TransLink serving up aces for Brisbane International tennis

[ozbob]

http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/details/3471

TransLink serving up aces for Brisbane International tennis

Thursday 1 January 2015

It's game, set and match fans for tennis fans to catch all of the action at the Queensland Tennis Centre with free travel and additional shuttle buses for the annual Brisbane International.

TransLink spokesperson Gemma Rivers said customers with pre-purchased tickets could travel for free from Sunday, 4 January until Sunday, 11 January on all Queensland Rail City Network trains and Brisbane Transport buses.

"The Brisbane International always attracts a large crowd and we're serving up free services to ensure customers are part of the courtside action," Ms Rivers said.

"Public transport is the most convenient way to get to and from the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson, with Yeerongpilly train station only a short walk away.

"For a fast and easy trip to the tennis, customers can catch a train on the Beenleigh or Gold Coast lines, and walk across the pedestrian bridge near Yeerongpilly station, over Fairfield Road.

Ms Rivers said loads of free shuttle buses will operate between Corinda train station and the Queensland Tennis Centre during the eight days of the tournament.

"There'll be free event shuttle buses running once again this year, to cater for the large number of customers expected to take advantage of the free public transport services.

"Event shuttle buses will run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes every day from Sunday, 4 January to Sunday, 11 January between Corinda train station and the tennis centre.

"We'll also have extra trains at Yeerongpilly train station for tennis fans travelling to the city after late-finishing matches.

"Customers on the Ipswich and Rosewood lines are encouraged to check the TransLink website as there is a track closure between Ipswich and Rosewood stations from the first service until 5pm on Sunday, 4 January.

"During this time, buses will replace trains and affected customers should allow extra time for their travels."

The main draw for the Brisbane International will be on from Sunday, 4 January to Sunday, 11 January, with qualifying rounds on Friday, 2 January and Saturday, 3 January.

To plan your journey to the Brisbane International tennis, visit translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, anytime.

Last updated: Thursday 1 January 2015

[ozbob]

^

well well ... have good old TransLink finally been let off the leash ...  another media release in their own name!  Hallelujah!!

[red dragin]

Emerson's fly must be stuck 

[Otto]

Emerson's fly must be stuck 

He is too busy being the Acting ( and a good actor he is, recites scripts easily ) Health Minister... 

[SurfRail]

I don't know why free travel is restricted to certain operators.  If you are entitled to free travel on the rail network, you could be coming from literally anywhere in SEQ and this must have some impact on the cost modelling.  What if I want to catch a bus from Capalaba to the CBD frame and change to a Beenleigh train?  Why is that really any different to me coming from Petrie and changing at Central?

Same for any other event like this.  It should be all or nothing for ticket holders.

[ozbob]

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

. @TransLinkSEQ why is ' free ' travel for Brisbane International only BT and QR? Ref > http://translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/event-transport/details/3281 ... many need to connect non BT?

[ozbob]

^

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow now

. @TransLinkSEQ why is ' free ' travel for Brisbane International only BT and QR? Ref > http://translink.com.au/travel-information/network-information/event-transport/details/3281 ... many need to connect non BT?

Response received:

===================

Twitter

TransLink SEQ ‏@TransLinkSEQ 2m

@Robert_Dow It is up to event coordinators to decide the terms of free travel, this is an issue that is out of TransLink's control. S

[SurfRail]

What rubbish!  How does the cost change in any way? 

[ozbob]

^

I am only guessing but I think it goes like this.  The event organiser pays a sum of money to TransLink for the ' free travel '.  The quantum of this amount depends on:

a: The expected attendance

b: The range of services the event organiser is prepared to pay for.  I guess paying for BT and QR is a lesser amount than say BT and non-BT and QR.

However this is really very confusing for passengers to say the least.

Also I have received some feedback suggesting that ferry is NEVER included in 'free travel' for events.  Anyone know if this is true?

[ozbob]

And this is just occurred to me.  There must be a cost to have the trains on standby for late finishes? 

... "We'll also have extra trains at Yeerongpilly train station for tennis fans travelling to the city after late-finishing matches ..

http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/details/3471

Also shuttle buses are run for one hour after end of matches.

Maybe this adds to costs so that it is only free on BT & QR.  Again just guessing ..

[SurfRail]

Still makes no sense.  If a passenger can go all the way to Nambour for free, there shouldn't be any reason why they can't get a 555.  Paying for extras is of course a different story but the normal network is operating all the time regardless.  The event manager is meant to be paying for fares when it comes to free travel.

There is no doubt some dimbulb jurisdictional reason for it which can't be fixed because it's all too hard.

[Otto]

Similar situation when there is a footy game on at Skilled Stadium. Free travel is only on QR and Surfside. Not on BT. ( ps, I let them travel anyway. Same view as SR. If the service is running, then why not ? )

[SurfRail]

Not sure if it has been fixed yet but there was a ridiculous situation where free travel was not permitted to Metricon or Cbus on trams.