qconnect - a new deal for Townsville transport

Standardised fares based on transport zones, more services and a more user-friendly transport system, are all part of a new bus system to kick off in Townsville on March 10.
qconnect was launched in Townsville today by Transport Minister John Mickel.

"For Townsville, it means that from March 10 bus fares will be charged according to a new system of zones, which is easier for passengers to understand," Mr Mickel said.

Mr Mickel said qconnect fare and ticketing changes would provide:
• more equitable fares across the state

• an integrated ticketing system so only one ticket is needed to move from one service to another within the number of zones purchased.

The qconnect service improvements that are more specifically targeted to Townsville's passenger needs include:

• An increased frequency of service on Route 3 during peak hours

• The introduction of Route 5A ensuing all Route 5 services provide a half hour service frequency from the City to Stocklands.

• Extended operating hours until 9pm weekdays on Routes 3 and 5

• A more direct route on Route 10 which will now commence service from Willows via Twin Cities Bridge

• An increase to hourly services on Route 6 during weekdays

The Minister said these changes were only one aspect of the qconnect transport revolution that has come to Townsville.

Under qconnect:
• better bus services provided by modern air-conditioned buses that are disability friendly
• signage and timetables will be updated and simplified
• bus stops will be modernised and made disability friendly
• bus services will be redesigned to ensure better connections with each other and with rail services
• long distance air and coach services will be better co-ordinated with regional city bus services.

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 introduction of standardised fares and integrated ticketing in south-east Queensland increased patronage by an enormous 30 percent in three years. We expect qconnect to have a similar impact in regional centres.

"The government will ensure that qconnect monitors and meets demand increases," he said.

"qconnect standardised zones and fares will be rolled out across the State by mid-2008," Mr Mickel said.

He said the distinctive qconnect signage would be on bus stops, buses, ferries and subsidised air services across rural and regional Queensland.

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

Mr Mickel said Townsville residents would soon receive detailed information packs in their letterboxes including new timetables, fare and zone information.

Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

March 4, 2008