Ministerial Statement: New deal for Whitsunday coast public transport

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Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
18/06/2008

New deal for Whitsunday coast public transport

Standardised bus fares, more services and a user-friendly public transport system will make life easier for Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen residents with the introduction of the qconnect system from June 23.

Launching qconnect in Airlie Beach today, Transport Minister John Mickel said the new system was designed to provide a high standard of public transport services to regional Queensland.

"The system is about ensuring adequate services are available to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live," Mr Mickel said.

"For Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen, it means bus fares will be charged according to a new qconnect zonal system, and most passengers will find they are paying less.

"For example, passengers travelling from Shute Harbour to the Whitsunday Shopping Centre and from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach central will benefit from a decrease in fares. .

"In the few cases where an increase does occur, it will be minimal and outwei ghed by fare reductions in other areas and service improvements," Mr Mickel said.

State Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt announced that as part of the qconnect initiative, new residents to the Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen areas would benefit from a free one month bus pass.

"This initiative will encourage new residents to use the bus system and experience first-hand the advantages of the qconnect public transport system in the area.

"We're aiming to make it easier for people to leave their cars at home and choose a public transport option instead," she said.

qconnect fare and ticketing changes throughout regional Queensland will provide:

? more equitable public transport fares across the state
? an integrated ticketing system so only one ticket is needed to move from one service to another within the number of zones purchased in the same locality
? modern air-conditioned buses that are accessible to peop le with a disability
? an upgrade of existing signage and timetables
? modernised bus stops that are accessible to people with a disability.

Mr Mickel said qconnect fulfilled the Government's election commitment to standardise fares and improve public transport services across regional Queensland.

"This is Premier, Anna Bligh planning for and managing the growth for all Queenslanders not just those living in the South East.

"Through qconnect, the State Government is working with local transport operators to make services more in tune with community needs and more attractive to commuters," he said.

Mr Mickel said the introduction of standardised fares and integrated ticketing in southeast Queensland saw public transport patronage increase by 30 per cent in three years.

"We expect qconnect to have a similar impact in regional centres," he said.
"The State Government will ensure that qconnect monitors and meets inc reases in demand."

Mr Mickel said the distinctive qconnect signage would be on bus and bus stops and subsidised air services across rural and regional Queensland.

"The qconnect name will be on State Government-supported public transport services, including urban and long-distance bus networks, infrastructure, timetables and the rural and remote regulated aviation network, in regional Queensland," he said.

"Where you see qconnect, it means we are working with operators to ensure affordable, efficient and accessible transport services for the community."

Detailed information packs including new timetables, fare and zone information will be posted to Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Bowen residents in mid June.

18 June 2008