- Queensland Rail’s long distance travel trains are coming back online in stages after operating on a reduced timetable due to union protected industrial action.
- Services set to ramp up from today (3 July) include the Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane to Cairns), Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane to Longreach) and Westlander (Brisbane to Charleville). Bundaberg and Rockhampton Tilt Trains have continued operating to full timetable.
- This is a great step towards reconnecting communities who have been impacted by this disruption.
Queensland Rail’s long distance travel services will increase from today (Friday, 3 July) in a staged return to full timetable, with most services to be running from Monday 13 July.
Since mid-April, these services have been experiencing impacts due to union protected industrial action, with a reduced timetable implemented on 1 June to provide customers with better certainty around their travel.
As negotiations have continued, progress has been made, allowing us to bring our regional services back online for customers in a staged approach.
Throughout July, these changes will be implemented:
- Today (3 July), Spirit of Queensland services will increase from one to two full return rail services per week ahead of full resumption from 13 July (four return services per week).
- From next week, Spirit of the Outback services will return to full timetable with an increase from one to two full return rail services per week.
- On 14 July, Westlander services will return to rail with one return rail service per week while the other will continue to be replaced via coach.
- The Kuranda Scenic Railway services will continue to operate on an amended timetable due to impacts associated with protected industrial action up to and including Sunday, 19 July.
In late June, one Inlander service returned to rail while the other will continue to be replaced via road coach.
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish said this was good news for customers.
“We know how important these services are for customers who rely on them for medical appointments, family visits, tourism, and business. Reconnecting these communities after months of disruption has been a top priority for our teams.
“While most of our long-distance services were impacted, we were pleased to be able to continue operating all our Tilt Trains during this time.
“As we bring back more services, we are also excited to bring back our half-priced Tilt Train fares for Wide Bay residents to get to and from the Ekka this year.
“Discounted fares are available for both same day and multi day return trips, giving customers flexibility to plan their Ekka adventure.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding while we navigate the impacts of ongoing union protected industrial action and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back onboard as services ramp up throughout July.”
If customers have any questions about their service, they can also reach out to our Queensland Rail Travel team on 1800 872 467.
