More passengers get on board new timetable

Two months on and passengers have embraced the Newman Government’s overhaul of the rail timetable with more people choosing to catch public transport.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the new timetable included an additional 1000 rail services a week.

“Since the new timetable was implemented more than 27,000 extra trips have been taken a week compared to the same time last year,” Mr Emerson said.

“Passengers are clearly taking advantage of the more frequent and consistent services as we continue our efforts to improve front line services for Queenslanders.

“Trains are continuing to run on time with our peak reliability record at 95.36 per cent since the new services started on January 20. 

“This is in stark contrast to Labor’s poor record of the lowest on-time running in three years.”

Mr Emerson said the LNP was delivering its promise to improve the frequency, reliability and affordability of the network and the increase in patronage proves we are well on track.

“While we have made significant improvements to the network we acknowledge more needs to be done, particularly when it comes to affordability,” he said.

“I can guarantee passengers that we will not go back to the bad old days of the former Labor Government that saw 15 per cent fare increases year after year.

“We understand affordability remains a challenge and will continue to find the savings to drive down the cost of fares.”

[ENDS] 20 March 2014

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625