Outback trains and buses suspended in coronavirus response

No one will be coming in or out of the southwest unless absolutely necessary, following a state government suspension of long haul travel.

All Westlander and connecting railbus services have been suspended as part of Queensland’s coronavirus response.

NO WESTLANDER service will arrive in Charleville for the foreseeable future, following a state government move to suspend almost all long-haul travel in Queensland.

The Queensland Government today suspended the southwest’s only rail service and railbus connections, and also reduced coach services, to stop the spread of coronavirus to rural communities.

It comes days after rural communities urged tourists to stay away, because the region’s hospitals won’t cope with extra strain in the outbreak.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey did confirm, that some transport will remain available for essential travel only, so locals can get to medical appointments.

“Right now, people should not be travelling on coaches or trains across Queensland unless they have an essential reason to,” he said.

“Essential reasons are things like getting to work or to a medical appointment.

“The Queensland border is now closed and we’re already seeing drops in patronage of up to 60 per cent on buses and trains as people stay home.

“People will still have access to long distance passenger services for essential reasons on all key corridors, but the frequency of those services will be reduced, and we’ll manage passenger numbers on board to separate passengers from each other.”

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Bus Queensland services are being reduced dramatically as part of the coronavirus response.

The Brisbane-Charleville service will only run twice per week (down from the usual seven), but the Brisbane-Mt Isa service which stops in the region will remain on its usual daily frequency.

Buses to Cunnamulla and St George are also being reduced to one per week.

The full breakdown of services is below:

• Westlander train (Brisbane-Charleville) – Suspended.

• Quilpie railbus – Suspended.

• Cunnamulla railbus – Suspended.

• Brisbane-Mt Isa coach – 7 return trips per week, no change.

• Brisbane-Charleville coach – 2 return trips per week.

• Toowoomba-St George coach (via Moonie Hwy) – 1 return trip per week.

• Toowoomba-St George coach (via Gore Hwy) – 1 return trip per week.

• St George-Cunnamulla coach – 1 return trip per week.

• St George-Lightning Ridge – 1 return trip per week.

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