QUEENSLAND: There is good news on the travel horizon for regional Queenslanders, as QR announces business will return to normal on its long-distance Traveltrain network.

From Friday, June 15 2007, the fourth anniversary of the first-ever Tilt Train passenger service, regional Queenslanders will be able to take advantage of additional Tilt Train services, better connections between services and improved on time running performance for QR�s long distance trains.

This follows the announcement today of the return of the City of Townsville consist and subsequent return to speeds of up to 160km/h by QR�s modern Tilt Train fleet.

Traveltrain Holidays� General Manager Wayne Carlson said the anniversary of the first passenger service of the Tilt Train between Cairns and Brisbane seemed a fitting time to return Tilt services to speed and to reintroduce the City of Townsville.

�QR has undertaken a robust and extensive process to reintroduce our Tilt Train fleet to normal speed operations,� he said. �We have also been committed to focusing on the recovery of Tilt Train services to their pre-2004 levels and to delivering attractive holiday options and a world-class travel experience.�

�The Tilt Trains are an integral part of our Queensland coastal communities � delivering economic dollars to the region and providing safe and affordable transport.

�From the middle of June our customers can expect to see an additional Tilt Train service between Brisbane and Cairns, improved on-time running performance and improved connectivity with our Traveltrain network,� he said.

To ensure a smooth transition period, QR�s Traveltrain Holidays has kept the Cairns Tilt Train arrival and departures the same as the 2005/2006 timetable, despite the return to higher speeds.

Mr Carlson said this conservative timetabling approach was an extra safety precaution to ensure the smooth transition of the City of Townsville�s return to service and the Tilt fleets return to higher speed operations, and would also allow for the smooth integration of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.

�Passengers and commuters need to note that there will be minor changes to the arrival and departure times on the rest of the Traveltrain network and that some departures from regional stations, enroute from Brisbane to Cairns, would differ from June 15.�

Both the Rockhampton and Bundaberg Tilt Train services will show some time savings for passengers with the return to higher speed operations over shorter distances. Passengers on the southbound Tilt train, for example, will save 25 minutes journey time between Brisbane to Bundaberg.

�We�ve also taken the opportunity to improve connections between long distances services � particularly with The Sunlander and The Inlander Traveltrains.�

From Saturday, June 16 The Inlander train, traveling from Townsville to Mt Isa and return, will leave 1 hour and 30 minutes later than previously scheduled to improve connections.

�We urge Queenslanders to download the new timetable at www.traveltrain.com.au, ring our Customer Contact Centre on 1800 872 467 or visit QR�s regional Travel Centres or Railway Stations to pick up a copy,� he said.

The Travel Industry has supported the return of the Tilt Train Services, with many wholesalers already pre-booking tour groups on the extra services.

Club Crocodile Group Sales Manager Ian Baillie said he was delighted the Tilt Train services were back to normal and looked forward to bringing more Club Crocodile tour groups into the tropics by train.

�Club Crocodile is predominantly a group wholesaler for the 50+ market and the Tilt Train is an ideal way for our groups to travel in comfort to our resort properties in the Whitsundays and Cairns.�

�We�re also excited about the announcement of an additional Tilt Train service between Brisbane and Cairns because ultimately it means we can increase the number of passengers we have travelling in Queensland.�

With the return to higher speed operations and new Traveltrain timetabling, Mr Carlson has issued a timely reminder to be vigilant around railway tracks and at level crossings.

�QR is working together with the community, including local schools and universities and level crossing owners to ensure a smooth transition period, but we urge all Queenslanders to play it rail safe around railway lines,� said Mr Carlson.

Ends.

Media Contact: Jodi Clark, Publicist, QR Passenger Services phone 07 3235 3862 or 0405 621 812 email Jodi.Clark@qr.com.au