Better Transport Queensland (BTQ), Queensland’s leading advocacy group for public transport, has called for immediate low-cost improvements to Brisbane Airtrain to better serve passengers ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
While BTQ supports the concept of duplicating the Brisbane Airport line, major infrastructure in Queensland often takes years or decades to deliver. The travelling public needs better and more affordable options right now.
Simple and relatively inexpensive changes could deliver vast improvements within months, not years.
BTQ proposes a four-point plan focusing on ‘quick wins’ to enhance accessibility and affordability:
1. Extend Brisbane Airtrain Operating Hours
Brisbane Airtrain services currently finish around 10:00 pm. Shift workers and passengers on late night flights are therefore left paying for costly taxis and ride-share services. BTQ calls on the Queensland Government to fund the extension of Brisbane Airtrain operating hours from the current 10:00 pm to midnight. We also call for earlier train services to cater to the first flights and early shifts.
2. Increased Off-Peak Train Frequency
Improving Brisbane Airtrain’s off-peak frequency to a consistent 15-minute frequency, similar to Perth’s Airport train, would make the train a truly viable alternative to car travel for passengers and the growing precinct workforce.
3. Extend Gold CityGlider to Skygate and DFO Brisbane Airport
To increase connectivity to Brisbane Airport, Brisbane City Council’s high-frequency Gold Glider bus service should be extended from its proposed terminus at Hamilton Northshore directly into the Skygate precinct at Brisbane Airport.
This new high-frequency bus connection would unlock access to DFO Brisbane Airport and the surrounding hospitality and employment hub, as well as provide a convenient connection to the rest of the Brisbane bus network.
4. Public Funding and Fairer Fares
Brisbane Airtrain’s high fares are a major deterrent to taking public transport to and from Brisbane Airport. BTQ recommends that Translink be directed to provide public funding to reduce the ticket price of Brisbane Airtrain’s fares to a more affordable level, as it was when the Queensland Government reduced fares for Brisbane Airtrain between August 2024 and February 2025.
Quotes attributable to Paul Guard, Better Transport Queensland Spokesperson
“Perth provides about 60% more train service to and from the Airport than Brisbane does. Perth’s Airport train fares are also about 4 times cheaper than Brisbane’s. The WA Government shows that the Queensland Government can do much better, and fix Brisbane Airtrain.”
“Unlike Queensland, the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia publicly funds Perth’s Airport train which keeps fares low and affordable. Unfortunately, the Queensland Government doesn’t see Brisbane Airtrain train services as normal public transport. This is a major concern given we are going to host the 2032 Olympic Games as such high fares and low frequency service leaves a poor first impression for international visitors.”
“The time for studies and long-term planning is important, but the time for immediate action is now. These simple operational and ticketing changes are low-cost, high-impact measures that will dramatically improve the passenger and employee experience at Brisbane Airport.”
Better Transport Queensland Inc. — Queensland’s leading advocacy group for public, active, and freight transport.
Spokesperson
Paul Guard - BTQ Spokesperson
[email protected]
General Media Enquiries
[email protected]
Notes
Artist Impression of Skygate Station
Gold CityGlider Image (Image from Brisbane City Council)
Half-price train tickets to Brisbane Airport
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/100464
- The Miles Government will cut Airtrain ticket prices in half, with the addition of Airport rail services to be included in the massive cost of living relief initiatives on offer across the network.
- Half-price tickets on Airtrain services will be available from 5 August 2024 for 6 months offering more savings to Queenslanders.
Transperth Journey Planner - Two Zone SmartRider $4.68
https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Journey-Planner
Translink Journey Planner - Brisbane Airport Go card adult $22.30
https://translink.com.au/