DEMAND FEDERAL FUNDING FOR METRO EXPANSION IN BRISBANE

Brisbane Metro Federal Funding

Brisbane Metro success strengthens case for Federal support

The Brisbane Metro developed by the Schrinner Administration has delivered more than 10 million trips since services began, driving a surge in public transport patronage that is keeping Brisbane moving.

The milestone is the equivalent of 3.49 million kilometres since the first permanent Brisbane Metro service launched in January 2025.

That’s the equivalent of travelling around the Earth more than 85 times.

Together, 50 cent fares, Brisbane Metro and Brisbane’s New Bus Network have helped lift bus patronage in Brisbane by 27 per cent over two years.

Brisbane Metro by numbers:

• Over 10 million trips delivered across M1 and M2
• Over 6.68 million passengers on M2, a 46 per cent increase on the service it replaced
• Average weekday patronage on M2 services is around 19,000
• Over 3.32 million passengers on M1 since June, a 43 per cent increase on previous routes
• Average weekday patronage on M1 services is around 16,000
• On-time performance up 5.1 per cent on M1 and 3.3 per cent on M2
• 40 per cent faster bus trips between South Bank and Queen Street bus stations

The rollout of Brisbane’s New Bus Network in June 2025 has further strengthened Brisbane’s public network.

Brisbane’s New Bus Network is delivering 160,000 additional services annually, faster trips for more than 45 million passenger journeys and 1.4 million extra kilometres of services across the network.

However, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has warned that without a solid commitment from the Federal Government in the next 12 to 18 months, Brisbane will miss its window to have metro style bus rapid transit services expanded by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

M1 and M2 metro services are just the first stage of Brisbane Metro, laying the foundations for better public transport right across Queensland.

The expansion of Brisbane Metro is a long-term program that will be delivered in stages as planning is completed and funding is secured.

Planning on future Brisbane Metro extensions has been underway for more than a year, including route investigations, depot planning and engagement with industry and other levels of government.

The State’s Brisbane 2032 delivery plan already recognises future northern and eastern Brisbane Metro corridors as part of the city’s long-term transport network, as well as metro-style bus rapid transit on the Sunshine Coast.

The formal business case process is continuing and will help inform future decisions under the State’s Olympic Transport Plan, providing options based on demand and confirmed venue locations.

Some expansion options may progress sooner, such as the Springwood extension, while others will support Brisbane’s growth well beyond the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Schrinner Council continues to advocate to all levels of government to advance the next stages of Brisbane Metro and deliver a public transport network that serves Brisbane for decades to come.

“Brisbane Metro is transforming the way people move around our city and the results speak for themselves.

“More than 10 million trips have already been taken on Brisbane Metro and patronage continues to grow because residents can see Brisbane Metro is fast, reliable and working.

“Brisbane is growing rapidly and without investment from all levels of government, congestion and pressure on infrastructure will only get worse.

“There are only about 12 to 18 months for the Federal Government to commit to further expansions of Brisbane Metro by 2032.

“People are leaving Sydney and Melbourne for Brisbane in record numbers.

“While Melbourne received $6 billion for one rail project, the Federal Government’s latest budget was a massive missed opportunity for Brisbane.

“Local governments collect just three cents in every tax dollar but deliver a third of the services communities rely on every day.

“We’re doing our part to keep costs down for residents and deliver congestion-busting infrastructure, but we can’t manage this growth alone.

“With the world’s attention turning to Brisbane ahead of 2032, now is the time to invest in the infrastructure our growing city needs.”