The Queensland government has unveiled plans for the expansion of the Brisbane Metro public transport system linking Brisbane to the suburbs, and is asking for Commonwealth assistance to bring them to fruition.

The plan will see the Metro bus rapid transit expanded ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics to deliver fully-electric, high frequency, high-capacity transport to more destinations across Brisbane and neighbouring communities.

The vision outlined on Wednesday includes a long-term plan for 22 new stations and stops in the north, south, east and Brisbane airport.

However Commonwealth funding isn’t locked in yet, with Queensland Premier Steven Miles and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner jointly writing to the federal Government seeking support for the expansion.

“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and we need a transport plan to cater for our growth backed by all three levels of government,” Cr Schrinner said.

“This expansion to Brisbane Metro will improve public transport to more destinations across Brisbane and neighbouring communities – and it’s great to see this vision backed by the Queensland government. 

“It’s going to require a team effort by all three levels of government to ensure our transport network is fit for purpose to both cater for the Games, but more importantly, cater for growth.”

 A ‘rapid detailed business case’ will determine the feasibility of expanding the Metro south to Springwood, east to Capalaba, north to Carseldine and connecting to DFO and the Brisbane airport.

Additionally, subject to the findings of the business case, the state government, Brisbane City Council and the Council of SEQ Mayors also intend to seek finance for infrastructure projects including transitway and bus priority infrastructure in the Northern Metro Corridor, as well as the new Northern Metro Depot to support the M2 extension to Chermside/Carseldine.

Brisbane has grown faster than any other capital city over the past 10 years, with another 1.55 million people expected to move to there by 2041, and the state’s south east expected to house 6 million by 2046.