$5 million boost to bus services

Brisbane public transport users are set to benefit from a $5 million investment in new and enhanced bus services that will be rolled out across Brisbane and the Redlands from October 27 2008.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said the State Government, had developed the package following feedback from commuters.

“Our aim is to address overcrowding on some of our busiest routes by increasing frequency, streamlining and adjusting routes to meet community needs and improve service reliability,” Mr Mickel said.

“It will enhance connectivity between bus and rail services and improve access to these services by installing new infrastructure including additional bus stops.”

The highlights of the package include:

·Nine new, early morning inbound services and additional outbound service between Forest Lake and the city (Routes 100 and 118).

·13 extra morning and afternoon peak services between Garden City and the city (Routes 119 and 120).

·55 new weekday and weekend services between Teneriffe Ferry and West End via the city (Route 199).

·42 additional services linking The University of Queensland, Dutton Park, Highgate Hill, West End and Brisbane CBD (Route 192).

·Service extension between Kedron and Brisbane City to include the Burnie Brae Senior Citizens Centre, Chermside Library and Kedron Wavell RSL (Route 334).

“These changes along with key upgrades for commuters living in the Redlands, including buses every 15 minutes between Capalaba and the centre of Brisbane during the morning and afternoon peak periods,” Mr Mickel said.

“I urge all residents who use these services or live near these routes to familiarise themselves with the changes and use them to their benefit.

“These changes are designed to help ease overcrowding and provide passengers with more comfortable, timely services. They will also provide a platform for service expansion in the future.

“These improvements are a step in the right direction towards encouraging more people to switch from their cars to public transport by providing fast, efficient and reliable public transport network.

“It will also provide a greener, more environmentally-friendly option.

“The Queensland Government is focused on tackling the increasing demand for public transport across South-East Queensland and we are continuing to improve services across South-East Queensland.

“We have seen a staggering 40 per cent growth in patronage across the public transport network in the last four years and we are undertaking a massive effort to keep pace with that demand.”

The service improvements come as construction continues on the first section of the Eastern Busway from Princess Alexandra Hospital to Buranda, totalling $138 million and stage one of the Northern Busway worth $198 million from Royal Children's Hospital to Windsor.

There will also be minor timetable changes to the following routes – 119, 120, 139, 150, 151, 152, 153, 156, 162, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 179, 181, 192, 195, 198, 201, 220, 241, 250, 251, 252, 254, 255, 257, 258, 265, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 277, 278, 280, 281, 302, 323/923, 331, 332, 341, 362, 382, 383, 460,

Information on the new and enhanced services is available on 13 12 30 or visiting www.translink.com.au.

Media contact: Jane Rowe 3237 1125