qconnect bus services start on Monday

A new user-friendly bus services begins in Cairns this Monday, January 21, under the State Government's new regional transport initiative, qconnect.

Transport Minister John Mickel said Cairns bus passengers would get a new deal under qconnect with standardised fares based on new travel zones.

"I am committed to providing smart ways to move about within regional Queensland” Mr Mickel said.

A majority of Cairns bus passengers will find they now pay less for their normal trip under qconnect. For example, the fare from Palm Cove to Cairns City will fall from $6.80 to $4.60.

"Some new, state of the art, low floor accessible buses are also being introduced to deliver the improved services. They will provide a more comfortable ride in air conditioned comfort as well as being wheelchair accessible." Mr Mickel said.

"Information packs containing the new timetables, fare information and zone maps have been delivered to homes throughout Cairns. Anyone who hasn't received a pack should contact Sunbus.

"qconnect will deliver to regional cities the kind of benefits south-east Queenslanders enjoy from TransLink.

"For Cairns, it means that from next Monday bus fares will be charged according to a new system of zones, which is easier for passengers to understand," Mr Mickel said.
He said the zonal fare system was only the beginning of the qconnect transport revolution in Cairns.

Under qconnect:
• bus services will be provided with modern air-conditioned buses that are wheelchair accessible
• signage and timetables will be updated and simplified
• bus stops will be modernised and made more accessible – the first has already been completed in Sheridan Street
• bus services will be redesigned to ensure better connections with each other and with long distance rail services
• long distance air and coach services will be better co-ordinated with regional city bus services
• wheelchair compliant taxis are being provided to small communities throughout Queensland.

The Minister said qconnect fulfilled the Government's election commitment to standardise fares and improve public transport services in regional and rural Queensland.

"The government is determined to ensure that adequate public transport services are available to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live," Mr Mickel said.

"Through qconnect, the State Government is working with local transport operators to make services more in tune with the needs of local communities and make public transport more attractive to users.

"We want people to leave their cars at home and choose a public transport option instead. Fewer cars on our roads means less congestion and less exhaust fumes," Mr Mickel said.

"The qconnect name will be on Government supported public transport services, including urban and long-distance bus networks, infrastructure, timetables and the rural and remote regulated aviation network in regional Queensland.

"Where you see the distinctive qconnect brand, it means the Government is working with operators to ensure affordable, efficient and accessible transport services for the community," he said.

The Minister said that, after Cairns, qconnect transport improvements would be rolled out progressively to all other major regional centres by mid-2008.
For further information visit www.qconnect.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Chris Brown 03237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060

January 20, 2008