Media 05 October 2007

Springfield Rail Line – extra stations needed

CAST believe that people in Brisbane’s outer suburbs should have easy access to quality public transport.

Therefore CAST believe that as the State Government builds the heavy rail line from Darra to Springfield they must build the Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes Railway Stations.

“These stations need to be built as the line is constructed, so people can use the train from these stations at the outset,” said CAST spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“Installing the stations at Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes will put residents there in walking or cycling distance of a faster, safer and more convenient transport option than what is currently on offer,” said Mr Peach.

“Giving people in Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes access to rail will mean they might not have to buy that second car, and young people in the area can develop healthy and safe transport habits by walking or cycling to their local train station,” said Mr Peach.

“This will also take pressure off local road networks, as people who normally drive to Gailes or Wacol Station, or who drive all the way to the city, will have a better option,” said Mr Peach.

Queensland Transport have recently stated these stations would be developed later on because these areas have low population densities and there would not be sufficient demand.

But CAST believe Queensland Transport’s approach will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“If you don’t give people access to quality public transport then of course they’re not going to use it,” said Mr Peach.

“Having easy access to quality public transport infrastructure can change people’s travel patterns and we believe it is definitely a case of build it and they will come,” said Mr Peach.

“The Goodwill Pedestrian Bridge and the Southeast Busway are both great examples of demand exceeding expectations,” said Mr Peach.

“We would also like to know whether Queensland Transport’s projections have taken into account rising fuel prices, which will lead to higher demand for public transport,” said Mr Peach.

The stations would also allow Ellen Grove and Springfield Lakes residents to access Springfield Town Centre, and workers in the Carole Park industrial area to get to work via train.

Currently a bus ride from Ellen Grove to the city can take between 50-60 minutes, but if residents are able to jump on the train they could get to the city in 30 minutes.