Redcliffe Peninsula Line [was MBRL (Petrie to Kippa Ring)]

[verbatim9]

Cycling only part of the cycle way due to rain. Excellent dedicated cycle way will do it all the way next time from Kippa Ring to Petrie.

[James]

Heading home..  Excellent opening pics later.
Prime Minister spoke well re rail and public transport.
Caught up with Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and DG TMR and many others including QR & TL staff.
Thanks for coming along too SurfRail!

I saw SurfRail coming in on the VIP train at Petrie. Was standing on the stairs watching the train come in.

Decided to catch the train from Petrie instead of Kippa-Ring - easier to get to and from Toowong (single seat vs. double transfer). Was on the first Kippa-Ring bound train leaving Petrie, a few minutes after the VIP train. It looked like most of the excitement was at Kippa-Ring though!

[ozbob]

Heading home..  Excellent opening pics later.
Prime Minister spoke well re rail and public transport.
Caught up with Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and DG TMR and many others including QR & TL staff.
Thanks for coming along too SurfRail!

Put my pics in a separate thread here > http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12489.0

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/3/joint-media-statement--redcliffe-peninsula-rail-line-opens-to-the-public

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Monday, October 03, 2016

Joint Media Statement -- Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line opens to the public

THE HON. MALCOLM TURNBULL MP

PRIME MINISTER


THE HON. ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK MP

PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND


COUNCILLOR ALLAN SUTHERLAND

MAYOR , MORETON BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL


Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line opens to the public

Moreton Bay's biggest public infrastructure project in more than a generation – the Redcliffe Peninsula rail line – has officially opened today.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the project had created 800 jobs during construction alone and was a vital investment in the local community.

"The Moreton Bay region is home to more than 375,000 people and the population is expected to exceed 500,000 within 15 years," Mr Turnbull said.

"This rail line will attract new business investment in the area, provide better connectivity between key activity centres and remove approximately 600 cars from the local road network for every full train."

Mr Turnbull said the rail line would see some commuters switch from private vehicles to public transport, which will in turn reduce congestion on the local road network.

"The project has delivered a 12.6 kilometre dual track passenger rail line between Petrie and Kippa-Ring along with six new stations," Mr Turnbull said.

"The Federal Government is currently investing more than $13 billion in Queensland infrastructure, as part of a $50 billion infrastructure investment program nationwide."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new rail line will be transformational for the region, especially for suburbs adjacent to the rail line.

"This project is not just an investment in this region, it is an investment in Queensland's economy," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"The new rail line will deliver more than 650 train services a week between Kippa-Ring and Brisbane, with trains running every six to 12 minutes in morning and afternoon peaks, and every 30 minutes in off-peak periods and during weekends.

"Importantly, it better connects the local community to the wider SEQ network and brings the Brisbane CBD and other destinations closer.

"Realistically, someone could jump on a train here in Kippa Ring and use our public transport network to visit the beaches of Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.

"Our investment in the Moreton Bay Rail Line was part of the Queensland Government's infrastructure program which is worth $40 billion over four years."

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland said after more than 100 years in the making, it was hard to believe the Redcliffe Peninsula Line was finally here.

"The Redcliffe Peninsula Line and new bus network will completely transform our region from this day forward, taking thousands of cars off the roads and better connecting our residents with employment and education opportunities," Mayor Sutherland said.

"Thanks in part to this major investment, the Moreton Bay region is now one of Australia's fastest growing urban areas, with Queensland's strongest economy.

"We're already seeing incredible growth across our region as a result of this transformative project, with the number of businesses, residents, new development and investment along the rail corridor increasing at rapid rates.

"We're looking forward to the continued growth this rail line is expected to unlock, including the vital role it will play in driving forward other major projects for our region like the new university precinct adjacent to Petrie station - "The Mill at Moreton Bay".

"This 460 hectare development will promote real opportunities for transit oriented development and large-scale public transport use, not to mention catering for up to 20,000 university students and 6,000 new jobs by 2036."

The Redcliffe Peninsula Line was formerly known as the Moreton Bay Rail Link during construction, before officially changing its name in early September 2016. The project is jointly funded by all levels of government, with the Australian Government contributing $595 million, the Queensland Government $323 million and the Moreton Bay Regional Council $108 million.

The project is part of a $1.2 billion program of public transport improvements for the Moreton Bay Region. The program includes the $988 million Redcliffe Peninsula rail line and the $37.5 million Rothwell Intersection Upgrade which are jointly funded by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council; and the $139 million Lawnton to Petrie Rail Upgrade Project.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Moreton Bay Rail Link decades overdue, so what's another 20 minutes?

It was more than a century in the making, so it was probably fitting the first train to depart Kippa-Ring Station on the new Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line was 20 minutes late.

Not that there were any complaints.

After all, that first service – a round trip to Petrie – was more ceremonial that practical.

And those on the jam-packed train who were from the Redcliffe peninsula, where the prospect of a rail link has been a running political joke for decades, could not hide the smiles from their faces.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, set to depart for disaster-stricken South Australia almost immediately after the opening of the new rail line, was effusive in his praise for both the project itself and the political process that saw it delivered.

Both Labor and Liberal National Party governments at federal and state levels were involved in the project's delivery over the past six years.

"Isn't it great that at a time when you see, of course, politicians disagreeing with each other – and I regret that's probably going to continue forever as long as there's politicians – isn't it great that there is such bipartisan support for this infrastructure?" Mr Turnbull said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk echoed that sentiment and said Redcliffe had been waiting more than 100 years for the rail link.

"We work best when we all work together, when the federal government, the state government and the council work together, we can achieve so much not just for our state, but for our nation," she said.

Having returned to Kippa-Ring from his ride on the inaugural service, Mr Turnbull said it was transformative for the development of the region.

For that infrastructure, perhaps, but disagreements over other key pieces of south-east Queensland infrastructure did not take much prompting to raise their heads.

But two former Labor deputy prime ministers were keen for the Gillard and Rudd governments to receive their due for the delivery of the project.

And Wayne Swan, the former treasurer and still member for Lilley just across Bramble Bay from the peninsula, said there needed to be more federal funding for rail infrastructure, starting with another major project for the Brisbane rail network.

"It's time to cough up for Cross River Rail," he said.

"Rail lines like this can't reach capacity unless it's expanded at the river."

"The good news for Malcolm Turnbull," federal opposition infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese interjected, "is that he doesn't have to provide new money for Cross River Rail.

"He can just put back in the money that was cut in the 2014 budget. Federal Labor funded that project in 2013 – the money was in the budget before it was cut."

On that, Mr Turnbull said while he was an "unadulterated, passionate supporter of public transport", he would not commit to funding prior to Infrastructure Australia's assessment of the project's business case.

"It's being assessed and there's a lot of work to be done on it," he said.

"In particular, the state government and the city government – the Brisbane City government, obviously – have got to come to a landing on the project design that they agree on.

"It's very important that infrastructure like this is well planned and it's integrated into the planning of the whole city, of the whole region."

But amid the political point scoring, Moreton Bay mayor Allan Sutherland, sporting a top hat and tails, was beaming.

For him, and other long term residents of Redcliffe, this was a moment to savour.

"I don't know whether to laugh or cry, it's been a long night," he said.

Cr Sutherland had a long list of "thank yous", which no doubt contributed to the train's late departure, for the long-awaited opening.

And while all three levels of government had contributed, to varying degrees, towards the $1 billion price tag, Cr Sutherland could not help but make one cross-governmental observation about the project.

"Since 2010, when the heads of agreement were signed, we've had four prime ministers, three premiers," he said.

"And one mayor."

[TheJAG]

First of all, what a marvellous new piece of infrastructure! Well done to everyone involved!

Me and my wife enjoyed the ride a lot this morning, and personally I'll enjoy not having to do the early drive to Petrie anymore, instead it'll be an easy walk from Capestone to Mango Hill East station.

Though.... "easy"?

This is where things are starting to fall apart. You would have thought that in conjunction with the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line and Mango Hill East station the Capestone Boulevard bridge would be opened too right? Nope, think again. So there we are, we have this incredible new piece of infrastructure, we have an emerging development, and on the day it matters most to gain new passengers, access to the station has not been catered for.

To explain, see the image:

• Route A is the 'end game' but I can live with that being under development
• Route B is entirely possible if Urbex would actually open this part of Capestone Boulevard
• Route C is really the only way to get to the station by active transport

The photo below shows the situation as of this morning.



We spoke to a QR spokesman this morning at the station, but of course the blame game is on and he blamed Urbex for not opening it up yet. It's very disappointing and truly a lost opportunity for QR, Translink and Urbex to make an excellent first impression to the folks in this emerging development. We know it will be opened up at some stage and all will be well - it's just the poor timing that's extremely disappointing here.

Nevertheless, can't wait for my commute in tomorrow, it'll be great! (when I get to the station eventually)

[ozbob]

^

Welcome!  Hopefully it will not be too long.

[ozbob]

About to embark on Redcliffe Peninsula Line journey with @TurnbullMalcolm @YvetteDAth @mayorsutherland pic.twitter.com/Rg7Mkwyejr

— AnnastaciaPalaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 3, 2016

[Banksia]

Regarding people checking Translink regarding the new timetables - for some strange reason, journey planner in Translink has not associated the new platforms at Petrie with Petrie station as the starting destination. If using Journey Planner and have Petrie station as the starting destination, it gives the misleading impression that you cannot get on a inbound train (Springfield, Ipswich, Roma Street etc) from Petrie but is suggesting going to Dakabin or Murrumba Downs to change trains to go inbound.

See attached image! This is obviously nonsense!!!

However if the starting destination is set as Petrie station, platform 4, Petrie, journey planner gives the expected results. Oops, looks like someone need to add platforms 4 and 5 to be linked with "Petrie station" on the database.

[SurfRail]

For those punters at home - yes, that is Allan Sutherland in top hat and tails.

[achiruel]

Oh,  I thought that was the Mad Hatter! 

[wbj]

I saw SurfRail coming in on the VIP train at Petrie. Was standing on the stairs watching the train come in.

Decided to catch the train from Petrie instead of Kippa-Ring - easier to get to and from Toowong (single seat vs. double transfer). Was on the first Kippa-Ring bound train leaving Petrie, a few minutes after the VIP train. It looked like most of the excitement was at Kippa-Ring though!

Caught that one as well.  Picked up seats in the first front facing row in the first carriage.  Chances are that there will be no advantage in catching it on a regular basis so soaked up the novelty.

[red dragin]

For those punters at home - yes, that is Allan Sutherland in top hat and tails.

Us locals are wondering if he's been growing that beard just for today's event 

[SurfRail]

^ I had exactly the same thought the moment I saw him show up.

[Stillwater]

I thought the Mayor had dressed in the garb and style of 100 years ago to make a point -- highlighting the length of time between when the Redcliffe Line was first envisaged to when it finally became a reality.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull opens new $1.2 billion Redcliffe Peninsula line

T took 130 years to get there and then left 20 minutes late but there were no grumbles from commuters as the first train departed on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line.

In fact there was nothing but smiles as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a renowned train enthusiast, boarded the train for the ceremonial service alongside 230 local ballot winners.

The rail link, which covers more than 12 kilometres from Petrie, north of Brisbane, to Kippa Ring, near Redcliffe was proposed in 1885 and plans for its construction were floated many times over the subsequent century.

But it wasn't until 2010 that then-prime minister Julia Gillard finally put federal funding on the table during that year's election campaign.

It's opening has been scheduled for mid-2016 but that was pushed back due to problems with its signalling system.

The prime minister, who officially opened the link alongside Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Moreton Bay Mayor Allan Sutherland spoke enthusiastically about the effect the rail line would have on the region.

"This rail link ... is going to enable so much more amenity, more development, more affordable housing and adds to the strength and the growth of this, one of the fastest growing areas in Australia," Mr Turnbull said.

He also held the project up as a model for co-operation between state, federal and local governments on infrastructure projects.

However, he remained noncommittal on southeast Queensland's other much talked about rail project: the $4.5 billion Cross River Rail Tunnel.

He said the there was still a lot of work to be done before the federal government could commit to that project.

"It's important to do the work first. If you take spending taxpayers' money seriously ... you've got to do your homework carefully," he said.

"Writing out cheques ... without doing the homework is a good way to waste money. We will be very careful about it."

[ozbob]

VIP pass
3 levels of Government delivered! #qldpol pic.twitter.com/c2ifDrpN3l

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 3, 2016

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

4th October 2016

Stand clear: First normal service train from Kippa-Ring about to depart!

Good Morning,

The first revenue Queensland Rail TransLink service from Kippa-Ring station is due to depart at 3.46am today, 4th October 2016.  Yes, it has been a long wait for rail into the Redcliffe Peninsula but it is now delivered.  Thank you.

RAIL Back On Track representatives were fortunate in being able to attend yesterday's  historical opening for the line.  It was very pleasing to note the attendance of many political representatives including the Prime Minister and Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, and Mayor Sutherland which befits such an event. Also very significant was the grand turnout of local residents particularly. It was very heartening to see their joy on being able to ride on the new railway.

Importantly though, the Redcliffe Peninsula Line is a great demonstration of what can happen when there is good cooperation between all levels of Government.

The special VIP pass for the day encapsulated this  spirit well (see below).

Let us all now work towards progressing Cross River Rail with the same cooperation to deliver another essential rail project for Brisbane and Queensland.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

References:

Redcliffe Peninsula Line Official Opening 3rd October 2016
http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12489.msg180879#msg180879

Joint Media Statement -- Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line opens to the public
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/3/joint-media-statement--redcliffe-peninsula-rail-line-opens-to-the-public

VIP Pass for the Opening of Redcliffe Peninsula Line

[ozbob]

Media: ' Stand clear: First normal service train from Kippa-Ring about to depart! '
> https://t.co/mgCJADtN6t#qldpol
cooperation the key! pic.twitter.com/0P84tj6s62

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 3, 2016

[ozbob]

Both sides take credit as Moreton Bay Rail Link opens - https://t.co/j1xG2P26eW pic.twitter.com/rg5G30epbM

— Rail Express (@RailExpressNews) October 3, 2016

[ozbob]

Redcliffe Peninsula Rail Line: 131 years in the making. @MarlinaWhop https://t.co/UnihV7UdC6 #qldtraffic #7News https://t.co/yCj71tMWLv

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) October 3, 2016

[ozbob]

Salute!
The first revenue service due to depart Kippa-RIng now!
3.46am 4th October 2016

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 3, 2016

[STB]

Now my uni assignment is out of the way, and a sleepless night of excitement, I'm all set to take the first outbound train of this morning to Kippa Ring and then go station to station taking a look around and seeing how it all works for the peak hour.  Can't wait! Guess I'd better get ready! (kinda handy now I live in the city!)

[ozbob]

The 1st train on the new Moreton Bay Rail Link has departed at 3:46am with 50 passengers on board@7NewsQueensland @sunriseon7 pic.twitter.com/nAhYm5n1lT

— Peter Doherty (@PeterDoherty7) October 3, 2016

[STB]

EMU 58/EMU 19 doing the first outbound revenue service to Kippa-Ring.

[ozbob]

^ 

[STB]

The onboard auto announcement system north of Northgate goes "This is a Redcliffe Peninsula train, stopping all stations to Kippa-Ring, the next station is..."

[BrizCommuter]

6:54am Shorncliffe to Cleveland 3-car unit was much busier than usual this morning (as predicted by BrizCommuter). Cars 1 and 3 were full, some aisle standing space in car 2. Given that it is still around a holiday period, expect this service to be leaving behind passengers on busy days.

[red dragin]

I guesstimate about 200-250 cars at Murrumba Downs this morning at about 8.30am. Looked very empty given three are 1000 car parks.

[ozbob]

Early mail is in - over 2,100 people caught the Redcliffe Peninsula Line this morning, a nice easy start and one that will grow! #qldpol

— Stirling Hinchliffe (@StirlHinchliffe) October 4, 2016

[ozbob]

A great morning peak service from @QueenslandRail and @TransLinkSEQ – 100% on time running on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line. #qldpol

— Stirling Hinchliffe (@StirlHinchliffe) October 4, 2016

[BrizCommuter]

I guesstimate about 200-250 cars at Murrumba Downs this morning at about 8.30am. Looked very empty given three are 1000 car parks.

Give it a few weeks and it'll be almost full.

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

First morning of Redcliffe Peninsula Line

The first morning of regular services on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line was a great success.

Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games, Stirling Hinchliffe, thanked the community for their first morning of travel and released some early service and patronage data.

"I want to thank the people of the Moreton Bay region for the way they have campaigned for, supported, championed and today embraced the Redcliffe Peninsula Line," Minister Hinchliffe said.

"This morning over 2, 100 gocards were tapped onto readers at Kippa-Ring, Rothwell, Mango Hill East, Mango Hill and Kallangur for the very first time.

"At the upgraded Petrie Station just over 1, 000 additional people boarded train services.

"These numbers are solid first morning results for a new line. As residents learn more about their 650 new rail services and their new bus services these numbers will build.

"Importantly, we are providing a high quality service from day one. This morning Queensland Rail delivered 100% on time running for services on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line," Minister Hinchliffe said.

"While residents have had a long wait for over 100 years for this rail line to commence, they have the shorts wait for a cut to fare prices.

"Under the Palaszczuk Government's Fairer Fares package, from January 2017 the Redcliffe Peninsula will drop from a six zone journey to just three – delivering annual savings of $315 for daily travellers.

"This will support a greater boost to patronage and mobility for local residents."

The Redcliffe Peninsula Line delivers 650 train services a week between Kippa-Ring and Brisbane.

"Trains run every six to 12 minutes in morning and afternoon peaks, and every 30 minutes in off-peak periods and during weekends," Minister Hinchliffe said.

"For the first time, local residents will be connected to a fast, reliable rail service, with a journey into the Brisbane CBD taking less than an hour."

Train and bus timetables are available by visiting translink.com.au or by calling 13 12 30.

[tazzer9]

My review of my trip to kippa ring and the line itself.

I noticed that there were an usual amount of IMU/SMU hybrids and regular IMU's working this line.   I think this is intentional and is explained later. 

The line itself is excellent quality, very high rail track standard, deepest ballast I've seen on a non coal railway. But 80km/h for the majority of the line is an absolute joke.  Most the the line is capable of speeds well in excess of 100km/h.  Should be a minimum of 100km/h to mango hill east and minimum of 110km/h from Mango Hill east to Kippa ring. I also noticed that the turnouts could have been of higher speed.
I don't think there are way too many stations, But mango hill east is currently a bit unnecessary IMHO.

The line has very poor timetabling.  We had to wait for a service to depart kippa ring before we could arrive. Even though the other platform was empty.  Nothing was in the stabling yard.

The stations themselves were great.  Nothing too much and all dead straight all seemed to e at platform level EXCEPT for kippa ring platform 1 (southern platform). Train was noticeably higher than the platform, platform 2 was perfect.  The platforms are so perfect, a man in a wheelchair got off the ICE gympielander at petrie with the only assistance provided was myself opening the door.

The Automatic station announcements at petrie on platform 3 refer to the trains as "Kippa ring trains", "The Kippa ring train, stopping all stations".  All the over voice announcements refer to it as the redcliffe peninsula line.

The auto announcements in the train are horrendous.   Way too long and in my train, it often said redcliffe in a weird way.  Not everytime though, just some of it.  Really hard to explain.  They are painful to listen to. "This is a brisbane city and Redcliffe peninsula line train, running express from bowen hills to northgate stopping only at petrie then stopping all stations to kippa".  Also the announcements do say redcliffe peninsula line train.  That's not my typo.
On the positive note, they have upgraded the announcement for Roma St to include long distance services. 

The new Screens at the new stations are great.  They also show whether the train is toilet equipped. (hence my note above of seeing more IMU/SMU hybrids).  However, they showed the 5-car ICE from the Gympielander as a 2x3 car train that was toilet equipped.

However dead running (not training runs) is still occuring when the frequency is at 2tph.  Not acceptable.

I also noted the extra northgate services break so much sectorisation it isn't funny, and some are 6 cars.



Some funny and highlights of the trip:
Seeing the track geometry vehicle moving through fortitude valley.  Seeing PN001 hauling a frieght through petrie platform 2.  Gympielander with an ICE on the way back from petrie.
Train from kippa ring was delayed by nearly 10 minutes as the scheduled driver went MIA, but the irony of having 3 drivers (and a white shirt, route knowledge know it all guy who i can't remember their official title) and having the white shirt resort to driving the train. 4 drivers and yet no one to drive the train. Hearing all the train crews on board it sounds like very few train crews are competent and authorised to run the route.
The 4pm roma st-nambour train is also now an ICE.

There were so many revenue protection officers at kippa ring, of all kinds. 

[ozbob]

New Redcliffe Peninsula line has passed the peak hour test. @brittneykleyn_9 #9News https://t.co/xd9VyFOBuQ

— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) October 4, 2016

[SteelPan]

Well done to all associated with bringing this long-overdue piece of rail infrastructure to fruition! [the tragedy is, it took so insanely long]

Whilst I do appreciate that resting at the core of future growth of the QR Metro Network is CRR, it's a pity the Premier does not [whilst CRR continues it long journey to the starting gates] "keep the ball rolling" and announce before the end of 2016, work for 2017/18 to commence on Sunshine Coast Rail, GC Rail extension and next phase of the Springfield line.

With Springfield and now Moreton Bay, we've at very long last, in recent years, seen some new expansion of the Metro Rail Network....let's NOT drop the ball now!

contact your state members....tell them to keep it moving with rail growth in SE Qld!

[ozbob]

Australian prime minister opens Queensland's Redcliffe Peninsula Line https://t.co/FUczWsmiMA pic.twitter.com/nw85eA9DBr

— IRJ (@railjournal) October 4, 2016

[bladesplace]

The new Screens at the new stations are great.  They also show whether the train is toilet equipped. (hence my note above of seeing more IMU/SMU hybrids).

I was at Petrie station this morning on the new platforms and noticed both inbound trains were marked as being toilet equipped on the new PIDS so snapped a few photos for you all:



And here's the other:


Very impressed.

Cheers

MJ

[urbanplanr]

Not a fan of Petrie Station now that it has the new platform at a much elevated level to the old platform but they couldn't make the bridge flat, it's clearly a slope which is very poor design imho.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard 13th October 2016 Ministerial Statements
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/latest-sitting-dates

Redcliffe Peninsular Rail Line

Hon. SJ HINCHLIFFE (Sandgate—ALP) (Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games)
(10.00 am): I am delighted that Moreton Bay residents turned out in force on Monday 3 October for a
community open day to celebrate the opening of the new Redcliffe Peninsular train line. It was over 100
years in the making and we have delivered it. I cannot discuss the Redcliffe Peninsular line without
thanking the decade-long advocacy of one person in particular, that is, the Attorney-General. The
Attorney-General has been present for every piece of lobbying, every piece of progress and every up
and down on this project. It was a pleasure to join her and all of our special guests to celebrate the line
opening last Monday week.

Ms Trad: Including the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr HINCHLIFFE: Indeed, including the Leader of the Opposition. I will mention him later. The
community day was a chance to thank the people of Moreton Bay for their patience while this
transformative piece of infrastructure was built. More than 5,000 people attended the community day
and were able to experience the six new train stations and their facilities, and also ride along the
12.6 kilometre line.

I can report to the House that this project has been warmly embraced by the people of the
Moreton Bay region. Further to the patronage numbers reported to the House on Tuesday by the
Premier, I can inform the House that more than 40,000 passenger trips have been taken to and from
the six new train stations in the first full week of service. Kippa-Ring and Mango Hill train stations have
been the most popular, with about 14,000 and 7,000 passenger trips respectively last week. We expect
that patronage will continue to grow in coming weeks as customers try out all the new rail services and
become accustomed to the new bus network. Daily along the new line we have seen more than 800
customers transferring between local bus services and trains. The bus network has an additional 157
trips each weekday, with 17 bus services connecting to Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Mango Hill,
Rothwell and Kippa-Ring stations along the new Redcliffe Peninsular line.

It is deeply gratifying that people have already embraced this new transport infrastructure and
are using it daily. The Redcliffe Peninsular line is a connection from the peninsula to the entire
Queensland Rail network. In addition, the line itself will trigger economic development along the
corridor, bringing more jobs and opportunities to the region. For the first time ever the people of Moreton
Bay are now connected to a fast and reliable rail service, with a journey to the Brisbane CBD taking
less than an hour. From next year, the rail trip will become even cheaper under our Fairer Fares reform
package. The people of the Moreton Bay region have been waiting the longest for a rail service, but
they will have the shortest wait for a fare cut.

The community day was a terrific chance for local residents to ride on and explore the new line
and the new stations from Petrie through to Kippa-Ring. I congratulate the lucky ballot winners who had
the chance to join community leaders and advocates on the first service out of Kippa-Ring. As the
Premier said earlier this week, they were really excited about it. I thank the Premier, Deputy Premier,
Attorney-General, the members for Kallangur, Pine Rivers, Murrumba and Pumicestone and, indeed,
the Leader of the Opposition for attending the event. I thank Mayor Allan Sutherland and the federal
government for their support of the project. It was wonderful to see all three levels of government
coming together to make this project happen. It was very gratifying for those involved in initiating the
project that the Prime Minister acknowledged the role that the then transport minister, Anthony
Albanese, and the then Treasurer, Wayne Swan, had in initiating and delivering the project. It was very
gratifying for those people to be acknowledged by today's Prime Minister.

Finally, I place on Hansard my thanks to the Department of Transport and Main Roads,
Queensland Rail and all of the staff involved for working together to deliver this more than once in a
generation project. It is a fantastic achievement for the government, but it is an even greater
achievement for the people of the Moreton Bay region. As the Premier said, this is their railway.