Brisbane is growing, and so is its public transport network. The river city has always prided itself on its extensive and efficient public transport system that caters to locals and tourists with a diverse mix of buses, trains and ferries. Over recent decades, there has been an increased focus on reducing road congestion and reliance on cars, and improving connections between the suburbs and the CBD. The latest example of Brisbane City Council’s commitment to better public transport is the exciting new Brisbane Metro which commenced services this month. Other exciting developments in Brisbane’s travel scene include upgraded public transport infrastructure and several new pedestrian and riding bridges. Learn more about recent and upcoming improvements to travel in Brisbane.

Brisbane Metro

Linking the city to the suburbs, the all-new Brisbane Metro is a high-capacity, high-functioning mode of public transport for improved transport in Brisbane. The Brisbane Metro integrates seamlessly into Brisbane’s busway operations using existing infrastructure, with two routes connecting 18 stations across the city. Metro 1 will service key destinations between the southern suburbs and inner-city from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, while Metro 2 will connect the eastern and northern suburbs from the University of Queensland to Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital.

Brisbane Metro is guaranteed to transform the city’s public transport network, with services running every five minutes during peak times capable of transporting up to 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction. The fleet of 60 electric metro vehicles are the first of their kind in Australia, establishing Brisbane as a leader in innovative and sustainable transport.

Infrastructure upgrades

To support Brisbane Metro and to sure more efficient travel in Brisbane, a number of smaller infrastructure projects and station upgrades have also taken place.

Cultural Centre bus station

To ensure the Cultural Centre bus station can continue to meet current and future demand, Platforms 1 and 2 of the station have been upgraded, with improvements including an enhanced entrance to the precinct and refurbished foot paths and bike lanes to accommodate more customers. Works to Platform 3 are due to be completed in late 2024.

Adelaide Street underground tunnel

Construction of a new 213 metre tunnel is currently underway beneath Adelaide Street in the CBD. The Adelaide Street tunnel will streamline travel in Brisbane city, unlock the city’s bus network and reduce the number of buses operating on city streets by connecting North Quay and King Goerge Square busway station. As well as improvements to bus operations, the Adelaide Street tunnel project will also involve improved bus stops and footpaths, and new furniture and landscaping. Works on Adelaide Street are due to be completed in late 2024, with King George Square station works due to be completed in mid-2025.

New bridges

The Bridges for Brisbane Program will deliver several new pedestrian and riding bridges that are aimed at promoting “active transport” by walking, running, cycling or scootering to your destination.

Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Bridge

The first green bridge delivered under the Bridges for Brisbane Program is the Breakfast Creek / Yowogerra Bridge which opened earlier this year in February. Suitably named by the Traditional Custodians of Brisbane with Yowogerra meaning corroboree (gathering) place, the Breakfast Creek / Yowogerra Bridge will forever serve as an acknowledgement of the area’s significant history. The bridge makes it easier and safer for those in the inner northern suburbs to move between Newstead Park and the Lores Bonney Riverwalk extension.

Kangaroo Point Bridge

Linking Kangaroo Point to the CBD and the eastern suburbs, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will be purposefully designed to not only provide a means of connection across the inner-city but to also celebrate the river that Brisbane is known and loved for. With a length of 460 metres between Scott Street at Kangaroo Point and the corner of Alice and Edward Streets in the CBD, the Kangaroo Point Bridge will feature dedicated cycle and pedestrian paths, viewing platforms and rest points with panoramic river and city views, and two unique dining venues. Construction of Kangaroo Point Bridge is anticipated to be completed late 2024.

Discover the new Brisbane with Airtrain

Airtrain is your connection between the new and improved Brisbane and the rest of the world. Fully integrated with the Translink network, by catching Airtrain to or from Brisbane Airport you can easily combine travel with Queensland Rail to get to your destination on time and in comfort.

Airtrain’s fast and reliable services run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak. You can travel express from Brisbane Airport with stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations.

Travel in Brisbane with go card for seamless journeys across all Translink buses, ferries and trains (including Airtrain). You can also pay for your journey thanks to Smart Ticketing which allows you to pay with your Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards at any South East Queensland train station, including Brisbane Airport.