Some of the world’s most cutting edge public transport design and technology was on show as Premier Campbell Newman toured New York’s East Access Rail Line project during his US trade mission.

Mr Newman said the project underneath New York’s iconic Grand Central Station was a good model for Queensland’s own underground bus and rail network, which is set to transform transport in Brisbane’s CBD.

“The Brisbane project will create hundreds of jobs and is a major project that delivers on our election commitments,” Mr Newman said.

“We promised to grow construction as one of the four pillars of the economy and we promised to revitalise frontline services and create jobs.

A Southern Downs regional councillor says the shire should join an alliance considering opportunities the proposed inland rail line will bring.

Final studies are underway into a railway between Melbourne and the Port of Brisbane.

The Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Alliance meets in Sydney later this month.

Cr Neil Meiklejohn says the Southern Downs council should get a seat at the table, even though the proposed route of the line does not pass through the shire.