The Brisbane Metro bus rapid transit system officially launched today, marking the introduction of fully electric bus services running between the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and the University of Queensland (UQ Lakes). This significant milestone is poised to revolutionize Brisbane’s public transport, introducing the most substantial enhancements to the bus network the city has seen in decades.
Starting on January 28, 2025, the M2 service will operate at peak frequencies of every five minutes, catering to 12 designated stops. These include notable locations such as two major hospitals and both universities, effectively linking key institutions with the city’s core. The Brisbane City Council has highlighted the capacity increase of the service, projecting it will add up to 3.4 million additional seats annually.
Eagerly awaited since its inception announcement back in 2016, this launch reflects years of planning and development. Originally estimated to cost around $944 million, the project has seen its budget swell to over $1.55 billion, leading to scrutiny over its management and planning phases.
"It's turn up and go time, it's time for mass rapid transit," stated Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, emphasizing the need for efficient transport options as Brisbane continues to grow. The council has implemented several changes to the bus network, including the formal replacement of Route 66 with the new M2 service, aimed at alleviating overcrowding.
The buses themselves represent modernity, each stretching 24.4 meters long and able to carry 170 passengers. These vehicles are expected to become iconic symbols of Brisbane and will be named after Queensland icons, with the first bus dedicated to NRL legend Darren Lockyer. He expressed his honor, commenting, "I've lived in Brisbane for a very long time and it's special for me and my family to be recognized like this."
The operational framework also includes real-time travel information, delivered by Brisbane actress Melanie Zanetti, famously known for her role on the children’s show Bluey. The system will keep riders informed of upcoming stops and updates, which are expected to smoothen the travel experience considerably.
Today’s initiation follows the success of the Metro 169 trial, which recorded impressive metrics, including 94% on-time performance and high customer satisfaction ratings. This success has underscored the importance of improving public transportation reliability, especially as Brisbane's population is on the rise.
Looking forward to the latter half of the year, the rollout will expand with the M1 service, scheduled to cover routes between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street, with additional features expected by the second quarter of the year.
Residents can also expect enhancements to other areas of public transport. Starting alongside the Metro launch, the CityHopper and Cross River ferry routes will see their service frequency doubled, and fares have been set to just $0.50, making public transport more affordable and convenient for all users.
Despite the earlier hurdles—cost overruns and significant planning revisions—including scrapping aspects of the initial plan for underground infrastructure—the Brisbane Metro remains focused on delivering comprehensive transit solutions. Councillor Ryan Murphy acknowledged the pivotal changes coming, noting, "Certainly it will be [the biggest] change to Brisbane's bus network in over 25 years."
Following these improvements, Brisbane offers services expected to handle approximately 71 million passengers annually, with plans to accommodate up to 30 million more with the new metro line implementations. The goal of the Brisbane Metro is not only to ease vehicular congestion but also to promote sustainable travel solutions by encouraging residents to leave their cars at home.
Aiming to support urban mobility, the Brisbane Metro will serve as the backbone of future transport development, with prospects for expansion to key regions beyond the city center, including Carseldine, Springwood, and even the airport. Construction of the new Rochedale depot has already begun to support maintenance and management operations for the upcoming fleet.
Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, and with initiatives like the Brisbane Metro, the city is not only enhancing its transport infrastructure but is also preparing for the demographic shifts anticipated over the coming years. The commencement of permanent services marks not just another step but perhaps the start of Brisbane’s rebirth as a leader in public transport innovation.