Boost to Mackay bus services
Published Friday, 07 March, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Major improvements to Mackay bus services will start on March 24, providing a better travel alternative for residents and visitors.
Transport Minister John Mickel said the State Government would improve bus services in Mackay through a boost to funding.
The additional funding was made available through the decision to close the Mackay Taxi Transit services, which have experienced falling patronage over the past few years.
"The government is aware of concerns that some elderly or mobility-impaired people may be disadvantaged by the closure of Mackay Taxi Transit and has addressed those concerns," Mr Mickel said.
"Severely mobility-impaired people who are unable to access the bus service may qualify for the taxi subsidy smart card where Queensland Transport will pay half their taxi fares to a limit of $25 on each trip.
The Minister said Mackay commuters had already proven their preference for buses, with a 68 percent increase in patronage in the past five years. During 2006-07 Mackay Transit Coaches carried 323,985 travellers.
In the same five year period the State Government boosted funding for Mackay Transit Coaches substantially. In 2006-07, Mackay Transit Coaches received significant funding from the government.
"The government's heavy investment in Mackay bus services has already resulted in a big rise in patronage and this extra boost from March 24 is expected to convince even more people to use the local bus network," Mr Mickel said.
"We are also planning even further improvements and the possible purchase of another new wheelchair-friendly bus for Mackay later this year.
"The Bligh Government is determined to ensure that all Queenslanders have access to public transport services that meet their needs wherever they live in this State," he said.
Mr Mickel said the bus service improvements from March 24 would include:
• Extra weekday services on route 7 at 9.45am and 12.45pm
• More Saturday afternoon trips on routes 1, 2, 6 & 7
• Mackay Transit will provide other additional services wherever possible
• Mackay Taxis can provide group bookings at 8.30pm and 9.30pm from the city on Thursday nights.
The new timetable will be available from Mackay Transit Coaches before March 24.
Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125
March 7, 2008
Transport Minister John Mickel said the State Government would improve bus services in Mackay through a boost to funding.
The additional funding was made available through the decision to close the Mackay Taxi Transit services, which have experienced falling patronage over the past few years.
"The government is aware of concerns that some elderly or mobility-impaired people may be disadvantaged by the closure of Mackay Taxi Transit and has addressed those concerns," Mr Mickel said.
"Severely mobility-impaired people who are unable to access the bus service may qualify for the taxi subsidy smart card where Queensland Transport will pay half their taxi fares to a limit of $25 on each trip.
The Minister said Mackay commuters had already proven their preference for buses, with a 68 percent increase in patronage in the past five years. During 2006-07 Mackay Transit Coaches carried 323,985 travellers.
In the same five year period the State Government boosted funding for Mackay Transit Coaches substantially. In 2006-07, Mackay Transit Coaches received significant funding from the government.
"The government's heavy investment in Mackay bus services has already resulted in a big rise in patronage and this extra boost from March 24 is expected to convince even more people to use the local bus network," Mr Mickel said.
"We are also planning even further improvements and the possible purchase of another new wheelchair-friendly bus for Mackay later this year.
"The Bligh Government is determined to ensure that all Queenslanders have access to public transport services that meet their needs wherever they live in this State," he said.
Mr Mickel said the bus service improvements from March 24 would include:
• Extra weekday services on route 7 at 9.45am and 12.45pm
• More Saturday afternoon trips on routes 1, 2, 6 & 7
• Mackay Transit will provide other additional services wherever possible
• Mackay Taxis can provide group bookings at 8.30pm and 9.30pm from the city on Thursday nights.
The new timetable will be available from Mackay Transit Coaches before March 24.
Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay 3237 1125
March 7, 2008