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Mon, 16 Feb 1998 12:45:18 +1000
To: coal.comms.pol@merddyn.apana.org.au
From: transport@cabinet.qld.gov.au
Subject: Qld. Media statement - PASSENGER SERVICES EXTENDED ON NORTH COAST LINE
Errors-To: harrisa@citec.qld.gov.au
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 12:45:18 +1000
Message-ID: <19980216024518.AAA7693@inet6.citec.com.au>
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, HON. V. G. JOHNSON
10/2/98
PASSENGER SERVICES EXTENDED ON NORTH COAST LINE
Transport and Main Roads Minister Vaughan Johnson has welcomed the expansion of the Queensland Rail passenger services between Brisbane and Townsville.
Mr Johnson said that from 4 February, Spirit of The Tropics was extended to run between Brisbane and Townsville in both directions rather than between Brisbane and Proserpine, its current journey.
As well, Queensland Rail will be running two Spirit of The Tropics services between Brisbane and Townsville from June 14 to October 4 and as required during school holiday periods.
Mr Johnson said that the increase in the number of Spirit of The Tropics services and the extension to Townsville would provide an important boost to coastal tourism.
"Further, the residents of Mackay and Proserpine will welcome the convenient daytime arrival times," he said.
Mr Johnson said that Townsville was also a big winner with an additional train service to and from Brisbane each week. "In addition, the arrival and departure times for The Spirit of The Tropics will suit backpackers."
He said that the Spirit of The Tropics would provide economy sleeping berth and sitting accommodation, ideal for backpackers and budget travellers.
"Backpackers spent more than $1,030 million in Australia in 1996. Given that 70 per cent of all backpackers in Australia spend time in Queensland, QR is keen to grow this part of its business," said Mr Johnson.
The timetable will provide for a departure from Brisbane on Wednesdays at 6.55pm, arriving in Mackay on Thursdays at 11.30am, Proserpine at 1.45pm and Townsville at 6.05pm.
The return service will depart from Townsville on Fridays at 8am, Proserpine at 12.15pm, Mackay at 2.30pm and arriving in Brisbane on Saturdays at 6.20am.
Mr Johnson said dining and club facilities would be provided on Spirit Of The Tropics trains with the introduction of the new timetable.
He also said that Queensland Rail would continue to provide an economy sitting service between Brisbane and Cairns, attached to The Queenslander, which recommences on March 22.
The train would continue to depart Brisbane on Sunday mornings, arriving in Cairns on Monday afternoons. It would return from Cairns on Tuesday mornings, arriving in Brisbane on Wednesday afternoons.
Mr Johnson said the improvement in the Spirit Of The Tropics timetable was consistent with Queensland Rail's determination to upgrade its long-distance passenger service.
"In recent years QR has refurbished its Queenslander and Sunlander trains, running between Brisbane and Cairns. It is also introducing its luxurious Great South Pacific Express, currently under construction at Townsville Workshops, later this year, as well as its high-speed tilt trains between Brisbane and Rockhampton, also later this year," said Mr Johnson.
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