Ekka public holiday services

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Ekka public holiday services

--> http://www.translink.com.au/servicechange.php?1280280021

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Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
11/08/2010

All aboard for People's Day at the Ekka

Blue skies may not be guaranteed for this year's People's Day but heritage steam train the Blue Baby will be shining brightly as it carries Ekka-goers to and from the show today.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan said patrons could climb aboard the tank engine at Roma Street, Central or Fortitude Valley with a standard Ekka train ticket or valid go card.

"I know a lot of children, parents and grandparents look forward to the chance to ride in a steam train as part of their Ekka experience," she said.

"We're expecting these steam train trips to be very popular, looping from the city to the Ekka every 20 minutes.

"The train will run between 11am and 3:30pm, with a short break while the grand parade is underway in the main ring.

"Of course, if you don't want to wait for a steam train, there will be other trains every few minutes as well as bus services.

"Public transport is still the easiest, cheapest and most convenient way to get to the Ekka."

Public transport services running to and from the RNA Showgrounds include:

    * Buses:

Route 500 bus from Adelaide Street, Queen Street or Brunswick Street.

Route 600 bus from Northey Street park 'n' ride at Windsor until 8.30pm each day.

Route 500 shuttle buses to the Brisbane CBD, which will depart Costin Street (outside Gate 1) until 10.30pm each day.

Route 600 buses will also depart Costin Street (outside Gate 1) for the Northey Street park 'n' ride until 10.30pm each day.

    * Train:

Services will run every 15 minutes on the Exhibition train loop from Roma Street, Central, Fortitude Valley and Exhibition from 8.45am until 9.30pm.

Special train services will also operate on all lines for people heading to the Exhibition, especially on weekends and the Brisbane Show Holiday.

"I encourage people travelling to the Ekka to plan their journey using the detailed Ekka travel information on TransLink's website," Ms Nolan said.


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[ClintonL94]

"Special train services will also operate on all lines for people heading to the Exhibition, especially on weekends and the Brisbane Show Holiday."

I've been on the translink website a lot recently waiting to see these extra services, why aren't they listed so people can plan their journeys?

[Derwan]

Following on from what ClintonL94 said, this morning I checked the journey planner from Boondall to the Ekka and the ordinary Sunday half-hour timetable is in place (verified by clicking "Daily Timetable").

It is also interesting to note that the majority of services suggest detraining at Fortitude Valley and walking.  The only service that suggests catching the Ekka loop happens to be a service going to the Ekka Station anyway (i.e. it tells you to detrain when you don't need to - but it actually shaves a few minutes off total journey time).

Why is the Ministerial release and TransLink website suggesting there are "Additional trains on all lines on the Exhibition Show Holiday" and "Use the journey planner to find the easiest way to get to and from the Ekka" when neither is the case?

(Source: http://www.translink.com.au/Ekka2010.php)