Beatrice Lang
The electrification of Brisbane's suburban rail network began in 1979. The Electric Tilt Train, which operates from Brisbane to Rockhampton, was introduced in 1998. This high-speed tilting train service set an Australian train speed record of 210 km/h (130 mph) north of Bundaberg in May 1999. Brisbane Metro has also introduced a new fleet of high-frequency, high-capacity electric metros, which will better utilise the city's busways and provide fast and reliable public transport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year electric trains started in Brisbane | 1979 |
| First electric train model | Suburban |
| Electric train model introduced in 1998 | Electric Tilt Train |
| Current electric train model | Brisbane Metro |
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What You'll Learn
Brisbane's electric trains began in 1961
The Electric Tilt Train, consisting of two identical high-speed tilting trains, began operating from Brisbane to Rockhampton in 1998. This service reduced the travel time between the two cities by over two hours. The Electric Tilt Train set an Australian train speed record of 210 km/h (130 mph) north of Bundaberg in May 1999, making it the fastest narrow-gauge train in the world.
In recent years, Brisbane has continued to upgrade its rail infrastructure. The Brisbane Metro has introduced a new fleet of high-frequency, high-capacity electric metros that integrate seamlessly into the existing busway operations. These electric metros feature improved accessibility, such as automatic ramps and mobility bay areas. Brisbane's New Bus Network has also launched, alongside a new metro route—the M1 from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street.
Queensland, where Brisbane is located, has the most extensive electrification in Australia. This includes the entire Brisbane metropolitan area, the North Coast Line to Rockhampton, and the central Queensland coalfields. The heavy rail lines are powered by 25 kV 50 Hz AC, while the light rail lines use 750 V DC. Brisbane's journey towards electric trains began in the 20th century, with the first railway in Queensland opening in 1865 from Ipswich to Bigge's Camp, the initial stage of a railway between Brisbane and Toowoomba.
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The Electric Tilt Train began in 1998
Queensland, Australia, has the most extensive electrification in the country. The Brisbane metropolitan area, the North Coast Line to Rockhampton, and the central Queensland coal fields are all electrified. The Electric Tilt Train, which began in 1998, is a significant part of Queensland's electrified rail network.
The Electric Tilt Train is the name of two high-speed tilting trains operated by Queensland Rail on the North Coast Line from Brisbane to Bundaberg and Rockhampton. The trains were constructed by Walkers, Maryborough, with Hitachi supplying the electrical and tilting equipment.
The Electric Tilt Train's journey time between Brisbane and Rockhampton was reduced from nine to seven hours when it began service in 1998. The train's tilting mechanism allows it to navigate curves and bends more efficiently, reducing travel time. The Electric Tilt Train has been recognised as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as an iconic "innovation and invention".
The Electric Tilt Train offers two classes of travel: Economy and Business. All seats are equipped with an audio and visual entertainment system, and a trolley service is provided in both classes. Wheelchair spaces and an accessible toilet are also available on the train.
The Electric Tilt Train has undergone several refurbishment programs to maintain its functionality and extend its lifespan. The train sets were refurbished in 2006 and again in 2015, with the addition of high-visibility yellow doors and modifications to the front ends. Wi-Fi internet access was introduced in 2016, further enhancing the passenger experience.
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Queensland has Australia's most extensive electrification
The first line of electrification in Brisbane was announced in 1955, with electric trains set to arrive in 1961. The original 'rural' branch line to Cleveland, which opened in 1889, was closed beyond Lota in 1960. However, the local government retained the corridor, allowing the line to be rebuilt as a suburban line to serve the expanding Greater Brisbane area.
The benefits of electrification were soon realised, with patronage increasing by 60-65% on most lines in the first full year of operation. In 1979, an investigation was launched into the potential benefits of electrifying the Central Queensland coal networks. A four-stage scheme was approved in 1983, with the Blackwater system given priority due to its potential for greater fuel savings. The first section of the Blackwater system was commissioned in September 1986, followed by the Goonyella system in May 1987.
The efficiencies of suburban electrification and the need to renew the diesel locomotive fleet further bolstered the case for electrification in Queensland. By the 1980s, Queensland had become a pioneer in electricity supply in Australia, with the first public demonstration, first recorded public use, first Parliament House lighting, and first commercial operations of electricity all occurring in Brisbane. The state also played a crucial role in the integration of the National Electricity Market (NEM) in the late 1990s.
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Brisbane Metro: high-frequency, high-capacity electric metros
Queensland's first rail line opened in 1865, from Ipswich to Bigge's Camp, marking the first stage of a railway between Brisbane and Toowoomba. In the 20th century, electrified suburban networks were built in Brisbane. More specifically, electrification of Brisbane's suburban lines began in 1979, with the North Coast line between Brisbane and Rockhampton electrified.
In 1998, the Electric Tilt Train was introduced, operating from Brisbane to Rockhampton on the North Coast line. This high-speed tilting train was formed of two three-car sets, making up six carriages in total. The Electric Tilt Train set an Australian train speed record of 130 mph north of Bundaberg in 1999, a record that still stands.
In recent years, Brisbane has introduced a new fleet of high-frequency, high-capacity electric metros as part of the Brisbane Metro project. This project aims to reduce bottlenecks and congestion by utilising the city's busways more effectively. The electric metros will integrate seamlessly into busway operations, offering new ways to travel around the city. The metros will have features such as automatic ramps and large mobility bay areas with support features like railings and padded backrests. Brisbane Metro services currently include two high-frequency, high-capacity routes: M1 (Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street) and M2 (UQ Lakes to Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital).
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Brisbane's first line opened in 1865
Brisbane's first railway line opened in 1865, marking the beginning of the city's journey towards becoming a major transportation hub. This inaugural line connected Ipswich to Bigge's Camp, constituting the first phase of a railway project between Brisbane and Toowoomba. The introduction of this narrow-gauge line, with a width of 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm), was a cost-saving measure and set a precedent for subsequent railways constructed in Queensland.
The opening of this first line in 1865 holds historical significance as it not only facilitated travel and connectivity within the region but also established a standard for narrow-gauge railways in Queensland. This initial phase of the Brisbane-Toowoomba railway project laid the foundation for future expansion and played a pivotal role in shaping the state's transportation landscape.
It is worth noting that the choice of narrow-gauge for Queensland's inaugural line influenced the development of railways in other Australian states. By the middle of the 20th century, Australia had achieved a near balance between narrow-gauge and standard-gauge railways. This equilibrium was, in part, influenced by Queensland's early adoption of the narrow-gauge standard, which was subsequently followed by Tasmania and Western Australia.
The electrification of Brisbane's rail network occurred much later, with suburban electrification commencing in 1979. This modernisation brought Brisbane in line with other Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne, which had electrified their suburban lines earlier in the 20th century. The Brisbane electrification utilised a 25 kV 50 Hz AC system, which had become the international standard by the 1980s.
Brisbane's rail network continued to evolve, and in 1998, the Electric Tilt Train was introduced, connecting Brisbane to Rockhampton. This high-speed tilting train service reduced travel times significantly, shaving over two hours off the previous schedule. The Electric Tilt Train set an Australian train speed record of 210 km/h (130 mph), solidifying Brisbane's place in the country's high-speed rail landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Brisbane began using electric trains in 1979.
The first electric train route in Brisbane was the North Coast line between Brisbane and Rockhampton.
Today, Brisbane has a fleet of high-frequency, high-capacity electric metros, which are fully electric and run on existing busway infrastructure.
