What’s Happening?
Queensland’s Better Bus Build procurement will replace ageing vehicles with modern, fully accessible buses across the state. Designed to improve reliability and passenger comfort, the program will also maintain services as older vehicles retire.
The investment is intended to keep South East Queensland moving as demand for public transport continues to grow. It will also strengthen statewide operations by providing the vehicles needed for service continuity.
Launching during Queensland Manufacturing Month, the procurement invites manufacturers, assemblers and suppliers to compete for the work. Their proposals must support jobs, workforce skills, industrial capability and value for taxpayers.
Why It Matters
Queensland’s growing population is placing greater pressure on public transport, particularly across South East Queensland. A newer fleet should provide more reliable services while improving access for passengers with mobility needs.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the investment formed part of the government’s wider transport program.
“Queensland is growing and we’re working to deliver the road and transport upgrades to get Queenslanders home sooner and safer,” Minister Mickelberg said. “The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering the roads, infrastructure, and public transport network for a growing population and we’re making it more accessible than ever with Permanent 50 Cent Fares locked-in law.”
The government said combining newer buses with permanent low fares would make public transport more affordable, reliable and accessible.
Local Impact
The announcement specifically points to better journeys within the Redlands and between the area and Brisbane. Capalaba’s depot also houses much of the Redlands bus fleet, linking the statewide procurement with local operations.
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said stronger transport connections were becoming increasingly important as the local population continued to grow.
“As the Redlands grows, transport connectivity is more important than ever,” Ms Young said. “These new buses will support these enhanced connections, and the more modern fleet will deliver a better experience for people getting around the Redlands or heading into Brisbane.”
Member for Capalaba Russell Field said the new vehicles could also support employment connected with the local depot.
“Capalaba is home to much of the Redlands’ bus fleet with our local depot and these new buses will support jobs locally and across the State and help strengthen the capability of our transport network,” Mr Field said.
By the Numbers
- Up to 630 new buses will be procured across Queensland to replace ageing vehicles and maintain network capacity.
- The first buses are expected to enter service during the 2027-28 financial year.
- Permanent 50 Cent Fares are locked into law as part of the government’s wider public transport program.
Zoom In
The procurement will allow Queensland manufacturers, assemblers and suppliers to compete for work created by the fleet replacement. Manufacturing Minister Dale Last said the state already had the skills and experience needed to support the program.
“Queensland has a proud manufacturing industry with the skills, capability and experience to play an important role in delivering our State’s future transport needs,” Minister Last said. “We want to see Queensland manufacturers well positioned to seize the opportunities that come from our growing State and the significant investment being made in its future. This is about backing local industry while building the infrastructure that will keep Queensland moving for decades to come.”
Along with delivering new vehicles, applicants must show how government investment could support jobs, skills and local industrial capability.
Zoom Out
The government has presented Better Bus Build as part of its plan for more jobs, better services and a stronger economy. It has also argued that Queensland’s transport network declined during the former Labor government’s decade in office.
Minister Mickelberg criticised Labor’s electric bus proposal, saying it did not adequately address charging facilities or additional depot capacity.
“Labor’s plan to replace Queensland’s bus fleet was a fanciful pipedream, with no grounding in reality. Their half-baked plan involved buying electric buses, but no plans, or money, for the recharging facilities or additional depots to support the fleet expansion, in other words, all they were doing was buying big, expensive paperweights to block local streets.”
Better Bus Build sits alongside several other road and public transport projects identified by the government.
“By contrast, we’re delivering a record investment into transport infrastructure, including up to 630 new buses, The Wave, Mooloolah River Interchange, the Light Rail Extension, the GC Surfer, and Bruce Highway upgrades funded 80:20 with the Commonwealth.”
What To Look For Next?
Manufacturers, assemblers and suppliers will now prepare proposals covering jobs, workforce skills, industrial capacity and taxpayer value. Once suppliers are selected, more information should become available about manufacturing arrangements and delivery schedules.
The first vehicles are expected on Queensland roads during the 2027-28 financial year. Later announcements could also clarify how many buses will serve the Redlands and Capalaba depot.
