Brisbane Metro: Funding for Eastern Metro Study to pave way for route through eastern suburbs to Capalaba

A direct Brisbane Metro route running through the city’s eastern suburbs has the financial support of two councils and the State Government, it can be revealed. Here’s what’s being proposed.

A direct Brisbane Metro route running through the eastern suburbs to Capalaba will be the subject of a major new study, potentially unlocking a fully-electric travel option to the CBD.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Redlands Mayor Karen Williams have announced both councils will pitch in funding towards the Eastern Metro Study, along with the state government.

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Cr Schrinner said an additional mass transport system for Brisbane’s east had long been regarded as necessary, and the study would examine options for extending the existing busway from where it currently ends at Coorparoo through to the Capalaba business district.

“Brisbane is the fastest growing capital city in Australia,” he said. “Investigating and investing in fast and efficient public transport solutions is going to be critical to ensuring Brisbane remains the best place in Australia to live, work and relax.”

An artist’s impression of the Brisbane Metro at Griffith Station.

A previous plan for a dedicated eastern busway was put on pause in 2011, but Cr Schrinner said this study would rejuvenate the idea of a link to tackle traffic congestion.

A direct route through Brisbane’s east to Capalaba would also be an important fixture during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane International Shooting Centre, Chandler Indoor Sports Centre and the Anna Meares Velodrome, which will all be Games venues, sit along the route previously proposed by the state government,” he said.

Mayor Williams said the route was crucial for the Redlands, and wants to see it flagged as a priority.

“Seven sports will rely on the Eastern Metro to transport athletes and spectators during the 2032 Games and without it the Redlands and eastern parts of Brisbane will be hit with gridlock,” she said.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says direct route through Brisbane’s east to Capalaba would be an important fixture during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Picture, John Gass

“More importantly, beyond the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Eastern Metro is vital to getting locals to work and back home to their families safer and faster, as well as delivering significant benefits for local businesses. The Games were won on the back of unprecedented collaboration across three levels of government and this is the ideal project for that unity to continue, which is why we are partnering with Brisbane City Council to help make it a reality.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the state government would support the study to “ensure regional infrastructure, housing and planning considerations are incorporated from a state perspective”.

“The population of Redlands will grow in to the future and it’s good to see both local governments looking ahead to futurepublic transport needs,” he said. Leveraging private sector investment to deliver off-street, state-of-the-art bus stations at key locations along the route will also be investigated.

“Coorparoo Square was actually constructed to incorporate an underground bus station in the future,” Brisbane Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said.

“This study will consider opportunities where bus stations can be built as part of similar developments.

“This would be a win/win for Brisbane commuters because it will deliver bus stations where commuters most want them and reduce the public cost of the project.”