Public transport the safest choice for New Year

Queenslanders are being encouraged to stay safe while enjoying New Year’s Eve celebrations by choosing public transport where possible.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said public transport would be the best option to get around on New Year’s Eve with more than 900 extra services available across south east Queensland.

“The Newman LNP Government is a strong team with a strong plan to provide a public transport network that is safe, affordable and reliable,” Mr Emerson said.

“Last year passengers were well behaved and we are hoping everyone can keep up the good work again this year and make it the safest New Year on record.

“Passengers can feel safer than ever before as we have increased the number of senior network officers who patrol the network to 59, with seven new officers having graduated this month.

“They will be joined by customer service officers and security officers out on the network to ensure everyone gets home safely and to help with all their travel queries.

“With free public transport on the south east Queensland network from 9pm tonight (31 December, 2014) until 5.30am on New Year’s Day, trains and buses will be the best option for party-loving passengers.”

Acting Police Minister Andrew Powell said police would be looking out for revellers in Queensland’s new Safe Night Out precincts.

“The Queensland Police Service will be protecting the public throughout the festive season,” Mr Powell said.

“Officers from Cairns to Coolangatta will be working to ensure we bring in 2015 safely.

“Our high-visibility patrols over New Year’s will be boosted by using some of the 800 additional officers the Newman LNP Government has delivered since 2012.”

[ENDS] 31 December 2014

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625