QConnect

qconnect was a network of integrated public passenger transport services that covered subsidised and/or regulated bus, coach and aviation networks in regional Queensland, Australia.^[2] qconnect was introduced by the Queensland Government in December 2007, and was an agency operated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). qconnect provided greater connectivity and accessibility of services throughout regional, rural and remote communities by working with contracted transport operators.

qconnect

Agency overview
Formed	20 December 2007
Dissolved	16 January 2023
Superseding agency	Translink
Jurisdiction	Regional Queensland
Agency executive	Neil Scales[1], Director-General (Department of Transport and Main Roads)
Parent department	Department of Transport and Main Roads
Website	www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Travel-and-transport/qconnect

qconnect was the regional counterpart to the Translink network operating across South East Queensland and some parts of regional Queensland. Throughout 2022 and 2023, many bus operations were transferred from the qconnect network to the wider Translink network in order to create a more consistent and simplified public transport network in Queensland. By 16 January 2023, all regional networks had been transferred to Translink and the qconnect brand was abolished.^[3]

Bus Stops

QConnect premium bus stop

QConnect regular bus stop

qconnect had different types of bus stop designs, depending on the projected patronage and usage of the bus stop.

Hail'n'Ride Bus Stops

Source:^[4]

Hail'n'Ride bus stops were usually located in areas with low population or low projected passenger patronage. These stops generally featured no bus stop signage or infrastructure, and generally aren't wheelchair accessible. As with most qconnect routes, it is possible to hail a bus to stop anywhere along the bus route where it is safe to do so, so these stops are used as timing points for timetables.

Minimum Boarding Point Bus Stops

Source:^[5]

Minimum boarding point bus stops are usually located in low population suburban areas, along outbound routes, or in space constrained locations. These stops generally feature bus stop signage, along with tactile ground surface indicators, and are wheelchair accessible. They do not feature bus shelters, seating or any other infrastructure.

Regular and Intermediate Bus Stops

Source:^[6]

Regular and intermediate bus stops are usually located in suburban or city areas with low-moderate passenger demand and moderate service frequency. These stops generally feature bus stop signage, tactile ground surface indicators, wheelchair accessibility and bus shelters and seating.

Premium Bus Stops

Source:^[7]

Premium bus stops are usually located near major attractions, such as public services, shopping centres and bus interchanges. These stops generally feature improved bus stop signage, tactile ground surface indicators, wheelchair accessibility and multiple seated shelters. They can also feature infrastructure such as rubbish bins, vending machines and CCTV.

Fares

qconnect fares were calculated depending on how many zones were travelled. Zone boundaries could be found on route and network maps along with a fare zone calculator. Fare zones and fare costs differed between regions.^[8]

Tickets

The following ticket types were available for purchase:

Single Ticket

• Provides one way travel between the purchased zones. In some areas, to transfer buses, you will need to purchase a transfer single ticket

Daily Ticket

• Provides unlimited return travel between the purchased zones until the last service of the day. In some areas, to transfer buses, you will need to purchase a transfer daily ticket
• Daily tickets are priced at the cost of two single tickets

Weekly Ticket

• Provides unlimited travel between the purchased zones until the last service after a period of seven consecutive days from the date of purchase – In some areas, to transfer buses, you will need to purchase a transfer weekly ticket

• Weekly tickets are priced at the cost of eight single tickets and rounded up to the nearest ten cents

Concessions

qconnect provides standard concessions for the following:

• Children 5–14 years of age inclusive – Children four and under travel for free
• full-time students from approved Queensland schools, TAFEs, and universities undertaking Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance approved courses – Approved Students are required to produce a Tertiary or Secondary Identification Card
• Queensland Pensioners holding an approved Queensland Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs
• Seniors holding a Queensland Seniors Card (not a Seniors Discount Card)

See also

• Queensland portal

• Translink
• Department of Transport and Main Roads