Overcrowded trains on the horizon if we fail to plan for growth

The passenger load on South East Queensland’s busiest railway lines will reach capacity in the next decade unless we invest in network improvements, according to the Queensland Government’s long-term rail network strategy released today.

Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe said South East Queensland’s Rail Horizon confirmed our busiest railway lines will be overwhelmed by passenger growth if the state fails to address the region’s rail network capacity and congestion challenges before 2026.

“There will be standing-room only on our commuter trains if we don’t plan for the massive population growth down the track or invest in major projects like Cross River Rail,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“South East Queensland’s Rail Horizon released today outlines the projects and solutions to address our region’s rail network capacity and congestion challenges and ensure our infrastructure keeps place with growth.

“By 2036, the South East Queensland population is forecast to reach almost 4.9 million people and we need a better rail system to keep pace with growth and provide a better experience for passengers.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government is focused on delivering more seats on mores trains, more stations and shorter journey times for commuters.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the increasing growth corridors in South East Queensland would place pressure on the transport network, particularly where the system converges in the Brisbane CBD.

“Consistent with the State Infrastructure Plan, the strategy released today aims to direct investment to the rail network which will get more efficiency out of existing infrastructure,” he said.

“Cross River Rail, new high capacity signals and longer trains all form part of our plan.

“It’s not just tunnel vision for Brisbane, we’re delivering rail projects to improve access, reliability and increase service frequency across the South East.

“Our strategy puts the commuter at the heart of the decisions we make to deliver on our rail network vision.”

Key South East Queensland rail network initiatives include:

• Moreton Bay Rail Link - due for completion mid-2016
• Coomera to Helensvale track duplication - due for completion in 2017
• Roll out of 75 new generation six-car trains from late 2016
• Proposed Cross River Rail - Queensland Government will deliver the business case to the Federal Government for consideration by mid2016.

Further information about the South East Queensland’s Rail Horizon is available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/Rail/South-East-Queenslands-Rail-Horizon

Media contact: Jessica Hill 0475 950 772