Thousands of university students and staff are set to benefit from the construction of a new Brisbane Metro station at UQ Lakes, as a review of Brisbane’s bus network begins.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner this week unveiled the innovative designs of UQ Lakes Station along with plans to ensure future public transport services are tailored to meet demand.
“Brisbane Metro will deliver a fully-electric, turn-up-and-go public transport service with the greatest benefit to come during peak periods when most commuters travel,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
“Students and staff travelling to and from the University of Queensland generate almost 20,000 bus trips every day, so this area is a critical part of the network.
“That’s why we are powering ahead with our plans to construct a Metro station at UQ Lakes along with the installation of charging equipment at this location for the state-of-the-art vehicles.”
He said the charging equipment was the first of its kind in Australia, with the Metro flash chargers returning the vehicle to full capacity in just six minutes.
“As part of the upgrade, UQ Lakes Station will gain a third new platform, to allow Metro services to operate seamlessly with other bus routes, connecting students from across the city with turn-up-and-go services,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The 19-station Brisbane Metro network will provide increased capacity and a better experience for all commuters when services start in 2024, while laying the groundwork for future expansion to other parts of Brisbane.”
Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport, Ryan Murphy confirmed Council would commence a Bus Network Review to ensure the benefits of Brisbane Metro are experienced throughout the suburbs.
“Brisbane Metro will deliver one of the biggest-ever increases in network capacity, allowing for an extra 30.4 million passengers to use the busway by 2031,” Cr Murphy said.
“The Bus Network Review will ensure all this extra capacity is going to areas where demand for services is growing the most.
“Brisbane’s bus network hasn’t had a root-and-branch review for over thirty years, and with Metro services commencing in 2024, now is the time to start the discussion with the community about bus network changes.
“Without making changes to the network, passengers will continue to be caught in congestion, with currently more than 385 buses clogging up the Cultural Centre station during peak times.”
The Council is asking commuters to share how they use public transport, to better understand how an improved network can best work for them.
“Residents and commuters can register on Council’s website to take part in the review, which commences with a short questionnaire about how they use the network today.”
“In October, Brisbane residents will be able to see detailed proposals for the network, including how their local bus routes will change once Brisbane Metro services commence.
“This is about listening to residents who want more services in the suburbs, less time caught up in congestion and convenient, turn-up-and-go services,” said Cr Murphy.
