$1.5bn Brisbane Metro finally launches after cost blowouts and major delays

The long-awaited Brisbane Metro at last launched today following cost blowouts and delays. We took a ride on the fully electric, 25-metre bendy bus to put it to the test. WATCH THE VIDEO

Thousands of locals boarded the Brisbane Metro during a seemingly smooth official launch on Tuesday following years of delays and cost blowouts, with the Lord Mayor claiming the metro will carry more passengers than Cross River Rail.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has revealed thousands of Brisbane commuters caught a ride on the fully electric, 25-metre bendy buses as they arrived at select stations for its stage one rollout.

The project was previously marred by cost blowouts and delays with services originally promised to start in 2023 and the final bill totalling $1.55bn, not the projected $944 million.

“The first Brisbane Metro service from the University of Queensland was buzzing, with thousands of people catching a ride on a momentous first day,” Mr Schrinner said.

“Every person on board a Brisbane Metro is one less person in a car, helping us ease congestion on our roads.”

In defending prior cost blowouts, Mr Schrinner said the metro would carry more passengers than Cross River Rail which currently sits at a cost of $17bn.

“The value proposition is there, it carries more passengers than Cross River Rail will and the other thing is it can be expanded in a more feasible and cost effective way than rail services can be,” he said.

“Brisbane Metro is the way forward, it’s the way forward that’s affordable that can be delivered quicker than rail.”

The Courier-Mail on Tuesday took a ride on the bus with the lines from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) to the University of Queensland, arriving every five minutes during peak times.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner with the Brisbane Metro, Rochedale. Picture: Liam Kidston

Commuter Nicole Watts said she was pleasantly surprised to see the Metro show up to RBWH.

“I didn’t know it was starting today actually, but it’s very nice, very new and clean,” she said.

“I haven’t had any difficulties so far and there are so many more seats than a normal bus which I think is great.

“They should have these everywhere.”

At one stage a passenger was openly raving about how “comfortable the seats were”, the USB and USBC phone chargers and even the privacy screen for the bus driver.