THE first of additional bus services for the city started this week under a three-stage $70 million program to improve the transport network.
The first stage of the bus improvement package will introduce four new routes and improvements to three existing routes across Ipswich, resulting in 1,198 new weekly services.
The new routes are:
- Route 501: Springfield Central to Ipswich
- Route 520: Goodna station to Eden’s Crossing
- Route 522: Redbank station to Springfield Central station
- Route 523: Redbank Plains to Springfield Central station via Augustine Heights Services Route 524, Route 525 and Route 526 will be improved.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said Stage 2 and 3 of the Ipswich Improvement Package were on track to be rolled out as scheduled in 2026 and 2027 respectively, subject to the detailed planning work currently underway.
“The new routes are the first stage of a three-year, three-stage bus upgrade package which will also bring new services to the growth areas of Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Collingwood Park, and Redbank Plains as well as Springfield, Deebing Heights, Karalee and the Ripley Valley Priority Development Area,” Mr Mickelberg said.
He said the Government’s investment in Ipswich marked a significant milestone in meeting the region’s growing transport needs.
“With new buses, expanded infrastructure and additional bus stops, we’re making public transport a more practical and attractive option for the community,” he said.
The project was announced under the previous State Government, with Stage 1 funded in the 2024 Budget for the four new bus routes, increasing the number of residents within 400m of a bus service from about 37,000 people to 50,0000 people.
Ipswich MPs said the project had stalled under the Crisafulli Government and demanded clarity.
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the $70 million bus improvement package for the Ipswich region was announced in last year’s Budget under Labor with the first stage to be rolled out in the 2024-25 financial year.
Mr McCallum said Stage 1 had only just begun now, thanks to pressure from Ipswich’s Labor MPs earlier this year for the Government to follow through with the commitment.
Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne said the Government had to explain why it was dragging its feet on the rollout.
But Mr Mickelberg dismissed the comments as a “scare campaign”.
“It’s disappointing, but not surprising, to see Labor yet again attempting to run a scare campaign at a time when the community is finally receiving new bus services – and quite frankly the people of Ipswich deserve better,” he said.
