More than a million passengers have jumped on board the first permanent Brisbane Metro services since it launched this year.
The millionth passenger milestone was reached this week – just three months after M2 service started in January.
“This incredible milestone highlights how Brisbane Metro is keeping Brisbane moving by offering more services more often,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“More than two-thirds of all public transport trips in Brisbane are made on a bus, and now we’re able to offer thousands of extra services with Brisbane Metro.
“We are the only council in Australia delivering major congestion-busting and city-shaping transport projects.”
The M2 has increased the daily capacity of the former bus 66 route by 9,200 passengers per day.
Since January there has been 12% increase in patronage numbers on the route running between the University of Queensland and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
From 15 March to 3 April, the M2 moved an extra 145,000 passengers, which was 44% higher than numbers over the same period last year.
Metro will be expanded mid this year to include a brand new M1 route running between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street.
The M1 and M2 are forecast to deliver an extra 30 million additional seats a year.
Several critical infrastructure developments supporting Metro will also be completed over the coming months:
- The inbound and outbound platforms at Buranda station are being extended by an extra 30 metres, while the adjacent bus tunnel has been widened to accommodate Metros;
- 15 new Electric Passenger Information Displays and six new bus shelters bearing local artwork are being installed as part of the Adelaide Street Metro makeover;
- Finishing touches are being applied to the revitalisation of Platform 3 of the Cultural Centre.
Metro services will transition to the new Adelaide Street tunnel once construction has finished later this year.
“Our Metros and New Bus Network will ensure Brisbane can keep pace with our rapid population growth and allow us to deliver additional services where they are most needed,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“We’re so pleased to see Brisbane residents voting with their feet and embracing our leap from public transport to mass transit.”
As part of the Council’s plan to transform public transport, it will also be launching the New Bus Network in the coming months.
