Finishing touches being put on CBD Bus Hub

Workers are putting the finishing touches on the new CBD Bus Hub.

Commuters will use the new Bus Hub for the first time on Monday, when the facilities are open to traffic.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she was proud to be part of a Council that had delivered the CBD Bus Hub.

“This is an important piece of public transport infrastructure for our city,” Cr Hill said.

“Importantly, the CBD Bus Hub will work with the new North Queensland Stadium and Council-led projects such as Flinders Lane to encourage more people into the CBD through better public transport services and facilities.

“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for their recent changes to the Townsville bus timetable and making it easier to access information about journey planning online.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Palaszczuk Government is proud to have committed $4 million towards the project to boost public transport in the city.

“This is a great result for our city that adds to $840 million we’ve committed in 2018/19 for Townsville infrastructure, including our new North Queensland Stadium,” Mr Stewart said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Monday would also see the introduction of TransLink in the region, providing customers with access to TransLink’s Journey Planner, 24/7 contact centre and the MyTransLink app.

“For the first time ever, Townsville locals and visitors will be able to hop online or on the MyTransLink app to find the most convenient way to get from A to B,” Mr Harper said.

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said a new-and-improved bus timetable will also be introduced from May 13 that will better connect with the Bus Hub and CBD.

“These upgrades are a huge win for our local economy, driving jobs during the construction period, and now providing a better connection for our community with businesses in the CBD,” Ms O’Rourke said.

Deputy Mayor Les Walker said the CBD Bus Hub will play a role in revitalising the city centre.

“It’s been many years since there was a central hub for all public transport users and the new CBD Bus Hub will be welcomed by regular public transport users and city traders,” Cr Walker said.

“I’d like to thank the Queensland Government for their contribution to this project.”

Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said the CBD Bus Hub had been an important job-creating project.

“There have been 255 workers inducted on this site during the project, which has given a boost to the local economy,” Cr Molachino said.

“Workers will still be on site over the weekend putting the finishing touches to the CBD Bus Hub before the first buses roll in on Monday.”

Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said locals, city traders and public transport users only have to wait a couple more days until the CBD Bus Hub is complete.

“The new CBD Bus Hub will be so much more convenient for public transport users to come into the city or head home after spending some time in town,” Cr Greaney said.

“I’d like to thank the city traders and local residents for their patience during this project, which did get delayed by the unprecedented monsoon.”