The new multi-storey park ‘n’ ride at Brisbane’s Springfield Central Station is open for business.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the $44.5 million project was a great example of the Government’s strong investment in public transport.

“This mega, free park ‘n’ ride has five parking levels and will bring customer parking spaces across the Springfield Central Station precinct to around 1100,” he said.

“In comparison, this is nearly double the amount of previous carparking available at the Springfield Central Station and makes this park ‘n’ ride one of the largest in Queensland.

“That’s more spaces for commuters to park and then take public transport taking more cars off the roads.

“And with Cross River Rail well underway and the 2032 Olympics only 10 years away, we are looking at a future with an expanded South East Queensland rail network and we need the parking infrastructure to match.

“That’s why we have committed a record amount to delivering bigger and better public transport, which includes improving access for those who need it.”

Bailey said the investment would help ease congestion as the south-east region continues to grow.

“This new park ‘n’ ride has sustainable and innovative design features such as recycled aluminium in the building façade and the ability to accommodate another parking level in the future if required,” he said.

“In addition to elevator access and CCTV within the facility, 24 sheltered parking spaces for people with a disability have been created in the existing park ‘n’ ride closer to the station off Sir Llew Edwards Drive.

“More people on trains and buses, means reducing local road congestion which is a big win for all.”

Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the new park ‘n’ ride made using public transport easier than ever.

“Public transport is an important connector between communities here in Springfield with wider South East Queensland, so having easy and convenient access to it is crucial,” she said.

“Previously, we had cars parked illegally around the station just to get access to our high-frequency train services for school or work, which will no longer be the case moving forward.

“Access to the station has also been improved through a new signalised pedestrian crossing providing customers access across the Springfield Greenbank Arterial.

“The new multi-level facility will bring the total number of spaces to around 1100 across the precinct, and will make a big difference in the everyday lives of commuters in Springfield and beyond.”

Park ‘n’ rides are provided free at 158 locations across the public transport network, with the majority located on the suburban rail network.