Trains are stopping at a new look Bundamba and customers are once again making tracks after the station reopened following its major accessibility upgrade.
The modernisation was delivered under budget meaning Bundamba station is back connecting communities – as it has done since 1878.
Bundamba station, which was temporarily closed for construction in January, now boasts lifts, an overpass and raised platforms making catching the train easier for everyone, including those travelling with a wheelchair, pushing prams, carrying luggage or the elderly.
In an added bonus, Bundamba’s unique station layout made it a perfect candidate for rubber fillers – also referred to as ‘rubber fingers’ – to reduce the gap between the platform and trains. Bundamba joins recently upgraded Burpengary, Yeronga, Rocklea, Fairfield and Dutton Park stations as the first stations on the Queensland Rail network to have the technology.
Combined with a straightened platform at Bundamba, the rubber fingers make it easier for people to board or disembark trains, especially customers with accessibility needs, significantly reducing the likelihood of slipping between the train and platform.
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said with this modern, accessible transformation the station can continue to serve the local community like it has for well over a century.
“It’s really special to welcome our customers back and show them Bundamba’s new look, which still pays homage to the station’s rich history,” she said.
“Accessibility improvements to our rail network like these have already, and will continue to, make a big difference in the lives of customers – so they can travel on our trains safely and without barriers. Whether you use a wheelchair, push a pram or you’re travelling with luggage, upgrades like these are, quite simply, life-changing.
“Queensland Rail is right now delivering six simultaneous upgrades to our stations – the most we have ever done at once – with Burpengary and now Bundamba both reopened and Morningside, Banyo, Lindum and Buranda progressing well, I’m really proud of our team. With Bundamba reopened we have reinforced our commitment to constantly improve our network to make it more accessible, convenient, comfortable and safe.”
Other improvements at Bundamba include upgraded customer facilities like accessible toilets, a disability-compliant ticket window, improved seating, and extended platform shelters.
Customers will also benefit from hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades.
The upgrade also includes a reconfigured Mining Street carpark with space for 55 cars, an upgraded kiss’n’ride area, four accessible parking bays, and an accessible pathway from the carpark to the platforms.
A bicycle enclosure also features in the upgrade to house 40 bikes with security swipe access, while 12 bike racks are installed across the station – for customers using active travel options.
The station also includes the new artwork ‘Still Kind of Wild’ from local Melanie Sinclair who won Queensland Rail’s recent photography competition, adding a special touch.
Bundamba station is one of six Queensland Rail stations being simultaneously upgraded with Banyo, Buranda, Lindum and Morningside stations also progressing while Burpengary station reopened last month.
Meanwhile, Dutton Park station, which is being delivered as part of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s scope of works, has also partially reopened today to customers.
New accessibility features available from today at Dutton Park station include three new lifts, stairs and a new station overpass for better access to the platforms, and new raised platforms.
Construction works will continue at Dutton Park station until late 2025, including accessible parking bays, kiss‘n’ride, secure and casual bicycle storage, station access and the footpath off Kent Street.
These upgrades are all part of the plan to expand, improve and modernise Queensland’s rail network, meet the increasing demands of our growing state and prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Queensland Rail’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program projects that are being delivered at Lindum, Morningside, Banyo, Buranda, Bundamba and Burpengary stations are the largest number of stations Queensland Rail has delivered simultaneously.
With Bundamba complete, since 2017, Queensland Rail has completed 14 station upgrades including at Burpengary, Alderley, Newmarket, Graceville, Nambour, Dinmore, Morayfield, Boondall, Strathpine, East Ipswich, Dakabin, Cannon Hill and Auchenflower. South Bank Platform 1 was also completed in November 2022.
As well as Queensland Rail’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program, seven southside stations between Dutton Park and Salisbury are being rebuilt as part of the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority’s scope of works. Beyond its core scope of twin tunnels and four new underground stations at Boggo Road, Albert Street, Woolloongabba and Roma Street, the transformational project will also deliver a new year-round Exhibition station and three new Gold Coast stations at Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac