Springfield to score direct bus route to Ipswich in state Budget boost

The state government has announced a new bus route directly linking Springfield and Ipswich as part of changes announced in this week’s make or break state Budget.

Springfield will welcome the new direct bus route to Ipswich CBD, improving its connection with the city. Picture: Josh Woning.

Springfield will score a new direct bus route to Ipswich CBD, improving its connection with the city, under changes announced in this week’s state Budget.

Currently Springfield residents have to travel for about an hour to reach Ipswich Central on public transport, with a transfer essential, making their journey longer than heading towards Brisbane City.

The new route would run from Springfield, via Redbank Plains, to Ipswich.

It was announced in the Budget on Tuesday as a part of a $70 million investment in bus network upgrades across Queensland.

The program was aimed at improving community travel options through funding in new bus services and new bus stop infrastructure.

Other improvements included new services to growth areas in Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Springfield, Deebing Heights and Karalee, as well as improved service connectivity to the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.

There would also be an extension of existing routes in areas north and south of Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira and Spring Mountain and an improved connectivity to rail services and to Ipswich Hospital.

The improvements would be delivered across three years.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said his government was tackling congestion and easing cost of living pressures on families.

“We are doing what matters for the Logan and Ipswich communities by making bus links to their communities stronger with more services and more affordable with our 50c fares,” he said.

“We want public transport to be more attainable for everyone regardless of where people live, so they can get home to their families faster.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said it was an exciting time for public transport users.

“These initiatives will hopefully attract more and more people to public transport so they can experience the benefits, which in turn eases congestion on our roads,” he said.

“The Bus Services Investment Program is giving Queenslanders access to new bus services and stops to allow customers a more convenient way to travel to and from their homes.”

Originally published as Springfield to score direct bus route to Ipswich in state Budget boost