Forget packed buses and frustrating commutes! Brisbane’s shiny new “Metro” system is here to shake things up, and Greenslopes residents are in for a treat.
Instead of trains, the system utilises a fleet of 60 high-tech electric buses, dubbed “BERT” (Busway Electric Rapid Transit), that will run on dedicated busways throughout the city.
What sets Metro apart?
Forget cramming onto crowded buses and struggling with prams or wheelchairs. These Swiss-made, 24.4 metre-long behemoths can comfortably carry 150 passengers, with room for up to 170 in “event mode.” They boast features like low-floor design, multiple mobility aid bays, and automated ramp access, making them the most accessible public transport option in Brisbane’s history.
High-Frequency Service
Say goodbye to timetables! With Metro, buses will arrive every five minutes, whisking passengers along the 21km route at speeds of up to 1800 people per hour. Thanks to the electric engines, the ride promises to be smooth and quiet.
Passengers can enjoy panoramic views, track their journey with real-time information displays, or stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging points.
The Routes
While a temporary route is currently operating between UQ Lakes and Eight Mile Plains, two permanent routes are awaiting approval from the State Government:
Metro 1: This route will link Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, with stops in key locations like Upper Mount Gravatt, Griffith University, Holland Park West, Greenslopes, Buranda, Mater Hill, South Bank, and the Cultural Centre.
Metro 2: Running from UQ Lakes to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, this route will service Boggo Road, the PA Hospital, Mater Hill, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Roma Street, Normanby, QUT Kelvin Grove, and Herston.
Expansion Plans
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has ambitious plans to expand the Metro network with new lines to the airport, Rochedale, Springwood, Windsor, Lutwyche, Kedron, Chermside, Aspley, Carseldine, and the eastern suburbs, including Stones Corner and Coorparoo, which would further enhance connectivity for Greenslopes residents.
These extensions are contingent on securing state and federal funding, which seems likely given the cancellation of the planned Gabba station, freeing up $450 million for alternative projects.
A Sustainable Solution
The Metro fleet will use 15 cutting-edge, 600kW fast chargers and 60 overnight chargers at the Rochedale depot. These chargers will be powered by a 1MW solar array, making the system a more sustainable option for Brisbane.
A New Era for Brisbane Transport
With its focus on accessibility, frequency, and sustainability, Brisbane Metro promises to transform how people move around the city. For residents of Greenslopes and surrounding suburbs, it offers a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to driving, with easy connections to other public transport options.
Published Date 22-October-2024
Photo Credit: BCC