News
8 July, 2024
New agreement for improved bus services
Premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have announced a new agreement between the State Government and Brisbane City Council aimed at improving and expanding bus services in the city.
Premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner have announced a new agreement between the State Government and Brisbane City Council aimed at improving and expanding bus services in the city. This landmark deal ensures better, more reliable public transport for Brisbane residents, with a significant upfront investment from the State Government.
The deal includes an additional 160,000 bus services each year, along with a major boost in capacity through the Brisbane Metro, which will add up to 30 million seats annually. This partnership comes ahead of the “50 cent fares” initiative, which will begin on 5 August, offering a flat fare of just 50 cents for all Translink public transport services, including those operated by the Brisbane City Council.
Key elements of the agreement include:
A $75 million investment in Brisbane’s bus network for 2024-25.
A 75% State Government and 25% Council funding split.
Demand-responsive bus services during the 50 cent fares trial, operated by the Council.
The rapid deployment of Brisbane Metro vehicles on the busy 169 bus route from October 2024.
Collaboration on key bus priority projects, including the Northern Transitway and Mains Road corridors.
A commitment to an annual network review and reform to improve bus to rail connections and reduce duplication.
The deal is part of the State Government’s $37.4 billion transport budget, which includes $14 billion for railways and $437 million for bus infrastructure.
Premier Miles highlighted that the new deal will ensure on-demand services are ready for the 50 cent fare rollout, providing high-frequency, reliable public transport for Brisbane’s growing population. Lord Mayor Schrinner emphasized that this deal will reduce congestion by making bus services more frequent and integrated with the new Brisbane Metro.
Transport Minister Bart Mellish added that the deal lays the foundation for Brisbane to have a world-class, integrated public transport system, with the Brisbane Metro being a key part of the future network. Councillor Ryan Murphy, Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, noted that this agreement will transform the bus network, providing better services and a significant opportunity for reform.
