AS the Sunshine Coast prepares to ride “The Wave” into the 2032 Olympics, pressure is mounting for Redlands to dive in with a distinctive name for its Eastern Metro rapid bus line.
The Wave is a term coined by the State Government to describe its broader public transport vision for the Sunshine Coast, encompassing the Brisbane Metro and proposed heavy rail links.
Now, with excitement building around a long-awaited Eastern Metro extension to Capalaba, community leaders say it’s time Redlands made its mark.
A wave of names has already been floated – including The Red Line, The Bay Line, Coast Link, and Red Metro – each one aiming to capture the region’s coastal identity, Indigenous heritage, and role as gateway to Moreton Bay’s islands.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young and State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker are both backing the name “Redlands Rapid”.
“It’s a good reflection of the way it will serve the wider Redlands, and it’ll be a rapid transport service to our region,” Ms Stoker said.
“It’s also a nod to the Birkdale Community Precinct and the Olympic venue that will be the reason we get this vital infrastructure investment.”
State Member for Capalaba Russell Field has suggested Capalaba Connector, in honour of the suburb’s Indigenous name meaning “place of the ringtail possum”, and Warner Way, after early surveyor James Warner who helped establish routes to Cleveland in 1841.
Redland City Deputy Mayor Julie Talty said a name like Red Coast Line would be practical to signal the destination.
“For that reason, a name like Red Coast Line would be my first preference – something people can easily construe to mean this is the line to take to get to the Redland Coast region,” she said.
Councillor Peter Mitchell proposed names like Bay Breeze Ecoline and Eastern Breeze Connector, calling them “relaxed, clean, and forward-looking”.
Division 7 Councillor Rowanne McKenzie urged a name that reflects the whole city and avoids political or geographic bias.
“Something like The Coast Link or The Bay Line feels more inclusive and recognisable,” she said.
Councillor Tracey Huges supports Red Metro, saying it reinforces the city’s identity while tying into the broader Metro branding.
Division 9 Councillor Jason Colley backed Red Line, describing it as “simple but sharp” and urged the State Government not to treat Capalaba as the end of the line but the beginning of better transport connections for the region.
As the Metro fleet expands, Brisbane leaders are also calling for Bayside icons to be immortalised on the vehicles themselves – echoing Brisbane’s naming of its first Metro vehicle after Darren Lockyer.
Wynnum Manly Councillor Alex Givney said Paul Green would be a worthy tribute.
“When it comes to naming a Metro vehicle after a true Bayside icon, it’s hard to go past rugby league legend Paul Green,” she said.
Doboy Councillor Lisa Atwood said names like Clem Jones, Wally Lewis, and TV personality Ranger Stacey should be considered.
The proposed Metro extension to Capalaba revives the long-shelved Eastern Busway project – originally a 17.7km corridor from Buranda – and brings it back into focus as the region prepares to host seven Olympic venues along or near Old Cleveland Rd.
However, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner confirmed any new Metro lines would follow a standard naming convention (such as M3 for the eastern route), but vehicle names will continue to celebrate local identity.
“We’re working with the Federal Government on a business case to explore expanding the Metro to the north to Carseldine, east to Capalaba, south to Springwood, and even out to the airport,” he said.
“Any future lines will follow this naming convention, but each vehicle will also carry a name that reflects something uniquely Brisbane.
“We’ve named the first vehicle after the legendary Darren Lockyer and we are always on the hunt for future names of our vehicles.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said planning was underway to identify bus priority options along the corridor.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is progressing planning to identify opportunities to implement bus priority along the Eastern corridor in advance of the Games,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR is committed to working with delivery partners, including local government as planning progresses.
“The Australian Government has also committed $50 million to support the delivery of a business case investigating the expansion of the Brisbane Metro network.”
However, the department confirmed naming future infrastructure in the Eastern corridor “is not a matter currently under consideration”.
