The impact of COVID-19 has resulted in temporary changes being made to Queensland Rail’s regional services.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the aim of the changes was to increase certainty for travellers.
“As there are an increasing number of Queensland Rail employees in isolation, some regional services will be temporarily reduced,” Mr Bailey said.
“Like the rest of Queensland, Queensland Rail is experiencing a rising number of employees who need to isolate for their health and for the safety of others,” he said.
Mr Bailey said as a result, the Inlander service between Townsville and Mount Isa, and the Westlander service between Brisbane and Charleville, would be temporarily suspended.
“The Spirit of the Outback service between Brisbane and Longreach will also temporarily reduce to one service per week,” he said.
“Queensland Rail is contacting all customers that were booked on the impacted services to offer a refund, rebooking or alternate transport arrangements.”
The Minister confirmed there would be no impacts to the regional freight network at this stage and no changes on the Brisbane-to-Cairns corridor.
“Queensland Rail will continue to review the impacts of COVID-19 on the workforce and its operations and keep customers informed of any developments,” he said.
“Queensland has also adjusted isolation rules for essential workers, which includes transport staff, easing pressure on the Queensland Rail workforce,” Mr Bailey said.
