Better Bus Network for Ipswich

INVESTING IN BETTER BUS SERVICES FOR IPSWICH WILL ADDRESS THE SIGNIFICANT SHORTFALL IN COVERAGE THAT EXISTS AND SUPPORT THE FUTURE GROWTH OF THE REGION

The proposed program of bus network improvements will improve accessibility, connectivity, and efficiency of the transport network, as well as providing an attractive bus network that is more equitable and a genuine alternative to private vehicle travel.

Better Bus Network Factsheet

COMMITMENT SECURED

In the 2024 State Budget funding was provided for stage 1 of the Better Bus Network for Ipswich. This included the introduction of four new routes, increasing the number of residents within 400 metres of a bus service from about 37,000 people to 50,000 people:

• Route 501 between Springfield and Ipswich,
• Route 520 between Goodna station and Eden’s Crossing,
• Route 522 between Redbank station and Springfield Central station, and
• Route 523 between Redbank Plains and Augustine Heights.

New bus connections linking Redbank to Goodna and Springfield to Ipswich. Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends. Additional trips added to bus timetables.

What’s Next

The tender for Stage 1 of the new Ipswich bus services is currently out to market and is anticipated to be up and running by the end of 2025.

COMMITMENT REQUIRED

An ongoing $5 million annual commitment to fund Stages 1 to 3 priority bus expansion projects:

Stage 1 - 2025

• The introduction of four new routes with two new services operating every 15 minutes at peak commute times, increasing the number of residents within 400 metres of a bus service from about 37,000 people to 50,000 people:
  • Route 501 between Springfield and Ipswich
  • Route 520 between Goodna station and Eden’s Crossing
  • Route 522 between Redbank station and Springfield Central station
  • Route 523 between Redbank Plains and Augustine Heights.
• New bus connections linking Redbank to Goodna and Springfield to Ipswich
• Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends, and additional service frequencies.

Stage 2 – 2025/26

• While Stage 2 is still in the planning phase, it is proposed to include three new routes that will service Deebing Heights, Ripley and Karalee, linking:
  • Yamanto and Ripley/White Rock
  • Karalee and Ipswich via RiverLink, Bell Street, Ipswich Hospital and UniSQ
  • Ripley and the Ipswich CBD via UniSQ and Ipswich Hospital.
• More services on route 515 between Brassall and Yamanto to provide a 15-minute frequency all day
• Additional coverage on routes 502, 512, 506 and 509 to respond to growth
• Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends, and additional peak services.

Stage 3 – 2026/27

Stage 3 is also still in the planning phase and is proposed to include:

• A new route to respond to Spring Mountain and Springfield growth
• New bus connections between Ripley, Redbank Plains and Goodna.
• Increased span of hours on weekdays and weekends, and additional peak services.

As announced by the Minister for Transport September 2024: Doing What Matters: Ipswich set for major public transport boost - Ministerial Media Statements

Prior to this commitment there was no direct public transport connection between Ipswich Central and Springfield Central. And the bus network in Redbank Plains had been unchanged since 2010.