Transport services across Queensland could run at reduced capacity for weeks as virus spread impacts staff numbers

Buses, trains, and even CityCats could operate on weekend-like rosters in the coming weeks as the Omicron wave heavily reduces staff numbers.

Contingency plans are in place for reduced public transport services across the state if driver and operator shortages are exacerbated by the omicron variant.

Transport authorities have met this week to discuss whether timetables should be reduced to weekend-like rosters for trains, buses and other services such as CityCats to accommodate for low staff numbers and massive reductions in passengers.

No official date has been set, however, the Courier-Mail can reveal that Brisbane City Council and the Department of Main Roads have modelling that outlines when the omicron variant is expected to overwhelm typical services, and the circumstances which would trigger scaled-back timetables.

Bus services across Brisbane and the wider Queensland community could be impacted as more drivers contract the omicron variant. Picture: Richard Walker

Sources have told The Courier-Mail that TransLink modelling coincides with projections by the chief health officer, John Gerrard about when case numbers are expected to peak.

This modelling suggests that reduced service schedules for services such as Brisbane City Council buses and CityCats could be implemented within a fortnight.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey has confirmed that services in regional parts of the state have already been impacted as plans are also established for Queensland Rail services in the southeast.

“Queensland Rail and TransLink are commencing discussions with workers, contractors and other stakeholders about what staffing levels may trigger a requirement for reduced services,” Mr Bailey said.

“While Queensland Rail has been able to maintain services across SEQ, a small number of regional services have been cancelled due to staff being diagnosed with Covid or being close contacts,” he said.

Queensland Rail has been able to maintain its SEQ services so far, but regional services have already been impacted by reduced staff numbers. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Queensland Rail is forecasting greater staff shortages in the coming weeks across the network.

Mr Bailey said it would be better to guarantee services can be provided on a reduced timetable, rather than have mass cancellations seen in other cities such as Melbourne.

“We would rather plan ahead, and provide commuters with certainty than have a situation where services are being cancelled at the last minute,” he said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey pictured at Queensland parliament late last year. Picture: Josh Wonning

Brisbane City Council acting transport chair, Angela Owen says any state government announcement must consider the impact on vulnerable commuters.

“Any move by the State Government to reduce services would need to carefully consider the impact to commuters who rely on public transport,” Ms Owen said.

Empty CityCat and KittyCat ferries during three day COVID-19 lockdown of Brisbane, Sunday, January 10, 2021 – Picture: Richard Walker

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on public transport patronage everywhere and our services have not been immune,” she said.

While no decision has been finalised, an announcement could be made within the next week.

Originally published as Transport services across Queensland could run at reduced capacity for weeks as virus spread impacts staff numbers