The most popular routes in Brisbane revealed as public transport surges
More than 190 million public transport trips have been recorded over the past year in south-east Queensland, with new data revealing the most popular bus routes.
Tuesday marks 12 months since 50¢ fares were funded as an ongoing initiative.
Buses were the most popular form of transport over that period by far, accounting for 122 million trips.
There were 54 million train trips and 14 million tram trips.
“Queenslanders are jumping on board, with more people catching buses, trains, ferries and trams,” Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said in a statement.
The M2 – from UQ Lakes to the Royal Brisbane and Woman’s Hospital – was used more than any other bus route, with more than 4.6 million trips.
The 60, 199, M1 and 130 rounded out the top-five, which between them accounted for about 14 per cent of all bus travel.
Earlier this month Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said bus use has increased 27 per cent since the beginning of 2024.
“That will keep growing, I have no doubt,” he said at the time.
The new state government data found across all public transport in Brisbane, there was a 22 per cent increase in the past 12 months alone.
Gympie had the biggest surge in users, with an increase of 58 per cent recorded.
The 50¢ fare initiative was devised and rolled out by the former Labor government prior to the last election.
The LNP has since argued it deserves sole credit for securing the discount as an ongoing policy, with the now-opposition never allocating permanent funding.
In its latest data dump, the LNP government estimated a family of four living in Caboolture with one parent commuting to the city for work every day, and two kids taking the bus to school, would have saved more than $3500 during the past year.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
From our partners
