Better Transport Queensland

02/11/2026

Better Transport Queensland (BTQ) has condemned the removal of real-time bus tracking from regional Queensland communities, describing it as a significant step backwards for public transport users.

BTQ understands that real-time tracking is being removed as part of the rollout of new ticketing terminals capable of accepting contactless credit and debit card payments. While the ability to pay fares using a bank card is a welcome improvement, it is unacceptable that passengers are being forced to accept the loss of real-time information as a trade-off.

As of 6 October, real-time bus information has been removed from services in Innisfail, Bowen and the Wide Bay region, with Cairns expected to follow in the near future .

“Regional Queenslanders should not be asked to choose between modern payment options and modern passenger information,” said Better Transport Queensland President Rowan Gray.

“Public transport users in Brisbane and South East Queensland have had both for decades. Regional communities deserve the same standard of service.”

Better Transport Queensland is calling on the Queensland Government and Translink to urgently restore real-time passenger information to affected regional bus services and ensure any future ticketing upgrades support both contactless payments and live service tracking.

Read the full media release at https://btq.org.au/releases.

27/10/2026

If Metro expansion is what gets more busway built, great! Brisbane’s eastern suburbs in particular have waited long enough.

Better Transport Queensland (BTQ) has welcomed Brisbane City Council’s renewed push to expand the city’s busway network, calling for the long-delayed Eastern Busway to be prioritised.

The council is seeking public feedback on Brisbane Metro expansions to Carseldine, Capalaba, Springwood and Brisbane Airport, reviving ambitions first outlined almost 30 years ago.

With much of Brisbane’s east lacking rail access and congestion continuing to worsen, completing the Eastern Busway should be the highest priority and would provide a long-overdue high-capacity public transport corridor and help Brisbane finally deliver on a promise that has been left unfinished for decades.

Read the full media release on the BTQ website: https://www.btq.org.au/releases/s/1792.

21/10/2026

If it gets more bus lanes built, they can call it whatever they like!

Public transport has a hierarchy of needs. First comes access; then frequency; then speed and reliability. That's where bus lanes come in.

As data shows traffic is even slower than it was pre-COVID, Brisbane City Council is floating the idea of mini Metros to get people into the suburbs faster.

09/10/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Robert Dow passed away on 6 October 2026.

Many of you will know Robert as the founder of Rail Back on Track, the predecessor to Better Transport Queensland. What began as a forum for rail enthusiasts grew into a powerful voice for better public transport across Queensland, helping shape public conversation on everything from the Go Card to major projects such as the Springfield Line and Cross River Rail.

Robert made a profound impact on many within our community. He was respected across the political spectrum for his thoughtful, well-informed, and pragmatic advocacy. His willingness to engage constructively and his deep understanding of public transport inspired countless people and helped build a stronger movement for better transport in Queensland.

Beyond his advocacy, Robert fostered a welcoming community of passionate transport supporters. His contributions will leave a lasting legacy for many years to come.

Better Transport Queensland extends its sincere condolences to Robert's family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched through his advocacy and friendship.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

Please feel free to share your memories, reflections, and kind words about Robert in the comments.

27/09/2026

It was great to chat to the Moreton Daily about 10 years of the Redcliffe line, and what should come next!

The Redcliffe Peninsula Line can be improved, according to a transport advocacy group, almost exactly 10 years after its historic opening 🟡

Find out more in the FREE article 👇

21/08/2026

Additional CityCat closures are hitting the Brisbane network as industrial action between crews and the operator, RiverCity Ferries continues. The F1, F11, F12, F21, F22, F23, & F24 services will be affected, replacement bus services have not been arranged this time, and commuters have been instructed to make alternative travel plans. The affected times are as follows:

Friday 21 August
9-11am
4-6pm

Saturday 22 August
11am to 1pm

Monday 24 August
12-4pm

Wednesday 26 August
7-9am
3-5pm

16/08/2026

Queensland Rail has announced they will be returning some previously cancelled peak train trips to service, following an increase in train availability. This change amounts to approximately 1 additional train per hour per line during peak. BTQ welcomes this partial restoration of service, but emphasies that QR and unions must continue to work to restore full service to the network.

09/08/2026

BTQ strongly supports the introduction of train line numbering for SEQ. Line numbering improves the legibility of the rail network, is common practice throughout the world and matches what we already do on buses, ferries and trams.

The line numbers will be as follows:
T1: Rosewood to Gympie North (incl. Ipswich, Caboolture & Nambour)
T2: Springfield Central to Kippa-Ring
T3: Doomben
T4: Cleveland to Shorncliffe
T5: Varsity Lakes to Brisbane Airport
T6: Beenleigh to Ferny Grove

08/08/2026

The long-awaited Gold Coast Light Rail extension to Burleigh Heads opens this Sunday, after approximately 4 years of construction & testing. This vital project expands on one of Queensland's most successful and fastest-growing transport services, bringing high quality transport closer to more of the region. BTQ encourages local, state, and federal governments to continue the build-out of the light rail network via projects like the Harbour Town branch and the shelved Stage 4 extension to the airport & Coolangatta. This ensures design & construction skill is not lost between projects, and allows us to build cheaper and more efficiently through the development of local expertise.

06/08/2026

Translink has confirmed that the new Roma Street Busway platform 1 will open on the 10th of August, as upgrade works on the station progress. The new platform will be accessible from within the station entrance, eliminating the confusing and time-consuming walk out of the station required by the previous arrangement. BTQ is pleased to see these works progress, ensuring that Roma Street station provides high quality transfer locations for users of both buses and trains.