Win for Newsbytes as bubblers return to city rail stations

Hot and thirsty train commuters are welcoming the arrival of water bubblers on Brisbane station platforms this week – but it could take up to four months before they can take a drink.

Newsbytes reported last year on the quiet withdrawal of bubblers across the Queensland Rail network.

Our story resulted in reversal of the policy by new Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson. Mr Emerson said the previous Labor administration had given in to vandals who had damaged many water fountains.

A spokesperson for the minister said work began this week to reinstall 22 drinking bubblers, with installation expected to be completed in 15 weeks.

Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow says despite the wait, it’s a positive outcome for rail commuters.

“We’re grateful the water bubblers will be back on station platforms and commuters will be able to get a drink of water if they need one,” Mr Dow said.

“As we’ve seen from the recent hot weather here in Queensland and interstate, hydration is just so important to the health and safety of commuters and this is a great result for passengers.

“It’s good to see the Transport Minister stepped in to address the situation of water bubblers being removed from platforms after it came to his attention.”

It’s a more gloomy outlook for Sydney rail users battling a heatwave this week, who have been told to “carry water” by NSW Transport and to not board the city’s trains (which are not air-conditioned) if they feel unwell.

In Brisbane, water bubblers will be installed at the following stations:

City network – south:

Booval
Chelmer
Goodna
Redbank
Wacol
Park Road
Coorparoo
Lota
Murarrie
Wynnum Central
Wynnum North
Wellington Point
Helensvale
Holmview

City network – north:

Keperra
Morayfield
Petrie
Strathpine
Wilston
Zillmere
Taringa

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