It was a slow ride to work for commuters on the Caboolture line on Monday, with long delays thanks to scheduled track work. The pain will continue at least until Friday, as Queensland Rail connects the Redcliffe Peninsula line.

Jed Theed reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The buses were lined up, two hundred in all, to get commuters on the Caboolture and Sunshine Coast line to their destinations.

The track was closed between Caboolture and Zillmere so the new Moreton Bay Rail Link could be connected.

For some, it added 90 minutes to their already long commute.

Despite the delay, most were understanding.

Vox 1: “I think it’s something that has to be done. I mean, they’re getting a train line out to somewhere that needs it. It’s a bit of an inconvenience but I think it’s worth it.”

Vox 2: “They’ll only be a couple of days so it should be fine.”

Buses were running express to Boondall with additional routes added for stations in between.

The government says the delays were unavoidable and were scheduled for school holidays to cause as little impact as possible.

Mark Bailey, Queensland Energy Minister: “It is very much a case of some short term pain for long term gain. The Moreton Bay railink will be a massive addition to our public transport system. It will help not just just public transport users but also motorists too.”

Queensland Rail are on track to have completed work by Friday although the two lines were scheduled to be connected on Monday. The Redcliffe Peninsula line will be opened for commuters on the fourth of October.

Jed Theed, QUT News.