Good news for Gold Coast commuters

Train services on the Gold Coast will resume tomorrow to support essential workers, as Queensland Rail continues its recovery efforts.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said a service would be in operation from Varsity Lakes through to Ormeau.

“Train services will operate in both directions between Varsity Lakes and Ormeau stations, with a connecting bus transferring customers express to Kuraby station,” Mr Bailey.

“This will allow Gold Coasters to connect with the wider SEQ network where travel is essential.

“Queensland Rail is still not able to run trains through Beenleigh and Holmview.  

“Despite best efforts, weather has still interrupted bus and trains services throughout SEQ, so I ask all customers to allow extra time for their journey and be patient as we work to get more services up and running.”

Environment, Science and Youth Minister and Gold Coast-based MP Meaghan Scanlon welcomed the announcement for the region’s essential workers, with many roads on the Gold Coast still inaccessible due to flood waters.

“The train connects people on the Gold Coast with a range of essential services from shopping centres, to medical hubs and links in with the G:Link tram, so to see movement on the line again will be a welcomed relief,” Minister Scanlon said.

“With essential workers having access to rail services, we should also see some traffic relief on local roads and the M1.

“Services may not be arriving as frequently as usual, but this is a step in the right direction as Queensland Rail continues their recovery efforts.

“The G has continued regular operations despite the wet weather, and I thank all staff who are keeping our communities connected in these challenging times.”

Mr Bailey said all South East Queensland urban bus operators are running services again but flood waters and damaged roads in Brisbane, Ipswich and Logan continues to cause diversions and service cancellations.

“We understand the important role buses play in moving people around the southeast corner and that's why we're working with all of our operators to run as many services as possible," he said.

"Unfortunately, the floods have flooded depots and restricted access, while many public transport staff are flooded in and are cleaning up after their home was damaged.

"We encourage customers to plan their journey in advance by visiting the flood damage service updates page on the TransLink website or by calling us on 13 12 30.

“We’re also communicating service information with media outlets, so customers without power can use battery-powered radios to keep in touch.

"Transport and Main Roads staff, including public transport staff, are doing everything they can to restore roads and public transport services back to normal as soon as possible.

"We ask for patience while we work towards this as safety is our priority and we will not operate services where it is not safe to do so."

Brisbane River CityCats and ferries remain suspended due to unsafe conditions and damage to terminals. G:link services continue to run as normal on the Gold Coast.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACTS

Minister Bailey: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570

Minister Scanlon: Francis DelaCruz - 0420 592 078