Thursday 28 June 2012

Ipswich public transport passengers will notice improvements to local bus services with a number of minor timetable changes from next month.

Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said from 16 July the timetables on 17 of Westside's 19 local bus routes would have minor changes to improve connections between bus and train services.

"The new timetables will mean the majority of routes will only change by a couple of minutes at most," Mr Minnikin said.

"While only small, the changes will give Ipswich commuters more reliable local services."

Member for Ipswich Ian Berry said the new timetables would deliver better connections between buses and trains, particularly at the busy Ipswich and Goodna train stations which together handle about 2,800 peak commuters each day.

"Timetables have been slightly amended so that they are better designed around train arrival and departure times, and will be more reliable when it comes to connecting with bus services," Mr Berry said.

"Commuters already have plenty of choices, with services on most routes operating more frequently during the morning and afternoon peak periods."

Ipswich commuters already have access to more than 4,000 bus services a week that connect to local train stations.

Member for Ipswich West Sean Choat said buses were an effective way of reducing traffic congestion around major train stations and community hubs.

"Buses are a great way of cutting congestion on our local streets, as every full bus takes around 40 cars off the road," he said.

"Many people rely on public transport in Ipswich and the LNP is getting on with the job of completing work on new bus stops and driver facilities at Riverlink Shopping Centre in North Ipswich."

More information and copies of the new timetables are available by visiting the TransLink website translink.com.au or phoning 13 12 30, anytime.