Brisbane’s new $1.5-billion Metro network could be expanded to cover more of the city including the airport under Budget announcements.
As part of its Budget for the next 12 months the Brisbane City Council has allocated $50 million spend for a business case on the expansion of the Brisbane Metro.
The proposed study would investigate the expansion of the under-construction bus network north to Carseldine, south to Springwood, east to Capalaba and a service to the Brisbane Airport.
More than a million passengers have used the $1.5-billion Brisbane Metro since it started its first permanent route in January of this year.
The new buses, which are more than 24m long, can carry up to 170 people.
The 2025-26 Budget also provides funding for the completion of the Adelaide Street tunnel, a public transport fare subsidisation scheme, funding towards the restoration of the Story Bridge and road renewal.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city was one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
“Brisbane is the only council in Australia to subsidise public transport, and a record $210 million will be invested this year to support more services, more often,” Schrinner said.
“These commitments in the 2025-26 Budget will help reduce congestion and make it easier for people to get around sooner and safer.
“Brisbane Metro is already proving a major success, and we will now progress the expansion of Metro so even more people can benefit from this world-class bus rapid transit,” he said
The Lord Mayor also announced Brisbane Sustainability Agency would lead the Pine Mountain Quarry rehabilitation work.
The 30ha former quarry is currently used as a council depot, and would be transformed into accessible green space and koala habitat.
It follows news at the weekend that the Brisbane Sustainability Agency would also be leading the new masterplan process for the Mt Coot-tha precinct, which includes the quarry.
“While there’s a range of options that could have been considered for the former Pine Mountain Quarry, we’ve chosen to progressively rehabilitate this incredible area into koala habitat and green space,” Schrinner said.
“With the Brisbane Sustainability Agency leading the project, we know it will be delivered with care and vision.
“We’re also planning ahead for Mount Coot-tha’s long-term future, with exciting opportunities like a reimagined and revitalised Tropical Dome, Planetarium and improvements to the Mt Coot-tha Summit lookout.”
