Residents need more information about Brisbane Metro: Lord mayor

When Cr Quirk was asked on Tuesday if he believed residents truly understood what the project was he said an education process was still required for residents.

“But, the important thing is that they do understand it will mean a significant improvement in travel time on public transport along those corridors,” he said.

“All cities start with a position around a single metro from there they can develop and that’s what I’m saying about Brisbane, this is the start of a significant public transport journey.”

It has been more than two years since Cr Quirk first announced the council’s Brisbane Metro plan.

In that time the project has evolved from a $1.54 billion single route subway system to a $944,000 bi-articulated bus fleet that would service two-routes by way of existing infrastructure.

The ever-changing project was the only Queensland project on the top-tier Infrastructure Australia list.

Infrastructure Australia chief executive Philip Davies said the Brisbane Metro was a “transformative project”.

Brisbane Metro timeline:

Original design plan for Brisbane Metro as released by Brisbane City Council.
Photo: Supplied

An early artistt's impression of the Brisbane Metro crossing the Victoria Bridge.
Photo: Brisbane City Council

March 2017 – Council looked at two concepts as it finalised its business case – the “metro” seems more likely to be a 30-metre electric powered bus

April 2017 – Council’s public transport chairman Adrian Schrinner said metro could eventually extend to Chermside, Carindale and Springwood

May 2017 – Metro business case revealed the services would be non-stop on weekends and at least 20 hours on weekdays.

October 2017 – Council announced they would buy land in South Brisbane and Rochedale to move the Brisbane Metro project to the next step

March 2018 – Land purchases at South Brisbane and Rochedale delayed

March 2018 – The Brisbane Metro was listed as one of six “high priority” projects by Infrastructure Australia