Explained: What the Brisbane Metro project entails

The projected cost for the Brisbane Metro is $1.7 billion dollars, here is what the costly public transport expansion entails.

The Brisbane Metro is an extension of the city’s current bus network with tunnelling works underway to connect the new mass transport system with the existing busway.

The newly built tunnels will provide underground routes for 60 fully electric, high‑capacity metro buses, which can also integrate into the busways.

It was announced in early 2016 to address congestion bottlenecks in the city and constraints on the bus network, along with meeting the demand for frequent and reliable travel to and from the city.

It has since become a major component of works across town to ready the city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with an initial cost estimation of $900 million.

It has been designed as a “turn-up-and-go” travel option with high frequency services on high‑capacity metros connecting the city’s public transport to suburban routes.

Tour of the Brisbane Metro tunnel, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

The route known as Metro One will operate along dedicated busways from the depot at Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, while Metro 2 will travel between Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to University of Queensland.

It will operate 24 hours on weekends and the Metros were designed for all residents to access.

Their low-floor design from front to rear, providing a high level of accessibility and three large mobility aid bays in the first passenger compartment with automated on-request ramp access at the first passenger door.

They will have capacity for 150 passengers in comfort and 170 in event mode with in-built USB charging points and on-board Wi-Fi, to help commuters stay connected.

By the middle of the year construction by Brisbane Move, a consortium comprising of companies ACCIONA and Arup, should be completed with services commencing by late 2024.