Delivering with partners

Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme

The $21 million Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme has modernised Queensland's fleet of wheelchair accessible taxis since it commenced in December 2019.

The scheme has provided support for eligible taxi operators to receive 50 per cent funding, to a maximum of $55,000, towards the purchase of a new vehicle to ensure continued provision of accessible transport options for people with reduced mobility. The maximum funding amount was increased this year to reflect increased vehicle and modification costs.

In May 2025, program funding was fully committed to approved applications and the scheme closed to new applicants.

A total of 157 applications were received from across Queensland in 2024–25, of which 152 were approved. Since the scheme's inception in 2019, a total of 517 applications have been received, of which 462 were approved. 393 of the applications have been fulfilled with vehicles operating.

Applications increased to 157 in 2024–25 due to the higher maximum funding amount available for each vehicle, which increased interest in the scheme.

As well as supporting the replacement of ageing and written off wheelchair accessible taxis, the program also offers funding for replacement of a conventional taxi with a wheelchair accessible taxi in some areas. Over the life of the scheme, 27 additional wheelchair accessible taxis have been added to the Queensland fleet as a result of this opportunity, with another seven applications still being processed.

The Queensland Government has extended the scheme for a further twelve months until 30 June 2026, allocating an additional $6.325 million in funding to continue to provide financial assistance to operators to modernise their vehicles.

For more information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/Taxi-and-limousine/Industry-information/Taxi/Wheelchair-accessible-taxis

Bus Driver of the Year Awards

The 2024 Bus Driver of the Year Awards celebrates six years of the Department of Transport and Main Roads' (TMR) long-standing partnership with the Queensland Bus Industry Council in recognising the critical role Queensland's bus drivers play in keeping the community moving. The awards acknowledge those drivers who go above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service, helping passengers get to work, school, and other destinations safely and efficiently.

The winners were announced at the Queensland Bus Industry Council's annual conference in April 2025. This year, the competition saw an overwhelming response with more than 1300 nominations received. From these nominations, three finalists were selected in each category and the winners were determined by public vote, with more than 7000 votes received.

2024 Winners:

• South East Queensland Bus Driver of the Year: Isapela (Bella) Tuimavave Leaupepe
• Regional Queensland Bus Driver of the Year: Sam Davison
• School Services Bus Driver of the Year: Allan Humphrey.

These awards highlight the dedication and professionalism of Queensland's bus drivers, whose commitment to service makes a positive impact on communities across the state.

For more information: https://translink.com.au/news-and-media/competitions-and-offers/bus-driver-awards

Bus driver safety initiatives

Following the completion of the Queensland Bus Driver Safety Scheme in 2020, TMR has continued to work with the bus industry to deliver improved safety measures such as deploying Network Officers, installing driver barriers, and providing de-escalation training.

TMR is investing $60.7 million over five years to deploy additional Network Officers and provide further police assistance on public transport. Network Officers focus on passenger safety, have powers to enforce conditions of travel and will issue infringement notices, including fines for public transport offences such as fare evasion.

There are 81 Network Officers deployed on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan, North Brisbane, Cairns, and Townsville networks. These frontline staff operate across all modes of public transport and play an important role in targeting fare evasion hot spots, providing customer service, and keeping our transport network safe.

Translink also deploys resources from the Police Service Protective Services Group. The Senior Protective Service Officers are trained and authorised as Transit Officers to provide safety and security at key transport infrastructure locations.

TMR has invested almost $7 million over three years in continuing to roll out full protection bus driver barriers across the public transport network.

In partnership with the Queensland Bus Industry Council and Griffith University, the Minimising Passenger Hostility de-escalation training program continued to be available to assist drivers in managing customer aggression.

Bus driver safety also continued to be supported through:

• implementing a Smart Ticketing system across all public transport services in South East Queensland that is limiting the driver's role in cash handling
• continued delivery of the ‘Step-Up' initiative in schools to promote appropriate behaviour on public transport to school students.

TMR continues to engage with industry and other key stakeholders on bus safety issues and best practice initiatives to keep bus travel safe for everyone.

For more information: https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/bus-driver-safety-review

European Train Control System Program

With Queensland's population growing, and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, TMR is building a modern, future-proof rail system that can handle more passengers, reduce congestion, and provide a world-class travel experience.

TMR is boosting the capacity of South East Queensland's rail network, making it more reliable, operate more efficiently, and meet future safety needs. The European Train Control System (ETCS) Program will transform and modernise our South East Queensland rail network with the deployment of ETCS Level Two digital signalling technology. This advanced system enhances network capacity and safety by enabling trains to run more frequently and closer together while maintaining safe operations. ETCS will be a vital part of the rail network's future, providing a state-of-the-art Automatic Train Protection system to ensure the highest safety standards as the network expands.

The Cross River Rail (CRR) project is leading the initial deployment of ETCS, with installation through the twin tunnels and extending south to Moorooka. System testing is already underway on the Shorncliffe Line to meet safety and operational requirements before ETCS is introduced in the CRR tunnel.

Beyond CRR, TMR has begun rolling out ETCS across Sector One of the rail network, which stretches from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast via the CRR tunnel. This sector has been prioritised for capacity improvements due to significant expected population growth in the corridor.

TMR has developed a strategic plan to align future ETCS rollouts with key government objectives, including SEQ Rail Connect. The ETCS Program will deliver a series of projects and initiatives that have been designed to transition the South East Queensland rail network to ETCS technology.

In early-2025, work commenced on the ETCS Beenleigh to Varsity Lakes project. This part of the corridor has been identified as a priority for ETCS deployment to support the commissioning of three new Gold Coast stations and the new Ormeau rail facility. Accelerating the delivery of ETCS in this section will ensure that new signalling infrastructure is fully optimised and will enable the next stages of the program to be delivered sooner.

Future rollouts of ETCS on the Gold Coast line will build on this momentum, with a funded deployment between Kuraby and Beenleigh in the late planning stage. Planning has also significantly progressed for ETCS deployment in the northern section of Sector One, which will extend from Elimbah to Birtinya.

ETCS will continue to be rolled out in stages, ensuring the rail network is ready to support growing demand and seamlessly integrate with other major infrastructure projects like the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail and The Wave.

For more information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/european-train-control-system

New Generation Rollingstock

The New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) fleet has provided reliable public transport for South East Queensland since it was introduced in 2017, with the fleet consistently achieving over 99 per cent availability for daily passenger services.  

The $335.7 million NGR accessibility upgrade program for the 75 train NGR fleet was completed in July 2024 and delivered the most accessible rail fleet in Queensland to date.

Further system upgrades are also being installed across the NGR fleet to enable delivery of services on the future CRR, Beenleigh to Varsity Lakes infrastructure, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, and The Wave.

These upgrades include:

• ETCS Level Two: an advanced railway signalling system that uses continuous radio communication between trains and trackside equipment to ensure safe and efficient train operation without relying on traditional trackside signals.
• Automatic Train Operation: a technology that automates the driving of trains, controlling functions like acceleration, braking, and stopping to enhance efficiency, safety, and punctuality on railway networks.
• Platform Screen Doors: a system that enables train doors to open and close in sync with doors installed on the tunnel platforms to prevent accidents and improve climate control within the station precinct.
• Integration and Ancillary Works: upgrades for the train radio and the communication protocols between the train and the Tunnel Ventilation System, it also encompasses equipment and engineering support to assist CRR systems integration testing of key interfaces.  

These upgrades will be delivered in time for the start of services on the CRR and Beenleigh to Varsity Lakes infrastructure.

For more information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/New-Generation-Rollingstock

Queensland Train Manufacturing Program

The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) was established to meet the increasing demand of rail transport in South East Queensland over the next 10 years.

The QTMP will build 65 new six-car passenger trains at a purpose-built manufacturing facility at Torbanlea, in the Fraser Coast region. As part of the QTMP program, a new rail facility is being constructed for train maintenance and stabling in Ormeau, in the Gold Coast region.

More than $2 billion worth of contracts have already been awarded under the QTMP for construction of both facilities and rolling stock.

Construction of the Torbanlea train manufacturing facility is progressing with earthworks continuing, the main facility building's steel frame and roof installation now completed, and wall cladding underway. Construction of the new rail facility in Ormeau is also continuing, with the significant earthworks component and works to prepare for construction of the maintenance building now underway.

A co-design process is ongoing with the disability sector to inform the design of the new rolling stock. This is shaping the design of the 65 new passenger trains to ensure they are compliant, functional, and accessible for all passengers.

A QTMP Project Information Centre, located in Maryborough, gives visitors information about the project and history of rail in the Fraser Coast. It has hosted 4527 visitors since its opening.

For more information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/programs/queensland-train-manufacturing-program

Country Roads Connect

Investment in local infrastructure to improve the safety and resilience of the regional road network is critical across Queensland. The Country Roads Connect program will provide $100 million over 2025–26 to 2027–28 to local governments to pave regional unsealed roads that serve rural communities and producers, provide access for emergency vehicles, and are most at risk of becoming impassable following severe weather events.

During 2024–25, nominations were submitted by eligible councils across rural and regional Queensland for projects that would boost resilience, improve productivity, and keep communities connected. The Country Roads Connect Program will be fully funded by the Queensland Government and is aligned with a commitment to work with local governments to improve local infrastructure and maximise regional benefit.

The program has seen 22 projects approved across regional Queensland.

Significant road projects being delivered include:

• Cloncurry Shire Council – Cloncurry–Dajarra Road
• Banana Shire – Injune Road
• Bulloo Shire Council – Warri Gate Road
• Livingstone Shire – Barmaryee Road
• Maranoa Regional Council – Yuleba Surat Road
• Whitsunday Regional Council – Bowen Developmental Road
• Gympie Regional Council – Anderleigh Road.

For more information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/alliances/country-roads-connect-program

Roads and Transport Alliance / Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme

The Roads and Transport Alliance is a partnership between TMR and Queensland local governments that is underpinned by the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).

This scheme provides funding to local governments for targeted investment in transport related infrastructure.

Central to this alliance, and representing 68 local governments, including eight Aboriginal and Shire Councils, are 17 Regional Roads and Transport Groups (RRTG). These RRTGs are the primary decision-making bodies that determine regionally prioritised improvements to their communities' transport related infrastructure.

In 2024–25, 177 projects were delivered across the state. Projects included:

• South West RRTG, Murweh Shire Council – Adavale Road, construct to sealed standard
• North West Queensland RRTG, Carpentaria Shire Council – Burketown Road, Poingdestre Creek, widen floodway
• Southern Border RRTG, Goondiwindi Regional Council – Goondiwindi Airport apron extension
• North Queensland RRTG, Hinchinbrook Shire Council – Lucinda commercial jetty, upgrade floating gangway
• Outback RRTG, Diamantina Shire Council – Merri Street, Eyre Street – Herbert Street (Bedourie), construct footpath.

For more information: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/business-industry/business-with-us/alliances/the-roads-and-transport-alliance

Digitisation of design and asset data

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an established digital engineering process that digitally captures information about a transport-related asset. BIM is a digital representation of the asset, including data relating to design, construction, and operation. It allows for greater information sharing and collaboration, better informed decision-making about TMR's assets, and provides greater certainty in asset planning, design, and construction.

In 2024–25, TMR introduced an online secure and collaborative platform for major infrastructure project delivery. The InEight Document platform was acquired to set the foundation for a Common Data Environment across the state. This Common Data Environment will further enable the implementation of BIM practice and culture into every major infrastructure project in TMR by enhancing consistency and security in the exchange of infrastructure data between users.

Since inception, BIM has been incorporated into more than 70 projects, resulting in a richer asset dataset for TMR. This allows as-constructed data to be quickly validated, extracted, and added to TMR's asset management systems, ensuring accurate and dependable information to help manage the state's roads and bridges efficiently.