Brisbane better connected: Plans for major Brisbane bus expansion unveiled

• The Miles Government, Schrinner Council and Council of Mayors (SEQ) unveil new expansion plans for Brisbane Metro; and
• Plans include a rapid detailed business case to expand Brisbane Metro south to Springwood, east to Capalaba, north to Carseldine and connecting to DFO and the Brisbane airport ahead of 2032

Vision link. 

The Miles Government, Schrinner Council and Council of Mayors (SEQ) have unveiled a significant future expansion plan for Brisbane Metro, including a long-term plan for 22 new stations and stops in the north, south, east and Brisbane airport.

The partnership will expand the Metro bus rapid transit ahead of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to deliver fully-electric, high frequency, high-capacity reliable public transport to more destinations across Brisbane and neighbouring communities.

A rapid detailed business case will determine the feasibility of expanding the Metro south to Springwood, east to Capalaba, north to Carseldine and connecting to DFO and the Brisbane airport.

The Queensland Premier and Brisbane Lord Mayor have jointly written to the Federal Government seeking support for the Metro Expansion with ongoing partnership between all levels of government essential to deliver the Metro expansion ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Additionally, subject to the findings of the business case, the Miles Government, Schrinner Council and Council of Mayors (SEQ) would seek support to deliver priority infrastructure projects including transitway and bus priority infrastructure in the Northern Metro Corridor, as well as the new Northern Metro Depot to support the M2 extension to Chermside/Carseldine.

Brisbane has grown faster than any other capital city over the past 10 years, with another 1.55 million people expected to move to Brisbane by 2041. Regions around the South East like Logan, Redland and Moreton Bay are also experiencing significant growth pressures with the south east to be home to 6 million people by 2046.

Unlike other capitals like Sydney and Melbourne, bus services across Brisbane do much of the heavy-lifting when it comes to public transport travel in and around the city.

Along with the transformative Cross River Rail project, which will unlock capacity on the SEQ train network, a network of bus rapid transitways serviced by fully-electric Metro vehicles is key to Brisbane’s public transport future.

It’s also vital as Brisbane prepares to host Brisbane 2032. During the Sydney 2000 and London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, overall public transport patronage increased by almost one million trips per day.

The Metro Expansion project builds on the Miles’ Government’s 50 cent fares initiative to help reduce living costs and get people back on public transport.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles: 

“It’s clear from the level of investment from my government that we back public transport.

“Connected communities are better communities.

“Now, we will work together with council to do what matters to bring Brisbane Metro to Capalaba, Springwood, Carseldine and beyond.

“I want to see more of our busy and growing suburbs connected to the public transport network, in turn taking more cars off the road.

“That’s good for busting congestion, and good for our environment.”

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner: 

“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and we need a transport plan to cater for our growth backed by all three levels of government.

“This expansion to Brisbane Metro will improve public transport to more destinations across Brisbane and neighbouring communities – and it’s great to see this vision backed by the Queensland Government. 

“It’s going to require a team effort by all three levels of government to ensure our transport network is fit for purpose to both cater for the Games, but more importantly, cater for growth.

“It’s a central piece of Brisbane’s transport plan that will help to deliver better connectivity between venues for the Games, and a better transport network that will keep Brisbane and neighbouring communities moving.

“Using the Games to deliver a transport legacy was why the mayors of South East Queensland first developed the Games bid and this plan will deliver on that promise.

“I have enormous hope that all three levels of government can work together to make Brisbane 2032 the best Games ever."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Cameron Dick:

“Brisbane was once known as a big country town, but it is now a world city on the rise.

“Brisbane’s population is booming and that is only expected to continue with another 1.55 million people forecast to move here by 2041.

“The Miles Government already has its foot to the floor to deliver the infrastructure this growing State needs.

“Our Government also knows there is a lot more to do and the Brisbane Metro expansion plan shows we are preparing for what’s next. 

“All Queenslanders now and into the future deserve the opportunity to make their lives better, communities better and this State better.

“By delivering the best public transport system possible, our Government is making it easier for every Queenslander to seize all the opportunities Queensland has to offer.”

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

“Our 50 cent Fare initiative has been a huge success and it’s great to see so many people back on public transport.

“I’m really pleased to be able to partner with Brisbane City Council to improve our network even further by introducing more stations and stops across the city and into the suburbs, including northern suburbs.

“TMR has undertaken transport demand modelling which indicates that the corridor north to Chermside and Carseldine is the priority for the high-capacity Brisbane Metro vehicles and we are investing in the short and medium term works to support this. 

“Ahead of continued population growth and of course, the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic games, this is a great commitment to deliver an even better public transport network.”

Quotes attributable to Brisbane City Council Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy:

“We are committed to keeping Brisbane moving and this partnership to expand Brisbane Metro will deliver more services to more stops, more often.

“The recently completed Rochedale Metro Depot had capacity built into it for rapid expansion and it will work alongside the planned new Northern Metro Depot to support the expansion of fully-electric metros.

“By working together to deliver better public transport services we’re reducing congestion and making it easier for residents to leave the car at home.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Springwood Mick de Brenni

“We’re doing what matters for Queensland by delivering more public transport services in our outer suburbs and delivering 50 cent fares.

“We’ve seen a significant uptick in public transport use with 50 cent fares, adding additional services will make it even more attractive to leave the car at home.

“This will ensure more locals here in our community can choose public transport, busting congestion on our busy roads.”

Quotes Attributable to Mayor Jos Mitchell, Redland City Council

“Public transport investment is vital to the economic development of the Redlands Coast. Our workforce and students need access to efficient and affordable transport options such as this.

“This project would provide an important transport hub for connectivity across our local government area. Our growth in tourism and population depends on access to transport, particularly if the Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area progresses.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Capalaba Don Brown:

"Getting cars off our roads is a top priority for me because the less time spent in traffic means more time with your loved ones.

“I have called for the Metro to come out to Capalaba since 2018, the Miles Government is doing what matters for Queensland and delivering them with the metro expansion.”

“Our growing suburbs need access to better public transport services and I’m proud to be part of a government delivering them.”

Quotes Attributable to Mayor Jon Raven, Logan City Council

“This announcement is huge for Logan. Rapid public transport from Springwood to Brisbane would be an absolute gamechanger for both our residents and our roads.”

ENDS