Brisbane City Council has committed millions to upgrade part of the city’s bus fleet
Brisbane City Council will fork out millions of dollars for new upgraded buses under the $2.9 billion Budget for 2014/15 released this week.
The budget includes $33.9 million for 60 new air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible buses and $4.6 million to improve the flow of buses at the Melbourne St busway portal.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says the budget focuses on tackling the impacts of traffic congestion and managing the city’s finances in a prudent and responsible manner.
“This is a budget that is modest by design with no surprises or extravagant spending announcements,” he says.
“This budget focuses on the priorities that ratepayers expect like modern and reliable public transport, congestion busting road infrastructure and the maintenance and enhancements of assets and services that the hallmarks of a new world city.”
Quirk says the coming financial year will see the completion of major infrastructure projects including Legacy Way and the replacement of open level crossings with overpasses at Telegraph Road, Bracken Ridge and Robinson Road, Geebung.
He says more than $200 million is committed in his 2014-15 Budget for the city’s future infrastructure program that would see the beginnings of critical projects such as Kingsford Smith Drive, Wynnum Road Corridor Stage One project and an upgrade to Paradise Road, Larapinta.
“We are making a significant investment in the future of Brisbane, to ensure we’re not just delivering what we need now but what is necessary for future generations,” he says.
“These projects have been identified for future funding and delivery due to their capacity to make both immediate and long term positive impacts in the lives of residents.”
There is also $2.1 million included towards the delivery of two new CityCats and $4.7 million for new ferry terminal at Milton.