The Queensland Government has unveiled a substantial investment in public transport aimed at transforming the commuting experience for residents in the fast-growing Greater Springfield area.
With an initial outlay of almost $70 million through the Bus Services Investment Program, coupled with ongoing annual funding exceeding $24 million, this initiative promises to significantly enhance bus services, reduce congestion, and improve access to essential services.
Premier Steven Miles emphasised the dual benefits of this investment, which include reducing road congestion and providing greater accessibility to jobs, healthcare, and education.
“My budget is delivering new public transport services, which will allow more Queenslanders to leave their cars at home, reducing congestion on our busy roads,” he said.
“We’ve already made public transport cheaper with our 50-cent fares, and this is an extra step to create even more access to the public transport network for Queenslanders.”
Key Upgrades for Greater Springfield:
- New Services: Expanded routes to growth areas including Springfield, Augustine Heights, Redbank Plains, Collingwood Park, Bellbird Park, Deebing Heights, and Karalee.
- Improved Connectivity: Enhanced service levels to the Ripley Valley priority development area.
- Direct Route: A new direct bus route linking Springfield and Ipswich via Redbank Plains.
- Extended Routes: Extensions of existing routes in northern and southern Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Camira, and Spring Mountain.
- Rail and Hospital Access: Improved connectivity to rail services and Ipswich Hospital.
These upgrades are part of a broader initiative that will deliver thousands of new weekly bus services across Queensland, addressing the needs of communities experiencing significant population growth.
For many areas, these improvements will introduce bus services, greatly enhancing public transport options.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick highlighted the program’s impact on easing cost of living pressures and improving community connectivity.
“We are doing what matters for the Logan and Ipswich communities by making bus links stronger with more services, and more affordable with our 50 cent fares,” he said.
“The Miles Government is tackling congestion while helping to ease the cost of living pressures on Queensland families.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the investment.
“This is an exciting time for public transport users across Queensland, with significant funding for new services and cost-saving measures,” he said.
“These initiatives will hopefully attract more people to public transport, easing congestion on our roads.”
