The Department of Transport and Main Roads is to temporarily reduce tong haul train and coach services across Queensland as part of its wider efforts to contain COVID-19.
According to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, rural and regional communities would continue to have access to transport for essential travel under the changes.
“Right now, people should not be travelling on coaches or trains across Queensland unless they have an essential reason to like getting to work or to a medical appointment,” the Minister, Mark Bailey said.
“The Queensland border is now closed and we’re already seeing drops in patronage of up to 60 per cent on buses and trains as people stay home.”
He said people would still have access to long distance passenger services for essential travel on all key corridors, but the frequency of those services would be reduced.
“We’ll manage passenger numbers on board to separate passengers from each other,” Mr Bailey said.
“Long distance coach services will replace rail services in areas where corresponding rail services have been suspended.”
Mr Bailey said decisions would be made to restore services as soon as it was safe to do so.
“These are temporary measures, but they are critical to curbing the spread of COVID-19 into our rural and regional communities,” he said.
“Every single Queenslander should avoid long distance travel unless they absolutely have to for essential purposes.”
“We need everyone to work together and follow the latest health advice at this time.”
The changes came into effect earlier this week (30 March).
