Brisbane Might Be Getting 24-Hour Transport on Weekends

When you think of Brisbane, the words 'world-class public transport system' probably aren't the first things that come to mind. But the Queensland capital isn't doing too badly on the PT front, especially if the new Brisbane Metro turns out like the draft plans intend.

Brisbane City Council has today revealed the Brisbane Metro draft design report, which sets up the plan to deliver a new high-frequency 21-kilometre system connecting Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street and St Lucia to Herston via 18 stops and 11 interchanges. The project was first announced back in 2016, and, is set shake up the city's transportation network, particularly around the CBD.

But along with more frequent services — which will run every three minutes in peak periods and every ten minutes at a minimum — and a plan to close a major bridge to cars, the report also includes a says that service will run all night on weekends. Yep, all night — from 5am Friday right through until midnight Sunday.

Now, this won't exactly be happening soon — construction isn't slated to start until 2019 to 2022, and services won't commence until at least 2023. But, still, it shows that Brisbane City Council is willing to commit to a 24-hour model, much like the one that Melbourne trialled and then permanently instated last year. Fingers crossed Sydney can beat Brisbane to the punch.

For now, Brisbane's draft design report is currently open for public comment until May 25, with information sessions taking place between April 28 and May 18. From here, the council will draw up detailed specifications to gain final approval and funding.