Brisbane’s long-awaited Metro system begins operation today, with a route between Eight Miles Plains and the University of Queensland the first to carry fare-paying customers.
Translink’s 169 route, between the Eight Mile Plains station and UQ Lakes station, is the first to feature the new high-capacity, high-frequency turn-up-and-go electric metro vehicles.
In a statement, Brisbane City Council said there would be minor timetable changes to route 169 services and customers were encouraged to visit the Translink website to plan a journey.
“From time to time, you may also continue to see regular buses operating on route 169 as we finalise our testing,” Council said.
Council has also answered some frequently asked questions:
What’s happening with the route 169 and Brisbane Metro?
From October 21, 2024, metro vehicles will be in operation on route 169 between Eight Mile Plains and UQ Lakes. This is ahead of Brisbane Metro’s M1 and M2 services officially commencing.
Why are metro vehicles servicing route 169?
With the early introduction of metro vehicles, customers will have the opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art electric vehicles ahead of Brisbane Metro services officially commencing (M1 and M2). By introducing high-capacity metro vehicles that are able to carry up to 170 passengers, we’ll increase bus network capacity, supporting the State Government’s 50 cent fares initiative. We’re working closely with Translink to determine when metro services commence on M1 and M2.
Will 50 cent fares apply to metros on the route 169?
Yes.
Will the 169 timetable change?
The current service frequency and span of hours will be maintained with minor timetable adjustments. For service information, use Journey Planner on the Translink website.
Will the metro vehicles stop at Dutton Park Place when it operates on the route 169?
No, the 169 service will not stop at Dutton Park Place during this time as the bus stop is not suitable for metros due to physical constraints. Multiple frequent bus routes will continue to stop at Dutton Park Place, allowing quick and easy transfers to the 169 service at nearby busway stations including Boggo Road station and UQ Lakes station. Once M1 and M2 services commence, standard buses will be put back into service and route 169 will return to Dutton Park Place.
How do I board a metro vehicle?
To catch a metro vehicle, you need to hail the service like you would a bus or use the help phone on the platform to request the service. You can board through the first, middle and rear compartment doors. Council has created a metro vehicle video (see below) and fact sheet to help customers using a metro for the first time.
What ticketing system will be available on the 169?
The Translink ticketing system will be used on metro vehicles for the 169. Metro vehicles will be installed with Smart Ticketing equipment and will accept go cards and Odin pass until the Smart Ticketing trial for buses commences.
What do I do if my go card doesn’t work?
If your go card isn’t working, continue to board the metro vehicle and contact Translink for further information. Unlike buses, you cannot talk to the driver as they sit in a separated driver cabin.
I want to ask the driver a question about my journey – what do I do?
As the driver sits in a separated driver cabin, you can’t speak directly to the driver like you can on a bus. There are passenger information screens with journey information, including route maps, next stop and arrival times.
What do I do if there is an emergency and I need to talk to the driver?
There is a separated driver cabin so communicating with the driver in an emergency is different to a regular bus. Should you require support during your journey, there are six help points located throughout the vehicle. Help points include a two-way speaker and camera to provide direct communication between you and the driver. To call the driver, press the red button and hold for three seconds.
Will metros be the only vehicle servicing the 169 or will buses still be required?
Metros will be the primary vehicle servicing route 169 route during this time. From time to time, you may continue to see regular buses operating on route 169 as we finalise our testing.
When Brisbane Metro goes live, what will happen to the 169? Will this route continue to be serviced by metros?
No. The metros on the 169 service are being temporarily used to give customers the early opportunity to experience the electric metro vehicles ahead of Brisbane Metro services (M1 and M2) officially commencing. Metros servicing route 169 will be removed and redirected for M1 and M2 services to commence in time for the launch of Brisbane Metro. M1 services will travel from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, and M2 services will travel from Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to University of Queensland. View a map of the network and services.
