The Brisbane bus network will soon see 50 new buses hitting the road as part of a $133.8 million investment by the QLD government.
Premier Steven Miles and transport minister Bart Mellish today announced that 50 of 200 Queensland made buses being delivered have been constructed, with 37 set to 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.
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The remaining buses will continue to support commuters during rail track closures, including major accessibility upgrades underway at five South East Queensland train stations.
Translink’s bus delivery partners will provide an additional 13 buses in anticipation of the 50 cent trial, taking the total to 50 additional buses for the city.
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.
“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,” transport minister Bart Mellish says.
“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.”
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.
“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,” premier Steven Miles says.
“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.”
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.
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