Ferny Grove Celebrates 25 Years of Electric Trains

_{18, November 2004}

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Geoff celebrating 25 years of electric train service with Ferny Grove resident and regular train commuter Geoff Cowles, and QR employee Greg Hallam.

It was 25 years this week since the first electric trains services began in Brisbane, and Ferny Grove and Darra stations were the "end of the line" of the initial network.

To mark the occasion, commuters at Ferny Grove were this week treated to a free BBQ breakfast on their way to work and a historical display.  State Member for Ferny Grove, Geoff Wilson was on-hand at Ferny Grove on Wednesday morning to talk with commuters who visited the display and took advantage of the free breakfast.

Geoff Wilson said today's special 25th anniversary celebrations were a thank-you to local train travellers for their patronage.

Local resident and regular train commuter, Geoff Cowles said he took possession of his new house at Ferny Grove on the 19th November, 1979.  "I remember the date because this was the very day the first electric train departed from Ferny Grove." Geoff Cowles said, "and I've been catching the train from Ferny Grove ever since."

"The Government recognises Ferny Grove Station's status as a vital transport hub for the area by already investing $400,000 into upgrading carpark facilities and improving traffic flow," Geoff Wilson said.

"We are also planning a park and ride facility, as part of TransLink's network planning over the next three years," Geoff Wilson said.

"Not many people know that the Ferny Grove is the third busiest suburban station in the City Train network with 1.6 million annual passenger journeys to and from the station," Geoff Wilson said.  "The inner City CBD stations, Central (22.4), Roma Street (5.28) and Brunswick Street (3.41) are the busiest stations, followed by the suburban South Bank (1.9) and Toowong (1.8) stations."

"Local residents such as Mr Cowles greatly value the Ferny Grove rail service," Geoff Wilson said. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the State Government and Queensland Rail to say thank you to the many passengers who use the Ferny Grove station each year."

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