Debate rages over new timetable after tilt train services cut

A 14-month maintenance period will cut train services in the Bundaberg region, sparking debates between local and state members.

Regular train users with Member for Burnett Stephen Burnett, Geraldine Castleton, Cecily Fay and Elaine Kerr. Behind: Peter Castleton.

A recent decision to cut tilt train services due to ongoing maintenance has sparked debate between local and state members.

The decision to cut north and southbound services from Bundaberg from 32 to 19 was revealed on the Queensland Rail Travel website.

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At a press conference on Thursday, LNP Burnett MP Stephen Bennett questioned how the maintenance delay came to be.

“This should be a rolling program. Were people on unsafe trains for all these years?” he said.

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The cut, triggered by maintenance, is expected to continue for 14 months.

Mr Bennett also expressed frustrations at the new schedule, and initially claimed same day services would not be available to Bundaberg locals.

“This (schedule) will change from a seven-day service to a five-day service come July 17,” he said in a statement.

“This means that if you have early appointments on a Monday or a Thursday, residents will have to travel to Brisbane two days in advance or catch a plane.”

The Tilt Train has long been a popular alternative for locals who are unable to drive long distances or require medical treatment. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

However, Transport Minister Mark Ryan’s office said on Thursday, Bundaberg travellers concerned over their ability to get to Brisbane and back in one day can rest easy, with same day services still available across the Spirit of Queensland and north bound tilt trains.

“There’s five same day rail services still available for people from Bundaberg to Brisbane,” Mark Bailey said.

“Stephen Bennett would be aware of that if he only turned up for the briefing he was offered.

“This is just fear mongering from an experienced veteran MP who should know better.”

Mr Bennett said while daily trips were still available under the new schedule, those who relied on the bus service to get to and from the train station would be put at a disadvantage.

In a statement issued by Queensland Rail, they confirmed the maintenance and the reasons behind it.

“The Electric Tilt Trains entered service in 1998, underwent a midlife overhaul in 2015 and are now due for regulated maintenance works to ensure their ongoing safety and reliability,” the statement said.

“Critical components of the trains have become obsolete and reached end-of-life requiring major replacement.”