Brisbane’s evolving bus network could be expanded as part of a multibillion-dollar plan to integrate the Metro service into more suburbs.
Almost 30 years ago, the State Government’s South East Queensland Integrated Regional Transport Plan proposed 75 kilometres of busways, but only around a third was ever built.
The Council is now investigating the expansion of the Brisbane Metro along the city’s key corridors, using a combination of new tunnels, dedicated busways and transitways.
Residents have been invited to have their say on the multibillion-dollar expansion plan, including:
- Northern Metro: CBD to Carseldine via Gympie Road
- Eastern Metro: CBD to Capalaba via Old Cleveland Road
- Southern Metro: CBD to Springwood via the existing busway
- Airport Metro: CBD to Brisbane Airport
Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, with significant population forecast along the proposed Brisbane Metro corridors in the next 20 years:
- CBD to Carseldine along Gympie Road: population forecast to grow by 60%
- CBD to Capalaba along Old Cleveland Road: population forecast to grow by 29%
- CBD to Springwood along the existing busway: population forecast to grow by 96%
With an additional 88,000 residents expected to move into the areas surrounding the three residential corridors, the need for more bus rapid transit is growing.
It’s the first time three levels of government have partnered on Brisbane Metro, with the expansion business case expected to be completed in the second half of 2027.
The proposed expansion follows Brisbane’s Metro’s success, with more than 15 million trips and bus patronage increase almost 30 percent over two years.
Future expansions will be delivered in stages as planning is completed and funding is secured.
Community consultation closes on Sunday 13 December 2026. Have your say here.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said it was important for residents to help shape the expansion plans to keep Brisbane moving as the city grows.
“Now that we know it works, we need to replicate this project in other parts of Brisbane and beyond,” Cr Schrinner said.
Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Councillor Andrew Wines said community feedback was valuable in shaping Brisbane’s New Bus Network and they wanted to take the same approach for Brisbane Metro’s future.
“Whether you catch the bus every day or wish public transport was a better option for you, we want to hear from you.”
