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NQ’s bus service revamp

Bus service extensions will now cut through Townsville’s CBD under a QConnect service revamp

July 16, 2012

The Queensland Government’s regional QConnect bus services in Townsville have been revamped in response to the Redbus inner city loop service being withdrawn by its operator Transit Australia Group from July 29.

As part of the service revamp, Queensland Transport Scott Emerson says QConnect buses will now operate every 10 minutes on weekdays from July 30.

Emerson claims the QConnect service replacing Redbus will provide the region with a bus fleet that has increased passenger capacity, disability access and better air-conditioning, which will help deal with the tropical climate.

Emerson says from first service on Monday July 30, QConnect routes will be extended to the breakwater, previously covered by Redbus, and will include more frequent and direct services without needing to transfer.

“By extending the popular 200 and 201 routes that travel along the Ross River Road corridor, passengers will have more access to same-seat travel options,” he says.

Under the changes, the network’s high frequency spine will now extend through the CBD, rather than to the city’s edge as it currently does.

James Cook University students and workers will now have a centralised stop at the accessible Student Union, in a further improvement to the bus network, addressing concerns about damage being causing to the university ring road.

Changes will occur to timetables and some bus stops for routes 200, 201, 202, 208, 209 and 210, while the new route 233 will replace route 33.

Other changes to the network include:

•Route 200 and 201 – 10 minute services during weekdays to the Breakwater Ferry Terminal. 30 minute services on weeknights, weekends and public holidays.

•James Cook University bus routes will change to a single stop at the Student Union.

•Express route 210 between Willows and Townsville Hospital will be extended to JCU resulting in a fast link between the University and Thuringowa.

•First time services provided to the Australian Technical College – North Queensland (Tec-NQ) and Stockland North Shore development at Burdell.

•Service extensions through the Townsville CBD will provide tourists with greater access to Reef HQ, the Museum of Tropical Queensland as well as accommodation in the Flinders Street East entertainment precinct.

New timetables and the QConnect journey planner are available online at qconnect.qld.gov.au.

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