New bus routes, service changes rolling across Ipswich under $70 million state plan

More than 1100 new weekly bus services are rolling across Ipswich with four new routes and upgrades to three other routes.

The new services are part of a state $70 million Ipswich-Logan bus improvement package.

Transit Systems won the contract to deliver the package and says it will employ 36 staff during the first year of operations.

The first stage of the package will introduce four routes and improve three existing routes across Ipswich with 1198 new weekly services.

The four new routes should benefit more than 42,300 residents, with about 8200 residents getting a bus service for the first time.

Under the three-year, three-stage package, new services will come to Augustine Heights, Bellbird Park, Collingwood Park, Redbank Plains, Springfield, Deebing Heights, Karalee and Ripley Valley Priority Development Area.

The other two stages of the Ipswich-Logan package are to be rolled out in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg says the “new buses, expanded infrastructure and additional stops (are) making public transport a more practical and attractive option for the community”.

“We’re focused on supporting a safer, more reliable network for Ipswich that better connects people to jobs, education, and essential services,” he says.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says building a better bus network has been a council priority and a regionally significant project.

“Improved public transport is a major focus for the city’s recently endorsed updated iGO Ipswich Transport Strategy 2025,” she says.

“It forecasts that in 2046, 56% of more than two million trips to, from and within our city per day are expected to be less than 10km, meaning they could be taken by bus, e-mobility, walking or cycling.

“However, 84.3% of trips are expected to be undertaken by private vehicles.

“This shows there is enormous potential to shift to more sustainable forms of transport like buses and active transport alternatives,” Cr Harding says.

NEW BUS ROUTES

• Route 501: Springfield Central to Ipswich.
• Route 520: Goodna station to Eden’s Crossing.
• Route 522: Redbank station to Springfield Central station.
• Route 523: Redbank Plains to Springfield Central station via Augustine Heights.

CHANGED SERVICES

• Route 524: Goodna station to Redbank Plains.
• Route 525: Collingwood Park Loop.
• Route 526: Orion Springfield Central to Redbank via Springfield.

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