Carseldine is set to become an essential stop in the Brisbane Metro expansion, with plans for a new station to be built in time for the 2032 Olympic Games.
Expansion Plans Announced
The Brisbane Metro rapid bus service is gearing up for a significant expansion to extend its reach to the outer suburbs, including Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood, and the Brisbane Airport. This expansion includes the construction of 22 new stations to improve public transport connectivity across Brisbane and neighbouring communities.
The proposal aims to develop a high-frequency, high-capacity public transport network crucial for managing the anticipated increase in public transport usage during the 2032 Olympics and beyond. It is expected to alleviate congestion and support the growing population, with an estimated 1.55 million more people predicted to move to Brisbane by 2041.
Community and Infrastructure Development
The expansion plan focuses on enhancing the Metro service to better connect key destinations such as the Brisbane Airport and DFO and extending lines to the north, south, and east of Brisbane. This initiative aims to ensure that more suburbs are linked to the public transport network, which will reduce the number of cars on the road, decrease congestion, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Transport modelling has highlighted the northern corridor, including Chermside and Carseldine, as a priority area for new Metro stations to support both short—and medium-term transport needs, especially in the lead-up to the Olympics.
In addition to the new stations, plans include establishing a new Metro depot in the northern suburbs to support the extended services. This infrastructure is part of a broader strategy to enhance Brisbane’s public transport network, which features fully-electric, high-capacity buses designed to integrate seamlessly with existing busways.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the expansion plans are ambitious, several challenges remain. The exact cost of the project has yet to be determined, and further discussions regarding funding are ongoing. Additionally, the project must navigate existing agreements, such as the Airtrain exclusivity agreement, which currently restricts public transport links to Brisbane Airport until 2036.
Despite these challenges, all parties involved strongly commit to pushing the project forward. Following changes in priorities and cost assessments, funds have already been redirected from other projects to support the expansion.
The expansion of the Brisbane Metro will begin with the opening of its first stage on October 21, linking Eight Mile Plains and the University of Queensland. The extension to Carseldine and other suburbs will follow, subject to the outcomes of the detailed business case and funding availability.
The 22 new stations planned for the Brisbane Metro expansion:
- Eight Mile Plains
- Rochedale
- Springwood
- Upper Mount Gravatt
- Griffith University
- Holland Park West
- Greenslopes
- PA Hospital
- Boggo Road
- UQ Lakes
- Buranda
- Stones Corner
- Coorparoo Square
- Camp Hill
- Carindale
- Chandler
- Capalaba
- Langlands Park
- Carina
- Kedron Brook
- Kedron North
- Chermside
Additionally, there are future Metro extensions indicated to:
- Carseldine
- Doomben
- Brisbane Airport
- DFO
- Clayfield
- Hendra
- Ascot
- Eagle Junction
- Windsor
- Woolloongabba
Published 30-Aug-2024