Extra 2.3 Million Passengers on SE Queensland Public Transport
Media release from the Queensland minister for Transport and Roads

27 September 2004

An extra 2.3 million passengers have used public transport in South East Queensland since the introduction of TransLink
on July 1, Transport Minister Paul Lucas announced today.

Mr Lucas said 24.2 million passengers used TransLink during July and August, showing South East Queensland residents had
embraced integrated ticketing for bus, trains, Brisbane City Council ferries and City Cats.

"The first two months have surpassed all expectations. Patronage is up 10.7% and ticket sales revenue has increased by
11% on the same period last year," he said.

"More commuters are choosing public transport because TransLink has made it easier and cheaper for them to go from one
mode of transport to another.

"Reduced bus fares and integrated journeys were expected to mean reduced revenue. I am delighted to say this has been
offset by more passengers."

"Bus services outside Brisbane's inner city have reported the most impressive increases in patronage as more people take
advantage of the reduced fares and convenience," he said.

<center>TransLink Patronage July-August 2004:</center>
<table align=center border=1>
<tr><td><b>Area<td><b>% increase (compared with July-August 2003)
<td><b>Extra passengers (compared with July-August 2003)
<tr><td>Brisbane: (all modes and SEQ trains)<td>8.50%<td>1,554,270
<tr><td>Gold Coast buses:<td>21.83%<td>484,852
<tr><td>Sunshine Coast buses:<td>6.62%<td>45,735
<tr><td>Caboolture, Morayfield, Bribie Island buses:<td>64.22%<td>131,093
<tr><td>Ipswich buses:<td>52.83%<td>89,488
<tr><td>Redcliffe, Joyner buses:<td>11.19%<td>35,876
<tr><td><b>ALL SEQ (all modes):<td><b>10.70%<td><b>2,341,314
</table>

Mr Lucas said 60% of fares were cheaper under integrated ticketing, and the affordability and convenience was appealing
to pensioners and students.

"Bus operators report that increasing numbers of seniors are taking advantage of the reduced fares. Many are now
travelling in off-peak times to visit shopping centres, clubs and other facilities," he said.

Mr Lucas said Stage 2 of integrated ticketing would involve the even more convenient "tag on, tag off" Smart cards.

"The Smartcard will help us to pinpoint more accurately people's travel needs and to better tailor future services to
best meet those needs," he said.

"A pilot will be undertaken mid next year in the Redcliffe region and will involve between 1000 and 1500 commuters.

"More than 8000 smartcard readers will eventually be installed across a transport network comprising more than 1500
buses, 143 rail stations and 20 ferries."

Similar to a prepaid mobile, the Smartcard will allow passengers to use different modes of transport, deducting credit
each time the card is placed over a reader at the beginning and end of the journey.

Mr Lucas said SEQ residents would soon have their say on the next stages of TransLink.

"We will be asking people their views on integrated services and timetables and
other related issues," he said.

"Residents will be asked to comment on proposals for new bus services in areas such as North Lakes, Springfield,
Ipswich, Petrie, Kippa-ring, Redcliffe, Noosa, Caloundra, Coomera and Robina.

"I encourage everyone to provide feedback during the forthcoming consultation as this information will be basis of
future plans for public transport in SEQ for the next decade."

Mr Lucas said the 10-year draft TransLink Network Plan would be released for public comment once approved by Cabinet.

Media Contact: Sonya Gillece (07)3237-1947 / 0407-166-084