TransLink contingency plan for industrial action affecting train services

TransLink is ready to implement a contingency plan to minimise the impact of planned industrial action affecting rail services next week, Transport Minister John Mickel said today.

Mr Mickel said he remained hopeful an agreement between QR and the rail unions could be reached today and that as a result rail strikes planned for next week could be averted.

“At this stage, however, the advice we have received from the unions is that they are still pressing ahead with their plans for industrial action, and we have to prepare for that eventuality.

“In the event of industrial action for 24 hours next Monday and Wednesday, trains will be cancelled across south east Queensland, placing extreme pressure on all transport services and road traffic in general.”

Mr Mickel warned commuters across the TransLink network to expect lengthy delays if the rail strike occurred.

Even though we will be putting detailed contingency plans in place, including making maximum use of buses and the busways, people need to be aware that there if these stoppages proceed there will be serious disruption. I don’t want to sugar-coat the situation. “

The planned strike will affect train services in south east Queensland including Brisbane and surrounding areas including the Bayside, Redlands, Logan, Ipswich, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Mr Mickel said about 170,000 passenger journeys were made every day on the urban rail network, with 65,000 passenger journeys both in the morning and afternoon peak periods.

“It’s a massive task finding alternative travel arrangements for this number of rail passengers and TransLink is doing everything it can to help minimise transport delays,” he said.

“TransLink and QR have been working with all transport-related agencies to prepare contingency plans and are trying to source as many extra buses as possible, including coaches from non-TransLink operators.

“However, there is a limit to the number of buses available and this will result in restricted rail replacement services.

Mr Mickel urged passengers to catch off-peak services where possible.

“There is spare capacity for passengers during the off-peak times. It would help immensely if people could change their routines and start work either earlier or later.”

Mr Mickel also encouraged commuters to consider further ways of dealing with the rail stoppage if it went ahead. These included planning ahead and making allowance for lengthy delays, car pooling or getting dropped off, and checking the Translink website for information.

Mr Mickel also said that freight operations would not be affected by the strike and urged the public to remain cautious around tracks, in particular at level crossings.

“Freight trains will still be using the rail lines so I appeal to people to remain alert at level crossings, not to trespass on rail corridors and only use the designated safe crossing points,” he said.

For more information visit www.translink.com.au Commuters can also phone 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although as many people as possible are urged to access information from the website.

Media: 3237 1944 or TransLink on 0421 581 803 (24 hours)