Brisbane’s Metro bus rapid transit service is set to look a lot different by the time the 2023 Olympics roll around, with a major expansion in the works that now has the backing of the Labor state government.
It was today announced that a “long-term” plan has been devised for 22 new stations, expanding the service to Springwood, Capalaba, Carseldine and the Brisbane airport to deliver fully-electric, high frequency, high-capacity reliable public transport to more destinations.
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The Queensland premier and Brisbane lord mayor are now looking for financial backing from the commonwealth for the bus plan, jointly writing to the federal government. Both levels of government would fund a “rapid detailed business case” to determine the feasibility of expanding the bus rapid transit scheme.
“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,” lord mayor Adrian Schrinner says.
“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.”
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.
“Brisbane was once known as a big country town, but it is now a world city on the rise,” deputy premier Cameron Dick says.
“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.”
The state government also plans to back council plans for a new bus transitway in the north of the city, to expand line two to Chermside and then Carseldine. It would also fund a new Metro depot in the northern suburbs, with both requiring a business case.
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.
The state government long resisted backing the expansion project, which was initially promised at the 2016 election, with the state government instead building the inner-city cross river rail scheme without commonwealth or council support.
Both levels of government recently signed up to an agreement to split operational costs for the Metro.
“It’s clear from the level of investment from my government that we back public transport,” premier Steven Miles says.
“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.”
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