Published Thursday, 15 November, 2007 at 03:47 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Public transport keeps Bundaberg moving
Bundaberg residents are flocking to public transport even before a new system of bus fares kicks in next year.
Transport Minister John Mickel said today that the public transport patronage in Bundaberg had risen 50 per cent from 2003-‘04 to 2006-07 growth mirrored in other regional cities around the state.
“We’ve got more than 300,000 passengers on public transport in Bundaberg. Now that’s a vote of confidence that makes a mockery of the Member for Bundaberg’s recent comments.
“This government's investment in bus and ferry services in regional Queensland cities rose to about $26 million in 2006-’07,” he said.
“In comparison, in 1997-98 the Borbidge Government invested about $4.1 million in public transport networks in regional Queensland.
“We’ve pumped a whopping $18.6 million or 240 per cent more than the Member for Bundaberg’s conservative colleagues into regional public transport, even after adjusting for inflation.
“We’re buying new low-floor air conditioned buses, wheelchair accessible taxis, increasing services and expanding the networks as our regional centres grow.
“People in Bundaberg, and across regional Queensland, are showing their appreciation for our effort by flocking to public transport in increasing numbers.
“Close to 10 million passengers used regional public transport network in 2006-’07, proof that the government’s investment was working.”
Mr Mickel said he would soon announce a completed election commitment of $12.1 million to standardise bus fares in regional Queensland towns in line with fares in the south east corner.
“The Government is close to finalising the new arrangements and we’re budgeting for extra buses because we believe this will further boost passenger numbers,” he said.
“We want to keep providing the services that encourage regional Queenslanders to get out of their cars and onto the public transport.
“This is all about getting cars off the road, reducing traffic congestion and helping our effort on climate change.”
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
November 15, 2007
Transport Minister John Mickel said today that the public transport patronage in Bundaberg had risen 50 per cent from 2003-‘04 to 2006-07 growth mirrored in other regional cities around the state.
“We’ve got more than 300,000 passengers on public transport in Bundaberg. Now that’s a vote of confidence that makes a mockery of the Member for Bundaberg’s recent comments.
“This government's investment in bus and ferry services in regional Queensland cities rose to about $26 million in 2006-’07,” he said.
“In comparison, in 1997-98 the Borbidge Government invested about $4.1 million in public transport networks in regional Queensland.
“We’ve pumped a whopping $18.6 million or 240 per cent more than the Member for Bundaberg’s conservative colleagues into regional public transport, even after adjusting for inflation.
“We’re buying new low-floor air conditioned buses, wheelchair accessible taxis, increasing services and expanding the networks as our regional centres grow.
“People in Bundaberg, and across regional Queensland, are showing their appreciation for our effort by flocking to public transport in increasing numbers.
“Close to 10 million passengers used regional public transport network in 2006-’07, proof that the government’s investment was working.”
Mr Mickel said he would soon announce a completed election commitment of $12.1 million to standardise bus fares in regional Queensland towns in line with fares in the south east corner.
“The Government is close to finalising the new arrangements and we’re budgeting for extra buses because we believe this will further boost passenger numbers,” he said.
“We want to keep providing the services that encourage regional Queenslanders to get out of their cars and onto the public transport.
“This is all about getting cars off the road, reducing traffic congestion and helping our effort on climate change.”
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
November 15, 2007