qconnect is the brand name used for the public bus network on North Stradbroke Island in Queensland, Australia. It was formerly a network of integrated public passenger transport services that covered the Department of Transport and Main Roads' declared service contract areas for buses, coaches, and aviation across regional Queensland, Australia.[2]qconnect was officially introduced by the Queensland Government in December 2007 as the regional counterpart to the Translink network operating across South-East Queensland, in order to provide greater connectivity and accessibility of services throughout regional, rural and remote communities.[3]
Throughout 2022 and 2023, most urban bus services were transferred from the qconnect network to the Translink network in order to create a more consistent and simplified public transport network across Queensland. All regional networks were set to be transferred to Translink, and the qconnect brand to be abolished, by 16 January 2023.[4] However, as of 14 July 2025, North Stradbroke Island urban bus services remain part of the qconnect network.[5][6]
Urban Bus Services
Infrastructure
qconnect regular bus stopqconnect premium bus stop
The Department of Transport and Main Roads publishes standards for various bus stop designs, depending on the projected patronage and usage of the bus stop. These standards are still used for North Stradbroke Island urban bus services. All signed bus stops feature tactile ground surface indicators, and are wheelchair accessible.
Signage, seating, rubbish bin, shelter, vending machine, and CCTV
Fares
qconnect fares were originally calculated using a zone system, with fare bands radiating from the city or town centre. 50% concessions were available for seniors, veterans, asylum seekers, and students at primary school, high school, university, and TAFE. Children aged four and under, as well as blind passengers and holders of Companion Cards travelled for free.[8]
In August 2024, the Miles Government introduced a six month trial of a flat rate 50c fare for all Translink services in Queensland.[9] The following Crisafulli Government made this initiative permanent in November 2024.[10] The 50c fare scheme was also made available to the remaining qconnect network on North Stradbroke Island.[5]
Tickets
The following ticket types remain available for purchase on North Stradbroke Island urban bus services:[5][11]
qconnect Single: one-way travel (50c fare)
qconnect Daily: unlimited travel until the last service on the same day; same cost as two Single tickets
qconnect Weekly: unlimited travel until the last service for seven days; same cost as ten Single tickets[note 1]
The following ticket types were previously available on now-former qconnect urban bus networks:[12][13][8]
qconnect Monthly: unlimited travel until the last service for one calendar month; same cost as four Weekly tickets
qconnect Ten-Trip: ten one-way trips, any time during a twelve month period; same cost as eight Single tickets
Regional Aviation Services
Queensland Transport administered contracts for particular air routes across regional Queensland. In the financial year 2006-07, these contracts were held by MacAir Airlines, Qantas, and West Wing Aviation.[14] The introduction of qconnect in 2007 sought to bring these regional aviation services under the same brand over a period of two years.[14]
MacAir Airlines was placed in receivership by its creditors in January 2009.[15] The Queensland Government issued emergency contracts in February 2009, with services to be operated by SkyTrans, Qantas, and West Wing Aviation.[16] These emergency contracts were replaced by long-term qconnect contracts in December 2009, with services to be operated by SkyTrans, Qantas, and Regional Express (Rex).[17]
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