On January 28, 2025, Brisbane officially launched its long-anticipated Metro system, marking a significant milestone for public transport in the city. After nearly eight years of planning and development, metro services will permanently transform how residents and visitors navigate Brisbane.
Brisbane Metro has began its first permanent service, simplifying and enhancing the public transit experience. The initial operation focuses on Metro Line 2—renamed route M2—which connects the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) to the University of Queensland (UQ). This route will provide high-frequency services, running every five minutes during peak hours and servicing 12 strategic stops, which include major hospitals, universities, and the Cultural Centre.
According to Ryan Murphy, Brisbane City Councillor and Chair of Transport, the significant transition to the Metro has been nothing short of monumental. "It’s been a long journe to get here, eight years, this has been a real labour of love for us at City Hall," Murphy shared during his appearance on 4BC Breakfast. He emphasized the transition from public transport to mass transit as only beginning. "It’s just the start of our transition from public transport to mass transit," he noted.
The launch of the Brisbane Metro permanent service promises to radically improve how patrons access the city, benefitting students, tourists, and residents alike. With the aim of enhancing connectivity, the new M2 route replaces the previous bus route 66, which will significantly increase seating capacity and service frequency. The high-capacity electric metros will provide contactless travel and updated onboard facilities, ensuring a comfortable commuting experience.
Offering impressive attributes, the new electric metros are 24.4 meters long and 2.6 meters wide, featuring three passenger compartments and the capability to accommodate up to 150 passengers—potentially extending to 170 for special events. Enhanced accessibility is served through real-time travel information screens, USB charging points, and onboard WiFi. These modern vehicles are distinctively engineered to meet the demands of Brisbane's diverse transport needs.
The improvements extend beyond mere operation; the Metro system aims to integrate seamlessly with Brisbane's larger bus network. "This is the first phase of welcoming Brisbane Metro to our network," was the assertion by Translink, alluding to the upcoming changes anticipated throughout the bus network later this year. This collaborative approach seeks to align various public transport forms, ensuring efficient connectivity among all transport modes.
The City of Brisbane envisions this Metro line as just the beginning. Plans are already underway to roll out additional services to other areas, including updated school services to accommodate local students more effectively. The initiative aims to operationally prepare for future scheduling and timetabling, with additional trial operations for Metro Line 1, which will run from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, expected to be operational by mid-2025.
Adrian Schrinner, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, praised the Metro system upon its launch, stating, "An amazing bus," during his first ride on the service. He highlighted its potential to reshape public transport, illustrating the positive impact such infrastructure can have on urban mobility.
Brisbane residents are eager to embrace this new chapter, signifying more than just transit improvements but also reinforcing Brisbane’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions. The anticipation is palpable within the community as they prepare for enduring changes to their transport network.
Today marks not only the operational start of the Brisbane Metro system but also the beginning of enhanced urban mobility across the city, setting the stage for future growth and revitalization of Brisbane's transport infrastructure.