Ministerial Statement: qconnect ? Planning for the future of the Sunshine Coast

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 Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

Thursday, May 29, 2008

qconnect ? Planning for the future of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Woodford and Kilcoy

Standardised bus fares, more services and a user-friendly transport system will make life easier for residents of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Woodford and Kilcoy with the introduction of the qconnect system from June 30.

Launching qconnect at Landsborough today, the Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the new system was designed to
provide a high standard of public transport services to local residents.

"The system is about ensuring adequate services are available to all Queenslanders, no matter where they live," Mr Mickel said.

Member for Glasshouse, Carolyn Male said ?for residents of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Woodford and Kilcoy, it means bus fares will be charged according to a new qconnect zonal system.

"Bus users will find they pay the same or less for their normal trip under qconnect.

"The most significant fare change for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland will be the adult single fare from Maleny to Landsborough, which will see a reduction from $5.60 to $3.20 for three zone fares. Whilst the fare from Woodford to Caboolture will fall by 50% to $2.30 for six zones" she said.

qconnect fare and ticketing changes will provide:
? more equitable fares across the state
? an integrated ticketing system so only one ticket is needed to move from one service to another within the number of zones purchased
? modern air-conditioned buses that are accessible to people with a disability
? an upgrade of existing signage and timetables
? modernised bus stops that are accessible to people with a disability
? redesigned bus services to ensure better connections between each service and with mainland rail services
? improved coordination of long-distance air and coach services with regional city bus services.

Mr Mickel said that "through qconnect, the Premier Anna Bligh is planning for the future by working with local transport operators to make services more in tune with community needs and more attractive to commuters," he said.

"We're aiming to make it easier for people to leave their cars at home and choose a public transport option instead.

"And of course, fewer cars on our roads will reduce congestion and exhaust fumes."

Mr Mickel said the introduction of standardised fares and integrated ticketing in southeast Queensland, saw public transport patronage increase by 30 per cent in three years.

"The State Government will ensure that qconnect monitors and meets increases in demand," he said.

"Where you see qconnect, it means we are working with operators to ensure affordable, efficient and accessible transport services for the community."

Detailed information packs including new timetables, fare and zone information will be posted to Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Woodford and Kilcoy residents in early June.


29 May, 2008