Brisbane City Council’s Brisbane Metro project has joined university students for O-Week festivities before the turn-up-and-go service officially arrives for classes in 2023.
Public and Active Transport Chairman Adrian Schrinner said the $944 million Brisbane Metro project would help transform the commute for students at seven campuses across the city.
“Brisbane is home to three world-class universities that contribute to our reputation as a New World City,” Cr Schrinner said.
“More than 130,000 Brisbane residents currently study at a tertiary institution and it is important we unlock congestion so students are spending less time stuck in traffic and more time learning.
“Brisbane Metro is great news for Brisbane students – it’ll help students at the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University travel quicker and safer with trips up to 50 per cent faster than their current commute.”
Cr Schrinner said works would be required at the UQ Lakes station to accommodate Brisbane Metro, including upgrades to the passenger display and information systems.
“St Lucia has emerged as one of Brisbane’s key education precincts, with more than 45 per cent of its residents made up of students,” he said.
“More than 50,000 people visit UQ St Lucia every single day, with 63 per cent of its students commuting to class by public or active transport and Brisbane Metro will enhance connectivity across the greater transport network
“Around 100,000 trips are taken to and from UQ St Lucia on an average day and Brisbane Metro will reduce the number of cars on our roads, boost the efficiency of the entire bus network and increase the number of bus services in the suburbs.
“It’s all part of Council’s plan to get residents home quicker and safer with more travel options, less congestion and better public transport.”
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane Metro was just one of eight projects around the nation that had been identified as a high priority project by Infrastructure Australia.
“We’re driving ahead with procurement for the delivery of significant new infrastructure and a fleet of up to 60 metro vehicles, ready to start construction this year” he said.
“Construction of Brisbane Metro is fully funded, with a $300 million investment from the Federal Government.”