Friday 8 June 2012

TransLink's second busiest bus station is receiving a boost with the UQ Lakes station doubling in capacity.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the increase from three to six platforms would improve the reliability of buses at the busy station from Saturday 16 June.

"Each year, more than 1.5 million students rely on buses at UQ Lakes station so it is important that we have capacity to deliver reliable services for people at the university," Mr Emerson said.

"As part of the upgrade, an additional platform was added to the northern side of the station, which will allow buses to fully utilise the area and avoid delays.

"There has been a new central layover area built, which caters up to four buses, plus the existing stops on the southern side have been refurbished, allowing for buses to move through the area smoothly."

The new station has been designed to improve passenger comfort during peak times by providing larger waiting areas, additional shelter and improved lighting.

Mr Emerson said the upgrade would cater for additional passenger growth at UQ Lakes with new connecting services expected to boost patronage at the busy station.

"The station will cater for additional students travelling to UQ from the northern suburbs who will have a 'turn up and go ride'," Mr Emerson said.

"Route 340 buses from Carseldine, Aspley and Chermside will run express through the city and on to Woolloongabba busway station, where students will be able to connect with a route 29 bus to UQ.

"Since it was turned into a five-minute peak high frequency service in February, patronage on route 29 has increased by more than 1400 extra passengers per day or around 400 per cent."

"UQ Lakes bus station is covered by 24 hour video surveillance, which is monitored by both university security and TransLink's busway staff.

For more information on public transport, visit translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30, anytime.