Statement: Queensland Rail’s new Spirit

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/8/8/queensland-rails-new-spirit

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Queensland Rail's new Spirit

Queensland Rail will embark on a new era in long distance rail travel with the new Brisbane-to-Cairns fleet to operate the Spirit of Queensland route.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan launched the rebranded route at Brisbane's Ekka, kicking off a statewide video competition.

"The Spirit of Queensland route will be serviced by a brand new tilt train and two refurbished tilt trains, replacing the retiring Sunlander, as part of our $200 million investment in long distance travel," Mr Emerson said.

"Bookings for the first service on October 28 are now open with all three tilt trains running by late 2014.

"The Spirit of Queensland fleet will include state-of-the-art rail-bed seating and entertainment, along with a high speed, smooth and comfortable ride."

The Ekka will be the first leg of a statewide video competition to capture what the Spirit of Queensland means and what makes a Queensland rail holiday special. Visitors can create a 30 second video to go into the draw to win one of 10 holidays on board our new trains.

Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan is a regular user of the Sunlander, which has had 3.5 million trips over the past 60 years.

"I remember traveling on the Sunlander to Brisbane as a boy and when I started my career in Bowen in 1989, I would travel back and forth on the Sunlander," he said.

"It will be sad to see the Sunlander reach retirement age next year but it's fantastic to see the modern fleet taking shape.

"I'm excited about what these new services can do for tourism in the Whitsundays and other parts of regional Queensland."

The competition will open at the Queensland Rail Ekka pavilion on 8 August, with a video camera and photo booth set up for entrants to start showcasing their talents, while at the same time having some fun.

The competition will also be available at major regional centres including Gympie, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns throughout September. 

For more information, including competition terms and conditions and to enter, visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467).

[ENDS] 8 August 2013

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

Sources suggest that the Westlander and Inlander will be ceased.  Official notifications after the federal election ...

[minbrisbane]

I'm glad I took the Westlander when I had the chance!  Must get up to Townsville soon. 

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Spirit of Queensland on track

Queensland Rail's first Spirit of Queensland train has today departed Downer's rail facility in Maryborough, after major refurbishments to the train were completed.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson and Member for Maryborough Anne Maddern inspected the train before it begins final test runs and external work ahead of its first service on October 28.

"Seeing the first train in our $200 million investment in the future of Queensland's long distance rail travel come off the workshop floor is a major milestone," Mr Emerson said.

"The Spirit of Queensland route will be serviced by a brand new Tilt Train and two refurbished Tilt Trains, replacing the retiring Sunlander by late 2014.

"Bookings for the first journey later this month are now open and I would encourage anyone who wants to be part of history to get in quick as tickets are selling fast."

The new-look train has undergone a major refurbishment including a whole new fit out with state-of-the-art rail beds, new premium economy seating and on-board entertainment options installed throughout the train.

Ms Maddern said Downer would deliver the train to Brisbane today with final maintenance, training and commissioning runs to occur over the next few weeks, including a new look exterior.

"It was also great to see the progress underway on the brand new Tilt Train and four new power cars," Ms Maddern said.

"The government is proud to support the local region through this project, as well as boosting tourism in the area, with more than 69,000 long distance rail customers stopping in Maryborough in the last financial year.

"This is in addition to more than 3.5 million people who used trains to travel up and down the Queensland coast over the past 60 years."

Refurbishment of the second Cairns Tilt Train will get underway in Maryborough early next year.

For more information or to book a ticket, visit www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467).

[ENDS] 3 October 2013

[SurfRail]

Westlander done - check
Inlander done - check
Queenslander Class - to be done
SOTO - to be done

Better get in quick before the only loco-hauled passenger train left in Queensland is the Kuranda run.

[techblitz]

soto is an oh so slow trip but a comfy one...train a bit old but plenty of room to move onboard.
The diesel fumes which get into the cabins when it heads out from roma st are a bit overpowering 

[ozbob]

^ yeah, coal smoke is much more pleasant ...   

[petey3801]

I'm planning on doing the Westie in a couple weeks while i'm on leave if all goes to plan! Will be doing the Sunlander mid next year after a wedding in Cairns that I will be attending as well, if current plans stay on course.

[johnnigh]

I thought the old loco-hauled passenger services were known as that old hymn 'I'll walk beside you'. 

[minbrisbane]

Westlander is absolutely worth the trip.  I.really want to get on the Inlander before it's too late.

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/RailServices/Pages/spirit-of-queensland.aspx

As of 28 October 2013, the Cairns Tilt Train service will be replaced with the Spirit of Queensland service.

[ozbob]

Spirit of Queensland fact sheet

--> http://www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au/RailServices/Documents/spirit-of-queensland/queensland-rail-travel_spirit-of-queensland-factsheet.pdf

[ozbob]

The Spirit of Queensland train is running from Brisbane to Gympie today for a test run.  I think it might be a media event of sorts ...

[ozbob]

Twitter

David Gibson ‏@DavidGibsonMP 7m

Excited to see the arrival of @QueenslandRail new 'Spirit of Qld' tilt train #QR http://t.co/8K54AhyoPe

[ozbob]

Twitter

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail 3m

MT @Matt_Macklin456: Heading back to Brisbane on the Spirit of Queensland... Australian first, rail beds! @612brisbane
http://t.co/v4miyU8Qa3

[ozbob]

http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/10/inaugural-spirit-of-queensland-journey-.html

612 ABC Brisbane Mornings with Steve Austin

Inaugural Spirit of Queensland journey

21 October 2013 , 5:38 PM by Matthew Macklin

The inaugural Spirt of Queensland tilt train service left Roma Street station early this morning heading to Gympie.

It was the first full test run of the train and on board facilities including an Australian first, the rail bed which allows customers to lay completely flat.

The Spirit of Queensland will replace the current Brisbane to Cairns tilt train service from Monday the 28th of October.

The train is part of a $200 million project to revitalise long-distance train travel in Queensland and ABC reporter Matt Macklin was on borard.

--> http://blogs.abc.net.au/queensland/2013/10/inaugural-spirit-of-queensland-journey-.html

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane

Breakfast with Spencer Howson

Test-riding the new Spirit of Queensland tilt train

If you've always wanted to catch the Sunlander train from Brisbane to Cairns, time is running out.
The iconic train is being replaced by a tilt train service known the Spirit of Queensland.

Sleeper cabins are out, replaced by aircraft-style reclining seats that go all the way to the floor - what Queensland Rail calls "rail beds".

With the first Spirit of Queensland service just days away, the 612's Matt Macklin hopped on

Click --> here!

[beauyboy]

Can someone please explain to me why they have not done Public Relations 101, put on a new paint scheme?

[petey3801]

Something I want to see is a photo of the whole exterior of the train. This set had a whole-of-train scheme similar to the other DTT in service, but was only out on track for a short time before being put in for refurbishment. In the small photos I have seen, it looks like this has mostly been removed? If so, what a shame and what a waste!!

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Spirit of Queensland takes maiden trip

The first step in the Newman Government's plan to boost regional train travel glides out of Roma St station today with the Spirit of Queensland making its maiden voyage from Brisbane to Cairns.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said there wasn't a seat to spare in the first train of the new fleet which will provide a boost for the Queensland tourism industry.

"This marks a major milestone in our $200 million investment to deliver world-class long distance rail travel for Queensland's famous coastal route," Mr Emerson said.

"Since coming to government we've taken an aging fleet and we are delivering something truly unique by raising the bar for train travel in Australia.

"The Spirit of Queensland offers one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, covering 1681 kilometres of Queensland's coastline, including the picturesque mountains, cane farms, rainforest, and beautiful regional towns and cities."

By late 2014 this train will be joined by a brand new tilt train and another refurbished tilt train as part of the Newman Government's efforts to deliver better infrastructure and support tourism as one of the four pillars of our economy.

All passengers on the 3.45pm train out of Platform 10 at Roma St will enjoy modern, state-of-the art facilities including revolutionary lie-flat Rail Beds and personal entertainment systems.

The train will make the 25-hour journey between Brisbane and Cairns six times a week.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind, said the Spirit of Queensland provided a unique new product for the Queensland tourism and adds a new dimension to rail travel in Australia.

"Queensland tourism directly contributes $22 billion to the state's economy and is the second largest export earner, behind coal," Mr Gschwind said.

"We believe tourism is a huge asset for Queensland and the state needs our sector to remain strong in a competitive market.

"The new Spirit of Queensland service is a major win for tourism in Queensland and is another drawcard for visitors to experience our state by rail."

To book go to www.queenslandrail.com.au or call 1800 TRAINS (872 467)

Stops for maiden Spirit of Queensland service

To ensure safety media are asked to advise local stations or Qld Rail media if they require access to platforms

    Brisbane (Roma St) - 3.45pm
    Caboolture - 4.40pm
    Nambour - 5.45pm
    Cooroy - 6.07pm
    Gympie North - 6.46pm
    Maryborough West - 7.56pm
    Bundaberg - 8.53pm
    Gladstone - 10.40pm
    Rockhampton - 12.02am (Tuesday)
    St Lawrence - 2.22am
    Carmila - 3.10am
    Sarina - 4.00am
    Mackay arrive - 4.25am
    Proserpine arrive - 6.20am
    Bowen - 7.10am
    Home Hill - 8.20am
    Ayr - 8.35am
    Giru - 9.05am
    Townsville - 9.45am
    Ingham - 11.40am
    Cardwell - 12.36am
    Tully - 2.00pm
    Innisfail - 3.00pm
    Babinda - 3.35pm
    Gordonvale - 4.15pm
    Cairns - 4.40pm

[ozbob]

Twitter

Scott Emerson ‏@scottemersonmp 4m

Just launched Spirit of Queensland making its maiden voyage from Brisbane to Cairns. http://t.co/ufC8WzyVAH

[ozbob]

Some photographs today at Roma St before the Spirit of Queensland headed off north ..

All seats sold.

























Photographs mufreight 28th October 2013

[beauyboy]

OK I stand corrected they did repaint it, BUT WHITE! For crying out loud you need a livery that will capture the traveling publics imagination not make it look like a line of goods wagons from the 1980s.
AS for the buffet car refit. Facing side on in a train is not smart when eating food. Last time I had food in the CTT I almost fell off the seat because of the rocking movement. Yes It wont happen this time but people want to look out as they eat not at the bloke opposite stuffing his face with food!

[mufreight]

OK I stand corrected they did repaint it, BUT WHITE! For crying out loud you need a livery that will capture the traveling publics imagination not make it look like a line of goods wagons from the 1980s.
AS for the buffet car refit. Facing side on in a train is not smart when eating food. Last time I had food in the CTT I almost fell off the seat because of the rocking movement. Yes It wont happen this time but people want to look out as they eat not at the bloke opposite stuffing his face with food!

For the record it is not white but a pale grey and while somewhat understated, in the flesh looks pretty good but it is possible that there will be some minor tweeking of the colour scheme.
The internal fit out is good but the jury is out on the sleep pods, the premium economy seating is comfortable, a little firm for my taste for a long journey but most will find it to be an improvement on the lander seating.

[Old Northern Road]

Why does this train take an hour longer than the current Cairns tilt train?

[James]

I thought the interiors to be very much reminiscent of an aircraft. Make the windows more airline-like, give the thing wings and it wouldn't look out of place if it started acting like a plane. I personally thought the colour scheme was very suiting. It isn't stark white, and knowing government departments, the only other front-running design was probably some ugly overbearing coral-filed ocean design.

I think the introduction of PTVs is also a very good step.

[minbrisbane]

^^ That's if the XPT isn't replaced by a road-coach...

I like the look of it, I could see the train from my office this afternoon and I agree that it looks very sleek.

The inside from what I've seen here is great too. Economy class looks quite inviting, and while I mourn the loss of compartments the railbed looks excellent.

[STB]

Eh, with my health issues, I kinda need the privacy, hence in the past I've gone in the sleeper cabin.  I think that's one downside for the change, the loss of privacy, and hearing snoring all around you.  Think I'll stick with the plane.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> New tilt train shaves six hours off Brisbane to Cairns trip

[beauyboy]

someone has posted this
I'm sorry I still think the livery is CR*P and the buffett car is a major let down!

[nathandavid88]

I like what they've done with the Spirit of Queensland. They've essentially made a airliner on rails, which I think is probably the way to go to get more bums on more seats and make the service less costly. It's sad to see the Sunlander retired though. Maybe they should have named this the Sunlander just to continue the name?

[techblitz]

Qr really needs to move with the times and look into wifi services for these trains...free but limited use as per brisbanes trains.
And.....they could also sell data packs for net/youtube fans and bring in some extra money to help pay them off.
In the case of spirit of qld....they have provided the power options for laptops now what about the next step? Internet access. Unless your with telstra....net coverage is slow and rather shady at the best of times with all the other providers...

[ozbob]

Fraser Coast Chronicle --> M'boro-made Spirit of Qld on maiden trip to Cairns

[petey3801]

Saw it last night/this morning in the service shed, still can't say i'm impressed with the new livery. It's just so bland and boring! Nowhere near as good as the original livery IMO.

[Jonno]

Saw it last night/this morning in the service shed, still can't say i'm impressed with the new livery. It's just so bland and boring! Nowhere near as good as the original livery IMO.

Saw it last night/this morning in the service shed, still can't say i'm impressed with the new livery. It's just so bland and boring! Nowhere near as good as the original livery IMO.

Saw it last night/this morning in the service shed, still can't say i'm impressed with the new livery. It's just so bland and boring! Nowhere near as good as the original livery IMO.

WELCOME to Queensland The only thing that is not bland and boring under new Government are our 3 BRAND NEW CASINOS!!!!

[HappyTrainGuy]

Saw it last night/this morning in the service shed, still can't say i'm impressed with the new livery. It's just so bland and boring! Nowhere near as good as the original livery IMO.

98 livery?? or original DTT livery? I liked the multiple coloured carriages they had rolled out not too long ago. Made them unique to see.

[petey3801]

Saw it last night/this morning in the service shed, still can't say i'm impressed with the new livery. It's just so bland and boring! Nowhere near as good as the original livery IMO.

98 livery?? or original DTT livery? I liked the multiple coloured carriages they had rolled out not too long ago. Made them unique to see.

The origial DTT livery. Although the multicoloured vynal scheme looks/ed good as well.

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Labor's train toilets up for sale

The Newman Government will sell 50 toilets to finally wipe clean Labor's failed attempts to deliver regional train travel.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said sorting Labor's trains-without-seats saga involved selling or reallocating $54 million in unused stock.

"Labor, under former Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk, forgot to order seats for the train, but she did manage to order 50 toilets," Mr Emerson said.

"Typical of a half-planned Labor program, the budget for new tilt trains and two refurbished trains blew out to $250 million.

"In true Labor style, they failed to budget for seats and maintenance facilities for the longer trains and if you add extensions to the platforms the cost blew out to a massive $370 million.

"Our re-scoped $204 million package, announced in February, allowed passengers somewhere to sit and reduced the number of carriages to ensure trains fitted existing facilities and existing platforms.

"The program budget included left over stock such as wheels, axles, bearing, bogie and airconditioning components, brake components, and toilets are being used for maintenance on the existing fleet or sold off.

"Through better planning and better infrastructure we've been able to get the former program back on track, under the Spirit of Queensland banner."

The first refurbished Cairns-Brisbane train launched last month is 90 per cent full and most December services are full.

A brand new tilt train, a second refurbished tilt train and two new locomotives will be delivered by Maryborough's Downer Rail next year.

Other reforms to Queensland Rail implemented by the Newman Government include bringing it closer to government in May and appointing several new board members.

"We are also sorting through the various reporting methods across the organisation, left when Labor privatised the freight section of the organisation in 2010," Mr Emerson said.

"With service reliability at a 10-year high the next step is to improve the financial system ahead of the release of the 2011-12 Annual Report later this month."