Brisbane Metro will introduce a new fleet of high-capacity, high-frequency turn-up-and-go electric metro vehicles.

Measuring just over 24m long, metros can transport 170 passengers at any one time – moving more people with less vehicles.

With more and more Metros arriving throughout 2024, the vehicles are now a frequent feature of Brisbane’s busways as they’re put through their paces ahead of services commencing.

Council is working with world-leading vehicle manufacturer HESS, electric infrastructure experts Hitachi Energy and leading manufacturer Volgren to deliver the metro fleet and supporting charging infrastructure.

A number of end-of-route fast-charging facilities have been delivered across Brisbane to power the metros.

The 600kW fast chargers will charge the vehicle’s lithium-titanium-oxide batteries in just over six minutes delivered using overhead pantograph infrastructure, which autonomously connects to a charging point on the vehicle.

Fast charging will take place at end-of-route locations including UQ Lakes station in St Lucia, Countess Street near Roma Street station, Ernie’s Roundabout in Herston and at the new metro depot in Rochedale where overnight 60kW slow charging will also occur.

While fast charging is critical for day-to-day operations, the use of slow-charging technology overnight will maximise battery lifespan and optimise energy consumption from the grid during off-peak periods.

Located adjacent to the South East Busway, a 10ha Metro depot facility has been built, making it one of the largest and most technologically advanced facilities of its kind in Australia.

In addition to five fast chargers, 60 slow chargers and supporting charging containers, the depot also hosts stabling and maintenance facilities for the electric metro fleet.

Once in operation, passengers will be able to take advantage of in-built USB charging points and on-board Wi-Fi to stay connected, with other metro features including passenger information displays and next stop audio and visual route information, interior illuminated ceiling, and a panoramic rear window for taking advantage of city views.

Many of the vehicle design features evolved from a unique co-design process enabled by the Brisbane Metro Accessibility Working Group (BM-AWG).

Formed in 2019, the BM-AWG included accessibility advocates and residents with lived experience and interests in mobility, disability services and hearing and sensory impairments. The group provided strategic advice, informing accessibility outcomes for the metro vehicle design, infrastructure designs and customer experience.

Across four years of collaborative engagement with the BM-AWG, the vehicle design evolved significantly with more than 45 design changes implemented and rolled out across the metro fleet.

As a result, the new metro fleet exceeds the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (DSAPT). Each vehicle is equipped with an automated on-request ramp and a low floor design, to assist boarding for passengers with mobility requirements.

The first stage of Brisbane Metro will see two routes operating along the city’s dedicated busways from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to University of Queensland.

By introducing rubber tyre vehicles that can utilise existing busways, the project has eliminated the need for track-reliant vehicles or overhead line equipment – delivering a solution that is best suited to Brisbane and significantly more cost effective than rail.

The project will not only introduce the new Metro fleet and supporting charging technology but will also see the delivery of new and improved infrastructure including a new tunnel beneath Adelaide Street, upgraded stations including Cultural Centre station and enhanced streetscapes to create greener, shadier public spaces.

Brisbane Metro services are due to commence in late 2024*.

*Subject to approvals.