‘I don’t know anyone who catches Airtrain’: MP joins calls for end to monopoly

The Airtrain monopoly was a condition of a public-private partnership with the Queensland government to deliver the 8.5-kilometre elevated train line to the domestic and international terminals.

That exclusivity, written into the Brisbane Airport Rail Link deed between the government and Airtrain Citylink Limited, is due to end in 2036.

Bailey’s office was asked whether the government had held any discussions with Airtrain about a negotiated exit from that deed. The answer came from a departmental spokesman.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Brisbane Airport Rail Link deed and related agreements with Airtrain,” a TMR spokesman said.

“The BARL Deed enables Airtrain to operate commercial rail services to and from the Brisbane Airport until 2036.”

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Berkman said it was the state government’s responsibility to provide cheap – or free – public transport, something he said would revitalise the airport train service.

“I do not know anyone who catches the Airtrain. I am interested to know if anyone here does. We cannot wait until 2036 to review that monopoly Airtrain contract,” he said.

“The government should bring the airport service into public hands and make it free, or at least cheaper, for everyone to use.

“They could do it as part of the Cross River Rail project. They could have some long-term vision.

“Put an end to the secret deals with private contractors, [and] invest in long-distance connecting services and high-frequency inter-suburb buses.”

Comment was sought from Airtrain.