TRANSLINK is putting on two timetabled bus services to replace trains during track closures on the Cleveland line later this month.
It is the first time schedules have been published for replacement bus services used to ferry Cleveland line passengers during track closures.
Replacement buses have been used before but schedules were not available.
Passengers were told to instead plan for delays during and add extra travel time to their plans.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the bus services would being trialed during Cleveland line closures later this month, following trials undertaken on the Ferny Grove line.
“We’ve been pleased with the performance of trials on the Ferny Grove line and have received positive feedback from customers about the availability of timetable information,” he said.
"Maintenance closures are an important part of running a safe and reliable rail network and this trial is designed to improve customer information during track closures.”
Buses running every 30 minutes will ferry commuters between Murarrie and Park Road stations during closures on the Cleveland line from 9.30pm to the last service on both Tuesday, November 20 and Wednesday, November 21.
Passengers travelling between the Cleveland and Park Road stations will need to catch replacement buses from 9.30pm on Friday, November 23 to the last service on Sunday, November 25.
Queensland Rail has advised maintenance works on overhead lines, signalling, at stations and on tracks throughout the corridor are all planned throughout that weekend.
Lobby group Rail Back on Track’s Robert Dow said he was pleased the state government had introduced the timetabled services to help commuters plan.
He said passengers had previously been left with too much uncertainty about scheduling.
“Some people have turned up to catch the first train and the replacement bus is not there,” he said.
“We have been pushing for a while to have bus timetables for planned closures.
(The state government) is still sorting out bumps and kinks but we want to be supportive rather than critical.
“Track closures are a fact of life but timetables help. Other states do it and it allows people to plan.”
Mr Dow is conducting a public transport passenger survey, which is open until November 30. To fill out online, visit here.
For more information about TransLink, visit here.
