Ministerial Statement: TransLink ready to tackle 52,000 league fans

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
16/09/2009

TransLink ready to tackle 52,000 league fans

TransLink has 149 extra bus and 18 extra train services ready to tackle up to 52,000 rugby league fans heading to Suncorp Stadium for the Brisbane Broncos semi-final clash on Saturday night.

The Broncos will face the St George Illawarra Dragons at Suncorp Stadium from 7.45pm Saturday night.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said football fans would be able to show their pre-purchased tickets to take advantage of free travel to and from the game on TransLink services operated by Brisbane Transport and all QR train services from 1pm until midnight on Saturday.

Extra shuttle buses will depart regularly from Brisbane City, Carindale, Chermside, Eight Mile Plains and The Gap from 5.15pm and run return services for one hour after the game.

"18 extra train services will also help footy fans get to Suncorp Stadium for the Broncos' push towards a place in this year's NRL Grand Final," Ms Nolan said.

"Due to TransLink's previous experience and well-practised systems for events, I am confident that the network will be able to cope with the extra commuters on Saturday night.

"Just last weekend, TransLink services catered for hundreds of thousands of people for RiverFire in Brisbane and the Broncos' semi-final against the Gold Coast Titans at Skilled Park in Robina.

"We're getting ready for another big weekend ahead with more than 90 per cent of patrons for events at Suncorp Stadium using public transport to travel."

Ms Nolan said passengers should consult the TransLink website www.translink.com.au to plan their journey.

A track closure on the Ferny Grove line previously scheduled for Saturday has been moved to Sunday.

A planned closure on the Ipswich line between Roma Street and Corinda stations this weekend has also been postponed due to the late scheduling of the rugby league semi-final.

For more information about public transport and services visit www.translink.com.au, follow on Twitter @TransLinkSEQ or phone 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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[ozbob]

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the Bus drivers, bus control and the QR Passenger crew and rail network that make these transport events possible.  

Thank you,  some of us do appreciate your efforts.

Cheers
Bob

[ozbob]

Media Release 17 September 2009

SEQ:  Public transport services

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has welcomed the positive public transport arrangements put in place for this coming weekend in South East Queensland (1, 2).

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Due to late scheduling of a football game this weekend, planned track closures for both the Ipswich line - Roma St to Corinda and Ferny Grove line have been cancelled for the day of the football. We welcome this new approach to closures.  Previous attempts to move closures that were interfering with significant events have always been met with denials. This apparent change of heart is welcome."

"Sporting and other events are well supported by extra  rail and bus services and innovative ticketing arrangements.  It is a great pity that this enthusiasm is not translated to the daily grind for the regular commuter.  Overloaded buses and trains and a failure to drive go card up take and put in place the necessary bus and rail services is upsetting many regular public transport commuters."

"RAIL Back On Track thanks the bus drivers and their support crews, the crew of QR Citytrain and their support staff for providing these essential public transport services for events at time when many are at leisure."

Reference:

1.  http://www.translink.com.au/

2.  http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=66339

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[stephenk]

No Ferny Grove Line service on Sunday for the handful of passengers travelling to the Brisbane Roar's game on Sunday 

[justanotheruser]

It is also appreciated that the track work was cancelled rather than just delayed. After working during a football game people like myself and stadium staff are exhausted from going non-stop for hours on end. The last thing we want is a longer journey home because the track work starts once the fans who attended the game have gone home instead of the next day. In the past I have witnessed some angry outbursts from retailers and stadium staff for this reason. I felt the same way but made sure I didn't abuse the poor worker who happend to have the bad luck to be there.