Re: New QR railcars

[petan@ion.com.au (petan@ion.com.au)]

 Hi
thanks for this. This probably is the story. The Courier Mail has it
on Friday and the ABC has it on Sunday morning!!!

Cheers
Peter Cokley

>>Brisbane Airport rail link to go ahead
>>
>>The State Government has finalised arrangements for a privately-funded $200
>million rail line to link Brisbane's central business district with the
>international and domestic airport terminals by 2001, Premier Peter Beattie
>announced today.
>>
>>"An airport-city train link is essential if Brisbane is going to rank as a
>
>major international city and I congratulate all those who have played a part
>in making this link a reality," said Mr Beattie.
>
>>
>>"Such a link is one of the few assets that Brisbane has been lacking and I am
>
>proud that once again we are demonstrating that Queensland is the action
>state. We're making things happen."
>
>>
>>Making the announcement with the Premier were Airtrain Citylink Limited Chair
>
>James Cutts, Transport and Main Roads Minister Steve Bredhauer and Brisbane
>Lord Mayor Jim Soorley.
>
>>
>>"This multi-million dollar rail link will bring enormous economic, employment
>and public transport benefits to Brisbane," said Mr Beattie.
>>
>>"We expect the project to provide the equivalent of more than 500 full-time
>jobs during the 27-month design and construction period."
>>
>>Mr Bredhauer said the link was a great boost for public transport in South-East
>Queensland, where it was important to promote public transport as a viable
>alternative to using cars.
>>
>>"One of the best ways to successfully improve public transport usage is to
>provide infrastructure providing reliable, comfortable and easy travel such as
>the new rail link," he said.
>>
>>"It is significant that the project has attracted private funding because it
>shows the private sector has the confidence to invest in public infrastructure
>in Queensland."
>>
>>Mr Cutts said it would take just over two years to build the link, with
>construction due to start later this year. Design work would start this month.
>>
>>Airtrain would build 8.5 km of new rail, linking the existing Queensland Rail
>network near Toombul to the Airport, said Mr Cutts.
>>
>>Most of the link would be elevated and feature two stations - one at the
>international terminal, the other at the domestic terminal.
>>
>>Passengers would be travelling to the Airport by train by mid-2001, Mr Cutts
>said.
>>
>>"Services will run directly from the Airport to the City and to the Gold Coast
>by linking into the Citytrain network run by Queensland Rail," Mr Cutts said.
>>
>>Mr Beattie said the State Government had finalised agreement on the basis that
>Airtrain would build and operate the rail link to the airport at the company's
>expense.
>>
>>The project had been approved on the basis that Airtrain would pay for the
>project in return for the right to operate the rail link for 35 years.
>>
>>After 35 years, it would be turned over to the State Government.
>>
>>Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley said Brisbane City Council had played a key
>role in bringing Airtrain to fruition.
>>
>>"Council, as a major land holder along the route, gave the project full support
>because we recognised the significant benefits of Airtrain to the city," Cr
>Soorley said.
>>
>>"We receive a valuable rail corridor for residents and tourists linking the
>city and the Gold Coast to the airport," he said.
>>
>>"At the same time it will help reduce traffic congestion and assist in
>maintaining our city's air quality," Cr Soorley said.
>>
>>
>>Contact: Steve Bishop (07) 3225 4500; Harry Williams (07) 3237 1949
>
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