Mark Bailey (inset) says the government is in talks about the future of the Airtrain.Credit:Dan Peled (Bailey image);Supplied (Airtrain)
Airtrain has a monopoly on public transport services to the airport as a condition of a public-private partnership with the state government to deliver the elevated train line to the domestic and international terminals.
ButBrisbane Times can reveal that,despitedepartmental advice to the contrary last week,high-level talks are underway to absorb the airport line into the Citytrain network.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey confirmed discussions “about the future of the service,and its integration with a modern rail network” had begun with Airtrain.
“A lot has changed since the Airtrain was first established in 2001,including substantial population growth,the commissioning of the Airport Link[tunnel],expansion of parking options at Brisbane Airport terminals,rapid adoption of ride-share services and substantial investments by the Palaszczuk government in the SEQ passenger rail network,” he said.
Bailey said his department would “manage” its obligations under the deed of operation,which was due to expire in 2036.
Comment has been sought from Airtrain.
Just last month,Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and West Australian Premier Mark McGowanopened Perth’s $1.86 billion Metronet Airport Line.