Brisbane buses are stuck in a funding gridlock
For the last decade, the State Government has excluded Brisbane from improvements to the bus network, which they have funded in every local government that surrounds our city. By 2041, more than 1.55 million people will live in Brisbane. A lack of funding to match this growth will mean more cars and more congestion. Download the Back our buses fact sheet (PDF).
A better deal for Brisbane
We need a better deal for Brisbane residents to keep our city moving. Investing in high-quality public transport is the most effective way to reduce road congestion while being an affordable and sustainable way to travel.
We’re asking the State Government to back Brisbane's buses. We're seeking better funding for our bus network, so that together we can:
Provide more services, more often - a bus network that grows with us
- State funding would deliver more bus services, more often – with our network expanded to new suburbs. Starting with Brisbane's northside, our transport planners will work with the State Government to undertake annual bus network reviews.
- Our award-winning work on Brisbane’s New Bus Network shows that Brisbane commuters are ready for reform. We want to see our bus network evolve to create more services, at the times you want to travel.
- Brisbane's bus network has been frozen in time for over a decade, with less bus services than 10 years ago.
- We're seeking guaranteed additional funding for better bus services in Brisbane.
- State Government funding that grows with our city means we can improve the frequency and reliability of bus services for you while expanding services to new suburbs across our bus network.
Deliver and expand turn-up-and-go Brisbane Metro services
- Construction on stage one of Brisbane Metro is well underway and will introduce high-capacity and high-frequency turn-up-and-go services for our growing city. With metros arriving every 5 minutes during peak times, we’ll get you where you need to go at the times you want to travel.
- A new funding deal will also allow us to work with the State Government to expand Brisbane Metro to more destinations in the East to Carindale and Capalaba, in the North to Chermside and Fitzgibbon and to the Brisbane Domestic and International Airport.
- Brisbane Metro will introduce a new fleet of 60 high-capacity electric vehicles and fast charging infrastructure. We need the State to also invest in sustainable public transport solutions to reduce congestion, fossil fuel consumption and emissions. By transitioning our bus fleet to electric vehicles and enabling charging infrastructure we can ensure we keep Brisbane moving.
Fix bus to rail and deliver a true multi-modal network with more travel choices
- In Brisbane, buses carry two thirds of total passengers, leaving the rail network underutilised in many parts of the city.
- We propose to reshape our bus network to complement rail connections, to deliver a multi-modal network that gives passengers more options for a better, faster and more reliable journey.
- A truly multi-modal city will also mean greater connectivity to our ferries and e-mobility network as well as improved public and active transport options.
FAQs
Who is responsible for funding public transport?
Public transport is a State Government responsibility. Translink, a division of the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, is responsible for Queensland’s public transport network. Council operates Brisbane’s bus services under a contract with Translink.
Brisbane City Council is the only local government in Queensland that contributes to the cost of delivering public transport services. The State Government covers 100% of the cost everywhere else in Queensland.
Why is Council seeking a new deal now?
Our current contract with Translink expires upon the commencement of Brisbane Metro services. Ahead of the Queensland state election in October 2024, the State Government will enter caretaker period in August. If a new agreement cannot be reached before caretaker period begins, Brisbane Metro services will be unable to start later this year, as planned.
When will Brisbane Metro services commence?
Brisbane Metro services are due to commence in late 2024. However, Brisbane Metro cannot operate without approval from the State Government. A new funding agreement between Council and the State Government must be finalised before services can start.
What is Brisbane’s New Bus Network?
Stage 1 of Brisbane Metro proposes to change parts of our bus network, primarily in the inner-city and south-eastern corridor. Brisbane’s New Bus Network details Council’s plan for the future of our buses, making our network simpler and delivering 160,000 additional trips per year.
Community consultation on Brisbane’s New Bus Network was undertaken in late 2022. The new network will be implemented alongside Brisbane Metro in late 2024, pending agreement from the State Government.
What is the 50 cent fares initiative?
50 cent fares is an initiative of the State Government. The State Government set fares and collect all fare revenue. A six-month trial of 50 cent public transport fares will commence on 5 August 2024.
Council expects that this initiative will increase patronage on our bus network. As part of our negotiations with the State Government, we are seeking funding to deliver more services more often, to ensure our buses have capacity to absorb the additional patronage without overcrowding.