This was published 7 years ago
Brisbane trains: number of train cancellations revised to 235 across Sunday
By Amy Mitchell-Whittington
The number of trains cancelled across the south-east Queensland network on Christmas Day has been revised to 235.
However a Queensland Rail spokesman said trains on Monday were "absolutely fine, not expecting any cancellations today".
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union was allowed to run riot in QR, writes Bill O'CheeCredit: Glenn Hunt
The only service still affected is the Sunshine Coast/Caboolture line due to scheduled track works, which began on December 24.
The revised number of Christmas Day cancellations was released just before midday Sunday, after 150 last-minute cancellations were announced by QR about 6pm on Saturday, just 12 hours before the first train cancellation on Christmas Day.
A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said the service cancellations were due to "resourcing issues that Queensland Rail have been experiencing over the last couple of months".
On Sunday morning, a spokesman for Transport Minister Sterling Hinchliffe said that number had since been revised to 235.
Every train line has been affected as a result of the cancellations.
Mr Hinchcliffe said he was notified on Saturday afternoon of Queensland Rail's decision.
"I am disappointed by Queensland Rail's decision and the inconvenience it will cause for rail passengers on Christmas Day," he said.
"That's why I have directed Queensland Rail to provide free Christmas Day travel for all passengers on all CityRail services."
According to Translink, due to the "late receipt of advice from Queensland Rail", the changes have not been updated in journey planner, with commuters asked to call Translink Contact Centre on 13 12 20 or check the TransLink website for more information.
Queensland Rail acting chief executive officer Jim Benstead apologised for the inconvenience.
"Given the train cancellations [on Sunday] of all days, it is only right that all train customers travel free and those who pay will be refunded," Mr Benstead said on Christmas Eve.
"Extra station staff will be available to offer customer support and passenger information displays (PIDs) at train stations will be updated to reflect the changes."
Mr Benstead said the company "accepts full responsibility" for the service cancellations.
"On Christmas Day, patronage is about 60 per cent less than an average Sunday, but of course many people will be relying on the train to get to festive celebrations which they won't want to miss," he said.
Queensland Rail will offer taxis at stations for customers facing "unacceptable" wait times, according to a media statement from the organisation.
Opposition transport spokesman Andrew Powell said the cancellations will cause a "nightmare" for commuters.
"Because this is such a shemozzle, the changes can't even be updated on the Queensland Rail journey planner, meaning many commuters will only find out when they're on the platform on their way to Christmas lunch," he said.
A statement released by commuter advocate group Rail Back on Track cautioned rail passengers on the Airport Line could face train delays of up to 90 minutes.
"Most potential passengers will be completely unaware of the changes until they turn up for a non-existent train service," the statement read.
"Whilst few people use public transport on Christmas Day, those who do rely on it to get to work or family gatherings, tend to have no other transport option."
From December 28, a summer school holiday timetable will be introduced and will feature a reduction in services of 11 per cent at a time when patronage is expected to drop by more than 25 per cent.
Mr Hinchcliffe told Fairfax Media on Friday the reduced summer timetable would allow more driver training to occur.
The timetable will run until 22 January.