Commuters save travel time as INB officially opens

The Queensland Government’s $333 million Inner Northern Busway officially opened today with commuters experiencing significant time savings.

Minister for Transport John Mickel, who met with commuters at King George Square Station this morning, said feedback had been positive.

“People were impressed with the busway and were eager to reap the benefits of extra services,’’ he said.

TransLink staff provided commuters with new bus schedule guides and reported peak hour services “ran smoothly”.

Mr Mickel said the busway, part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to build tomorrow’s Queensland today, had been delivered on budget and six months ahead of schedule.

“It will direct buses to a dedicated public transport corridor, easing congestion and delivering real time savings.’’

Mr Mickel said the INB will run 250 buses in the morning peak hour and greatly improve the reliability and consistency of bus services in the city.

TransLink also today launched $5 million in new services provided in partnership with the Brisbane City Council to offer more choice to commuters.

“As part of the restructure of these services, bus stops from more than 120 bus routes in the CBD have been changed to locate bus services with similar destinations at the same stop or at adjacent stops,’’ he said.

“I urge people to contact the TransLink call centre on 131230 or visit www.translink.com.au to find out more about the services and changes to bus stops,’’ he said.

The INB features an underground station at King George Square with air conditioned 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.

Media contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

May 19, 2008