Brisbane is set to experience an expansive upgrade to its public transport network, with over 160,000 new bus services being introduced annually. Among the new routes, route 197 will connect South Brisbane directly to the city, while route 26 will link Garden City in Mount Gravatt with the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital station. In total, despite some bus stops being decommissioned, the council assures the addition of 44 new stops will improve connectivity across the network. This initiative comes hand-in-hand with the Brisbane Metro service, which is positioned to enhance public transport accessibility, running every five minutes during peak hours and maintaining a frequency of 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak hours.
The Brisbane City Council, recognizing the significant role buses play in public transport—carrying around two-thirds of all passengers—acknowledged that the Cultural Centre, Victoria Bridge, and Queen Street Tunnel represent major bottlenecks within the system. With over 600 new residents relocating to Brisbane weekly, Mayor Adrian Schrinner emphasized the need for an adaptable and expanded public transport network to combat increasing congestion. The recent adjustments follow previous changes this year, where Metro megabuses replaced the 66 service on the M2 route, demonstrating a shift toward modernizing bus services to cater to rising demands.
The latest changes also see the M1 Metro service becoming a permanent fixture, taking over buses on routes 111 and 160 and running every five minutes between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street. Passengers can view the comprehensive list of route adjustments on the Translink website by entering specific route numbers. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has advised commuters to review their timetables diligently over the weekend to mitigate potential confusion on the ground during the transition.
Skepticism regarding the success of these changes has been voiced by Labor’s leader in council, Councillor Jared Cassidy. He criticized the council’s strategy, arguing that previous bus reviews have typically resulted in service reductions, emphasizing a worrying trend where essential suburban routes have been neglected. Cassidy claims the reliance on the Metro system is shortsighted, particularly for residents in areas like Wishart, who may face increased commute times—up to 20 minutes longer—despite proximity to the city.
As adjustments unfold, concerns regarding safety have also emerged. Recent incidents, including the alleged assault of a bus driver in front of passengers, underscore ongoing challenges within the transport network. This situation adds a layer of urgency for the council to address both service efficiency and safety protocols, ensuring that public transport not only meets rising demand but does so in a secure environment.
In conclusion, while the overhaul of Brisbane’s public transport system aims to facilitate better connectivity and accommodate a growing population, it also raises questions about the sustainability of its suburban services. As public sentiment remains mixed and safety concerns persist, the effectiveness of the proposed changes will largely depend on how well the council can address the needs of all commuters across the city. The coming weeks will be crucial in observing the impact of these changes on daily commuters and the overall functioning of the network.
