Newcastle light rail, renewal & integrated transport

[Fleet Lists]

Newcastle Transport seems to be having some website problems with many pages showing this

[mandonov]

https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/newsro ... -connected

New bus interchange will help keep Newcastle connected

Published 24 Jul 2017

The Newcastle Bus Interchange Review of Environmental Factors (REF) details proposed bus facilities and passenger drop off areas.

Newcastle’s future integrated transport network is a step closer today with key planning documents for the new Newcastle Bus Interchange put on public display.

The Newcastle Bus Interchange Review of Environmental Factors (REF) details bus facilities and passenger drop off areas proposed to be built on the former Newcastle and Suburban Co-Operative Society store site, adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange.

“Integrating seamlessly with the adjacent Newcastle Interchange, the bus interchange would enhance connectivity between trains, light rail, buses, taxis, private vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians,” Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel said.

“The NSW Government acquired The Store site in September 2015 with a view to realising the transport and development potential identified for the area in the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy. This project would help realise that potential.”

Construction of the bus interchange will require the removal of The Store building and car park.

“Unfortunately the buildings are in poor condition and pose a safety hazard for the community,” Mr Cassel said.

“Temporary hoarding is in place to protect the public from the risk of falling debris from the building façade, and controlled removal of the materials by accredited contractors will ensure the future safety of the site.”

“We know this site is meaningful to the local community because it played an important role in Newcastle’s development and as a community meeting point.”

“We will ensure the history of the site is respected in whatever comes next – a heritage interpretation plan will be developed and all heritage items will be appropriately recorded and documented.”

In April the NSW Government announced market testing was underway to gauge private sector interest in delivering a fully integrated transport destination with commercial, retail and residential opportunities.

“In coming weeks, the NSW Government will be working to identify those parties that can best deliver this key piece of infrastructure as part of a broader development on the site,” Mr Cassel said.

“It is important to note the REF does not cover any development in additional to a bus interchange – a separate planning process is required to develop the site any further.”

“The area around the interchange is set to become the city’s new CBD and the site has the potential to attract big employers, more activity and help create jobs and generate growth in the city.”

Construction of the new bus interchange could start as soon as early 2018, with the potential for operations to start before the end of 2019.

“We’re asking the community to have their say and provide feedback on the REF either at a community information session or in writing,” Mr Cassel said.

“To review the REF and find out more visit revitalisingnewcastle.com.au.”

REF: http://revitalisingnewcastle.nsw.gov.au ... actors.pdf

[mandonov]

From the REF:

[Bigfeller2]

This proposal is of a very low standard on a small site that has a very low site utilisation ratio.
Where is the parking for commuters?
How will this place be a safe environment at times of low use?
How will people get their luggage from the trains and intercity coaches to and from their cars or other transport?
Why does the interchange have layover parking. Surely buses will not terminate at the interchange and force passengers to make a change to an out going bus.

[moa999]

Not really a plan unless they tell us what will replace the buildings to be removed.
Perhaps one will be a parking station, albeit the whole point of this is to not have people drive.

As for safety/luggage.
Well lights/CCTV and wheel it - like everywhere else

[Newcastle Flyer]

Not really a plan unless they tell us what will replace the buildings to be removed.
Perhaps one will be a parking station, albeit the whole point of this is to not have people drive.

The so called "community consultants" (term used loosely) did say they're not planning to put a parking station on top, or nearby. They claim they're trying to discourage cars, but what about those who need cars? I was then told well they'll need to go to other bus stops or stations, such as Broadmeadow, Cardiff, Fassifern, etc. I said to them, but doesn't that (oh oh I've forgotten the word) take away what the Wickham Interchange is for?

I mentioned what about those buses that don't go anywhere near Wickham interchange, for example, along Glebe Rd? He then said oh some buses won't go into the bus interchange, but directly along Hunter St to Newcastle Station/Newcastle East. So if that's the case, what's the point of the light rail?

[Newcastle Flyer]

Regarding the map that mandonov has posted & available in the booklet & leaflet.

Is it me, or is this bus interchange look to have tight radius turns for most "normal" sized buses, and especially for larger coaches?

I'm not saying they are tight, just asking.

[boronia]

Not really a plan unless they tell us what will replace the buildings to be removed.
Perhaps one will be a parking station, albeit the whole point of this is to not have people drive.

The so called "community consultants" (term used loosely) did say they're not planning to put a parking station on top, or nearby. They claim they're trying to discourage cars, but what about those who need cars? I was then told well they'll need to go to other bus stops or stations, such as Broadmeadow, Cardiff, Fassifern, etc. I said to them, but doesn't that (oh oh I've forgotten the word) take away what the Wickham Interchange is for?

I mentioned what about those buses that don't go anywhere near Wickham interchange, for example, along Glebe Rd? He then said oh some buses won't go into the bus interchange, but directly along Hunter St to Newcastle Station/Newcastle East. So if that's the case, what's the point of the light rail?

Sydney Terminal/Central has survived for years without commuter parking. Many other inner suburban stations don't have it either.

[Newcastle Flyer]

^^ That may be the case, but their is parking within "walking distance", but aren't Holt St & Goulburn St car parking stations within walking distance for Central Station?

[Fleet Lists]

https://transportnsw.info/news/2017/new ... us-changes

Newcastle city centre bus changes
Thursday 17 August

From Sunday 27 August 2017, there will be bus stop changes in the Newcastle city centre to prepare for the start of light rail construction works.

Buses will be diverted off Hunter and Scott streets, and onto King Street or Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road. Fourteen bus stops will be closed and replaced with 15 stops along the new routes.

Signage is in place at closed stops with more information on where the nearest replacement stops are located. Over the first few days of the change there will also be people on the ground during peak times to assist you with your travel plans.

You can also use the Trip Planner or transport apps to plan your journey.

Download a printable version of the map (pdf 665KB)

[Fleet Lists]

new route map

[boronia]

^^ That may be the case, but their is parking within "walking distance", but aren't Holt St & Goulburn St car parking stations within walking distance for Central Station?

There is, but it is timed/paid parking rather than untimed/free "commuter" car parking as provided at outer suburban stations.

There used to be limited-time metered parking around Central west concourse; not sure how this is affected by the coach terminals now.

[jpp42]

So Wickham Station is now renamed Newcastle West?

[Newcastle Flyer]

Since the 106/107 buses will need to layover at the REAL Newcastle Station, then why not allow them to use one the bus stops in the layover for passengers instead of going "empty" between the layover & Queens Wharf, instead of terminating/starting at Queens Wharf?

Of course, their would've been a better option, instead of diverting traffic &/or bus routes!

[Fleet Lists]

I am sure that is an error which is covered in another thread. http://www.busaustralia.com/forum/viewt ... &start=157

[Fleet Lists]

From Newcastle Transport website http://www.newcastletransport.info/late ... and-events

Buses on the move ahead of light rail construction

Chief Executive Officer of Keolis Downer Hunter, Campbell Mason today confirmed the start date for bus stop changes along Hunter and Scott streets as preparations for light rail construction gather pace.

From Sunday 27 August, city centre buses will be diverted off the light rail route onto King Street or Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road.

“There will be people on the ground to assist customers at peak times over the first few days of the change and a comprehensive suite of supporting materials, both on site and online,” Mr Mason said.

“Signage will be put up, and customers will also have access to a detailed information brochure that breaks down which bus stops are closing and where the new bus stops will be.”

“Customers will also be able to plan their trip at newcastletransport.info, by calling 131500, or by using transport apps, which will be updated to reflect the new routes.”

Fourteen bus stops will be closed and replaced with 15 full-time bus stops located on King Street, Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road.

The new bus stops have been located to minimise disruption for customers and construction of the new bus stops is already underway.

“Changing city centre bus routes one time ahead of light rail construction will give customers certainty about where and when to catch their bus,” Mr Mason said.

“This is a far better outcome than changing bus routes every few weeks during construction, which would cause confusion and be more disruptive for customers.”

and

Get up to speed on bus changes in the CBD

The way bus services travel through the Newcastle city centre will change on Sunday, 27 August, ahead of the start of major construction for Newcastle Light Rail.

All the changes are detailed in one handy brochure – to download, click here.

Updated Newcastle Transport bus timetables are in the process of being finalised and will be available from our Bus Services page once completed.

As always, customers can plan their trip at http://www.newcastletransport.info, by calling 131500, or by using transport apps, which will also be updated to reflect the new routes.

I had thought I had signed up to receive any news by email but I have not received any such email
The brochure is at http://www.newcastletransport.info/uplo ... hanges.pdf

[Fleet Lists]

https://transportnsw.info/news/2017/new ... us-changes

Newcastle city centre bus changes
Thursday 17 August

From Sunday 27 August 2017, there will be bus stop changes in the Newcastle city centre to prepare for the start of light rail construction works.

Buses will be diverted off Hunter and Scott streets, and onto King Street or Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road. Fourteen bus stops will be closed and replaced with 15 stops along the new routes.

Signage is in place at closed stops with more information on where the nearest replacement stops are located. Over the first few days of the change there will also be people on the ground during peak times to assist you with your travel plans.

You can also use the Trip Planner or transport apps to plan your journey.

Download a printable version of the map (pdf 665KB)

This news advice and the route transport alerts have disappeared and the map changes appear to have been reversed but the information is still up on the Newcastle Transport website.

[Fleet Lists]

https://transportnsw.info/news/2017/new ... us-changes

Newcastle city centre bus changes delayed by two weeks
Thursday 24 August

City Council and Supercars have advised that Watt Street will need to remain closed for longer than initially expected due to unavoidable delays. Plans to relocate buses off Hunter Street ahead of light rail construction have been delayed by two weeks due to complications relating to engineering and construction work on Watt Street. Bus relocations scheduled for 27 August will now occur on Sunday 10 September 2017.

From Sunday 10 September 2017, there will be bus stop changes in the Newcastle city centre to prepare for the start of light rail construction works.

Buses will be diverted off Hunter and Scott streets, and onto King Street or Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road. Fourteen bus stops will be closed and replaced with 15 stops along the new routes.

Signage is in place at closed stops with more information on where the nearest replacement stops are located. Over the first few days of the change there will also be people on the ground during peak times to assist you with your travel plans.

You can also use the Trip Planner or transport apps to plan your journey.

Newcastle Transport website has also been updated.

[Fleet Lists]

http://www.cdcbus.com.au/news-2/hunter- ... -september

Changes to Hunter Street, Newcastle bus routes from 10 September

Due to upcoming Light Rail construction, Hunter Valley Buses services through the Newcastle CBD will be diverted and service new bus stops from 10 September.

Routes 138 (Lemon Tree Passage), 140 (Raymond Terrace) and 267 (West Wallsend) will be affected. Buses towards Newcastle will run via Honeysuckle Drive and Wharf Road. Buses from Newcastle will run via Watt Street and King Street. There are no changes to the times at which buses operate.


Download your new timetables and maps below:

Route 138
Route 140
Route 267

Timetables only appear to contain map changes.
interesting to see that in this case the inward new route is different to the outward new route.

[Newcastle Flyer]

interesting to see that in this case the inward new route is different to the outward new route.

I believe that's what NT/KD bus routes may have been arranged go one way to Newcastle, and another way from Newcastle before going along the same streets.

See map on: http://www.cdcbus.com.au/news-2/hunter- ... -september

The HVB shows their routes going between Queens Wharf & Newcastle Station Bus Layover as a passenger route, yet on what still should be NB&F, the NT/KD map shows the 106/107 as starting/terminating at Queens Wharf, so that looks to be a mistake, but the last time I looked, according to Transport NSW info site, that is correct.
But I can't check for the 10 Sep. at the moment, as you can only choose up to 2 weeks, not 4 weeks as it was.

[Fleet Lists]

The HVB shows their routes going between Queens Wharf & Newcastle Station Bus Layover as a passenger route, yet on what still should be NB&F, the NT/KD map shows the 106/107 as starting/terminating at Queens Wharf, so that looks to be a mistake, but the last time I looked, according to Transport NSW info site, that is correct.
But I can't check for the 10 Sep. at the moment, as you can only choose up to 2 weeks, not 4 weeks as it was.

I am waiting to see what the new timetables for routes 106 and 107 will show - Newcastle Transport says such timetables are coming. I have the feeling now that those timetables will also show them as terminating at Queens Wharf but we will have to wait and see.

[Fleet Lists]

The timetable for route 180X may not be showing because page https://transportnsw.info/routes/detail ... 0x/46180-X links to the Sydney Bus Region instead of the Hunter Bus Region.

[boronia]

http://soniahornery.com.au/more-than-17 ... -in-sight/

State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is calling on the State Government to fix the mess created by Keolis Downer on the Newcastle Public Transport Network.

It was revealed yesterday that more than 170 trips were cancelled in the first 6 weeks since Keolis Downer took over the Newcastle Public Transport Network contract.

Rostering issues, not sick drivers, seems to be the biggest cause of cancelled trips, with drivers not knowing when they are next working until they finish their current shift.

Staff pays continue to be an issue and morale is at an all-time low, with staff wearing the frustration of public transport users.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery

“The Government needs to step in and ensure this mess is fixed up. More than 170 cancelled trips in the first 6 weeks shows that Keolis Downer is out of its depth.”

“They had more than 7 months to plan the takeover of the contract for the Newcastle Public Transport Network, yet here we are less than 2 months into the contract and things have never been worse.”

“Drivers are doing their best but the management of the Network is failing the workers and the general public.”

“The trips heading to the far reaches of the Wallsend electorate are the first to be cancelled despite being some of the busiest services in Newcastle.

“Management have told staff that they cannot cut inner-city services because it would be a bad look for the company.”

“As a result of all the cancelled or late services, staff are wearing the frustrations of commuters.”

“The Government needs to restore a functioning public transport network for people in the Wallsend electorate.”

[burrumbus]

6 weeks x 7 days per week equals 42 days.
42 days into 170 cancelled trips equals just over 4 cancelled trips per day.two thirds of a single shift.That does not ,on the face of it,present a major problem for the service up there.The issue would be if the cancellations were concentrated onto single days,paticularily on school trips.
I suspect Spin from the local member.
Any of our Newcastle local experts heard anything ??

[Newcastle Flyer]

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/48858 ... ssing-runs

The Newcastle Herald has reported Ms Hornery’s office was following up after numerous complaints about disappearing services on the 100, 222, 225, 224, 267 and 230 routes, among others.

So why is the 267 included, when it's run by HVB?