Another 59 Brisbane Metros will be purchased after the pilot vehicle successfully completed more than 1000 tests.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the vehicle was now taking a break from testing so it can be on display at the EKKA, giving residents their first-ever chance to jump on board and check out the state-of-the-art vehicle.
“These fully-electric, high-capacity vehicles are the first of their kind in Australia and will transform the way we move around Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.
“The Brisbane Metro will initially service 19 stations, but I am now more confident than ever that we can look towards expanding the Metro network to other areas of our city.”
Cr Schrinner said over the past three months, the Brisbane Metro had been tested on busways and bridges, along motorways and up mountains while clocking up enough kilometres to travel more than three return trips between Brisbane and Sydney.
“In this time, the vehicle has undertaken 1157 tests and inspections and exceeded our expectations so we’re placing an order for 59 more vehicles,” he said.
“While residents may have spotted the pilot metro while it was out completing its extensive testing, the EKKA brings the chance for visitors to experience first-hand the future of public transport.
“I expect residents will be incredibly impressed with this vehicle and be excited that we will soon have 60 of the world’s most advanced electric vehicles delivering turn-up-and-go transport right here in Brisbane.”
Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said the ordering of the fleet was another step towards services commencing in late 2024.
“We have tested everything from manoeuvrability, accessibility, energy consumption and passenger experience on the pilot vehicle and the results have exceeded our expectations,” Cr Murphy said.
“The rigorous testing regime confirmed that the Metros will remain cool in Brisbane’s summer, warm in our winter and able to provide the very high level of reliability that we need on the busway.
“The Brisbane Metro will also be highly accessible, and we have worked with seven accessibility advocacy groups to deliver the best travel experience residents of all abilities.
“With three large mobility aid bays, 10 priority seats, automated ramp access, next stop announcements and hearing loops across all compartments the Metro goes above and beyond our requirements to deliver the most accessible vehicle we’ve ever put into service.”
The pilot metro will continue service and reliability testing after its display at the EKKA.
METRO AT THE EKKA:
- The pilot metro vehicle will be on display on King Street during this year’s EKKA
- Visitors will be able to board the Metro and experience the new vehicle firsthand
METRO VEHICLE FEATURES:
- Capacity for 150 passengers and 170 in event mode
- Three large double doors for efficient all door boarding
- Passenger information displays and visual route information
- In-built USB charging points and on-board Wi-Fi
- Configurable LED lighting and an interior illuminated ceiling
- Panoramic windows throughout
