LNP’s major Cross River Rail name change slammed as ‘confusing’

The LNP has pledged to rename Cross River Rail in a “fitting tribute” to the late Queen Elizabeth II if it wins government, but critics have slammed it as “nonsensical and confusing”.

The LNP will rename Cross River Rail in honour of Queen Elizabeth II if it wins government in October, a move critics argue will be “confusing” to commuters.

Detail of the party’s decision to dub Cross River Rail the ‘Elizabeth Line’ is scarce, but the LNP says it is in response to a petition signed by more than 5000 people.

Deputy Opposition Leader and monarchist Jarrod Bleijie described the renaming as a “fitting tribute” to the late Queen.

It mirrors London’s decision to name its newest $36.1bn, 118km rail line, linking the east and west of the city, the Elizabeth Line.

Robert Dow of advocacy group Rail Back said, unlike in London, the name change “makes no sense”.

The late Queen Elizabeth II.

He noted all of southeast Queensland’s train lines were named after the places they go.

“It’s easy to understand and friendly to passengers,” Mr Dow said.

“There’s just no detail on the policy, but from our perspective, it already sounds too confusing to be worth it.

“The Elizabeth Line name perhaps makes sense in London when it was done in 2016 and applied to the entire east west route across the city, but it makes no sense for the unique situation of the SEQ Citytrain rail network.

“It would be a right royal stuff up for Queensland.”

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick alson took aim at the LNP’s move.

“Even though the policy is the wrong priority and out of touch I will give David Crisafulli credit for finally taking a stance on something,” Mr Dick said.

Brisbane’s $6.2bn, 10.2km Cross River Rail project features four new underground stations and an upgraded Exhibition station.

It is due to open in 2026.

The LNP has been contacted for comment.