Inside Brisbane Metro: What Mt Gravatt Commuters Need to Know

Mt Gravatt residents can now access Brisbane Metro, the city’s newest public transport service, with its Route 169 officially launching this Monday, October 21.


Read: Rochedale to Play Major Role in Brisbane Metro’s Green Leap to Electrify Transport


The new service connects Eight Mile Plains to UQ Lakes, offering local commuters a modern transport solution with stops at key destinations including Upper Mt Gravatt and Griffith University.

Your New Route from Upper Mt Gravatt

Brisbane Metro map (Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au)

 

The service begins at Eight Mile Plains, making Upper Mt Gravatt station one of the first stops on the route. This strategic position gives Mt Gravatt commuters early access to the Metro, meaning better chances of securing seating during peak hours. The journey continues through Griffith University before heading to five more stations.

Brisbane Metro
Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

The new Brisbane Metro vehicles serving Upper Mt Gravatt station are a significant upgrade from traditional buses. At 24.4 metres long – double the length of standard city buses – these HESS vehicles can accommodate up to 150 passengers, with capacity to increase to 170 during special events. This means less crowding during peak hours and a more comfortable journey for Mt Gravatt residents.

Nothing changes with your ticketing – simply use your go card to tap on and off at Upper Mt Gravatt station as usual. The familiar Translink ticketing system ensures a seamless transition to the new Metro service.

Modern Features for Your Journey

Brisbane Metro
Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

Your commute from Upper Mt Gravatt now comes with modern conveniences designed for today’s travellers. Free Wi-Fi keeps you connected throughout your journey, while USB charging points let you power up your devices on the go. Clear audio announcements and digital displays ensure you never miss your stop.

The Brisbane Metro service features a low-floor design for easy boarding. The front compartment houses three mobility bays, with an automatic ramp available at the first door. Priority seating is positioned near all three door entrances, and help points are readily available throughout the vehicle. For those requiring assistance, both automatic and manual ramps can be accessed through help phones either on board or at the station.

Photo credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

Your travel from Upper Mt Gravatt is secured with comprehensive CCTV coverage throughout the vehicle. The separated driver cabin and six emergency help points provide additional safety measures, while well-lit compartments ensure visibility throughout your journey.

With three sets of doors and all-door boarding, getting on and off at Upper Mt Gravatt station is quicker and more efficient. This means less time waiting at the station and faster journey times, particularly during peak hours.

The Route 169 service through Upper Mt Gravatt is the first step in Brisbane Metro’s rollout, with the full M1 and M2 services set to commence in coming months. This early launch gives Mt Gravatt residents a chance to experience the new service ahead of the wider network expansion.


Read: Queensland’s Top Crash Hotspots Revealed: Logan Road in Mt Gravatt Makes the List


Future Connections

While Route 169 is just the beginning, it represents a significant upgrade for Mt Gravatt’s public transport options. The service provides a direct link to key destinations including Griffith University and UQ Lakes, with more connections to come as the full Metro network rolls out in the coming months.

Published 24-October-2024

Rochedale to Play Major Role in Brisbane Metro’s Green Leap to Electrify Transport

A new metro depot will be constructed in Rochedale, now emerging as a central hub in Brisbane Metro’s green transformation. The depot will house five flash chargers and 60 slow chargers, along with the necessary charging infrastructure.



This is in line with Brisbane’s vision of a state-of-the-art Brisbane Metro system, powered by electric vehicles (EVs), powered by a robust charging infrastructure in Rochedale and three other locations. 

The Metros operate on battery electric power and require reliable charging systems to function optimally. The chosen charging strategy for Brisbane Metro incorporates two distinct methods: flash charging, utilizing the Grid-eMotion™ system, and CCS2 plug-in slow chargers.

Flash Charging Innovation

The flash charging system represents a groundbreaking development in Australia, capable of charging a metro in under six minutes at end-of-route locations. This technology uses overhead pantograph infrastructure, allowing seamless and rapid charging. A pantograph, which autonomously connects to a charging point from the metro roof, facilitates this process.

Optimizing Energy Consumption

Slow chargers will play a vital role in extending the lifespan of the metros’ batteries while optimizing energy consumption from Brisbane’s energy grid during off-peak periods. A Power Load Management system will control the slow charging process at the metro depot, ensuring efficient utilization and moderating peak loads.

Strategic Charging Infrastructure Locations

Aside from Rochedale, key charging infrastructure points have been identified in three other areas to facilitate the smooth operation of Brisbane Metro:

  • Herston: An end-of-route flash charging facility and metro layover area will be constructed at Ernie’s Roundabout within the existing bus layover area.
  • Petrie Terrace: An end-of-route flash charging facility for metros will be established in the Inner Northern Busway adjacent to Countess Street.
  • The University of Queensland: UQ Lakes station will undergo upgrades and provide end-of-route flash charging and layover areas for metros.

Cr Andrew Wines confirmed that  EV charging facilities are being installed to power the Brisbane Metro in Rochedale. 

“We are committed to having a modern and efficient transport system that will keep Brisbane moving,” he wrote.

“One way we are doing that is by having our new Metro system use electric vehicles. These purpose-built specialist Metro Vehicles can be charged at the depot overnight to improve battery life, while through the working day. They will use a series of fast charge points across the network, creating a new type of modern transport for Brisbane.”

Charging Station Rochedale
Photo Credit: CrAndrewWines/Facebook

The Evolution of Brisbane Metro

Following a successful trial of the pilot metro, the Brisbane City Council has placed an order for the initial fleet of 59 metros, a pivotal milestone in the project. These electric-powered vehicles are set to arrive progressively, gearing up for the anticipated commencement of operations by late 2024, pending necessary approvals.



The Brisbane Metro project is poised to usher in a new era of sustainable and accessible public transportation, setting an example for cities across Australia. As preparations continue, the Council’s commitment to creating a modern and efficient transport system remains unwavering, promising a brighter and greener future for the people of Brisbane.

Published 17-Jan-2024