Brisbane residents are facing a significant decrease in bus services over the past decade due to a lack of state government funding, according to Brisbane City Council. The council expressed concerns that the current bus network may struggle to accommodate the increased demand expected from the new 50-cent fare trial. While the Queensland government fully funds bus services in other areas, it contributes only 70 percent to Brisbane, leading to longer waits, fewer services, and worsening congestion if more investment is not made in better buses.
In response to these challenges, Brisbane City Council launched a new campaign called “Back our Buses” to highlight the need for increased funding for public transport in the city. The council emphasizes that it is the only one in the state that helps subsidize public transport, with the expenditure being more than 17 percent of the city’s $4 billion budget. As Australia’s largest local government, the LNP council is urging the state government to provide more support to ensure that the bus network can effectively handle the anticipated increase in demand during the 50-cent fare trial.
To address cost-of-living pressures and encourage more people to use public transport, the Queensland government announced that all public transport trips in the state would be reduced to 50 cents, saving commuters an estimated $150 million in 2024-25. While public transport use remains below pre-COVID levels, the government believes that lowering fares will help alleviate road congestion by incentivizing more people to leave their cars at home. The 50-cent fare trial is set to begin in August, but concerns have been raised by the council about the capacity of the city’s bus network to handle the expected increase in demand.
The council’s warning about the potential strain on the bus network during the 50-cent fare trial highlights the importance of sufficient funding and investment in public transport infrastructure. With 82,000 fewer bus services available compared to a decade ago, Brisbane residents face longer waits, reduced services, and worsening congestion if improvements are not made. By launching the “Back our Buses” campaign, the council is advocating for increased support from the state government to ensure that the city’s public transport system can effectively meet the needs of its residents and accommodate the anticipated increase in demand during the 50-cent fare trial.
As the only local government in the state that subsidizes public transport, Brisbane City Council plays a crucial role in ensuring that residents have access to reliable and efficient bus services. The council’s campaign emphasizes the importance of investing in better buses and infrastructure to support the city’s growing population and transportation needs. By raising awareness about the challenges facing the bus network and calling for greater funding and support, the council is working to address the current gaps in service and capacity that could impact residents during the 50-cent fare trial and beyond.
