Queensland Rail will suspend the Mount Isa to Townsville passenger rail service from Monday due to the impacts of COVID.
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An increasing number of employees in isolation has meant some regional services will be temporarily reduced, authorities explained, while the Mount Isa line would be suspended.
"Queensland Rail is experiencing a rising number of employees who need to isolate for their health, and for the safety of others," Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
"To manage this and ensure stability and clarity for customers, from Monday 17 January, Queensland Rail will temporarily suspend operation of the Inlander service between Townsville and Mount Isa, and the Westlander service between Brisbane and Charleville.
"From the week commencing 24 January, the Spirit of the Outback service between Brisbane and Longreach will also temporarily reduce to one service per week."
There is no date yet as to when the services will be restored.
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Mr Bailey said Queensland Rail was contacting customers booked on the impacted services to offer a refund, rebooking or alternate transport arrangements.
"Queensland Rail appreciates customers' understanding during the temporary change, which aims to give service stability during a rapidly changing situation, providing customers the information they need to plan their travel."
Mr Bailey confirmed there would be no impacts to the regional freight network and at this stage no changes on the Brisbane to Cairns corridor.
"Queensland has also adjusted isolation rules for essential workers which includes transport staff, easing pressure on the Queensland Rail workforce," he said.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
