A critical fifty-million-dollar investigation into extending the high-frequency Metro network to Brisbane Airport and major suburban hubs has yet to begin despite receiving funding approval.
Nearly eight months have passed since the federal government agreed to fund a rapid business case for four proposed extensions. These routes would connect the city centre to Carseldine, Springwood, Capalaba, and the airport. While the money is ready, the actual work to assess these vital connections has not started.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner indicated that progress is happening behind the scenes. He noted that major engineering and construction firms have already shown interest in the project. According to Schrinner, the council is currently finishing agreements with state and federal authorities on how the business case will be managed and rolled out.
As the airport extension study waits for the green light, transport advocates are proposing a different solution to help commuters right now. The RACQ has suggested a network of “Metro Glider” services. These would be smaller, more agile electric buses designed to move people from suburban streets onto the main train and busway lines.
RACQ general manager of advocacy Joshua Cooney viewed the expansion of the Brisbane Metro into the wider South East Queensland region as a quick and effective way to fix public transport gaps. He suggested that these smaller gliders could serve busy corridors that the larger Metro vehicles cannot reach. Areas like Lutwyche, South Pine, and Wynnum roads could benefit from these connectors.
The proposal also highlights the potential for gliders to link residents in Ipswich, Redcliffe, the Gold Coast, and Caboolture to their nearest train stations. Cooney explained that these vehicles could be on the road much faster than new train lines because they use existing roads and do not require heavy construction.
The push for expansion comes as the current Metro services see high passenger numbers. Since the M2 line between UQ Lakes and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital started early in the year, it has recorded more than 3.3 million trips. The M1 line, which runs from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, has also seen strong usage, with nearly one million trips since its launch in June.
Cooney noted that if the city gets this right, Brisbane could set a benchmark for urban planning that other growing cities might follow.
Published Date 18-December-2025
