FAQ’s
How much will Ekka steam cost and how often will it run?
This will be a 50 cent service and it will run on the Brisbane public holiday – People’s Day – Wednesday 12 August. It will run approximately every 30 minutes from 9am and 3pm customers can board at Roma St station and then get off at Exhibition station or stay on the loop. There is no boarding of steam trains at Exhibition station.
Can you get on and off at Central, Fortitude Valley and Roma St?
No, the loop will only be available for passengers to board at Roma Street station and disembark at Exhibition station. Customers can stay on the train and return to Roma Street in the loop but there will be no boarding at Exhibition station. It will also travel through Central and Fortitude Valley stations for those who wish to come and see our fabulous steam engine in action.
Why is there no boarding at Exhibition station?
Due to the nature and popularity of our heritage services boarding and disembarking takes longer than on our regular services, in order to maintain our regular schedule and provide this special service there is no boarding at Exhibition station.
Why can’t you run the steam train every day of the Ekka?
There is a great deal of work involved with running a steam train and it is a special event – that’s why we have coincided this event with People’s Day. Our steam engine, “Bety” is very old and needs lots of love from our highly skilled maintenance team.
It was so busy last year, can you reduce the wait times?
As steam train ride for 50 cents is a very popular experience and we are not surprised by the enthusiasm! This year we will have marker boards to tell you roughly how long you will be waiting so you can be better informed of timing. Please pack your patience while you wait for your seat.
What if I just want a regular train to the Ekka?
You can, we will have regular services during the weekdays roughly every 10 – 15 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays and weekday peak hours and around every 15 minutes on the People’s Day Holiday. We recommend checking Translink for exact times.
Additional information about heritage services
- The heritage carriages are full of charm however it does mean there is no air-conditioning. The train has windows which open slightly to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Limited toilet facilities are available on the train but must not be used while the train is stationary.
- Due to limited space onboard, large items including prams, strollers, walking frames and wheelchairs need to be stored in the last carriage. These items need to be collapsible and weigh less than 20kg.
Onboard safety
- For their safety, customers must keep their heads and arms inside the carriage at all times and are not to move between carriages while the train is moving.
- Riding on gangways and verandas is not permitted.
- Footwear must be worn at all times on the train.
Accessibility
- The heritage carriages are accessible for customers who can walk onto the carriage without a mobility device, all mobility devices need to be collapsible and weigh less than 20kg. There are no accessible toilets or other facilities onboard these services.
Animals
- If you are travelling with guide, hearing or assistance animals then You agree to comply with Our Assistance Animals policy.
- For the safety and comfort of all customers, animals are not permitted on any Queensland Rail Travel service or station except for:
- Guide, hearing and assistance dogs that are trained and certified in accordance with the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (Qld) with an identity card issued in accordance with that Act. This includes a guide, hearing and assistance dog under training.
or
- Animals that meet the assistance animal requirements as outlined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) (“assistance animal”), being animals that assist a person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability and meets standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place, with an approved assistance animal pass.
All passengers must abide by Queensland Rail’s Conditions of Carriage.