A change in the Vulture culture

QR's Vulture Street Station on the Brisbane's south side has a new name to better reflect the locality.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer said today that the busy southside rail station would be known as South Bank Station.

The change will take effect today (April 27th) to coincide with the opening celebrations of the Queensland Government's new $350 million South East Busway.

The Premier will officially commission the South East Busway on Sunday.

Mr Bredhauer said QR was currently carrying out a $3.5 million upgrade of South Bank rail station.

"New facilities will include an extra platform, three lifts and a subway.

"The additional platform will be operational next month and will give QR greater flexibility for its train operations.

"The subway and one of the lifts will improve access between the rail and bus stations.

'The other two lifts will give commuters access to the platforms from the overhead footbridge at the southern end of the station. "South Bank is one of south east Queensland's most popular leisure precincts and the renaming of the station will provide an even stronger focus for visitors.

"The South Bank Bus Station, adjacent to the South Bank rail station, will provide a valuable interchange between the two transport modes when the Busway is officially commissioned on Monday.

"We're about to enter an exciting new era in public transport in south east Queensland," Mr Bredhauer said.

The Minister said that from early next month, more than 400 Gold Coast trains would stop at South Bank Station each week, coinciding with the introduction of a new Citytrain timetable.

"From Monday, the public will have access to regular services on the new South East Busway.

"The South Bank rail station and the South Bank bus station will give commuters more public transport options.

"It will be an important interchange between the two modes of transport," Mr Bredhauer said. The Minister said the introduction of Airtrain services to and from Brisbane Airport was also a factor in the timing of the name change.

"All trains travelling between the Gold Coast and the airport will stop at South Bank Station.

"People will want to spend time at South Bank. It's a great place to explore and to stroll through.

"The interchange and the presence of Gold Coast trains will significantly boost current passenger numbers.

More than 275,000 people a year have passed through the former Vulture Street Station. The former rail station dates back to 1893. It takes its name from the adjacent street.

For further information:

Senior Media Adviser Ellen McIntyre 0417 076 738