THE clock is ticking on hopes of extending metro-style rapid bus services to Capalaba, with Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner warning the next 12 to 18 months will be critical if further Brisbane Metro expansion is to be delivered before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The warning comes as Brisbane Metro recorded a major milestone, surpassing 10 million passenger trips since services began in January 2025, strengthening calls for the eastern corridor expansion toward the Redlands.
The proposed eastern metro corridor to Capalaba has long been identified as part of Brisbane’s future transport planning, with the State’s Brisbane 2032 delivery plan recognising future northern and eastern Brisbane Metro corridors as part of the city’s long-term network.
However, despite growing patronage and mounting congestion pressures across the eastern suburbs and Redlands corridor, funding commitments for the next stage remain unresolved.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was rapidly running out of time to secure Federal support needed to progress future metro expansions ahead of the Games.
“There are only about 12 to 18 months for the Federal Government to commit to further expansions of Brisbane Metro by 2032,” he said.
“Brisbane Metro is transforming the way people move around our city and the results speak for themselves.
“More than 10 million trips have already been taken on Brisbane Metro and patronage continues to grow because residents can see Brisbane Metro is fast, reliable and working.
“Brisbane is growing rapidly and without investment from all levels of government, congestion and pressure on infrastructure will only get worse.”
Redland City Councillor Jason Colley said growing momentum around the eastern metro corridor highlighted the urgent need for all levels of government to back improved public transport connections into the Redlands.
“A report suggests the Capalaba extension has been prioritised, with connectivity to our Olympic venue an obvious catalyst for delivery being planned for 2031,” Cr Colley said.
“Brisbane City Council is seeking additional funding from the other levels of government to make sure it happens.
“Disappointingly, the recent Federal Budget delivered $6 billion for an underground rail project in Victoria – the very state residents are leaving in droves to come to South East Queensland – but we didn’t receive a similar investment here.”
Cr Colley said he had been in contact with neighbouring Brisbane councillor Ryan Murphy and would continue advocating for the project.
“I will continue to push for this important transport infrastructure because congestion pressures across the eastern corridor are only going to increase as our region grows,” he said.
Planning investigations for future metro extensions – including eastern corridor options – have been underway for more than a year, covering route planning, depot investigations and engagement with industry and government stake-holders.
