Brisbane Metro

In January 2016, the Brisbane City Council (BCC) announced the Brisbane Metro to address the current constraints and challenges facing the city's current busway network, which had reached capacity at many inner city sections.[https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/lord-mayor-graham-quirk-announces-brisbane-metro-plan-20160131-gmi2xx.html Lord Mayor Graham Quirk announces Brisbane Metro plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528214902/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/lord-mayor-graham-quirk-announces-brisbane-metro-plan-20160131-gmi2xx.html |date=28 May 2018 }} Brisbane Times 31 January 2016 This proposal incorporated the conversion of the busway from Woolloongabba to Herston into a rubber-tyred Metro with a single track to provide power and enable driverless operations.

In March 2017, while keeping the same name, the project was redefined with the project shifting to operating high capacity bi-articulated buses on the existing busway, reducing the cost by one-third.[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-04/brisbane-metro-plan-changed-to-have-two-lines-running/8324922 Brisbane metro revised plan to cost $500 million less] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530115050/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-04/brisbane-metro-plan-changed-to-have-two-lines-running/8324922 |date=30 May 2018 }} ABC News 4 March 2017 The new buses would operate two routes, with one replacing the existing route 66, and the other replacing routes 111 and 160. In November 2017 the BCC released its business case, detailing the benefits, costs and impacts of delivering the project. In November 2017, the project was budgeted to cost $944 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro|title=Brisbane Metro|date=17 December 2018|website=www.brisbane.qld.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2 January 2019|archive-date=8 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408195827/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro|url-status=live}}

The BCC released a draft design report for the project in April 2018 with a project concept displayed publicly for community feedback, following the announcement that Brisbane Metro has been confirmed as a high priority project on Infrastructure Australia's priority list.[https://www.railexpress.com.au/brisbane-metro-beerburrum-to-nambour-upgrade-approved-by-infrastructure-australia/ Brisbane Metro, Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade approved by Infrastructure Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528134841/https://www.railexpress.com.au/brisbane-metro-beerburrum-to-nambour-upgrade-approved-by-infrastructure-australia/ |date=28 May 2018 }} Rail Express 27 March 2018 In April 2018, the federal government agreed to contribute $300 million.[http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/pf/releases/2018/may/pf049_2018.aspx Turnbull Government investing $300 million in Brisbane Metro] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528134036/http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/pf/releases/2018/may/pf049_2018.aspx |date=28 May 2018 }} Hon Paul Fletcher MP 16 May 2018[https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-gets-300-million-federal-funding-boost-20180507-p4zdtv.html Brisbane Metro gets $300 million federal funding boost] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180528214807/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-gets-300-million-federal-funding-boost-20180507-p4zdtv.html |date=28 May 2018 }}. Brisbane Times. 7 May 2018.

In June 2020, the project reduced the Cultural Centre upgrade from an underground station to an upgrade of the existing above ground station with an additional platform for local services heading towards West End.{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Jocelyn |date=2020-06-07 |title=Brisbane Metro costs to rise as Cultural Centre station works delayed |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-costs-to-rise-as-cultural-centre-station-works-delayed-20200607-p5507t.html |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}} This was due to a disagreement between the state government, who owns the busway, and the council over what the optimal configuration of the underground station would look like. This disagreement resulted in the state government delaying approval to modify their property.

Subjects to approvals, the BCC expects the detailed design and construction of the project to commence in 2019 with services commencing by 2023. This was later revised to 2024. In October 2018 five consortia were shortlisted to bid for the building of stage 1.[https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/companies-bid-to-build-brisbane-metro-as-land-resumptions-finalised-20181016-p50a1e.html Companies bid to build Brisbane Metro as land resumptions finalised] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094844/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/companies-bid-to-build-brisbane-metro-as-land-resumptions-finalised-20181016-p50a1e.html |date=2 January 2019 }} Brisbane Times 17 October 2018

• Brisbane Move Consortium: Acciona and Arup
• Lendlease Consortium: Lendlease and WSP
• MetroConnect Consortium: Laing O’Rourke, AECOM and Aurecon
• Metro4Bne Consortium: CPB Contractors, Seymour Whyte, Vinci and SMEC
• TransForm Bne Consortium: McConnell Dowell, John Holland and GHD

ADCO Constructions began work on a {{convert|10|ha|adj=on}} depot at Rochedale in October 2021.{{cite web |url=https://brisbanedevelopment.com/major-construction-begins-at-brisbane-metro-depot/ |title=Major Construction Begins at Brisbane Metro Depot |author= |date=27 October 2021 |website=Brisbane Development |publisher= |access-date=13 November 2021 |archive-date=13 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113005157/https://brisbanedevelopment.com/major-construction-begins-at-brisbane-metro-depot/ |url-status=live }}

On 23 January 2023, route 86 was introduced as a free bus loop, travelling anti-clockwise around South Brisbane and West End. Also known as the South Brisbane Loop and the Kurilipa Loop, this service was set to operate as a 12 month trial due to Brisbane Metro construction works in the area.{{cite web |title=City centre free loops |url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/buses/city-centre-free-loops |website=Brisbane City Council |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208011521/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/buses/city-centre-free-loops |archive-date=8 February 2023 |date=2 February 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Bowman |first1=Jan |title=South Brisbane’s new bus loop is off and running. |url=https://westender.com.au/south-brisbanes-new-bus-loop-is-off-and-running/ |website=Westender |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623184726/https://westender.com.au/south-brisbanes-new-bus-loop-is-off-and-running/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |date=23 January 2023}} This would later be extended to an 18 month trial.{{cite web |title=City centre free loops |url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/buses/city-centre-free-loops |website=Brisbane City Council |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912131459/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/buses/city-centre-free-loops |archive-date=12 September 2024 |date=16 January 2024}}

By February 2023, the project's cost had increased to an expected $1.7 billion. A contributing factor was the inclusion of a new $450 million bus station to be built at Woolloongabba, in line with the existing busway.{{Cite web |title=Brisbane Metro – Woolloongabba Station (Department of Transport and Main Roads) |url=https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/brisbane-metro-woolloongabba-station |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=sc-tmrwcmgr-cd.azurewebsites.net |language=en}} This plan has since been cancelled and the budget reduced to $1.4 billion.Simon Clark - First passenger ride experience - conversations with Project Director and operational staff. The Brisbane Metro Project Director said the following:

Services on M1 and M2 will not stop at Woolloongabba station, despite prior proposals. Services will begin operating at 5-minute peak frequencies, but they can still be increased to every 3 minutes if necessary (and possible considering that the services are likely to start before all 60 buses are delivered/ready for service.) 24-hour operation on 7 days a week. First operation will be on 169 because it will be a simple soft opening to allow for testing with real passengers on a route which will not be super busy for this time of year.

File:Vision Australia Brisbane Metro travel day June 2023 Herston Bus Station Herston Rd Herston L1020183.jpg

Also in February 2023, construction began on the 213-metre tunnel beneath Adelaide Street in the CBD, which will provide a connection between North Quay and the King George Square busway station.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-14 |title=Take a look at the start of the Brisbane Metro tunnel designed to end traffic chaos in the CBD |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-14/brisbane-metro-project-commences-tunnel-under-adelaide-street/101971196 |access-date=2023-02-21 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221021102/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-14/brisbane-metro-project-commences-tunnel-under-adelaide-street/101971196 |url-status=live }} The tunnel would connect the South East Busway with the Inner Northern Busway and reduce the number of buses running on city streets. Construction was expected to take at least twelve months.

In October 2024, it was announced that Melanie Zanetti, the voice of Chilli Heeler from popular TV show Bluey would provide the voiceover for the passenger announcement system on the Brisbane Metro.{{Cite web |last=Nealon |first=Kelly |date=2024-10-12 |title=Bluey star gets green light to voice Brisbane Metro |url=https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/bluey-star-gets-green-light-to-voice-brisbane-metro/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Inside Local Government |language=en-AU}}

The Brisbane Metro vehicles began trial passenger service on the morning of 21 October 2024, operating on route 169 between Eight Mile Plains and the University of Queensland.{{cite news |last=Mortell |first=Sean |date=21 October 2024 |title=Brisbane Metro begins service |url=https://www.busnews.com.au/brisbane-metro-begins-service/ |work=Australasian Bus and Coach |access-date=30 October 2024}} This trial ended on 18 November 2024, with regular buses returning to the 169.{{cite news |last1=Dennien |first1=Matt |title=‘We should be worried’: Brisbane Metro ‘preview’ rolls to a quiet stop |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/we-should-be-worried-brisbane-metro-preview-rolls-to-a-quiet-stop-20241117-p5krax.html |access-date=1 February 2025 |agency=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250201125823/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/queensland/we-should-be-worried-brisbane-metro-preview-rolls-to-a-quiet-stop-20241117-p5krax.html |archive-date=1 February 2025}}

On 5 December 2024, it was announced that route M2 would begin full services on 28 January 2025. Initially services would operate at a maximum of every 5 minutes during peak. Frequency will be increased to every 3 minutes once the Adelaide Street tunnel opens, which is expected to happen in July 2025.

Despite community support for the continuation of route 86, it was announced that the Brisbane City Council would not supply further funding for the trial service beyond January 2025,{{cite news |last1=Strohfeldt |first1=Catherine |title=‘Vulture Street is hilly for starters’: Passengers put out as free bus ride nearly over |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/vulture-street-is-hilly-for-starters-passengers-put-out-as-free-bus-ride-nearly-over-20241112-p5kq2o.html |access-date=1 February 2025 |agency=Brisbane Times |date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241113021454/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/vulture-street-is-hilly-for-starters-passengers-put-out-as-free-bus-ride-nearly-over-20241112-p5kq2o.html |archive-date=13 November 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Massey |first1=Trina |title=Save Our 86: Community Protest |url=https://www.trinamassey.com/86protest |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201114245/https://www.trinamassey.com/86protest |archive-date=1 February 2025}}{{cite web |title=Make the Kurilpa Loop (86) a permanent service |url=https://www.epetitions.brisbane.qld.gov.au/petition/view/pid/1363 |website=Brisbane City Council |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201114550/https://www.epetitions.brisbane.qld.gov.au/petition/view/pid/1363 |archive-date=1 February 2025}} and it was removed from operation on 28 January 2025,{{cite web |title=Route 86 removal - South Brisbane Bus Loop |url=https://translink.com.au/updates/663716 |website=Translink |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201113248/https://translink.com.au/updates/663716 |archive-date=1 February 2025 |date=20 January 2025}} coinciding with the introduction of route M2.

Routes 66 and 86 ran their final services on the night of 27 January 2025. Route M2 began operations on the morning of 28 January 2025, with weekday frequencies of: every five minutes from 6am to 10am and 3pm to 6pm; every ten minutes from 10am to 3pm and 6pm to 7pm; every fifteen minutes from 7pm to 11pm; and weekend frequencies of every fifteen minutes from 7am to 8pm.{{cite web |title=Route M2 (PDF, 446 KB) |url=https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/250128_M2.pdf |website=Translink |access-date=1 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125074357/https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/250128_M2.pdf |archive-date=25 January 2025 |date=28 January 2025}}

Brisbane Metro consists of two routes covering 21 kilometres, linking Brisbane's outer suburbs with the CBD.{{Cite book|title=Brisbane Metro Fact Sheet|publisher=Brisbane City Council|year=2017|location=Brisbane|pages=1, 2}} The network uses the existing busway infrastructure and was planned to provide high-frequency services with three minutes headways during peak times, however this was later scaled back to every 5 minutes.{{Cite book|title=Brisbane Metro Fact Sheet|publisher=Brisbane City Council|year=2017|location=Brisbane|pages=2}}[https://www.mybrisbane.com/brisbane-metro-mixing-it-up-to-move-forward/ Brisbane Metro Mixing it up to Move Forward] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616021704/https://www.mybrisbane.com/brisbane-metro-mixing-it-up-to-move-forward/ |date=16 June 2020 }} myBrisbane 8 June 2020 Once all 60 buses are delivered and sufficient drivers are trained, three minute headways can be introduced if passenger demand is appropriate.

The system has curtailed some regular bus routes, previously bound for the city via the busway. These bus routes now terminate at busway stations outside the city, allowing for transfers with the Brisbane Metro, reducing bus traffic in busy inner-city stations. Most routes terminating at Queen Street bus station remain, however.

Metro 1 replaced routes 111 and 160. It provides a key corridor from the southern suburbs to Brisbane CBD and provides interchange to other Translink services, via the South East busway.

File:Vision Australia Brisbane Metro bus travel day June 2023 L1020206.jpg

Below is a list of stations that Metro 1 services and its available transport connections.{{Cite web |title=Brisbane Metro |url=https://metro.brisbane.qld.gov.au/future-metro-expansions |access-date=2024-07-04 |website=metro.brisbane.qld.gov.au |language=en}}

Metro 2 replaced route 66. It provides a key education, knowledge, and health corridor by connecting the University of Queensland with the Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, including Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Queensland University of Technology's Kelvin Grove Campus, via the Eastern and Northern busways.

Below is a list of stations that Metro 2 services and its available transport connections.

Metro 3 is a proposed route planned to begin works in late 2025 onwards. It would run from Capalaba to Brisbane CBD, replacing bus route 222.Brisbane City Council, 9 January 2025, 'Future Metro Expansion'. https://metro.brisbane.qld.gov.au/future-metro-expansions

Below is a list of stations that Metro 3 may service and potential transport connections.

Metro 4 is a proposed route planned to begin works in late 2025 onwards. It would run from Woolloongabba to Brisbane Airport, however no final routing has been decided.Brisbane City Council, 9 January 2025, 'Future Metro Expansion'. https://metro.brisbane.qld.gov.au/future-metro-expansions Translink, Queensland Government, 30 June 2025. https://translink.widen.net/s/jtsrqkr2v5/250630-seq-network-map

Below is a list of stations that Metro 4 may service and potential transport connections.

The project introduced 60 bi-articulated buses based on the HESS lighTram 25{{Cite web |date=2021-06-02 |title=Brisbane Metro - Bus Rapid Transit with HESS electric double articulated buses |url=https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/brisbane-metro-bus-rapid-transit-with-hess-electric-double-articulated-buses/ |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Urban Transport Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001035521/https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/brisbane-metro-bus-rapid-transit-with-hess-electric-double-articulated-buses/ |url-status=live }} with the capacity to carry up to 150 passengers in comfort mode and capable of using the existing busway infrastructure alongside regular bus services. In "event mode" the buses were announced as carrying up to 180 passengers, however this was subsequently revised to 170. The Metro buses are 24.4 metres long{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Lucy |date=21 April 2022 |title=Electric Brisbane Metro vehicle dubbed the 'Tesla of public transport' ready for testing |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-21/brisbane-metro-electric-pilot-vehicle-arrives-for-testing/101005326 |work=ABC News |access-date=22 February 2024}} and visually resemble a tram or light rail vehicles. Buses can travel 90 km/h. The buses have lithium-titanium-oxide batteries.

On 24 November 2019, the BCC announced a consortium of Hess, Volgren and ABB had been awarded a contract for 60 buses. The buses will be fully electric via pantographic overhead wireless charging that will charge at the end of each route for less than six minutes.{{cite web |url=https://thefifthestate.com.au/urbanism/infrastructure/the-big-ev-bus-revolution-brisbane-citys-new-metro-unwrapped-and-the-partnerships-we-need-to-have/ |title=The big EV bus revolution: Brisbane City’s new metro unwrapped and the partnerships we need to have |last=Liu |first=Bevin |date=15 October 2024 |website=The Fifth Estate |publisher= |access-date=2 November 2024 }} The buses will be fully low-floor and have next stop displays and audible announcement of the next stop. In addition, they have onboard WiFi, USB charging points{{cite news |last=Barnsley |first=Warren |date=21 October 2024 |title=Council admits Brisbane Metro name confusing as city’s new public transport system launched |url=https://7news.com.au/news/council-admits-brisbane-metro-name-confusing-as-citys-new-public-transport-system-launched--c-16463864 |work=7 News |access-date=7 November 2024}} and four large double doors. A pilot bus was built and tested in Europe in 2021. Originally planned by 2020, the pilot bus arrived in Brisbane for testing in early 2022.{{Cite news |date=2022-04-21 |title=Wheels in motion: Testing begins on electric Brisbane Metro vehicle dubbed 'Tesla of public transport' |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-21/brisbane-metro-electric-pilot-vehicle-arrives-for-testing/101005326 |access-date=2023-12-23}} Following successful testing, an order for the further 59 was placed with delivers scheduled to start in late 2023 for operations in 2024.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Brisbane (AUS): Large order for Hess |url=https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/brisbane-aus-large-order-for-hess/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=Urban Transport Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro/brisbane-metro-vehicle|title=Brisbane Metro vehicle|website=www.brisbane.qld.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2019-11-26|archive-date=22 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322155506/https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro/brisbane-metro-vehicle|url-status=live}} The 60 vehicles cost $190 million, an increase of $100 million compared to more traditionally powered vehicles.{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Lucy |date=2019-11-24 |title=Metro's electric vehicles revealed as Labor backs light rail |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/metro-s-electric-vehicles-revealed-as-labor-backs-light-rail-20191124-p53dkr.html |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}}

A depot was built adjacent to the South East Busway at Rochedale. The 10-hectare site hosts stabling and maintenance facilities for the fleet.{{cite web |url=https://www.racq.com.au/articles/drive/2024/07/brisbane-metro-the-future-of-public-transport-for-river-city |title=Brisbane Metro the future of public transport for river city |date=4 July 2024 |website=RACQ |access-date=7 November 2024 }} The design of the depot is based on sustainability.{{cite web |url=https://cleantechnica.com/2024/10/12/brisbane-metro-the-end-of-diesel-buses/ |title=Brisbane Metro — The End of Diesel Buses? |last=Waterworth |first=David |date=October 2024 |website=CleanTechnica |access-date=7 November 2024 }} There are 2,300 solar panels in use. Rainwater harvesting and recycled water systems for vehicle washing are both used. Sixty 50 kW slow chargers are used during off-peak times.

During the 2024 Brisbane City Council Elections the LNP announced their intentions to build a Metro Bus depot and charging facility on the Bill Brown Sports Reserve at a cost of $125 million.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Tony |date=2024-02-17 |title=Metro charging station to be built on Brisbane's northside under LNP plan |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/electric-buses-metro-to-expand-to-brisbane-s-northside-under-lnp-plan-20240217-p5f5qe.html |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2024-03-11 |title=Greens pledge to axe $640 million in road widening as LNP releases costings in Brisbane council election |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-12/lnp-releases-election-costings-in-brisbane-council-election/103575076 |access-date=2024-03-16 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}

There are proposed future extensions of the network to Capalaba, Carseldine, Springwood and Brisbane Airport (subject to approvals).{{Cite web|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-to-expand-to-chermside-carindale-and-springwood-20170407-gvgf0j.html|title=Brisbane Metro to expand to Chermside, Carindale and Springwood|last=Atfield|first=Cameron|date=2017-04-07|website=Brisbane Times|language=en|access-date=2020-04-10|archive-date=16 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516140621/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-to-expand-to-chermside-carindale-and-springwood-20170407-gvgf0j.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://brisbanedevelopment.com/lord-mayor-proposes-brisbane-metro-airport-connection/|title=Lord Mayor Proposes Brisbane Metro Airport Connection|last=Development|first=Brisbane|date=2019-09-15|website=BrisbaneDevelopment.com|language=en-AU|access-date=2020-04-10|archive-date=22 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622151705/https://brisbanedevelopment.com/lord-mayor-proposes-brisbane-metro-airport-connection/|url-status=live}}

In August 2024, Premier Steven Miles and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced plans to extend the network to Capalaba, Carseldine, Springwood, and Brisbane Airport in time for the 2032 Summer Olympics. As part of that announcement, it was confirmed that a conversion of the Doomben line to Busway for a Metro to Brisbane Airport was one of the two shortlisted routes, the other being a more direct alignment via the Airportlink tunnel with a depot on the site of the former Toombul Shopping Centre.Messenger, Andrew. (28 August 2024). Brisbane’s bus rapid transit service to expand to outer suburbs in time for 2032 Olympics. The Guardian. Retrieved on 1 November 2024. The Northern Transitway as well as a new busway tunnel as part of a new Gympie Road bypass tunnel would be built north of Chermside and the existing Northern busway between RBWH and Kedron Brook bus stations would be used for a Metro extension on the northside of Brisbane.

The project being called a "metro" has been met with some criticism. Unlike a standard or rubber-tyred metro, the Brisbane metro is not on a rail track, and therefore, does not meet the International Association of Public Transport's definition of a “metro”.{{Cite news |last=Messenger |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-30 |title=Hit the road: will 24 new multimillion-dollar electric buses be left sitting in a Brisbane shed? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/may/31/brisbane-metro-electric-bus-order |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}

In 2022, the project's name was criticised by a rail lobby group for having a misleading name that implied it was a rail system, but Brisbane City Council rejected the idea of changing its name.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Tony |date=2022-12-05 |title=Brisbane Metro 'is no Metro': rail lobby says name must change |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-is-no-metro-rail-lobby-says-name-must-change-20221205-p5c3qy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221021103/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/brisbane-metro-is-no-metro-rail-lobby-says-name-must-change-20221205-p5c3qy.html |archive-date=21 February 2023 |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}} In late 2023, further complaints about the name were raised.{{Cite web |last=Atfield |first=Cameron |date=2023-10-17 |title=Journey on BERT: How a metro in name only risks embarrassing Brisbane on the world stage |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/journey-on-bert-how-a-metro-in-name-only-risks-embarrassing-brisbane-on-the-world-stage-20230904-p5e1um.html |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}} A poll by the Brisbane Times revealed 71% of respondents thought that Brisbane Electric Rapid Transit (BERT) was a better name.{{Cite web |last=Development |first=Brisbane |date=2023-10-18 |title=The Chorus Grows: Demands Mount for BCC to Rename Brisbane's 'Not-So-Metro' Metro |url=https://brisbanedevelopment.com/the-chorus-grows-demands-mount-for-bcc-to-rename-brisbanes-not-so-metro-metro/ |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=BrisbaneDevelopment.com |language=en-AU}}

Robert Dowe of RAIL Back on Track said "They're very good buses, but that's what they are; they're not trains, they're not trams."{{Cite news |date=2024-11-18 |title=Brisbane's 'cheaper' alternative to rail faces delays and expensive cost blowouts |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-19/brisbane-metro-now-more-expensive-than-2016-rail-plan-qld/104616552 |access-date=2024-12-09 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}} The Chair of Brisbane Transport Ryan Murphy has admitted the name had caused "some confusion".{{Cite web |date=2024-10-20 |title=Big admission about Aussie city’s newest transport system: ‘Confusion’ |url=https://7news.com.au/news/council-admits-brisbane-metro-name-confusing-as-citys-new-public-transport-system-launched--c-16463864 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=7NEWS |language=en}} The name Brisbane Metro may also cause conflict if Queensland ever builds a real metro service.

{{Portal|Queensland|Buses}}

• O-Bahn Busway, a guided busway in Adelaide, South Australia.
• Transport in Brisbane

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-transport/public-transport/brisbane-metro Official Website]

{{Public transport in Queensland}}

Category:Bus rapid transit in Australia

Category:Public transport in Brisbane

Category:Translink (Queensland)