Time is running out to deliver an adequate bus network.
With only six years remaining until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the South-East Queensland Transport Association (SEQTA) is sharing serious concerns about the current progress of Brisbane Metro network expansion.
It’s been clear this week that all sides of Brisbane City Council are united in support of Metro expansion which is why it’s so important to deliver as much as possible before 2032.
The problem comes down to time. Even if shovels hit the ground tomorrow, there are only 6 years left to deliver two/three major Busway extensions, an entire second Metro depot, and at least 65 new Metro vehicles, and that’s not even considering the fact we’re still tangled up in a two-year business case. The problem with this is that South-East Queensland’s entire transport strategy is contingent on these new routes. We need to commit to the Busways but we need a solution that is tangible prior to 2032 and it needs to be delivered soon.
We are calling on this to be funded by the Queensland Government and done during the business case for Metro expansion as well as preliminary works. Delivering this is important so South-East Queensland has something if all else fails.
Over the next six years, we would like to see a staged building of the Busways to get as much done as possible before the Olympics, and in 2031, wrap up construction and utilise the bus lane “TransitWay” for the rest of the route.
Furthermore, if it’s not possible to deliver the M3 Capalaba and M4 Carseldine Metro routes prior to the Brisbane Olympic Games, we need a temporary non-electric articulated bus to form a temporary Glider/Rapid route going along the TransitWay, forming what is effectively a “Metro Route”, (obviously with less benefits), allowing a smooth Olympic Games and the continuation of the full Eastern and Northern Busway after the conclusion of the Olympics.
We’re also recommending Brisbane City Council immediately cancel plans for a Brisbane Airport Metro.
This route would only be possible following the conclusion/buyout of the AirTrain LLC contract and thus the fare for the Airport train would be lowered anyways. Investigating the Brisbane Airport route is wasting precious time and resources.
And in addition to that, we’re calling on the Queensland Government to immediately fund the Springwood Metro Extension.
This can be delivered during the ongoing business case and is an important link for the Logan area. Delivering this would reallocate drivers to boost frequency on services across Logan.
Quotes Attributable to Imogen Buckley, Lead Founder @ SEQTA and Rep for Brisbane Central, Redlands
The 2032 Games are a unique opportunity to deliver a world-class transport system, but without adequate funding from the State -- Brisbane City Council is left attempting to do an impossible task.
“It’s time for all sides of Council to stop fighting and work together to make us shine on the world stage as a beautiful, connected city.”
SEQTA is calling for:
- 🛍️ Immediate Springwood Metro Extension
- 🚨 Cancellation of the Airport Metro plans to fast-track the case
- 🚈 Diesel Glider services in the interim
- 🔥 Staged, calculated rollouts.
As we’ve been doing for months, SEQTA will keep working with relevant figures to guide everything back into place. We’ll share more information in the coming weeks as to what specifically we are intending to do.
