Brisbane-born actress Melanie Zanetti, whose voice went global for her role in the popular kids TV show Bluey, will be the voice of Brisbane Metro.
Ms Zanetti will be the voice that provides real-time travel information for passengers on the brand-new Brisbane Metro.
The community ride along was the first opportunity for residents to experience Brisbane Metro with around 100 members of the community getting on board after winning double passes.
Residents can also experience the Metro and explore Australia’s largest electric bus depot, that will be home to the fleet of electric metros, at the Brisbane Metro Depot Open Day on 13 October.
Residents must register to attend the Brisbane Metro Depot Open Day and the free tickets are now available via the Council website for the three different time slots available between 9am and 3pm.
Metro will initially run services on the 169 route between Eight Mile Plains and St Lucia from 21 October.
Brisbane Metro will be a significant leap forward for mass transit in Brisbane, unlocking capacity for an additional 30 million passenger trips per year on Brisbane’s busways.
Metro facts:
- 150 passenger capacity (up to 170 in event mode)
- 24.4m in length and 2.6m wide (double length of a standard bus)
- three passenger compartments and a separate driver cabin
- accessibility:
- three large mobility aid bays
- ten priority seats
- low-floor design
- audio and hearing loops in all compartments
- automated on-request ramp access at first passenger door
- real-time travel information screen for passengers
- on-board Wi-Fi and USB charging points
- end of route flash charging in under six minutes
- panoramic rear window and large windows for full views
- three large double doors to support efficient all-door boarding.
M169 facts:
- Start Monday 21 October
- Eight Mile Plains to the University of Queensland
- Servicing 9 stations – Eight Mile Plains, Upper Mount Gravatt (Garden City), Griffith University, Holland Park West, Greenslopes, Buranda, PA Hospital, Boggo Road, UQ Lakes
- Metro vehicles will boost capacity by more than 50 per cent, carrying an extra 7300 people per day
Metro Depot Open Day
- Sunday 13 October
- 9am to 3pm
- Take a ride on Brisbane Metro and explore Australia’s largest electric bus depot
- Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities, and food trucks
- There will be no public parking at the depot. A free local shuttle service will run from Griffith University, Upper Mt Gravatt and Eight Mile Plains busway stations
- For tickets visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Brisbane Metro Depot Community Open Day’
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and the turn-up-and-go Metro services are critical to keeping people moving across our city and suburbs.
“To have the Brisbane-raised Bluey star Melanie Zanetti as the voice of Brisbane Metro is exciting for residents and visitors to our city.
“Brisbane Metro is delivering the biggest improvement in accessible mass transit in decades with next-stop announcements and hearing loops to ensure accessibility, as well as an improved experience for all passengers.
“The first Metro services will start on 21 October, which is just the start of Council rolling out mass transit in Brisbane and unlocking capacity for an additional 30 million passenger trips per year on our busway.
“We are delivering more public transport services more often to help build a better Brisbane and it’s fantastic to see residents, and all levels of government, so excited for Brisbane Metro to start.
Quotes attributable to Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy:
“Melanie’s voice is warm and playful, yet familiar to Brisbane residents and fans of the series, as well as hundreds of millions of families worldwide who watch Bluey on a daily basis.
“Every time a Metro stops at a station, it will be Melanie’s voice telling commuters and visitors where they are on the network, what interchange opportunities are available and points of interest
“We are so excited she’s been able to partner with us on this very special aspect of Brisbane Metro.
“If residents want to get on board Brisbane Metro before it officially starts services, they can register to attend the free Brisbane Metro Open Day where they can experience and explore the future of mass transit in Brisbane.”
Quotes attributable to Melanie Zanetti:
“I am a big supporter of public transport and the positive impact that it has on the environment.
“Having travelled and worked internationally, it is exciting to see big changes, such as the Brisbane Metro, coming to my hometown.
“I think the Brisbane Metro will be an exciting development for our city ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
“I’m happy that my voice will accompany thousands of residents and visitors on their Brisbane Metro journeys every day.”
