BRISBANE DISCOVERS THE INNER NORTHERN BUSWAY
Published Sunday, 04 May, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Brisbane residents enjoyed a sneak peak at the Queensland Government's new $333 million Inner Northern Busway today, before it becomes operational later this month.
Premier Anna Bligh officially opened the busway this morning alongside Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Paul Lucas and Minister for Transport John Mickel.
"The construction of a busway of this magnitude is a magnificent feat and the people of Brisbane were obviously very keen to explore it before it becomes operational on May 19," Ms Bligh said.
“The event proved a popular family day with people enjoying the rare opportunity to walk the busway, discover both new and historic landmarks and enjoy a range of food and entertainment.
"This busway will become the heart of Brisbane's bus network and it is appropriate that we commemorate its opening with residents who will be enjoying its benefits.
"One of our biggest challenges is urban congestion.
"The INB will be a real congestion buster with commuters expected to save up to 20 minutes of travel time in peak hours and significantly reduce traffic in the CBD.”
Mr Lucas said construction on the INB has been achieved over six months ahead of schedule and had changed the face of the CBD.
“Our government is delivering a raft of major public transport projects,” Mr Lucas said.
“This is just one of the major projects we’re delivering as part of the $100 million a week we’re spending on transport and road infrastructure.”
Mr Mickel said thirty routes from all over Brisbane will start using the new section of the Inner Northern Busway and bus stops from more than 120 bus routes will change from May 19.
"The INB will run 250 buses in the morning peak hour and greatly improve the reliability and consistency of bus services in the city,” Mr Mickel said.
"As part of the project a new underground busway station has been built beneath King George Square as well as a busway station integrated with Roma Street rail station.
"The INB will be the heart of the busway network connecting the already successful South East Busway to the Northern Busway, which has recently commenced construction.
"It will also be one of the premier examples of bus and rail integration in the country with hundreds of bus and rail services meeting every day at Roma Street Station."
As part of its unique design, the INB features an underground station at King George Square with air conditioned busway platforms and concourse level, 24 hour security with cameras, real time information for bus travellers, a fully functional Cycle Centre with racks, change facilities and lockers, and a first-in-Australia interactive Transport Information Centre (TIC).
The construction of the INB includes environmental design features including the use of natural light and ventilation where possible and recycled water and water saving options throughout.
Over 33,000 cubic metres of clean fill and 50,000 cubic metres of weathered rock were removed during construction and over 31,000 cubic metres of concrete (8 truck loads of concrete every day for 22 months) was used.
4 May, 2008
Premier Anna Bligh officially opened the busway this morning alongside Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Paul Lucas and Minister for Transport John Mickel.
"The construction of a busway of this magnitude is a magnificent feat and the people of Brisbane were obviously very keen to explore it before it becomes operational on May 19," Ms Bligh said.
“The event proved a popular family day with people enjoying the rare opportunity to walk the busway, discover both new and historic landmarks and enjoy a range of food and entertainment.
"This busway will become the heart of Brisbane's bus network and it is appropriate that we commemorate its opening with residents who will be enjoying its benefits.
"One of our biggest challenges is urban congestion.
"The INB will be a real congestion buster with commuters expected to save up to 20 minutes of travel time in peak hours and significantly reduce traffic in the CBD.”
Mr Lucas said construction on the INB has been achieved over six months ahead of schedule and had changed the face of the CBD.
“Our government is delivering a raft of major public transport projects,” Mr Lucas said.
“This is just one of the major projects we’re delivering as part of the $100 million a week we’re spending on transport and road infrastructure.”
Mr Mickel said thirty routes from all over Brisbane will start using the new section of the Inner Northern Busway and bus stops from more than 120 bus routes will change from May 19.
"The INB will run 250 buses in the morning peak hour and greatly improve the reliability and consistency of bus services in the city,” Mr Mickel said.
"As part of the project a new underground busway station has been built beneath King George Square as well as a busway station integrated with Roma Street rail station.
"The INB will be the heart of the busway network connecting the already successful South East Busway to the Northern Busway, which has recently commenced construction.
"It will also be one of the premier examples of bus and rail integration in the country with hundreds of bus and rail services meeting every day at Roma Street Station."
As part of its unique design, the INB features an underground station at King George Square with air conditioned busway platforms and concourse level, 24 hour security with cameras, real time information for bus travellers, a fully functional Cycle Centre with racks, change facilities and lockers, and a first-in-Australia interactive Transport Information Centre (TIC).
The construction of the INB includes environmental design features including the use of natural light and ventilation where possible and recycled water and water saving options throughout.
Over 33,000 cubic metres of clean fill and 50,000 cubic metres of weathered rock were removed during construction and over 31,000 cubic metres of concrete (8 truck loads of concrete every day for 22 months) was used.
4 May, 2008