Catch public transport to QBE Riverfire festivities

People descending on the city centre to enjoy Riverfire celebrations tomorrow have been urged to catch public transport to avoid hassles.

Transport Minister John Mickel said many extra bus and train services were scheduled to transport people to and from the festivities.

“I’m urging people to use the journey planner on TransLink’s website - www.translink.com.au - to help them easily plan their transport to and from the city,” Mr Mickel said.

"Hundreds of thousands of people are set to pack the banks of the Brisbane River to immerse themselves in this year's Riverfire.

"Public transport is the best way to get to and from the city - but make sure you leave plenty of time to arrive before the spectacular fireworks start at 7pm. It's best to get to your favourite vantage point early."

Mr Mickel said extra bus services to the main stops in the city centre would begin operating from about 2pm on Saturday from suburbs including Aspley, Carina, Chermside, Eight Mile Plains, Garden City, Inala, Kenmore, Riverhills and Toombul.

"Following the fireworks, most services will depart from South Bank and Cultural Centre bus stations from 7.45pm and continue running until the crowd has cleared," he said.

There will be some road and bridge closures in place. People should visit www.translink.com.au for further information about these closures as cross river bus services will not operate during the bridge closures, and other services will undertake route diversions. Busway services will not be affected.

There will also be plenty of additional train services bringing passengers to and from Roma Street, South Bank, South Brisbane and Central stations.

Mr Mickel reminded festival-goers that the Brisbane River would be closed off to ferry travel between Mowbray Park at East Brisbane and North Quay in the city from 6.45pm to 7.45pm for CityCats, and from 6.45pm to 8.15pm for CityFerries.

"Due to the popularity of the CityCat services, passengers are advised to travel early," Mr Mickel said.

Some delays may occur due to the river closure, and South Bank will be fenced off and closed once it has reached its full crowd capacity.

The QUT Gardens Point terminal will be closed from 4pm, and will re-open Sunday 31 August 2008.

For more information visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Media contact – John Smith 3237 1944 or 0409 305 669