Big wet continues to impact public transport

Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Mark Bailey

Big wet continues to impact public transport

As rainfall eases across the South East, our public transport operators are assessing the damage and the impacts on travel tomorrow (Tuesday).

With hundreds of roads closed across South East Queensland, including the Warrego Highway and Ipswich Motorway, access to a number of Brisbane suburbs has been cut.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Queensland Rail crews had been inspecting the rail network today, discovering extensive damage to stations, track and overhead electrical wiring at a number of locations.

"Queensland Rail services will remain suspended tomorrow (Tuesday) and possibly longer, due to extensive damage to the network," Mr Bailey said.

"A number of station buildings were inundated with water, landslips have damaged the tracks at multiple locations and areas of overhead power line are down.

"Safety is paramount, so we will not be resuming train services until it is absolutely safe to do so."

On buses, Mr Bailey said a limited number of bus operators were in action today while Brisbane City Council services would run to a Saturday timetable tomorrow.

"It is good news that some Brisbane buses will resume tomorrow but bus services continue to be disrupted due to rising flood waters and road closures in place," he said.

"With schools closed today and SEQ residents urged to work from home, we believe the impacts of these reduced services has been lessened.

"If it's not safe for our buses and trains to be operating, it's certainly not safe for cars to be on the road.

"We expect a limited number of buses will be available tomorrow as some flood waters recede, but I urge customers to check the TransLink journey planner for up to date information.

"If you do not absolutely need to be out and about, please stay home."

Ferries on the Brisbane River will remain suspended while river levels are high.

School bus services will run to schools that are open and where it is safe to do so, should schools open tomorrow. Parents and students should contact their local school bus operator for service information.

To stay up to date with changing public transport timetables, visit http://www.translink.com.au/

To stay up to date with changing road conditions, visit http://www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au/

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