FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR QLD’S PREMIER MOTOR RACING EVENT
13/4/2005 22:12 (Press Release) -
Queensland Transport Minister Paul Lucas today announced that, for the first time, all Lexmark Indy 300 pre-purchased ticket holders will be able to travel free to and from the event on the QR Citytrain network and Surfside Buslines.
Mr Lucas today announced the new “Ride Free to the Lexmark Indy 300” plan at the Ticket Launch for this year’s Lexmark Indy 300, to be held on the Gold Coast from October 20 to 23.
To cope with the influx of race fans, there will be two additional train services a day between Bowen Hills and Robina.
Also, 58 train services between Bowen Hills and Robina will be upgraded from three to six carriages over the four day period.
“Ride Free To Lexmark Indy 300 will be an exciting innovation for the Lexmark Indy 300 in 2005,” Mr Lucas said.
“The only cars Lexmark Indy 300 patrons will need to worry about will be on the racetrack as they take a free train and bus straight to the event’s Main Gates,” he said.
“Gold Coast locals also will benefit from reduced local congestion because more race fans hopefully will travel free on public transport instead.”
Mr Lucas said there would be more shuttle bus services from Parklands and Helensvale than last year, and extra highway services, with up to 50% more buses rostered for race patrons in 2004, and about 30% more bus hours anticipated overall.
Bus patronage on highway services for the Lexmark Indy 300 last year increased 20.8% on the previous year and 12.1% on the shuttle runs. In the 14 years of the event, attendance has more than doubled from 150,000 in 1991 to 309,583 last year, with steady increases each year on each of the four days of Indy.
The cost of a return ticket from Brisbane to the Lexmark Indy 300 normally is $23.20.
“In return, the Lexmark Indy 300 is estimated to generate more than $50 million for Queensland, making our investment in free transport well worth the effort,” Mr Lucas said.
Last year 309,000 people attended the Lexmark Indy 300 with approximately 49,000 travelling to the event by public transport.
A similar number of patrons are expected at the Lexmark Indy 300 this year, however, it is too early to predict how many will travel by public transport.
Mr Lucas said Helensvale Station would be “Indy Central” this year with the increased commuter load during the Lexmark Indy 300.
“Lexmark Indy 300 patrons will be able to catch a train to Helensvale Station and then a Surfside bus direct to the Main Gate at the Lexmark Indy 300, and then depart via the same system,” Mr Lucas said.
“Planning the trip will also be made easy with timetable information for both trains and buses available by contacting TransInfo on 13 12 30 or at www.translink.com.au”
Joining Mr Lucas at the launch, the Acting Premier and Minister for Sport, Mr Terry Mackenroth said organisers planned to continue the initiative for future Lexmark Indy 300 carnivals.
He said today’s launch followed last week’s announcement that Gold Coast boy Marcus Marshall would this year be the first Australian driver to compete in the entire champ car series, including the Lexmark Indy 300.
“Both announcements bode extremely well for this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 which already has the makings to break records and further enhance Queensland’s reputation as the events capital of Australia,” Mr Mackenroth said.
Lexmark Indy 300 General Manager James O’Brien said it was important for the future growth of the event to streamline the transportation system.
“We are aiming to attract more than 300,000 people to come through the gates over the four days,” said Mr O’Brien.
“Moving that many people to and from the circuit is a massive project requiring support from State Government, local government, local authorities, local business, residents and patrons.
“If more and more patrons use Ride Free To Lexmark Indy 300, this will streamline the transportation to and from the circuit and reduce traffic congestion in the local area.
“We are pleased to work with TransLink in what is one of the biggest initiatives for the Lexmark Indy 300 in recent times.”
The Lexmark Indy 300 will be held on the Gold Coast from October 20 to 23. The Lexmark Indy 300 will be round 13 of the Champ Car World Series, while the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge held at the Lexmark Indy 300 will be round 11 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
Tickets for the Lexmark Indy 300 are now on sale through Ticketek on 1300 303 103 or at www.indy.com.au.
Release Date: 06/04/2005
Lexmark Indy 300
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