Ministerial Statement: Extra NightLink services make for good night out

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport
The Honourable Rachel Nolan
26/11/2009

Extra NightLink services make for good night out

Late night revellers in South East Queensland received an early gift this festive season with news of NightLink bus services doubling across the TransLink network through December.

Transport Minister Rachel Nolan announced today in State Parliament that one of the best presents for those wanting to party during December would be the gift of a safe and affordable ride home.

"This Government is committed to ensuring late night revellers can go out, have a good time and get home safely," Ms Nolan said.

"Demand for NightLink public transport services has been high throughout the year with more than 15,000 people catching the late night train and bus services each month."

"With the festive season approaching we are about to receive another patronage spike but we are well prepared for the late night influx expected in coming weeks.

"Patronage is especially strong during December as people celebrate Christmas and bring in the New Year at large parties and major events in the city and Fortitude Valley.

"NightLink is a great, hassle-free option for revellers to get home safe and sound - you don't have to worry about finding a designated driver or finding a parking spot."
NightLink public transport services are bus, train and 'FlatFare' taxis that run across the TransLink network late on Friday and Saturday nights between 1am and 5am.

Ms Nolan said NightLink buses would run every 30 minutes from 1am to 5.30am from Friday December 4 to Saturday December 19, instead of the normal hourly services.

"Security guards are on board these buses and positioned at NightLink bus stops in the Valley and CBD for added safety," Ms Nolan said.

"NightLink train services stopping all stations on the Beenleigh, Caboolture and Ipswich lines will also continue to operate early Saturday and Sunday mornings to the regular timetable.
"TransLink Transit Officers patrol NightLink train services with po lice providing roving patrols to Central, Fortitude Valley, Roma Street and South Brisbane train stations, again for added safety."
Ms Nolan said NightLink 'FlatFare' taxis would operate from selected ranks from the earlier time of 10pm to 5.30am on Friday and Saturday nights, throughout December.
"TransLink has also produced a handy NightLink 'Pocket Pal' timetable which is a convenient, small size ideal to fit in your purse or wallet and keep all-year round," Ms Nolan said.
"They are available from Fortitude Valley and inner-city venues, university student centres, TransLink attended community events and also on the TransLink website.
"I would encourage anyone who is planning on going out and celebrating during the month of December to grab one of these timetables and get on board these additional services to enjoy hassle free public transport over the Christmas and New Year break."

Passengers should also note there will be changes to TransLink bus, train and ferry services on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and some public holidays.

For more information on public transport and the extra NightLink services, visit www.translink.com.au/nightlinkor call 13 12 30, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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[somebody]

I make that over 20 people on each Nightlink bus, on average.  Seems likely that these services make a profit to me.  Perhaps they could expand the service with an N444 run?

[Sunbus610]

Hey TTA, it's about time we had some Nightlink services operating on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts over the Xmas/New Years period..........N600 for Sb and N700 for SSB

[stephenk]

Filling in the midweek late night hour gaps would be nice during the Christmas party season. I could have used a fill in service 3 times in the last month if it existed! Come on Translink/QR - hour gaps are pathetic!