Made in Queensland: Brisbane built buses ready to roll for 50 cent fares

• Miles Labor Government is gearing up to 50 cent fares, getting the network ready for the nation leading shake up to the Queensland public transport network.
• In Brisbane, 37 of 200 Queensland made buses being delivered by the Miles Government have been built and are ready to redeploy to boost capacity.
• The 200 buses are being delivered as part of an over $133 million investment by the government, and are primarily used to assist commuters during scheduled rail track closures.

Premier Steven Miles and Transport Minister Bart Mellish have today celebrated the construction of 50 of 200 Queensland made buses being delivered as part of a $133.8 million investment.

37 of the 50 Queensland made buses will now be deployed to boost capacity on the Brisbane bus network in anticipation of the landmark 50 cent fares trial kicking off in just two weeks.

The remainder will continue to support commuters during rail track closures, including major accessibility upgrades underway at five South East Queensland train stations.

13 additional buses will be provided by Translink’s bus delivery partners, taking the total to 50 additional buses for 50 cent fares.

It’s just one of many preparations underway by the State Government to ensure Queensland commuters continue to enjoy reliable and accessible public transport.

This includes collaboration between Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, Translink and delivery partners to ramp up monitoring of the many connected public transport modes across the state.

The government is also exploring increased parking capacity near transport hubs to ensure as many Queenslanders who want to leave the car at home or at the station can do so easily.

50 cent fares is the cheapest public transport has been in Queensland’s modern history.

During the six-month trial starting 5 August, people will be able to travel on bus, train, ferry, tram, on demand services in South East Queensland, and all regional urban buses for just 50 cents – putting money back in the pockets of Queenslanders.

For example, an adult commuter who catches the train during peak between Helensvale and Central station eight times per week using a go card would save $2,100 throughout the trial period.

Patronage on the South East Queensland public transport network across all modes remains at about 87 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

Translink modelling is forecasting public transport patronage could re-aligning with pre-COVID levels during the trial.

The Queensland made buses to be used during the 50 cent fares trial are Euro 6 diesel buses on a Volvo chassis, and have been built by local workers at Volgren's Eagle Farm manufacturing facility.

They are accessible and have been designed to ensure everyone has access to public transport, including people in a wheelchair, and people travelling with luggage or prams.

Volgren is producing 165 of the 200 Queensland made buses for the State Government, while Scania is building 35 Euro 6 diesel buses with BusTech bodies at its manufacturing facility at Rocklea.

All 200 buses are on track for delivery by the end of this year.

The government’s investment to support good local manufacturing jobs is already paying dividends – supporting hundreds of jobs and training and apprenticeship opportunities through the life of the contract.

The Euro 6 diesel bus is also the lowest emissions diesel bus available to be made in Queensland in mass production at this time.

Public transport users concerned about overcrowding can visit Translink’s Service Capacity Tracker to view the predicted patronage on their service based on the day and time they are travelling.  

More information on the six-month trial of 50 cent fares is also available on the Translink website.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“I am proud to support the Queensland men and women who are building the next generation of Queensland’s bus fleet, right here in Brisbane.

“And now, 37 of these buses will hit the road to support our nation leading 50 cent fare trial in just two weeks.

“No other state and territory has our homegrown manufacturing talent, or our 50 cent fares.

“The countdown is on and we’re ready to roll.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish:

"We know people are excited for the 50 cent fares trial and we want to ensure a seamless experience for both new and existing public transport users. 

"There is still capacity on many bus services but these locally-manufactured rail replacement buses will ensure additional services provide even greater service for our customers.

"Customers who travelled on rail replacement buses during the recent train track closures may have already spotted these buses out and about as they were used to keep people moving during this period.

"They proved their value during those track closures and I have no doubt they will again play an important role during the next six months."

Quotes attributable to Rohan Webb, State Secretary of the Queensland and Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU):

“The AMWU has proudly stood with the Miles Government as they’ve brought bus manufacturing back to Queensland, and we're thrilled to see the continued support from the state government.

“These very buses are going to be serving our communities with the new 50 cent public transport fares and rail replacement services.

“It’s a strong affirmation from the Miles Government that they stand firmly behind the workers of Queensland.

“These buses, built right here in Queensland, by Queenslanders for Queenslanders, are a testament to the value of local manufacturing. When we commit to building things at home, it’s not just beneficial for our workers and communities—it’s incredibly good for Queensland."

Queensland made bus fast facts:

• The Miles Labor Government has invested $133.8 million to manufacture 200 rail replacement buses in South East Queensland.
• The buses were announced in December last year with the first bus hitting the road in April this year.
• The buses are primarily used to replace rail services during periods of track and station upgrades, and to support during periods of disrupted travel.
• There are already 50 buses built, with 37 to be deployed to Translink delivery partners during the six-month trial of 50 cent fares, which starts on Monday, August 5.
• Brisbane City Council will receive 18 of the buses, with four each provided to Caboolture Bus Lines, Clarks and Transdev, three to Thompsons, two to Hornibrook Bus Lines and one each to Park Ridge Transit and Westside Bus Company.
• The Euro 6 diesel bus is also the lowest emissions diesel bus available to be made in Queensland in mass production at this time.
• The State has committed that all new Translink-contracted buses procured from 2025 for use on the South East Queensland bus network will be a zero-emission vehicle, with regional implementation of this policy from 2025-2030.

50 cent Fare fleet requirements

*Note: 37 buses will be provided from the locally-manufactured Rail Replacement bus fleet On top of that, 13 additional buses will be provided by Translinks bus delivery partners, taking the total to 50 additional buses for 50 cent fares

ENDS