Brisbane’s Metro project has taken another leap forward with the first pilot vehicle rolled out for testing in the city network.
Inspecting the vehicle today, Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said the state-of-the-art Metro buses were one of the most advanced electric vehicles in the world.
“The Metro is the first of its kind in Australia and it’s debuting right here in Brisbane as part of our $1.7 billion Brisbane Metro project,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said
“This project will help revolutionise public transport in Brisbane by delivering high-capacity turn-up-and-go services on a dedicated network with 18 stations.”
The network will run from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to the University of Queensland with services available 24 hours-a-day on weekends.
“The 60 bi-articulated Metro vehicles will significantly enhance the experience of commuters with spacious passenger areas featuring large wheelchair bays, priority seating, tinted panoramic windows, high-performing air conditioning and an automated access ramp,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The vehicle’s next generation interior also includes dynamic information screens, ambient LED lighting, onboard stop announcements and hearing loops, as well as Wi-Fi and USB charging points.”
Brisbane Transport Chair, Ryan Murphy said the next step in the Metro’s journey will be extensive testing over the next 12 months to trial it in local conditions.
“Residents can expect to see the pilot Metro travelling on the Gateway Motorway, Pacific Motorway, South-East Busway, Northern Busway and other local roads,” Cr Murphy said.
“Once we have put the vehicle to the test to ensure it meets all of Council’s requirements we will place an order for the remaining fleet, with vehicle operations to commence in late 2023 and first services in 2024.
“There are over 750 tests that the vehicle will undergo in the coming months, everything from air-conditioning performance to traction testing up Mt Coot-tha.”
The Brisbane Metro is being delivered in partnership with all three levels of government.
The recently unveiled South-East Queensland City Deal included a $450 million commitment to include a new Gabba Stadium Metro station on the same site as the under-construction Cross River Rail station.
“The involvement of all three levels of government in this project just demonstrates how important Brisbane Metro is to the future of our fast-growing city,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
“The Gabba Station will mean football, cricket and Brisbane2032 Games spectators will be able to catch a Metro direct to the stadium and to entertainment precincts, like Southbank, afterwards.”
Council is working with world-leading vehicle manufacturer HESS and electric infrastructure experts Hitachi Energy to design, build and commission the Metro fleet along with the state of-the-art, flash-charging infrastructure.
Brisbane-based bus company Volgren will fit-out the vehicle and provide local support, continuing Council’s commitment to local partnerships.
