Doing What Matters: Ipswich set for major public transport boost

• A three-year, three-stage bus improvement package will bring new services to the growth areas of Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park, as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee.
• The package will improve connections with train services and Ipswich Hospital, and connections between Browns Plains and Springfield.
• It will also increase the span of hours on services across the city.

Bus service improvements will be delivered by the Miles Government across the City of Ipswich through a three-year bus improvement package set to launch in 2025.

The bus improvement package will implement new services to growth areas of Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights and Bellbird Park, as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee across three stages over three years from 2025 to 2027.

The announcement comes off the back of Premier Steven Miles’ announcement that the Miles Government will extend the 50 cent fare trial if elected in October.

50 cent fares has been a massive success among Queensland public transport users, and this uplift will ensure more affordable, convenient travel for Ipswich locals.

A new direct route linking Springfield and Ipswich via Redbank Plains will be introduced, while improved service connectivity will be delivered to the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area, to the Ipswich Hospital and to train services.

The package will also improve inter-regional connections between key centres in Browns Plains and Springfield, extend existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira and Spring Mountain, and an increased span of hours will be delivered to some existing services on both weekdays and weekends.

Service improvements will be progressively rolled out over the three-year project. Information on the bus service improvement package will be available closer to implementation as final details are settled.

Highlights of the package include:

Stage 1 - 2025:

• The introduction of four new routes with two new services operating every 15 minutes at peak commuter times, increasing the number of residents within 400 metres of a bus service from about 37,000 people to 50,000 people:

o   route 501 between Springfield and Ipswich,

o   route 520 between Goodna station and Eden’s Crossing,

o   route 522 between Redbank station and Springfield Central station, and

o   route 523 between Redbank Plains and Augustine Heights.

• New bus connections linking Redbank to Goodna and Springfield to Ipswich.
• Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends.
• Additional service frequencies.

Stage 2 – 2025/26:

While Stage 2 is still in the planning phase, it is proposed to include:

• Three new routes which will service Deebing Heights, Ripley and Karalee, linking:

o   Yamanto and Ripley/White Rock,

o   Karalee and Ipswich via RiverLink, Bell Street, Ipswich Hospital and UniSQ, and

o   Ripley and the Ipswich CBD via UniSQ and Ipswich Hospital.

• More services on route 515 between Brassall and Yamanto to provide a 15-minute frequency all day.
• Additional coverage on routes 502, 512, 506 and 509 to respond to growth.
• Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends.
• Additional peak services.

Stage 3 – 2026/27:

Stage 3 is also still in the planning phase and is proposed to include:

• A new route to respond to Spring Mountain and Springfield growth.
• New bus connections between Ripley, Redbank Plains and Goodna.
• Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends, and
• Additional peak services.

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

"These bus improvements will significantly increase the number of Ipswich residents that will have easy access to public transport.

"New buses in growth areas and improved connections with trains, shops, and the hospital will deliver services to growing and significant residential developments for the first time, increasing access to jobs, education and essential services.

"The bus improvement package will include service upgrades with greater frequency on existing services in the area and longer span of operating hours, including new and upgraded high-frequency peak services."

Visit the Translink website or call 13 12 30 for public transport information or to plan your journey.

Quotes attributable to Member for Jordan Charis Mullen:

“The Miles Government’s bus investment will deliver essential new bus routes for Jordan.

“New routes between Springfield and Ipswich and connecting train services will mean faster and more convenient travel for locals.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard:

"Ipswich is one of the fastest-growing cities in South East Queensland and it’s critical we cater not only to recent growth, but future growth as well.

“We will make 50 cent fares permanent if re-elected and increase services to get you to your destination sooner.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum:

"We are proud to deliver new and improved services across our local community, providing improved connectivity across key essential locations and increased services.

“The LNP aren’t serious about public transport or 50c Fares - only a Miles Labor Government will deliver the public transport network Queenslanders need - all for 50 cents!”

ENDS

Media contact: James Kleeman - 0466 620 176