The Queensland Government will invest nearly $6 million to upgrade ten stations across the south-east Queensland rail network, as part of its Station Upgrade Program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the upgrades were part of a wide range of initiatives kicked off in her first 100 days as Transport Minister.
“It has now been 100 days and I am as determined as ever to ensure Queenslanders can get the high-quality, reliable rail services that they deserve,” Ms Trad said.
“I’m delighted to announce we are investing almost $6 million to give ten key stations minor upgrades which will include platform improvements, new coats of paint and renewing the signage.
“The minor upgrades will begin later this year at Park Road, Bowen Hills, Wacol, Goodna, Manly, Murrarie, Windsor, Wilston and Beenleigh stations and a mural will be installed at Roma Street.
“Moreover, we have hit the ground running on recruitment and are steadily progressing towards our target of 200 drivers and have already exceeded our target of 200 guards.
“A review of the training process to ensure new recruits get out on the network as quickly as possible has started.
“We also wanted to focus on improving the commuter experience and putting customer service first and I’m really happy with how we’re traveling in this area.
“We’ve held six commuter catch ups and they have been a great way for people to give their feedback and suggest improvement directly to senior Queensland Rail staff.
“The recruitment of a Chief Customer Service Officer also kicked off and this role will champion customer initiatives and drive improvement across Queensland Rail.”
Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Nick Easy said the ten stations had been identified through a station audit and listening to customer feedback.
“The project builds on our $212 million Station Upgrade Program, which is underway and delivering independent access and improved, modernised facilities at 14 stations over a five year period.
“We have already improved service reliability through the stabilisation of the timetable, our work being undertaken to fast-track training and improving our communication with customers.”
Chair of the Queensland Rail board Phillip Strachan said that he was very pleased with the progress of his recommendations.
“The focus of my report was three-fold – increasing the supply of guards and drivers, getting training duration down to a more acceptable timeframe and putting the customer first – and over the past 100 days there has been significant improvement in both these areas,” Mr Strachan said.
“QR and the government are making real inroads on the recommendations in the Commission of Inquiry final report and over the coming months these achievements will deliver better outcomes for rail commuters.”
