Queensland has been promised a new Independent Transport Authority as the government seeks to establish a more integrated transport network in the state.

In his State of the State address last week, Premier Steven Miles said if re-elected in the state election in October, the government will create a transport authority for the South East, which will see the public transit agency Translink moved out of the Department of Transport and Main Roads and set up as an entity with its own board and CEO.

The new authority will be empowered to synchronise scheduling, services and planning across the transport system, Mr Miles said.

The Premier said the state’s public transport system is disjointed and not what it should be, with different levels of government controlling different parts of the network and different modes of transport.

“The new Transport Authority will work in conjunction with our local government partners and Queensland Rail to outline a longer term … vision for the growth and evolution of our transport network and to set out the future of public transport planning and investment,” he said.

New management centre to co-locate state, council staff

Mr Miles said a re-elected Labor government will also set up a new multi-modal traffic management centre in Brisbane to oversee road, rail, bus, light rail and ferry operations.

It will complement existing traffic management centres, with State and local government staff working together.

“Sitting side-by-side at the new Kedron centre, state and local government staff will be able to work together to create a safer, more efficient, more effective and accessible network,” Mr Miles said.

“Together these measures will create the integration that has been lacking from our public transport system in the South East.”

Population growth driving change

Mr Miles said unprecedented population growth in Queensland means there are more cars on the roads than ever before, while public transport has become expensive and inconvenient.

“That’s why we have a long term plan to make every trip easier, faster and cheaper – whether you’re travelling by car or public transport.

“Establishing an Independent Transport Authority will empower TransLink to better intergrate our transport system,” he said.

“Passengers will no longer have the state and council running duplicate services or services that don’t link up. Instead, we will see a more integrated transport system that works together. 

“Passengers will be able to get off the bus and jump on a train that takes them to their next destination, in a seamless system.”  

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