Ministerial Statement: Free public transport to State of Origin opener

[ozbob]

Transport and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
24/05/2011

Free public transport to State of Origin opener

The Bligh Government is offering free public transport for footy fans attending the first State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said customers can present their pre-purchased event-day tickets to score free travel on both Brisbane Transport buses and Queensland Rail trains from midday until the last scheduled service on game day.

Ms Palaszczuk said public transport was the easiest way to get to and from the stadium to avoid traffic congestion, parking restrictions, road closures and the expected large crowds.

"We expect that regular and additional TransLink bus and train services will transport at least 90 per cent of the capacity crowd expected (about 52,500) on game day," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"Bus customers can catch a regular bus service or one of the additional shuttle bus services from the Brisbane CBD, Carindale, Eight Mile Plains, Chermside and The Gap, which will run directly to the stadium from 5.40pm.

"High frequency bus services will operate for an hour after the game finishes from the stadium's bus station under the Southern Plaza (near Milton Road).

"Train customers only have a short walk to the Stadium from Roma Street or Milton Road train stations.

"Additional trains will run on Ipswich, Cleveland, Beenleigh, Gold Coast, Ferny Grove, Shorncliffe and Caboolture lines to and from the venue, making public transport an easy choice over the car."

"I encourage customers to use the journey planner on www.translink.com.au to plan their journey before game day and enjoy a free, easy and convenient ride to the game and home again."

Gates open at 4.15pm, with the game kicking off at 8.10pm.

For more information on public transport, visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30, anytime.

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Since I 'retired' I must admit battling home on the Ippy on footy nights is something I really do not miss at all ... LOLOL