Fed-up commuters christen our rail link the ‘misery line’

SERVICES on this Brisbane rail line have become so unreliable, long-suffering commuters have christened it the ‘misery line’, with many abandoning trains and choosing buses or cars to commute to the city.

• Rail boss responds to critics

RAIL services on the Cleveland line through Manly have become so unreliable, long-suffering commuters have christened it the “misery line”.

Many have reportedly abandoned rail services, opting for buses or private cars to travel to the city for work while others are looking at quitting their jobs in the CBD so they no longer have to travel on the line.

The internet has been running hot with criticisms of the line since online blogger Brizcommuter claimed the Cleveland line was the worst in the city.

Poor infrastructure, including single track sections between Manly and Cleveland and lack of a third platform at Manly were causing havoc with on-time running and track capacity, according to the blog.

As well, train services were often “expressed” past stations, with Queensland Rail claiming “congestion on the network” and “heavy passenger loading”.

“In other words, ‘we are bypassing stations so that the train can get to the terminus on-time and meet our KPIs’,” Brizcommuter suggested.

Other problems included overcrowded three-car trains, gaps between services during busy periods and the “notoriously” early finish of the afternoon peak express service at 4.54pm from Central, before most people finished work.

“The Cleveland Line is so bad, that commuters has dubbed it Brisbane’s “Misery Line”,” Brizcommuter said.

Commuters on Brisbane’s bayside have abandoned the Cleveland line, preferring buses and private transport, because of constant delays.

“The train service is so infrequent and unreliable, that many of my work colleagues who use the line have taken to using buses, or even driving instead.

“Some are even looking at leaving their jobs in Brisbane’s CBD as they can’t handle the terrible commute.”

The claims drew strong support when shared on facebook by rail lobby group Rail Back On Track.

“Very frustrating lack of information when tracks are closed. I’m tired of walking to the station to catch a non-existent train then walking back home to drive to the city,” Shirley Mahon wrote.

Amy Lawson listed inconsistent timetable, tiny carparks in disrepair, unattended stations and bathrooms locked during peak times as her main gripes.

“The 4.24pm Central to Cleveland is only three cars - a sardine can by South Brisbane,” Diana Sendt added. “Oh yeah, the 4.24 is cancelled every Friday.”

Nattie Gee pointed to the lack of a third platform at Manly while Rod McShane described trains running late at least three times a week as “atrocious”.