core will solutions were developed to address trains will operate on some parts of allow frequency increases and enable Brisbane’s inner-city public transport the rail network. the rail network to expand its reach in needs. Cross River Rail offers a rail- line with demand. only solution while the Bus and Train When compared to building new project proposed combining a busway track infrastructure, nine-car trains New generation signalling and rail line in a single, large tunnel, can provide a more cost-effective adopting a similar alignment to Cross solution to improving network The European Train Control System River Rail. Both projects progressed capacity. The introduction of longer (ETCS) is an in-cab signalling control from concept design and community trains, alongside targeted station and automatic train protection system consultation to detailed development platform extensions, can potentially that protects against train-on-train phases. save billions of dollars compared to collision and over-speed derailment. continued investment in expensive The system also allows more trains in An independent panel of experts new track infrastructure and a given time period to use a particular commissioned in June 2012 confirmed signalling upgrades. Nine-car trains part of the network, meaning more the rail network was becoming will provide a significant boost to services, more often, unlocking inner- increasingly constrained by existing available seating for customers, city capacity. inner-city track and platform especially on crowded Sunshine capacity, with the southern line via Coast and Gold Coast services. Train signalling systems across the Merivale Bridge to become the SEQ will be progressively upgraded first line to reach capacity. The panel The Cross River Rail project will make to a more modern, reliable and found the Cross River Rail business provision for longer trains at stations safe system. ETCS is the preferred case was robust and the project so these trains can pass through the signaling technology to be rolled out provided a comprehensive solution to city centre. Currently, rail stations across the SEQ rail network. The New inner-city rail capacity issues. and platforms across the network Generation Rollingstock trains will be are designed to accommodate six-car ETCS ready. Recent investigations have confirmed trains. Stations on the Gold Coast and the value of a rail-only solution and Sunshine Coast lines will need to be the Queensland Government supports progressively upgraded and platform Cross River Rail as the preferred lengths increased to support longer solution. trains.

20 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Expand the network

Addressing capacity constraints in the core of the network will enable future expansion of the rail network into new growth areas.

The Springfield Rail Line was completed recently and construction is nearing completion on the Moreton Bay Rail Link. Corridors are being protected to allow future expansion of the network to emerging communities such as Flagstone and Caloundra, as well as extensions to the Ipswich and Springfield lines, the Gold Coast line and a possible future North West Transport Corridor.

Planning will also be undertaken to determine the best long-term solution to address significant growth expected on the Ipswich rail line resulting from urban expansion in the western corridor.

Corridors are being protected to allow future expansion of the network to emerging communities such as Flagstone and Caloundra.

21 Cross River Rail

Cross River Rail is the result As well as a river rail crossing, Cross As part of SEQ's Rail Horizon, Cross of significant planning and River Rail will deliver new stations at River Rail will give more commuters analysis. key locations through the CBD. The faster, more direct journeys to the tunnel will connect to both northern Brisbane CBD. More residents in the Feedback from community and southern rail networks from Brisbane metropolitan region will consultation and recent technical day one of operations, providing be able to reach their place of work, investigations have been used to significant benefits to commuters study or recreation within 30 minutes refine Cross River Rail’s design. For from the north and south. on public transport. example, as a result of feedback during previous consultation, Cross New stations will improve passenger Pressure on the inner-city rail network River Rail now incorporates a newly interchange opportunities between will ease as Gold Coast services designed Roma Street station to avoid bus and rail and will provide good divert into the new Cross River Rail impacts on Victoria Park. access to Brisbane's growing tunnel. Modelling shows the project southern CBD. will reduce travel time from the south The new Cross River Rail design to the CBD by eight minutes. provides increased rail customer Crowding at Central station will benefits and less local community reduce as more people use the new With a new rail river crossing, there impacts. It also supports the Brisbane CBD underground stations. Workers would be much less reliance on the City Council’s plans for the CBD as in southern parts of the CBD will enjoy Merivale Bridge than there would be outlined in the Brisbane City Centre shorter walks to their workplaces and without the Cross River Rail project, Master Plan 2014. faster trips overall. freeing up line capacity to increase services across the network, and improving service reliability.

The project has been configured to deliver capacity first where it is needed the most. When combined with other initiatives in SEQ's Rail Horizon, the new Cross River Rail project will provide much of the benefits of earlier designs, at less cost.

A second rail river crossing will provide the equivalent capacity of a 30-lane highway

22 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon Services from Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast will also be able to increase to meet growing demand CRR is expected to provide and northern customers will have improved accessibility. The new Cross River Rail project will 1600 take about seven years to procure, construct and become operational jobs per year from the time an investment decision during construction is made. This means a decision is required as a matter of urgency.

Cross River Rail will require significant funding contributions Critical to supporting the growth of A project of this scale is expected to and cooperation from all levels our state, easing congestion and provide 1,600 jobs each year during of government. The Queensland improving accessibility into the construction. Once operational, Cross Government is committed to exploring Brisbane CBD, Cross River Rail is the River Rail will provide the equivalent all possible funding arrangements Queensland Government’s highest capacity of a 30-lane highway. for the delivery of Cross River Rail, priority infrastructure project. including value capture options. Metropolitan rail networks are proven The previous Cross River Rail proposal to trigger urban revitalisation and The Queensland Government is also was given ‘ready to proceed’ status growth. Cross River Rail will transform committed to partnering with the by Infrastructure Australia in 2012 surrounding suburbs by providing private sector to improve affordability and 2013 and the critical need for this real support for sustainable urban and deliver an innovative funding and project continues to grow. development. financing strategy, providing better economic and financial outcomes for the region and the state.

23 Next steps

SEQ's Rail Horizon will guide The new Cross River Rail project Longer term planning government investment in the A detailed business case is currently rail network to address a range The government will continue to underway with a view to submit to the of significant challenges and identify and protect corridors for Federal Government during mid 2016. deliver on the government’s future network improvements and extensions to meet growth vision for the network. Following the business case and demand. Consultation will submission, procurement may take be undertaken on a project-by- New Generation Rollingstock up to 18 months, pending approval project basis. Longer term strategic and funding arrangements. A project The government will begin taking planning will consider options of this scale has an estimated delivery of the New Generation to address major growth in the construction timeframe of five years. Rollingstock in 2016. This will mean western corridor – Springfield, more services across the network. Ipswich and Ripley Valley. The Queensland Government will soon announce a preferred New generation signalling alignment and is committed to While it is not intended to be Queensland Rail will progressively keeping the community, residents, a commitment of projects, SEQ's Rail implement ETCS, starting with businesses, landowners and Horizon provides a strong and clear the North Coast line in 2016. The government authorities informed vision for the future network to allow ETCS inner-city project is subject as the project progresses. effective planning and investment to a detailed business case due decisions around land use and other to be submitted mid 2016. The project team will provide further information to directly affected modes of transport by all levels of residents and businesses along government and the private sector. the alignment in the near future.

24 South East Queensland's Rail Horizon