HEARING TECHNOLOGY MAKES TRAIN TRAVEL EASIER

New 21st century technology installed at the 130-year-old Toowoomba rail station is making it easier for people who wear hearing aids to travel by train.

Transport Minister Paul Lucas today visited the station to learn more about the audio-frequency induction loop system from Queensland Rail Network Services local coordinator Andrew Jensen who installed the system.

Mr Lucas then helped Mr Jensen put up new signage to inform travellers of the new technology.

"People who wear hearing aids often have great difficulty hearing or understanding public address announcements due to background noise, volume and distortion," Mr Lucas said.

"This new technology will effectively deliver the station's public address messages directly into their hearing aids.

"This means they'll clearly hear important information about train arrivals and departures."

Mr Lucas said the Toowoomba station was one of 30 stations on the QR Traveltrain network to be fitted with the new technology to deliver crucial information to people who wear hearing aids.

"The state-wide $520,000 hearing augmentation and public address system upgrade demonstrates the commitment of the Beattie Government and QR to provide the most accessible railway in Australia," he said.

Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said about $17,000 had been spent on the upgrade to Toowoomba station which was built in 1874.

"A 24-hour Traveltrain assistance phone, with arrival and departure details and other service information, has also been installed as part of the project," he said.

Mr Lucas said more than $10 million was being spent over the next three years to upgrade Traveltrain stations throughout Queensland to meet the national disability standards for accessible public transport.

"QR is the leading large rail operator in Australia in terms of the accessibility facilities it provides travellers on the Citytrain urban network and Traveltrain long distance services," he said.

"About 98% of all Citytrain units are accessible via a boarding ramp and 37% have designated wheelchair spaces in carriages.

"QR Traveltrain is also continuing to improve accessibility for people with a disability who travel long distance. For example, Tilt Trains provide dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, and accessible toilets and showers."

Media contact: Sonya Gillece 3237 1947 / 0407 166 084