The bus route servicing Forest Lake has recorded the highest number of cancellations across Brisbane, adding to previous safety concerns for its regular passengers.
Read: Widespread Service Disruptions Data revealed that in the 12 months leading up to February 2025, nearly 8,000 public transport services, predominantly buses, were cancelled within the Brisbane City Council area. The 100 bus route, connecting Queen Street station to the Forest Lake shops in the city’s southwest, experienced the highest number of these disruptions, with 487 services not running. This route was also identified as Brisbane’s most dangerous two years prior. Following the 100 route, the 60 CityGlider service from West End to Newstead saw 345 cancellations, and route 340 from Carseldine station to the CBD had 295. The month with the most service interruptions was November 2024, with 875 cancellations, July 2024 with 826, and October 2024 with 710. The most frequently cited reason for these cancellations across all affected areas was “staff availability.” TransLink indicated this term encompasses various situations, not solely bus driver absenteeism, such as delays from previous services or the need to reassign drivers to cover school routes. However, traffic congestion was also a major contributor in Brisbane, accounting for 1,996 cancellations, while mechanical issues led to 750 bus service cancellations and affected 650 train services. Mechanical problems were also noted as a significant concern on the Sunshine Coast. The issue of bus cancellations extended beyond Brisbane. After Brisbane, the Gold Coast recorded the highest number of cancellations in the southeast region, with 4,085 services affected. The Sunshine Coast followed with 2,786 cancellations. Other areas also experienced disruptions, including Logan with 1,019, Ipswich with 625, and Redlands with 244 cancellations. In all these locations, “staff availability” was the primary reason given. The Rail Tram and Bus Union state secretary, Tom Brown, asserted that driver shortages remain severe and suggested the official figures might not capture the full extent of the problem, as “part cancellations,” where only a section of a route is completed, are reportedly not recorded. He stated that the situation has deteriorated over the past year due to pressures on drivers from high staff turnover and demanding schedules. Mr Brown also mentioned that experienced new drivers from interstate sometimes prefer independent bus operators over Council positions, and that lengthy recruitment and training processes, lasting several months, can lead to potential recruits finding other employment. In contrast, Council reported recruiting over 500 new bus operators in 2024 and another 146 by February 2025, stating that bus driver shortages were no longer experienced. Figures from Questions on Notice (QONs) showed 479 bus drivers were hired from 12 months to December 2024, out of a total of 2,600 drivers. These QONs also revealed that in the six months leading up to February 2025, approximately 1,200 services were cancelled due to lack of staff. Despite the cancellation figures, TransLink maintained that its network performs well. A spokesman stated that about 99.88 per cent of the approximately 6.5 million timetabled bus services ran without cancellation during the reporting period. He explained that a single absent driver can result in multiple cancelled runs and that school routes are prioritised. While TransLink funds bus maintenance and replacement, the spokesman clarified that driver recruitment and fleet management are the responsibilities of operators like councils. Council transport chair, Councillor Ryan Murphy, echoed this sentiment, stating that Brisbane’s bus network operates “well above industry standards,” with over 99 per cent of all services delivered as planned. He attributed a boom in patronage to 50-cent fares and the commencement of the first Metro route, which reportedly increased patronage between Eight Mile Plains and UQ by over 20 per cent in three months alone. Councillor Murphy also indicated that the next phase of Brisbane Metro would significantly boost bus services. Labour Opposition Leader, Councillor Jared Cassidy, suggested it was unsurprising that some of Brisbane’s busiest suburban bus routes experienced numerous cancellations due to traffic, given Brisbane has been named Australia’s most congested city. He questioned Council’s ability to call Brisbane a “bus city” while services remain stuck in gridlock and stressed that dedicated busways are essential for improving Brisbane’s public transport. Councillor Cassidy pointed out that routes operating on the South East Busway were notably absent from the list of most-cancelled services. Published Date 08-May-2025
Staffing and Traffic Named Key Factors
Southeast Queensland Feels the Impact
Ongoing Debate Over Driver Shortages
Authorities Maintain High Reliability Claims
Opposition Calls for Congestion Solutions
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