Clarence Valley commuters who rely on the XPT to get to Brisbane are being let down by a timetable that dumps passengers in the city before dawn, and their local MP is demanding the state government fix it.
Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson has taken the fight to the floor of NSW Parliament, moving a motion calling on the Minns Labor Government to overhaul XPT timetables and invest in additional sleeper cars for long-distance travellers.
At the heart of the push is a simple but glaring problem. The Sydney to Brisbane XPT currently pulls into Brisbane at 4.52am — an hour when most of the city is still asleep.
“The current arrival time of 4.52am in Brisbane is not the most convenient for passengers, and now is the perfect opportunity for the NSW Government to review the timetable in line with feedback received through the Regional Integrated Transport Plan,” said Mr Williamson.
“A better arrival and departure time for services between Sydney and Brisbane is achievable and would greatly benefit both passengers and XPT staff.”
Mr Williamson said the XPT is a lifeline for Richmond and Clarence Valley residents trying to reach Brisbane for medical appointments, business and onward travel, and that a better timetable could get more people out of their cars.
“Many residents rely on the XPT as an affordable and reliable transport option. Improving the timetable would undoubtedly boost passenger numbers, particularly at a time when fuel prices remain high,” he said.
Mr Williamson is pushing for the motion to be debated in parliament as soon as possible.
“Better regional rail services mean better outcomes for regional communities,” he said.
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