BCC to decide future bus routes

There will be no changes to bus routes in Brisbane without full support of the Brisbane City Council.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson initiated the bus review in June last year to address fare hikes put in place by the former Labor government.

“Today I have written to Council’s Public and Active Transport Committee Chairman Cr Peter Matic indicating that council has until June 1 to finalise the network and build on TransLink’s recommendations within Brisbane,” Mr Emerson said.

“That means no services in Brisbane will change without agreement from Council but any change cannot increase pressure on fares.

“We need to get fares under control and make sure frequent bus services are being provided to as many passengers as possible. That’s always been our priority.”

This review was developed after receiving more than 6000 pieces of feedback over the past six months and more recently we have already received almost 10,000 submissions.

Mr Emerson said Brisbane’s bus network is facing genuine challenges with passengers paying exorbitant fares, hundreds of people being left at bus stops every day because of full buses, while half of all buses carry less than seven people and no more peak capacity on the South East Busway.

“I always said this would be a genuine community consultation process and we would be listening to passengers,” he said.

“I recognise that concerns have been raised by passengers and the Brisbane City Council, therefore final decisions about bus services will be made at a local level, taking on board local issues.

“Brisbane City Council makes a significant contribution to public transport and local councillors know their local bus routes and are best placed to identify the needs of local residents.

“The Newman Government will not accept a return to Labor’s 15 per cent annual fare increases so we need to be able to keep fares down by finding savings and delivering more efficient public transport.”

The public consultation on the bus network will continue until April 7 with all feedback on Brisbane services being used by the BCC to make a final decision.

[ENDS] 21 March 2013

Media Contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637