Queensland Rail have introduced some temporary changes from Monday 17 January to its regional services, due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This follows the transmission of COVID-19 throughout Queensland Rail’s employees, which has placed a greater strain on the regional rail service.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said to manage an increasing number of employees in isolation while minimising the impact to customers, some regional services will be temporarily reduced.
“Like the rest of Queensland, Queensland Rail is experiencing a rising number of employees who need to isolate for their health, and for the safety of others,” Bailey said.
“To manage this and ensure stability and clarity for customers, from Monday 17 January, Queensland Rail will temporarily suspend operation of the Inlander service between Townsville and Mount Isa, and the Westlander service between Brisbane and Charleville.”
From the week commencing 24 January, the Spirit of the Outback service between Brisbane and Longreach will also temporarily reduce to one service per week. Customers who were booked and are impacted will be contacted by Queensland Rail for refunds, rebooking’s or alternate arrangements.
Bailey confirmed there would be no impacts to the regional freight network and at this stage no changes on the Brisbane to Cairns corridor.
This also follows the adjustment of isolation rules for essential workers in Queensland, which includes transport staff, easing pressure on the rail workforce.
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