The Palaszczuk Government has announced more train services after rail patronage soared to record levels in South East Queensland 2018/19.
Close to 190 million trips were taken on buses, trains, trams and ferries in the state’s southeast in 2018/19, an annual increase of seven million across all modes.
Rail patronage hit 55 million, up 4.3 per cent, while bus trips rose 3.2 per cent to 117 million.
Of particular note was the Gold Coast Light Rail, which exceeded the overall growth figure with journeys rising 13.2 per cent to 10.7 million.
“Here we have Australia’s sixth-largest city moving with their feet on light rail, and it’s time the Federal LNP got serious about a fair funding offer,” state transport minister Mark Bailey said. “We know that for every person taking public transport, it means less cars on our roads, benefitting everyone.”
Bailey said the construction of Cross River Rail would mean even more growth for public transport in the sunshine state.
He also noted the significant growth in passenger numbers had come before the rollout of the state’s new $371 million smart ticketing system, which will let commuters use their smartphone, smartwatch, credit card or debit card to use public transport.
“Together with our fares initiative, which has saved Queenslanders more than $178 million, we’re embarking on major public transport projects to make sure Queenslanders can continue to work, home and where they want by bus, train, ferry or tram,” he said.
The state also announced it is adding 430 more weekly train services to the timetable, including 85 additional trains in peak times each week. It is also upgrading 59 existing three-carriage services to six carriages. In total these initiatives will add 200,000 extra seats to the weekly timetable.
“We’re looking forward to seeing customers across the region benefiting from these additional trains and seats from Monday,” Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said just prior to the rollout this week.
“These improvements have been underpinned by the largest traincrew recruitment campaign in Queensland Rail’s history, which has seen 177 new drivers and 314 new guards enter supply since October 2016. A further 74 trainee drivers and 58 trainee guards are currently in training, with more driver and guard schools planned to commence later this year to ensure we deliver a pipeline of talent.”