State Budget drives public transport

The Newman Government has listened to community feedback and will not alter the existing eligibility criteria associated with the taxi subsidy scheme for people with a disability.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said $8 million had been saved across the portfolio to ensure the scheme remained unchanged.

“A strong case was put forward by those who benefit from the scheme and I’m pleased we’ve been able to find the savings to continue to deliver the service,” Mr Emerson said.

“It comes on top of a $2.1 billion commitment to public transport across Queensland as part of the 2013-14 State Budget. 

“This public transport budget is the first to integrate the whole of Queensland, following the changes to TransLink which occurred from January this year.”

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said a well resourced and well organised public transport system was important to Queensland’s productivity.

“The Government is working to ensure that Queenslanders have the effective and efficient services they expect and need,” Mr Nicholls said.

Mr Emerson said all forms of transport would benefit from funding increases.

“We’ve allocated $645 million to fund bus, ferry, coach and air services across Queensland, which is an increase of nearly $30 million on last year,” he said.

“The Budget also delivers the integration of Southern Moreton Bay Island ferry services onto TransLink’s go card network from July 1.

“The program to double the number of Senior Network Officers on the network in South East Queensland is funded, providing passenger safety and targeting fare evasion.

“A further $51 million has been allocated for infrastructure to improve interchanges and access to public transport.”

Key infrastructure projects to be delivered include:

·         $2 million in 2013-14 to improve disability access across the network

·         $8 million in 2013-14 redevelopment of the Browns Plains Bus Station

·         $10 million in 2013-14 for new bus stations at Redland Bay Marina and Victoria Point Jetty

·         $5 million in 2013-14 for construction of a new bus station at Deception Bay

·         $3 million in 2013-14 towards construction of a new bus station in Cairns CBD

·         $2 million in 2013-14 for bus stop capacity improvements at Carindale and Toombul bus stations.

[ENDS] 4 June 2013

Media Contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637