West End residents are expressing frustration over the decision to cut the free South Brisbane Loop that has served as an essential transport option for locals navigating West End and South Brisbane.
Starting in early 2024 as a temporary service, the South Brisbane Loop (Route 86) quickly gained traction among West End’s residents, including retirees and students who relied on the bus to access schools, businesses, and community services.
Council announced recently that the free route, which travels along Montague Road, Vulture Street, and nearby areas, would be cancelled by year’s end. The decision has spurred community outcry, including a petition with over 1,200 signatures requesting the bus be kept.
The Purpose of the South Brisbane Loop
The South Brisbane Loop, which began as a 12-month trial, was extended in early 2024 to provide easy access to the area’s key cultural and entertainment sites. It was introduced to offset some of the disruptions caused by the Brisbane Metro Project, and to encourage locals and tourists alike to use public transport instead of cars.
The bus, easily recognisable with its green and white design, made regular stops at popular sites such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Theatre, and Davies Park, as well as providing local access to South Bank and Brisbane State High School.
The South Brisbane Loop was intended as a temporary service to help locals build a habit of using public transport while easing traffic congestion. Cr Krista Adams said the route had always been a short-term solution and reported lower ridership than Brisbane’s other free bus loops. Over six months, the South Brisbane Loop reported a patronage of nearly 56,000 riders, whereas other loops, such as the Spring Hill Loop, attracted more than 180,000 riders.
Community Response to the Planned Cancellation
West End resident Jan Wild, who moved to the suburb partly for its public transport access, shared her disappointment, noting that the route had allowed her to rely less on car transport. With Vulture Street’s hilly terrain and an aging spine that makes carrying loads difficult, Ms Wild explained that the bus helped her easily reach essential services and businesses. Many other locals agreed, stating they would face challenges getting around the area without this free service.
Gabba Ward Cr Trina Massey has also expressed support for the continuation of the loop, suggesting that the trial succeeded by meeting the unique needs of West End’s growing population. With projections indicating that South Brisbane’s residential population may double by 2036, Ms Massey argued that reliable and accessible public transport is more critical than ever for the suburb.
Alternative Options and Future Plans
Despite community calls for a permanent free service, the council has decided to end funding. Ms Adams indicated that while the route’s trial was appreciated, its lower patronage made it less viable than other free services. She added that public transport options are still available for residents, such as the City Glider and routes 196 and 199, which run through parts of the inner city, though they don’t fully cover the areas served by Route 86.
A new bus route, 197, is expected to start running soon and will connect South Brisbane and Woolloongabba, but West End will be left out of this coverage.
Meanwhile, additional improvements to the city’s transport network will be rolling out as part of preparations for the 2032 Olympics, including upgrades to public spaces and routes. However, West End residents are concerned that these changes may not directly address their immediate transport needs, especially for those who have come to rely on the free route for daily activities.
Published 14-Nov-2024
