Tennis fans will travel free to the Brisbane International in 2010.
Confirmed today, Brisbane International ticket holders can travel for free with TransLink on QR trains and Brisbane Transport services.
Regular scheduled services will run on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines stopping at Yeerongpilly train station for the duration of the event with maxi taxi shuttles available for people with special needs.
A shuttle bus will also be available to transfer Ipswich line passengers between Corinda station and the tournament.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said the inclusion of free public transport within the tournament tickets means the event is accessible to all tennis fans.
“We are excited to be working with TransLink again to provide the best possible access to the Brisbane International,” Ayles said.
“All Queensland tennis fans have the opportunity to see a star-studded line-up in 2010 including Andy Roddick, Gael Monfils, James Blake, Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin and Ana Ivanovic and without the extra cost of transport.
“2010 is shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year and with transport included in the ticket price it is the best value ticket in town.”
TransLink CEO Peter Strachan said 80 per cent of tennis fans enjoyed the public transport atmosphere to and from the inaugural Brisbane International in January this year.
“We’re proud to again be involved with this magnificent tournament,” Mr Strachan said.
“We reviewed our public transport arrangements with Tennis Australia after the last event and listened to our customers and I believe that percentage of tennis fans will be even higher for the 2010 event.
“Of all the options we explored, a 15–20 minute train journey from the city to Yeerongpilly station was considered ideal.
“Access between the station and the Queensland Tennis Centre will continue to be enhanced with a pedestrian bridge over Fairfield Road being constructed before the 2011 event.”
Pre-purchased Brisbane International event tickets can be used for travel on QR trains and Brisbane Transport services on the day of the ticketed event.
Event tickets purchased at the Queensland Tennis Centre venue, on the day of the event, are only valid for free post-event travel.
The Queensland Tennis Centre is a 10–15 minute walk from Yeerongpilly train station, about the same distance from Milton train station to Suncorp Stadium.
There will be additional standby trains travelling to the city on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights of the event, to service passengers should the night match finish late.
Thirty-five train services on the Beenleigh line will increase from three car carriages to six cars over the eight days of the tournament and customer service staff will be on hand at Yeerongpilly train station to help people with their transport options.
Maxi taxi shuttles will operate every day of the tournament between Yeerongpilly train station and the Queensland Tennis Centre and regular timetabled bus services on routes 104 and 105 buses will also be available which stop next to the Queensland Tennis Centre.
A shuttle service will also be available for Ipswich line customers from Corinda station, starting at 9:00 am between January 3 and 9 and at 11:30 am on 10 January. Services will continue until one hour after the final match of the day.
Brisbane International 2010 series packages and single sessions are on sale now. Ground passes remain $9.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 1–2 January 2010 remaining free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.
For further details on transport, visit the TransLink website www.translink.com.au or phone the call centre on 13 12 30 24 hours a day, seven days a week.