Brisbane City Council is set to formalise a new public transport funding deal with the state government, which it says will result in an extra 160,000 bus services each year.
The deal involves a 75:25 funding split between the two levels of government and will see $75 million provided towards the Transport for Brisbane bus network this financial year.
The Brisbane Metro will also boost capacity by up to 30 million seats annually.
The agreement lays the foundation for a long term collaboration with Council, Premier Steven Miles says.
“Brisbane City Council is a key partner in delivering multi-modal public transport throughout the region and I’m pleased we could lock in a strong plan for the future of the network,” he said in a statement.
City of Brisbane’s Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy says the deal secures funding for the future of Brisbane buses, which carry two thirds of all public transport passengers.
“This is a transformative public transport funding deal that will deliver more services, more often, and gives us a remarkable opportunity to reform our network,” Cr Murphy said on Monday.
“Brisbane residents deserve better bus services and the agreement reached between Council and the State is a win for them and a win for our bus network.”
50 cent fares trial
The announcement of the deal comes ahead Queensland’s 50 Cent Fares trial which will see a flat 50 cent fare for all distances travelled on public transport from August 5.
The 50 cent flat rate will apply across all zones and modes on Queensland’s Translink network including regional and urban buses, and bus, train, ferry, tram and on demand services in South East Queensland.
The agreement includes on-demand bus services, funded by the State and operated by Council during the six month 50 Cent Fares initiative.
“Today’s agreement with Brisbane City Council will make sure we have on-demand bus services ready to roll out from day one,” Mr Miles said.
“And that moving forward we are delivering the high frequency, reliable and accessible public transport services that the people of Brisbane deserve.”
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