Toowoomba Regional Rapid Rail

[#Metro]

Response to enquiry about Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Summary Report.

TMR confirms the train passenger numbers were modelled assuming Translink subsidised fare / charging standard Translink fares.

If PT is going to be subsidised from Brisbane to Toowoomba on steel wheels, why then not subsidise it on rubber tyres too in the interim?

Note - fares relevant at time of assessment means the TL fares before 50c fares were introduced.

Good Afternoon,

[Redacted]

As you are aware, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) recently published the Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Summary Report outlining the key findings of the Strategic Business Case and next steps.

The work found the future delivery of Inland Rail in Queensland provides an opportunity to integrate better passenger rail services with future freight operations on Inland Rail infrastructure. The Strategic Business Case incorporated the first two stages of the Queensland Government's Project Assessment Framework (PAF), namely the Strategic Assessment of Service Requirements and Preliminary Evaluation. The study also assumed that Toowoomba to Brisbane passenger rail services would form part of Translink's South East Queensland (SEQ) fare zoning system and the fare pricing relevant at the time of assessment, however fare arrangements would be subject to more detailed planning. 

The project website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/toowoomba-to-brisbane-passenger-rail-strategic-business-case remains the key source of information for the project. The release of individual project reports would be subject to approvals by both the Australian and Queensland governments.

The 50 cent fares initiative includes government-contracted public transport services where fares are set by the State Government. Toowoomba residents can access the 50 cent fares on Translink urban bus services in the region as part of this initiative.

Thank you for your interest in public transport in the South East Queensland region.

Kind regards,

The Project Team

Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail Study | Transport Planning Projects
Transport Strategy and Planning Branch | Policy, Planning and Investment Division
Department of Transport and Main Roads
____________________________________________________________________
Floor 14 | 61 Mary Street | Brisbane Qld 4000
GPO Box 1412 | Brisbane Qld 4001
toowoomba2brisbane@tmr.qld.gov.au

Notes:
1. bolding added to the relevant sentence
2. The department in its response did not explain why there is no Translink subsidised service between Toowoomba and Brisbane when the question was directly put to it, only pointing out that 50c fares are available on the local Toowoomba bus network.