The Brisbane Metro public transport system has reached another milestone with early works starting in South Brisbane.
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said frequent peak hour services will be provided once the metro is completed, and will get commuters home considerably quicker.
“New high-frequency services will link with suburban bus and train services, really helping to connect the city to the suburbs and easing congestion bottlenecks,” Mr Tudge said.
Federal Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans, said the project was a great example of what could be achieved when different levels of government work together.
“The $944 million Brisbane Metro project has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council, with the Australian Government committing $300 million, and the Brisbane City Council providing the remaining funds,” Mr Evans said.
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the early works were part of the first stage of the project, which would connect 18 stations along dedicated busways between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street, and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and University of Queensland.
“There will also be a new fleet of comfortable electric metro vehicles, with USB charging points, on board Wi-Fi and large doors for quicker boarding,” Mr Vasta said.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner ,said the early works included geotechnical investigations, sewer pump station construction, piling and excavations had started on the mass public transport system.
“This is a critical milestone for the Brisbane Metro. We have work ramping up at the Rochedale depot and now early works underway in the city centre to allow for the new underground station,’’ Mr Schrinner said.
“This project is creating jobs and a world-class public transport system to ensure residents get home quicker and safer, while also catering for future city growth.
“The new underground station at the Cultural Centre will be a key part of Brisbane’s greater transport network and will help link the city to the suburbs, making it easier to connect to people and places you love.”
Once the pump station is built, Alexander Smith Place Park will be rejuvenated with plants, new street furniture and a drinking fountain. The sewer pump station works are expected to take 12 months to complete at a construction cost of approximately $8.7 million, jointly funded by Council and Urban Utilities.
Brisbane Metro services are expected to begin by late 2023.
