Brisbane's Public Transport Crisis: 1.5 Million Residents Left Stranded
The Climate Council's latest report uncovers a significant issue in greater Brisbane: approximately 1.5 million residents are without access to reliable, all-day public transport. This problem primarily affects areas more than 8 kilometers from the Brisbane CBD, leaving two-thirds of the population underserved.
The report emphasizes the need for frequent public transport services—every 15 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm—within 800 meters of all homes in Australia's capital cities. Currently, 66% of greater Brisbane's population does not meet this standard, particularly in suburbs like Bray Park and Marsden.
Greg Bourne, a Climate Council councillor, highlights the importance of improving public transport to reduce reliance on cars and lower carbon emissions. The transport sector in Australia emits about 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, a significant environmental concern.
The Queensland state government has announced plans to increase bus services in high-growth areas such as Logan and the Redlands. Additionally, the Brisbane City Council's Metro service, set to launch by the end of the year, promises to add 30 million trips annually, enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion.
Despite these efforts, the Climate Council warns that more needs to be done. The vision for liveable cities hinges on shared and active transport, which is crucial for both environmental sustainability and quality of life.
The Climate Council's recent report reveals that about 1.5 million residents in greater Brisbane lack access to frequent, all-day public transport. The report highlights that access to good public transport services diminishes 8 kilometers from the Brisbane CBD. The state government plans to increase bus services in key areas, and the Brisbane City Council's Metro will add 30 million trips annually. The Climate Council calls for public transport services operating every 15 minutes within 800 meters of every home in Australia's capital cities. Currently, 66% of greater Brisbane residents are underserved, with suburbs like Woolloongabba having the best access and areas like Bray Park having the worst. The transport sector's significant carbon emissions are noted, with a push for shared and active transport to create more liveable cities. The government has invested heavily in transport infrastructure, with new bus services planned for Logan and Ipswich and the Brisbane Metro expected to launch by year-end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main finding of the Climate Council's report? A1: The report indicates that 1.5 million residents in greater Brisbane do not have access to frequent, all-day public transport.
Q2: How far from the Brisbane CBD does access to good public transport end? A2: Access to good public transport ends 8 kilometers from the Brisbane CBD for most residents.
Q3: What are the state's plans to improve public transport? A3: The state government plans to increase bus services in key growth areas, while Brisbane City Council will add 30 million trips annually with the new Metro service.
Q4: What standard of public transport does the Climate Council recommend? A4: The Climate Council recommends services operating every 15 minutes, from 7 am to 7 pm, within 800 meters of every home in Australia's capital cities.
Q5: Which Brisbane suburbs have the best and worst public transport access? A5: Suburbs like Woolloongabba and West End have the best access, while Bray Park and Redbank Plains have the worst.
- #BrisbaneTransport
- #ClimateAction
- #SustainableCities
- #PublicTransport
- #LiveableCities
