QR's Traveltrain services affected by rail strikes

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
13/02/2009

QR's Traveltrain services affected by rail strikes

QR's Traveltrain services which operate between Brisbane and regional centres will be affected if the planned industrial action goes ahead next week.

Rail unions have notified QR of 24-hour stoppages planned for next Monday, 16 February and Wednesday, 18 February, which will affect south-east Queensland's Citytrain network and Traveltrain services.

Minister Mickel said unions had given QR little option but to cancel Traveltrain services departing next Monday and Wednesday.

"For Traveltrain services due to depart next Monday and Wednesday, we have arranged replacement coaches to transport passengers to their destinations," Mr Mickel said.

"The exceptions are the Cairns Tilt Train services due to depart Brisbane on Monday and Cairns on Wednesday which have been cancelled and currently do not have bus replacement services.

"I am advised that QR Passenger is still investigating the possibility of running coaches in place of the Cairns Tilt Train service and will advise customers as soon as further information comes to hand.

"The Westlander service due to depart Charleville on Wednesday, 18 February will not be affected and will run as scheduled to Brisbane.

"Trains due to depart their origin on any other day should not be affected and should run through to destinations as scheduled. These services will continue to operate even if they are in transit while strike action is occurring."

Mr Mickel said QR Passenger was extremely disappointed it could not provide these Traveltrain services to passengers.

"We sincerely apologise to all customers who may be affected by these strikes," he said.

Passengers who choose not to travel on the Traveltrain services replaced by coaches or are affected by cancelled services will be offered a full refund of their ticket or bookings on alternative Traveltrain services.

QR's Customer Contact Centres are currently attempting to contact all passengers on affected services to discuss service options.

Passengers requiring assistance or additional information can contact QR Traveltrain on 1300 131 722 or visit www.traveltrain.com.au

Media contact: 3237 1944

13 February 2009

To see service delays click here!

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