Delivering for Brisbane: State and Council tap on to new bus deal

• The Miles Labor Government has cemented a new deal with Brisbane City Council, to ensure Brisbane locals have access to reliable public transport services.
• Additional $75 million will be provided by the State towards the Transport for Brisbane bus network.
• An ongoing 75:25 funding split has been locked in.

Premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have today announced a new deal between the State Government and Council to deliver better, more reliable bus services for Brisbane.

The landmark deal will deliver significant upfront investment in public transport by the State Government to keep Brisbane moving, and lays the foundation for long term collaboration with Brisbane City Council.

Brisbane has the highest demand for integrated and connecting public transport services in the state – a demand that will be catered for through new, expanded and integrated public transport offerings under today’s agreement.   

Under the deal, an additional 160,000 bus services will be delivered across Brisbane every year.

The Brisbane Metro will also boost capacity by up to 30 million seats annually.

It comes ahead of the nation leading cost of living and congestion busting ‘50 cent fares’ initiative, delivering by the Miles Labor Government.

’50 cent fares’ will see all Translink public transport services, including those delivered by Brisbane City Council, offer a flat 50 cent fare no matter how you travel or how far. 

A special Council meeting will be held soon to formalise the agreement with the State Government.

The landmark bus funding agreement includes:

• An additional $75 million investment in Brisbane’s bus network during 2024-25
• A commitment to a 75 per cent (State) to 25 per cent (Council) funding split
• Demand-responsive bus services, funded by the State and operated by Council during the 50 Cent Fares trial from 5 August
• Rapid deployment of Brisbane Metro vehicles on the busy 169 bus route between Eight Mile Plains and UQ St Lucia from October 2024
• Arrangements made to allow the Brisbane Metro M1 & M2 services to commence when complete
• Collaboration to deliver bus priority projects on key routes, including the Northern Transitway and Mains Road corridors
• A commitment to creating a stronger advisory board to allow a more balanced perspective for investment into the transport services of the Brisbane LGA.
• A northside bus network review following the introduction of Brisbane Metro and Brisbane’s New Bus Network (BNBN)
• A commitment to a joint, annual network review process which adds capacity into the network where it’s needed
• Reform of Brisbane’s Bus Network to reduce waste & duplication and improve bus to rail connections

The investment is part of the Miles Labor Government’s record $37.4 billion road and transport budget.

That includes a $14 billion investment in railways and $437 million investment in bus infrastructure, to build a better public transport network for Queenslanders.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Queenslanders are counting down the days to 5 August when our nation leading 50 cent fares initiatives begins.

“But, they are also expressing concern that our bus network here in Brisbane will be at capacity.

“Today’s agreement with Brisbane City Council will make sure we have on-demand bus services ready to roll out from day one to make sure no commuter gets left behind.

“And, that moving forward we are delivering the high frequency, reliable and accessible public transport services that the people of Brisbane deserve.

“That’s what matters to Queenslanders, and what matters to me.

“Brisbane City Council is a key partner in delivering multi-modal public transport throughout the region and I’m pleased we could lock in a strong plan for the future of the network.”

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:

“We made a commitment to residents to keep Brisbane moving and that’s precisely what this deal delivers.

“I want to thank Premier Steven Miles for working closely with us to deliver a better deal for all Brisbane residents.

“Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia and one of the most effective ways to reduce congestion is to get more people on our buses. 

“We need to make public transport services more frequent and the introduction of Brisbane Metro along with the additional services this agreement funds ensures that happens.

Quotes attribute to Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“We want Brisbane’s public transport network to be the best in the world, especially as our population grows and as we head to 2032. An integrated network, where buses connect people to rail is essential and we’re pleased BCC has committed to work on this with us.

“Brisbane Metro will be a valuable part of the network and I am keen to see it get underway as soon as possible.

“It’s great that we now have a deal, in place for 50 cent Fare on the 5^th of August.”

Quotes attributable to Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Councillor Ryan Murphy:

“Brisbane buses carry two thirds of all public transport passengers and this new deal has secured funding for our buses now and into the future.

“This is a transformative public transport funding deal that will deliver more services, more often, and gives us a remarkable opportunity to reform our network.

“Brisbane residents deserve better bus services and the agreement reached between Council and the State is a win for them and a win for our bus network.”

ENDS