Cheaper travel on SMBI ferries

Southern Moreton Bay Island residents will have cheaper travel with local passenger ferry services to be integrated into TransLink network on July 1, 2013.

Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said go card equipment and technology will now be available for passengers on Bay Island Ferries integrating the islands into south-east Queensland public transport for the first time.

“From July 1 next year, customers who travel from Russell Island to Weinam Creek by ferry will pay $6.55 or $5.24 off-peak using go card, rather than the current $8.80,” Mr Minnikin said.

“A trip to Brisbane, currently $18.40, will cost $10.53 using go card or $8.43 off-peak, from 1 July next year.

“Visitors and residents can take advantage of go card discounts, including free travel after nine weekly journeys. This means many regular commuters from Brisbane will also be able to access the island for free.”

The Newman Government will be investing almost $500,000 to expand the go card network and the Redlands Council will introduce a SMBI ratepayer’s contribution of around $88.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams said the the new ticketing arrangements would also allow island residents to transfer between the four southern Moreton Bay islands for free.

“The extension of go card for travel to the islands is long overdue and deserved recognition that island residents should be able to access the same public transport concessions as the rest of South East Queensland  ” Cr Williams said.

“With over 1 million trips taken a year, the saving and benefits from this agreement will be in the millions.”

Member for Redlands Peter Dowling said he was delighted the State and local governments have been able to reach an agreement for the residents and visitors of Redlands.

“A further win for the Redlands area is the refurbishment of the Weinam Creek bus interchange which will provide a seamless connection for anyone travelling to shops and services at Redland Bay, Victoria Point and Cleveland,” Mr Dowling said.

“Bus route 250 from Redland Bay to Brisbane via Victoria Point, Cleveland, Capalaba and Carindale will connect with all ferry services at Weinam Creek making it even easier to get across to the Islands or across to the mainland for work.”

[ENDS] 18 December 2012

Media contact:           Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625