Plans to expand the parking options at the Nundah Rail Station will undergo a careful study with the Shadow Infrastructure and Transport.
Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Federal Labor has set aside $200,000 for this study, which will be taken from the National Park and Ride Fund.
According to Mr Albanese, the current 245-parking space at the Nundah Rail Station is no longer enough to meet the demands. The car park is usually filled up as early as 7:30 a.m. during the weekdays.
“Commuters rushing to catch their trains to work are forced to park in surrounding streets and walk to the station, causing inconvenience for local residents,” Mr Albanese said.
“Public transport isn’t just about the train line or bus route itself. It’s also about the surrounding infrastructure that makes it work for local residents.”
Also being considered in addressing the parking situation at the rail stations include the purchase of more lands owned by the Council to erect car parks in Geebung and the construction a $7-million multi-storey car park at the Northgate station.
A previous study has shown a general increase in park-and-ride commuters in Australia since the 1990s. More and more passengers are using park-and-ride spaces whether they are going to work or shopping at the nearest activity centres during the weekends.
Metropolitan Queensland has at least 152 train stations and the study also revealed that an average of 100 extra parking spaces per station may be needed to address this concern.