Free transport from fireworks

Avoid the traffic and catch public transport to enjoy the Riverfire fireworks spectacular.

Acting Transport and Main Roads Minister Andrew Powell said public transport would be free for two hours from Southbank bus and train stations after the event this Saturday, 29 September.

“With an event as big as Riverfire attracting up to 500,000 people, the easiest and safest way to travel to and from Southbank is to use public transport,” Mr Powell said.

“To make sure everyone can get to the fireworks, there will be an extra 400 bus and ferry services for the event, while 88 additional train services will run throughout the evening on all lines except the Airport and Doomben lines.

“Fireworks for the event will start at 7pm and will run for 30 minutes with additional bus, train and ferry services also operating from the Southbank precinct to help people leaving the event.

“There will be free travel from Southbank train station, Southbank busway station, South Brisbane train station and the Cultural Centre busway station for two hours after the fireworks finish.

“It is important for everyone to plan ahead before they travel.”

Additional shuttle bus services to the CBD will operate from a number of stops and stations including Garden City, The Gap, Cleveland, Eight Miles Plains, Toombul, Stretton and Aspley.

Passengers are encouraged to check out the TransLink website for a full list of services available.

The Brisbane River will be closed for ferry travel between Mowbray Park (East Brisbane) and North Quay (CBD) from 6.45pm to 7.45pm for CityCats and from 6.45pm to 8.15pm for CityFerries.

The QUT Gardens Point ferry terminal will be closed from 4pm and will remain closed until first service on Sunday, September 30.

Anyone planning to walk from Southbank to the Brisbane CBD to catch taxis are encouraged to wait at secure taxi ranks. The closest secure taxi ranks to the Southbank precinct are located at:

·         Treasury Casino (right hand side of George Street, approaching Queen Street), operating from 11pm Saturday to 4am Sunday

·         Elizabeth Street (opposite the Myer Centre), operating from 11pm Saturday to 4am Sunday

Following the spectacle of Riverfire will be the Queen’s Birthday Races held at Doomben on Monday, 1 October with additional trains scheduled to transport customers to Doomben train station.

All TransLink services will operate to a limited timetable on Monday due to the Queen's Birthday public holiday and customers are encouraged to use the journey planner on the TransLink web and mobile sites.  

[ENDS] 27 September 2012

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625