Survey on transport options Right path to stadium
PETER STOWER, 58, BRISBANE I have not been to a game in Townsville but the new stadium should offer more public transport options like Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Getting on public transport there is so much easier. It’s amazing how quickly ( the stadium) empties.” TERUKO NAKAMURA, 70, NORTH WARD I would like to see the times and drop off points for shuttle buses clearly outlined. Sometimes we can have many problems with many events. If you don’t have a enough parking you need a shuttle bus. JENNY MARSH, 65, TOWNSVILLE CITY The location of the new stadium in the city will allow better access for buses. At least the buses have more room to move around here. We just don’t have enough carparking. When I used to go to games I used to catch the bus. It saves all the hassle.
bettina. TRANSPORT and traffic management for the North Queensland Stadium is under the spotlight with a survey released yesterday to gauge how the community prefers to use transport to and from the venue during peak events.
A Department of Housing and Public Works spokesman said extensive traffic and transport management planning that considered not just the stadium precinct but also the CBD and surrounding areas was “well under way”.
“Access to the stadium has been a key consideration from the beginning of the project,” he said.
The spokesman said a range of transport options would be available including new pedestrian and cycle pathways; existing street parking within walking distance to the stadium; park and ride opportunities with shuttle bus services; scheduled Sun Bus services; coach parking and drop- off fa- NIGEL FORSTER, 57, TOWNSVILLE CITY I am relieved I live near the new stadium as parking will be an issue in the city. I haven’t thought about ( transport options) too much because I just live up the hill. I’ll just head down Stanley St ( by foot). I imagine everything out here will be parked out. cilities for taxis and ride- share.
“Planning involves a Transport and Traffic Committee comprising the departments of Housing and Public Works and Transport and Main Roads, as well as Townsville City Council and Stadiums Queensland,” he said.
“Traffic engineers have also been engaged to ensure the approach is tailored specifically for Townsville. Their initial report is expected in early 2019.”
The spokesman said the community was encouraged to have their say through a survey being conducted by James Cook University.
“This survey will ensure the community’s transport preferences are understood,” he said.
“Further details around the arrangements for transport and traffic will be released once the results of the survey have been collated and progressed, and recommendations from the report have been given to the committee.
Rose Powell, 77, said at the moment there were not enough buses or taxis to service the large crowds.
“We don’t have transport, we don’t have enough buses, we don’t have enough taxis,” she said. “So how are we getting there? Where’s our parking? How are we going to park and get into the games?
“My opinion is they should have thought of this before they started.”
JCU Work Integrated Learning Co- ordinator for Bachelor of Business Laurie Murphy said the survey results would provide a better understanding of the community’s preferences for transport to and from the new stadium, as well as what other activities the community might participate in while they are in and around the Townsville CBD for events at the stadium.
The survey responses will be used by the university for teaching and academic publication purposes.
“The data will be shared with the North Queensland Stadium project team within the Department of Housing and Public Works, and other North Queensland Stadium project partners,” he said. >> To take part in the sur
vey go to: jcubusiness. az1. qualtrics. com/ jfe/ form/
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