Mount Isa MP campaigns to reinstate Inlander train services

[ozbob]

Townsville Bulletin --> Mount Isa MP campaigns to reinstate Inlander train services

THERE are hopes the State Labor Government will restore sleeper and dining carriages to the Townsville to Mount Isa Inlander train after continued community anger about their removal.

It has also been revealed one of the sleeper cars was retained but only for the use of Queensland Rail staff while on the 20-hour journey.

The Mount Isa Pensioners Association has led the latest bid to have the services restored. Association president Anne Morris said they had collected more than a 1000 signatures, while Robbie Katter, the State member for Mt Isa, has launched an online petition (http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2373).

"All our members have signed and we've taken it around to different places like shopping centres and clubs," Mrs Morris said. "Everyone we've spoken to is in favour of the buffet car and sleeper coming back."

Mrs Morris said it was too much to expect old and ill people to sit upright for such a long journey.

Mr Katter said it was deplorable the services had been removed.

"On a 20-hour journey, all people have to eat is sandwiches delivered to their seat with no ability to buy cold drinks or a cup of tea," Mr Katter said.

"I don't care what the subsidy is. This is a service that should be reinstated for the comfort and convenience of those people who have worked to build North Western Queensland."

Former transport minister Scott Emerson said the Inlander cost taxpayers more than $2000 per passenger.

Mr Katter said the cost of replacing the old sleepers was far less than the former government had quoted.

A spokesman for Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Local Government, Planning and Trade would meet with Mr Katter next week.

"(Mr Katter) has made representations about this and (Ms Trad) is going to meet him on Tuesday," the spokesman said.

Cutting services prompted concern from rail tour operators and civic leaders last year that the downgrade was a forerunner to the complete removal of the passenger trains ahead of the long-term lease of the Townsville port and Mount Isa rail line.

[Tramwayjohn]

Bob, whatever you have heard or read about ROB KATTER 'campaigning' for the INLANDER should be ignored!  I have had nothing but 'brush off' replies from KATTER and for that matter the mayor of Mt Isa TONY MCGRADY. Both Katter and McGrady are in excellent positions to assist in getting the required ONE sleeping car and when available, a dining car, but as far as I am aware, nothing has been done. Demonstrate that I am wrong, and I will be pleased to see the evidence. 

[Gazza]

Why are people choosing to sit 21 hours on a train? Why not just fly and be there in 2 hours?

[ozbob]

Many people prefer rail travel.  It is not only just the time, for many it is the overall travel experience.

Of course there are folks that really do feel uncomfortable with air or bus, however irrational that is.  Just a fact of life.

The Inlander and Westlander will survive for now.  Mainly because of the knife edge parliament.
If and when that changes, there is every likelihood that these services will go west .. for ever ...

We have suggested improved timetables for the Westy for ever almost, just ignored essentially.  No one wants to get out of their comfort zones ..

John, the KAP could exert pressure to have the services restored, but clearly they haven't.

[Gazza]

I understand people enjoy rail travel for the overall experience, but then why does it need to be subsidized so heavily?

The Ghan, Indian Pacific run without subsidy, to outback towns.

[ozbob]

The North West Star --> Inlander service on the right track

STATE Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter is excited about the future of the Inlander service after Queensland Rail unveiled improvements on Friday.

Mr Katter attended a morning tea on Friday where Queensland Rail showcased upgrades to the service to interested stakeholders.

"There is great potential for increased use of the Inlander by promoting it as a comfortable and affordable mode of transport," Mr Katter said.

"Not only for the elderly, but also schools, sporting groups and families.

"With the high cost of airfares in Mount Isa I'm confident there will be renewed interest in the Inlander."

After inspecting the upgrades, Mr Katter was pleased with the improvements, including new technology.

"The Inlander is now offering a more suitably comfortable experience for passengers," Mr Katter said.

"This includes the trial of a tablet device for each passenger.

"The installation of modern technology such as tablets will make the service more appealing to a wider range of people."

About 30 people attended the morning tea, outlining there is renewed interest in this important service.

After the quality of service on Queensland Rail's Mount Isa to Townsville service diminished with sleeper car and dining carts abolished.

Mr Katter led the push for improvements.

Mr Katter suggested the Mount Isa Pensioners Association start a petition to improve the service, more than 1300 signatures were collected.

The petition – asking for sleeper carriages to be reinstalled - was tabled in Parliament by Mr Katter in June.

There are no sleeper carriages yet, but the service has been made improvements with the reinstallation of lounge cars.

"I'll continue to ensure this service remains up to acceptable standards," Mr Katter said.

"We are still fighting the battle for the sleeper wagons to be reinstalled and further improvements to the seat configurations."

Mr Katter also welcomed scheduling changes which he hopes will boost tourism and improve transport connections for travellers between Brisbane and Mount Isa.

"The changes will link up more conveniently with the southbound Spirit of Queensland Service between Townsville and Brisbane," Mr Katter said.

"Inlander passengers won't have to stay overnight in Townsville to continue their journey on to Brisbane aboard the southbound Spirit of Queensland once these changes come into effect in April."

[Tramwayjohn]

I await the Queensland state budget next Tuesday as there might be an announcement on the future of the INLANDER and WESTLANDER trains. As I have said in the past, either ONE sleeping car can be provided or the conversion of an existing sitting car to at least some RAIL BED seats. Say, nine or twelve. That car can also have some first class seats being 2 +1 seating. Like what happens on the Spirit of the Outback, there would in effect be two separate trains, with a locked door between the cars. One car half economy class seating and a small snack-bar lounge. Then one first class car, half RAIL RED seats and half standard first class. Passengers would use the existing lounge car. Meals would be provided along with similar entertainment etc as is found in the Spirit of Queensland. The WESTLANDER can be operated as a DAY TRAIN from Brisbane to Roma with bus connections to Cunnamulla via St George and to Quilpie via Charleville.

[SurfRail]

We're talking about half of one carriage for 2 return trips a week?

For heaven's sake, just fly.