COMMUTERS face longer and more crowded train journeys after changes to the Cleveland Line timetable came into effect – a move former Capalaba MP Don Brown has slammed as a “slap in the face” for residents.
Under the revised timetable, the new 6.06am service from Cleveland to Bowen Hills arrives at the same time – 7.11am – but now includes two additional stops, increasing total stops to 20 between the two stations.
By contrast, the previous 6.08am service made only 18 stops.
This means passengers will endure longer commutes, with no additional services introduced to relieve peak-hour congestion.
He said it affected all express services in the morning and afternoon.
Mr Brown criticised the changes as “going backwards” for commuters.
“Our public transport services should be improving, not going backwards,” he said.
“These changes will lead to longer and busier commutes for locals, and there’s nothing in this new timetable that benefits Redlanders.”
He also took aim at LNP MPs Amanda Stoker and Russell Field, accusing them of failing to stand up for their constituents.
“It’s insulting to see Amanda Stoker try to spin this on social media as a win for Redlanders, when it clearly isn’t,” he said.
“The only people benefitting are commuters from Murarrie and Cannon Hill, who now receive additional peak-hour services.
“Redlanders deserve honest answers. Why are our services being cut while others see improvements?
“Amanda Stoker and Russell Field need to come clean with the community.”
On social media, the backlash was swift, with locals echoing Mr Brown’s frustration after Ms Stoker posted:
“Reminder: 45 additional weekly services on the Cleveland line starts tomorrow.”
“Technically correct but only from Manly to City and vice versa. Do these extra services help Redlands travellers?” wrote Selena Huf.
Rebecca Hogben added: “It’s a shame that the addition of these new services inconveniences anyone travelling in the morning from Cleveland station, as we will now have to leave earlier to make the train and stay on the train longer whilst it makes additional stops on the ‘express’ service.”
Mr Brown is calling on the State Government to urgently review the new timetable and reinstate express services for Redland commuters.
Ms Stoker said the 45 additional weekly train services would benefit commuters on the Cleveland line by providing greater reliability and accessibility.
“There are several morning peak and afternoon peak express train services for Cleveland commuters,” she said.
“Two new stops on these express services add no more than two minutes’ journey time.
“Labor failed to deliver any new train services since 2020.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of undoing Labor’s rail mismanagement and delivering a rail network that Queenslanders can rely on.”
