The Schrinner Council is making weekend and evening travel easier, with Brisbane Metro and Brisbane’s New Bus Network patronage during these periods increasing by up to 160 per cent.
Together with 50 cent fares, Brisbane Metro and Brisbane’s New Bus Network bus patronage has been boosted by 27 per cent over two years.
Since delivering the biggest transformation to Brisbane’s public transport network in decades, more residents are swapping rideshares and car trips for public transport on Friday and Saturday nights, heading into the city for dinner, events, shopping and entertainment.
Between June 30, 2025 and July 31, 2026, Brisbane Metro services have made night time travel even better with:
• M1 services recorded 154,779 passenger trips on Friday and Saturday evenings between 7pm and midnight – an increase of more than 60 per cent compared with the former Route 111 and 160.
• 23 additional evening services on the M1 between 7pm and midnight compared to the previous routes.
• M2 services recorded 164,999 passenger trips on Friday and Saturday evenings between 7pm and midnight – up more than 160 per cent compared with the former Route 66.
• 58 additional evening services on the M2 between 7pm and midnight compared to the previous route.
Weekend demand has also surged on Brisbane Metro with:
• M1 weekend passenger trips climbed to 746,874 – up almost 90 per cent.
• 205 additional weekend services on the M1 compared to the previous routes.
• M2 weekend passenger trips rocketed to 771,681 – an increase of over 107 per cent.
• 290 additional weekend services on the M2 compared to the previous route.
The trend isn’t limited to Brisbane Metro, with suburban bus routes connecting directly to the CBD and entertainment precincts also recording strong weekend growth.
Weekend patronage on Route 116, travelling from Upper Mount Gravatt to the CBD, rose by 62 per cent, while Route 125, connecting Garden City and Fortitude Valley, increased by 63 per cent as more people travelled between Brisbane’s southern suburbs, the CBD and Fortitude Valley.
In Brisbane’s inner west, Route 425 from Kenmore Village to the CBD recorded a 37 per cent increase in weekend patronage, highlighting growing demand for reliable transport outside traditional peak hours.
Strong growth is also being recorded across northern and south-east corridors, with Route 334 between Chermside and the CBD increasing by 21 per cent, while Route 212 connecting Carindale Shopping Centre, the city and Fortitude Valley rose by 25 per cent.
Pedestrian movement data also points to busier weekend nights across Brisbane’s entertainment precincts.
Foot traffic through Queen Street Mall increased by up to 6 per cent between 7pm and 8pm on Saturdays, while Fortitude Valley recorded increases of up to 10 per cent during 8pm and 9pm on Saturday nights.
M1 and M2 metro services are just the first stage of Brisbane Metro, laying the foundations for better public transport right across Queensland.
The expansion of Brisbane Metro is a long-term program that will be delivered in stages as planning is completed and funding is secured.
The Brisbane Metro business case is progressing well, with all three levels of government jointly funding the work.
The business case is anticipated to be completed next year.
To learn more about public transport in Brisbane, visit the Council website.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, so we need transport options that help people get around easily at any time of the day or week.
“We know that when public transport is affordable, reliable and frequent, people will choose it.
“It’s fantastic to see more residents jumping on Brisbane Metro and our new bus network for nights out, weekend events and trips into the city because they know they can rely on it.
“Every person who chooses public transport instead of driving helps ease congestion and keeps Brisbane moving.
“Good public transport isn’t just about the weekday commute anymore. It’s about giving people confidence they can get around whenever they want to travel.
“The more people we can encourage onto public transport, the more it supports local businesses, entertainment venues and Brisbane’s growing night-time economy.”
Quotes attributable to Chair for Public Transport Councillor Andrew Wines
“Our bus network carries around 80 million passenger trips every year and we know reliable and frequent services make a huge difference for residents getting around Brisbane.
“As Brisbane continues to grow, we’re investing in better transport connections right across the city and the suburbs.
“From Brisbane Metro and better bus services to safer crossings and bikeways, we’re giving people even more options to leave the car at home.”
Quotes attributable to RACQ’s Executive Manager Public Policy Dr Michael Kane
“We welcome the uptick in people jumping onboard the Brisbane Metro and bus network to get around at night and on weekends.
“It’s important we continue investing in and expanding our public transport system so the number of people able to make use of our buses, ferries and trains continues to grow.
“A well-connected transport network gives people greater choice in how they move around our city, while easing congestion on our roads.”
