The Queensland state government has revealed a series of new and improved bus network services that will begin running in the areas of Logan and Ipswich in December this year.
The improvements form part of the state government’s $70 million program to improve bus services, with the investment in the network set to improve access to jobs, healthcare and education alongside $24 million per year of ongoing funding.
In Logan, the upgrades will occur over two stages to reduce congestion, with stage one including the construction of 17 bus stops for around 47,000 Logan residents.
Over this financial year, routes 534, 540, 587 541, 547 and 535 will see more weekday and weekend services at an improved consistency.
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These residents will be able to reach more services while only paying 50 cent fares as per the state government’s initiative.
Planning for stage two of the upgrades are underway and are set to be delivered from early 2026. This stage is proposed to include three new routes to service fast growing residential areas in Logan Reserve, Bahrs Scrub and Park Bridge.
“It’s an exciting time for public transport users across Queensland, with significant funding for new services and cost saving measures implemented by the state government,” Queensland transport and main roads minister Bart Mellish says.
“Opening up access to bus services for thousands of Logan residents means they can more easily get to health services, schools, university and employment centres, all for just 50 cents.
“Better public transport also means you can leave the car at home, which will help reduce congestion on our roads.”
Member for Logan Linus Power says the upgrades will tackle congestion and ease cost of living pressures.
“By investing in public transport and extending buses like the 587, we’re doing what matters for Logan families and connecting them to where they need to go,” Power says.
In Ipswich, 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.
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.
“These bus improvements will significantly increase the number of Ipswich residents that will have easy access to public transport,” Mellish says.
“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.”
Stage one of the upgrades, to begin next year, will see four new routes and two new services introduced for peak commuter times, including the 501, 520, 522 and 523.
The second stage, from 2025 to 2026, will introduce three routes in Deebing Heights, Ripley and Karalee, with more services provided for routes 515, 502, 512, 506 and 509.
The final stage, in 2026/27, will see a new route along Spring Mountain and Springfield growth, as well as new bus connections between Ripley, Redbank Plains and Goodna.
“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,” Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard says.
“We will make 50 cent fares permanent if re-elected and increase services to get you to your destination sooner.”
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