Ministerial Statement: Boost to bus services in Brisbane's east

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
15/09/2008

Boost to bus services in Brisbane's east

The Queensland Government, through the TransLink Transit Authority,
will deliver close to $1 million of service improvements for the
Eastern Region from next month.

Minister for Transport John Mickel said from changes would come into effective from October 27 2008.

"The changes will deliver improved connections between buses, trains and ferries, increased service reliability and frequency, enhanced service to local activity centres and the CBD, and improved infrastructure such as additional bus stops and passenger information," Mr Mickel said.

"The improvements will see commuters able to catch a bus every 15 minutes between Capalaba and the centre of Brisbane during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

"Travel times for many Redlands commuters will also be reduced as part of a trial limiting the number of bus stops along long-haul routes."

The service improvements come as construction work continues to the first section of th e Eastern Busway from Princess Alexandra Hospital to Buranda, totalling $138 million.

"The Queensland Government is focused on tackling the increasing demand for public transport in Brisbane's growing eastern suburbs and we are continuing to improve services in this region," Mr Mickel said.

Mr Mickel said under the changes, route 250 and 270 would together provide services every 15 minutes between Capalaba and Brisbane city via Old Cleveland Road throughout morning and afternoon peaks on weekdays.

"Commuters will be provided with a fast, efficient and reliable public transport system that will provide them with a strong and reliable alternative to using their car.

"If you are travelling along this corridor you will hardly need to check the timetable as services are now timetabled to arrive at least every 15 minutes during the peak periods," Mr Mickel said.

"The frequency of services on route 270, between Victoria Point Jetty to Capalab a, is being virtually doubled from hourly to half hourly during the morning and afternoon peaks on weekdays."

Mr Mickel said routes 241, 250, 252, 254, 255, 258, 264, 265, 270, 272, 274, 275, 278, 280, 281 would be altered as part of the strong improvements to the bus services in the Eastern region.

"These changes are also designed to help ease overcrowding and provide passengers with more comfortable, timely services. They will also provide a platform for service expansion in the future," he said.

"These improvements are a step in the right direction towards encouraging more people to switch from their cars to public transport, a greener, more environmentally-friendly option."

Mr Mickel urged residents to keep an eye out for further information during the coming weeks, including public notices and updates on TransLink's website, www.translink.com.au.

[Tejas]

hopefully they will run more 250 services on a Sunday night. the last one to capalaba leaves the city at 6 pm!