THE next step in the $550m Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication project has been completed with the opening of the Landsborough Park ‘n’ Ride.
The 300-park facility opened last week with expectations it will make public transport easier for rail commuters by being based on the coast-side of the tracks.
The facility is part of stage one of the Queensland and federal governments’ dual-funded Beerburrum to Nambour project.
As well as the 300 new parks, which will include accessible parking spaces, bicycle and motorbike parking, there will also be a kiss ‘n’ ride drop-off zone.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said both the park ‘n’ ride and bus interchange are on the eastern side of the station, making train and bus use easier for coast-based commuters.
“Bus passengers on the 605 and 615 routes are also benefitting from the same arrangements – improving the reliability of those services,” the spokesperson said.
“There have also been minor route and timetable changes to routes 891 and 890 (Nambour to Maleny) that will improve service coverage and provide better connections to trains.” Glasshouse MP Andrew Powell said he believed the facility would benefit the Blackall Range community. “The new park ‘n’ ride facility is just one step towards the Beerburrum – Nambour rail duplication, but it’s an important one,” he said.
“A new bus interchange has been constructed to meet the anticipated increased community demand that will come once the rail line is duplicated.”
Mr Powell said he expected the facility to grow in popularity.
“Only time will tell, but just quietly I have high hopes that it will be very popular,” he said.
“Public transport in Queensland still has a long way to go, but this is a step in the right direction.”
