A new report by the Climate Council has analysed public transport systems in Australia’s major cities, with findings indicating that Brisbane faces significant challenges in providing widespread access to frequent services.
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The report, Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities, reveals a stark reality for suburban dwellers, particularly those in areas like Riverhills.
Riverhills, located approximately 19 kilometres southwest of Brisbane’s CBD, has been specifically named as one of the areas with the poorest access to public transport. This revelation comes as part of a broader finding that about two-thirds of residents in the greater Brisbane region lack access to frequent, all-day public transport services.
The situation in Riverhills exemplifies a wider problem across Brisbane and other Australian capitals. According to the report, a staggering 66.4 percent of Brisbane residents miss out on all-day, frequent services.
This figure is the highest among major Australian cities, followed by Perth (59.5 percent), Adelaide (52.4 percent), Melbourne (47.5 percent), and Sydney (32.8 percent).
For Riverhills residents, this lack of reliable public transport translates to increased dependence on private vehicles, contributing to higher living costs and increased pollution.
According to the report, the majority of Brisbane residents living beyond an 8-kilometre radius from the city centre experience a significant decline in access to reliable and frequent public transport options.
Climate Council councillor Greg Bourne highlighted that the infrequency of services is a major deterrent for potential public transport users. The organisation advocates for services to run at least every 15 minutes between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m, and to be within 800 metres of every home in Australia’s capital cities – a far cry from the current situation in some suburbs.
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In response to these findings, Queensland’s Transport Minister Bart Mellish defended the state government’s record, claiming unprecedented investment in public and active transport. He promised ongoing collaboration with Brisbane City Council to enhance bus services, particularly for those living far from ferry stops or train stations.
The Climate Council’s report serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in creating equitable, accessible public transport systems that truly serve all urban dwellers, not just those close to the CBD.
Published 12-July-2024
