Easter train timetable to ensure reliability for commuters

Queensland Rail has today released its Easter timetable, which has been designed to ensure reliability across the network over the holiday period.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said that while there would be some reductions in services on the weekends, they would cater for lower patronage on the network over the holiday period

“We want people to be able to plan ahead with certainty, especially as people are moving across SEQ to visit family and friends over the holiday,” Ms Trad said.

"We know that fewer people travel on the rail network during the holidays, with almost 70 percent fewer people travelling by rail over the Easter long weekend.

“We are determined to fix the trains and get Queensland Rail back on track which is why we have prioritised delivering a reliable Easter timetable.

“This timetable will ensure that Queenslanders can plan ahead and get where they need to go.

"There will be four major sporting events happening over the Easter long weekend so we have planned 120 additional services to ensure fans can get to and from these games as quickly as possible.

"There will also be extra customer service staff working at stations over the holidays to assist commuters if they need it."

Chair of the Queensland Rail Board Phillip Strachan said that services over the period would be reliable, a core recommendation of his Commission of Inquiry.

“As we train more drivers and move towards a robust and sustainable timetable changes like this are essential," Mr Strachan said.

“We are giving commuters advance notice of these service changes, so they can plan their trips ahead of time.

“This includes some critical work between Park Road and Kuraby on the Gold Coast line in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.”

“All Easter service information will go live on the TransLink Journey Planner, so I strongly encourage all commuters to take a few minutes to plan their journey early."

Changes over the weekend of the 8 & 9 April and the Easter long weekend are:

• Hourly services on most lines, two hourly on the Sunshine Coast line
• The Airport line will run half hourly to cater for travellers
• From Good Friday through to Easter Sunday night, buses will replace trains, running half hourly, between Park Road and Kuraby on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast line so essential works can be completed ahead of the Commonwealth Games
• 120 additional services will be provided before and after four major sporting events scheduled at Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba during this period

To plan ahead, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942