Published Wednesday, 19 December, 2007 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Improved Information Service For Citytrain Customers
Customers will be able to access improved information about services on the Citytrain network via the internet from today.
Minister for Transport John Mickel said real-time information about delayed and cancelled QR Citytrain services is now available online.
Mr Mickel said a notice would appear on Citytrain’s webpage as soon as QR was aware there would be a disruption to a service. A link would also be provided on Translink’s website.
He said the notice would outline whether the service was delayed or cancelled, the reason, and how long it would take for the next train to arrive.
“It can be frustrating when you need to be somewhere and you have to wait around because your train has been delayed or cancelled,” Mr Mickel said.
“Now you can use your home or office computer to find out what is happening with Citytrain services.
“The notice will also tell you how long it will take for the next train to arrive so you can plan your trip accordingly.”
Mr Mickel said when the disruption was over the notice would be removed from the site.
“It will also provide a daily peak time result for the number of services that run on time.
“This is part of QR’s push to be transparent and improve its services to passengers.”
The notices are available at www.citytrain.com.au, under the notices section on the right-hand side of the home page or at www.translink.com.au
Meanwhile, Mr Mickel has welcomed 24 new QR guards and 24 new drivers who are ready to start work on Christmas Eve.
He today met some of the new guards during a visit to QR’s Mayne control centre, next to Bowen Hills station.
Mr Mickel said QR has advised him the latest intake of guards would help alleviate the number of delayed and cancelled scheduled train services.
“QR is also fast-tracking the training of another 48 guards so they’ll be ready to start work early next year,” he said.
“This means a total of 72 new guards will join the Citytrain network in the next few months, bringing QR’s total number of guards to 378.”
“Rail passengers need to be able to travel to and from work, school, childcare and other appointments on time.”
QR would also shift guards from low patronage services to peak services to further increase the reliability of train services.
ENDS
Media contact: Chris Brown (07) 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060
December 19, 2007