Brisbane City Council defends bus network changes amid criticism from school parents

But Brisbane City Council says it has worked closely with schools to minimise the impacts of the changes.

St Joseph’s College students Louis Turner, 11, and Thomas Turner, 14, have been impacted by changes to Brisbane’s bus network. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Parents say changes to Brisbane’s bus network have caused major disruptions and confusion for their children getting to school, forcing some to take multiple buses.

But Brisbane City Council says it has worked closely with schools to minimise the impacts of the biggest network shake-up in two decades, and that many commuters are better off.

James Turner, father of St Joseph’s College students Thomas, 14, and Louis, 11, says his sons now have to take two buses to get to school. Before the changes, it was one bus – the 206.

Brisbane’s bus network has undergone a major shake-up. Picture Lachie Millard

“It was very efficient for us,” he said of the 206 service. “It stopped near our street and dropped them right near school.

“With these changes, there are now two buses each day, and there is obviously the chance of missing connecting buses each morning. 

“It takes them much longer to get to school.

“If the boys want to stay back and do something at school, like study or sport, it takes them longer to get home. 

“My son is looking at potentially getting three buses to get home in the afternoon.”

Tarragindi mum Melody Lawler now rides her bike with her 11-year-old daughter, Katie to the Buranda train station after the 121 bus route that stopped at Gotha Street in Fortitude Valley was changed.

The 113 bus route which she caught from Adelaide Street to go home in the afternoon was also changed.

“If she wants to catch the bus she needs to catch a connecting bus from the Cultural Centre,” she said. “She is very small, and she is having to find her way around the Cultural Centre, which is incredibly busy.”

Another mum said her family had moved to Auchenflower so that her daughter could catch a bus – route 470 – directly to All Hallows’ School in Fortitude Valley. That has also been impacted. 

“(Last week), she went to catch the 470 in the afternoon but it never arrived. We realised that it had changed,” she said.

The family have been trying to find an alternative afternoon route for their daughter, looking at whether she needs to catch a different bus at a stop further away from the school or catch the train in the afternoon.

“With her normal backpack, it’s fine, but with her sports bag, backpack and carrying an instrument, it just makes it really challenging,” she said.

All Hallows’ School and St Joseph’s College were informed of the changes and also offered a special briefing by council, which All Hallows’ accepted.

Brisbane City Council Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Andrew Wines said two-seat journeys were common in major cities around the world and their introduction to Brisbane’s bus network made for faster journeys.

“We understand any change to bus routes can be disruptive, particularly for families and students who have to adjust the way they travel,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve worked closely with schools to make sure students stay connected and any impacts are kept to a minimum.

“While some people may notice changes, the majority of passengers will be better off with more frequent services, simpler routes and better connections.”

A Brisbane City Council 24/7 call centre was available to contact, dedicated to providing information on the changes and travel options.

Originally published as Brisbane City Council defends bus network changes amid criticism from school parents