Premier Steven Miles calls for the NRL to consider its fixturing after commuter chaos

Southeast Queensland trains were swamped by passengers Saturday night, causing delays across the network and the Premier has responded.

All Southeast Queensland trains experienced delays of up to 30 minutes. Picture: Supplied

The NRL should avoid scheduling blockbuster games on the same night as Riverfire - one of Brisbane’s largest events - Premier Steven Miles said.

The Premier’s comments came after Brisbane and Southeast Queensland train stations were pure chaos on Saturday night, with delays across the network.

“It isn’t ideal for the NRL to have big, blockbuster games on the same night as one of our biggest nights in the city and I’d certainly urge them (the NRL) in future years to look at their programming,” he said.

“I know that both the Broncos and the Dolphins have conveyed that to them previously.

“The strain that puts in forcing people to choose between two great events.”

Riverfire and the Broncos and Dolphins clash saw hundreds of thousands of Queenslanders flock to the Brisbane CBD.

Following both major events, Southeast Queensland trains were swamped by passengers trying to head home, with Queensland Rail confirming delays were caused across all southeast train lines.

Mr Miles said public transport responded “really well and really strongly” to the huge crowds.

“It’s fantastic to see Brisbane folk using public transport to get around and that’s something I’m particularly passionate and excited about,” he said.

However, TransLink confirmed some services were hit with more than 30-minute delays.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman later said despite the high patronage that was expected, crews worked hard to ensure as many customers as possible were able to safely board to and from last nights major events.

Colour and atmosphere at Riverfire on Saturday night, as the city is dazzled by fireworks and an aerobatic demonstration by the ADF. Picture: NewsWire/ Richard Gosling

Brisbane Broncos and the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, on August 31, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Mackenzie Sweetnam/Getty Images)

“To ensure trains were operating as safely and efficiently as possible, they were required to wait at platforms for longer than usual to allow the maximum number of customers to board,” the spokeswoman said.

“This meant there were network delays of up to 15 minutes on most lines and up to 30 minutes on the Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Cleveland lines.

“However, to help keep customers moving, Queensland Rail also put on additional train services across the network to assist with the high increase in patronage.

“We were proud to be able to transport so many customers across the South East Queensland network on one of public transports biggest nights of the year.”

On Saturday night, TransLink confirmed a 9:04pm Central to Beenleigh train was delayed 22 minutes due to boarding delays, service will now arrive at Beenleigh station at 10:39pm.

The 9:04pm South Brisbane to Beenleigh train was delayed 39 minutes due to boarding delays.

An 8:51pm South Brisbane to Helensvale train was delayed 21 minutes due to boarding delays.

Photos: Brisbane Riverfire 2024

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The Cleveland line saw delays of up to 30 minutes, with the 8:48pm Central to Cleveland train delayed 25 minutes due to boarding delays.

Two Varsity Lakes to Helensvale trains on the Gold Coast line were cancelled as a result of the boarding delays at Central Station – they became too delayed to operate on time.

A Queensland Rail spokeswoman confirmed a shuttle train was continuing to operate between those Varsity Lakes and Helensvale.

One traveller, who wished not to be named said it was total chaos across South East Queensland.

“It’s clear the network wasn’t prepared for hundreds of thousands of people attending Riverfire in the city and the Dolphins-Broncos game at Suncorp Stadium,” the person said.

“The trains are running so late that passengers are cheering their arrival when they finally turn up at stations.

“People are being left at stations because the trains are too full to take on any more passengers.”

A TransLink spokesman confirmed the delays all trains across southeast Queensland were due to “boarding delays”.

TransLink confirmed additional train, bus and ferry services were implemented in preparation for the expected high patronage on public transport.