Ministerial Statement: Minister Mickel reaffirms Nightlink passengers

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Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
18/12/2007

Minister Mickel reaffirms Nightlink passengers

Minister for Transport John Mickel has urged revellers to take advantage of the late-night NightLink taxi and bus services to get home safely this holiday season.

Speaking in Queen St mall, Mr Mickel said NightLink FlatFare taxi ranks were open two hours earlier and NightLink bus services had doubled during this holiday period this will coincide with X-mas trading hours with some large shop retailers remaining open longer in over the busy season.

"The NightLink FlatFare taxis are operating from 10pm instead of midnight until 22 December and again on New Year's Eve," Mr Mickel said.

"Experienced taxi marshals are at NightLink FlatFare ranks from 10pm helping patrons form groups travelling to the same area.

In addition to the NightLInk services large retail shops will close on Christmas Day throughout Queensland, but will be open for trade on Boxing Day, December 26, and New Years Day in South East Queensland and designated tourist areas.

"NightLink buses are running every 30 minutes instead of the usual hourly services until 29 December and on New Year's Eve."

The extra NightLink bus services and extended FlatFare taxi services will continue until 5:30am on January 1.

"This is the busiest time of the year for celebrations and last December about 20,000 revellers got home safely on NightLink services," Mr Mickel said.

NightLink trains to Ipswich, Beenleigh and Caboolture will continue to operate around 4am on Friday and Saturday nights throughout December.

There will also be extra services on selected bus routes on New Year's Eve to get people to and from the fireworks in the City.

"Additional QR Citytrain services will also depart South Bank, South Brisbane, Roma Street, Central and Brunswick Street stations on New Year's Eve after the 9pm fireworks," Mr Mickel said.

TransLink's dedicated NightLink FlatFare taxi ranks are located at:-

1. George Street (at top of Treasury taxi rank)
2. Eagle Street (at top of taxi rank outside Friday's)
3. Queen Street (outside MacArthur Chambers)
4. Warner Street in Fortitude Valley (approaching Wickham Street).

Additional information on the NightLink bus, train and FlatFare taxi services is available at http://www.translink.com.au/
ENDS

December 18, 2007

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