Three new services for UQ routes

In response to the incredible success of the new bus routes to the University of Queensland, the State Government will fund an additional morning peak service on all three routes, Minister for Transport and Mains Road Paul Lucas said today.

"The response to the new 109, 169 and 209 services to UQ has been overwhelming," Mr Lucas said.

"On the first day of classes for semester one, buses to UQ carried more than 15,000 students, half of which were on the three new bus routes that use the Eleanor Schonell Bridge.

"That's an increase of more than 25% on the patronage from the same day in 2006.

"The figures clearly show the increase is due to the popularity of the 109, 169 and 209.

"Given this demand, from this Monday (March 5) a new service will operate on each of the three routes departing at 7.05am."

“Like every service already using the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, these new services will be entirely funded by the State Government through TransLink.”

Mr Lucas said feedback in the first two weeks of operation indicated there would be strong support for an additional, earlier service on the 109, 169 and 209.

"A number of students and staff at UQ have told us that an extra, earlier service departing Carindale, Eight Mile Plains and the city would be of great benefit for those who need to do a little extra preparation on campus for the first lectures at 8am," he said.

"These new services will allow those staff and students to get to the campus that little bit earlier, as well as helping to cater for the incredible demand we have seen for these new routes."

The new services on the 109, 169 and 209 will depart the City, Eight Mile Plains and Carindale respectively at 7.05am.

For more information on routes and timetables phone TransLink on 13 12 30 or visit www.translink.com.au.

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1947