Thousands of Brisbane commuters have faced delays and disruptions as more than 7,900 bus services were cancelled in the 12 months to February 2025, with the high-frequency CityGlider (Route 60) among the hardest hit, revealing ongoing driver shortages and growing concerns over service reliability.
Driver Shortages Continue to Impact Services
Driver shortages remain the main reason behind the cancellations. Brisbane City Council hired over 500 drivers in 2024 and 146 more in early 2025, but high turnover and long training times continue to leave service gaps across the network.
Union representatives argue that the official figures underreport the true extent of the problem, noting that partial cancellations and unreported missed trips are not adequately captured in the data. They emphasize that driver shortages are as critical as ever, affecting the reliability of services citywide.
Key Routes and Suburbs Affected
Route 100, running from the CBD to Forest Lake, had the most cancellations with 487 missed trips. The CityGlider through West End to Newstead followed with 345, while Route 340 from Carseldine saw 295 cancellations.
These high-frequency routes are vital for daily commuters, and their unreliability has led to increased wait times and overcrowded buses, particularly during peak hours. Residents in affected suburbs have expressed frustration over the inconsistent service, which has disrupted daily routines and commutes.
Industrial Actions and Service Interruptions
In February 2025, a two-hour strike over pay disputes between the bus union and Brisbane City Council disrupted up to 436 morning peak services.
The union’s demands for a 9% pay rise over two years were met with a counteroffer of a 7% increase from the council. While some progress has been made, the potential for future strikes remains a concern for commuters relying on bus services for their daily transportation needs.
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Challenges
The Brisbane City Council has acknowledged the need for continued efforts to improve the reliability of bus services. Plans are underway to introduce 160,000 new bus services to the network, aiming to alleviate the pressure on existing routes and accommodate the growing demand.
Fixing driver shortages and keeping trained staff are key to improving services. As Brisbane grows its transport network, stable staffing and long-term solutions will be vital to restoring commuter trust.
Published 6-May-2025
