17 Aug 2014: Sunshine Coast: Hinterland Connect bus timetable changes welcome!

[ozbob]

Media release 17th August 2014

Sunshine Coast:  Hinterland Connect bus timetable changes welcome!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web-based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has welcomed new timetable changes that will result in better connections between the Hinterland Connect bus service and trains at Nambour Railway Station (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Changes to the Hinterland Connect bus timetable from 1 September 2014 will improve connections with trains at the Nambour Railway Station and make the service more attractive to passengers.

"A small contingent of RAIL Back on Track members is travelling to Maleny on the bus service on the 20 August on a familiarisation tour, ahead of the timetable changes (2).

"The Hinterland Connect bus provides an essential public transport service to the towns of the Blackall Range.  RAIL Back on Track applauds the State Government and the Sunshine Coast Council for continuing to support the bus run trial and for exploring ways to grow patronage so that it can become a permanent service. Better connections will further encourage day trippers to Maleny for lunch and sight seeing."

"If the Queensland Government is to meet targets for a more decentralised population settlement pattern across the state, it is vital that it improves public transport connectivity to lifestyle towns such as Maleny.

"As it seeks ways to grow passenger numbers, we believe the government can go one step further and equip the Hinterland Connect bus with electronic go-card ticket readers that apply across the South-East Queensland public transport network.

"The roll-out of go-cards to the Hinterland Connect bus would give residents better travel benefits, including discounts for multiple-leg journeys.

"RAIL Back on Track is also anxiously awaiting a state government decision on whether it will commit to duplicating the North Coast railway line between Beerburrum and  Nambour.  The decision is due next month.

"Duplication will provide much-needed construction jobs locally, but the lasting benefits will include faster train connections to Caboolture and Brisbane and the possibility of more passenger trains running to Nambour, and help get bulk freight off the Bruce Highway."

References:

1. Hinterland Connect - new timetable
http://translink.com.au/travel-information/service-notices/19491/details

2. Hinterland Connect - Maleny <-> Nambour Day trip
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=10846.msg144588#msg144588

Contacts:

Jeff Addison
Sunshine Coast Region Spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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