There are renewed calls to reopen the Tennyson rail line to help reduce road congestion and improve public transport in the area, particularly with the 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon.
Read: Could Reopening the Tennyson Line Solve Brisbane’s Suburban Transport Issues?
Michael Berkman, Member for Maiwar, has renewed his 2021 push to reinstate passenger services on the Tennyson line, arguing that improved cross-suburban transport links are crucial for the city’s future.
“With the Olympics in 2032, including tennis events at the Tennyson Centre, now is the time to begin planning these cross-suburban links,” Berkman stated.
He highlighted the potential benefits of reopening the line, stating that residents near Indooroopilly or Toowong stations could reach the southside more efficiently without having to travel through the city. Additionally, commuters from suburbs such as Annerley, Moorooka, and Yeerongpilly could opt for public transport instead of contributing to congestion on Brisbane’s roads.
“Longer trips, such as Ipswich to the Gold Coast or Logan to Springfield, would also become much easier,” he added.
A Better Alternative to Bridge Duplication?
Berkman also criticised past proposals for a costly $100 million duplication of the Walter Taylor Bridge. He pointed out that council modelling showed it would not ease congestion but instead create new bottlenecks at Indooroopilly and further south at Oxley and Sherwood Roads.
“I think there’s a better solution: improving local public transport,” he said. “As well as better buses and bike lanes in Sherwood and Corinda, we should investigate reopening the old Tennyson train line between Corinda and Yeerongpilly.”
Read: Preventing Bridge Strikes: Chelmer, Corinda Among Blitz Locations
The History and Future of the Tennyson Line
The Tennyson rail line, which historically connected Corinda to Yeerongpilly, was closed to passenger services in 2011, though it remains in use for freight transport. Since then, population growth in the surrounding suburbs has increased the demand for better transport options.
Translink introduced bus routes 104 and 105 to replace the train service, but they have been criticised for being slow, infrequent, and unreliable. Brisbane’s public transport system has long been noted for its lack of effective cross-suburban connections, forcing many residents to travel into the CBD before transferring to reach nearby suburbs.
Queensland Rail has previously acknowledged the potential of reopening the Tennyson line but stated that significant funding and public demand would be required. Authorities continue to monitor population trends and community interest before making any final decisions on the line’s future.
Published 19-March-2025
