Ministerial Statement: 24/7 access to new transit authority

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Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
01/07/2008

24/7 access to new transit authority

South East Queensland's commuters can now access a new single point of contact for public transport services, information and feedback 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Minister for Transport John Mickel today launched the new TransLink Transit Authority, saying it would improve and expand public transport services across the region.

"A new authority better equipped to meet South East Queensland's growing demand for public transport has opened for business," Mr Mickel said.

"The new authority has the power to further co-ordinate and integrate public transport services, and deliver and manage infrastructure including railway station upgrades, park n' ride facilities and bus stops.

"It will also manage the smooth introduction of new technology to improve public transport services, for example real time passenger information and the expanded use of the go card technology across the network.

"The new TransLink Transit Authority's is also a n important initiative in tackling the growing challenges of traffic congestion and climate change."

Mr Mickel said commuters would benefit from the authority's around-the-clock customer service.

"Now customers only need to call the one number, 13 12 30, or visit the one website, www.translink.com.au, to get timetable information, enquire about services, plan a journey, ask about ticketing including the go card, or register any comments.

"And we all know how frustrating automated phone messages can be but customers now have the option of speaking to an operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when they call the 13 12 30 information number."

Mr Mickel said the authority would achieve other milestones over time, ultimately improving and expanding the region's public transport network.

He said a new integrated scheduling system would help kick off the new authority's drive towards better integration of public transport and use of resources.

By using this system and working with operators, Mr Mickel said the new authority would make timetabling and scheduling more consistent across the region.

Mr Mickel said the authority would build on the success of TransLink, which had seen patronage jump 37 per cent since it began operating in 2004.

"TransLink has successfully implemented integrated ticketing, provided additional services including about 500 new buses and rolled out the go card across the network," Mr Mickel said.

"Journeys have increased from about 124 million to an estimated 170 million a year, reflecting TransLink's ability to expand services as the population escalates."

"And now South East Queensland has a new authority with even more ability to ensure scheduling, services and planning are synchronised to deliver great public transport to the region."

Mr Mickel said the TransLink Transit Authority was a statutory body with seven board members, including chairperson Geoff Harley.

It is now the single point of contact for the train, bus and ferry operators in the state's south-east corner.

From today, simply call 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or visit www.translink.com.au


1 July, 2008

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