Queensland Budget rail expansion is part of the state’s 2026–27 transport program, bringing rail projects, network upgrades and permanent 50-cent fares into a wider infrastructure pipeline.

Queensland Rail train on the Logan–Gold Coast Faster Rail corridor
A Queensland Rail train on the Logan–Gold Coast Faster Rail corridor. Photo: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads / State of Queensland

The package includes legislation to make 50-cent public transport fares permanent⁠. It also continues investment in rail expansion, level crossing removal and upgrades across the transport network.

The Budget includes a record $55 billion roads and rail infrastructure pipeline, with several rail schemes moving through planning and delivery stages.

Queensland Budget rail expansion and major projects

Among the main rail measures is the Logan–Gold Coast Faster Rail program⁠. The project will deliver capacity and travel time improvements on one of Queensland’s busiest passenger rail corridors.

Early works have also started for the Kuraby level crossing removal. That scheme is expected to improve safety and network reliability, while supporting increased service frequency.

The Sunshine Coast remains part of the investment program through the Wave public transport program⁠. Stage 1 to Caloundra is now being delivered after contracts were awarded, while planning continues for future extensions to Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Airport. These extensions form part of a longer-term integrated transport corridor.

The Gold Coast Transport Plan will guide future rail and rapid transit development in South East Queensland. It includes new light rail connections and improved corridor integration with heavy rail services.

South East Queensland transport system

Although rail is a major part of the Budget program, the investment plan is presented as a wider network package. The Government’s approach combines rail with other transport modes to expand overall system capacity.

Bus fleet growth and improved interchange options are also included, aimed at strengthening first- and last-mile links with rail services across the region.

The Budget framework reflects rising demand in South East Queensland and the need for a transport system that is more integrated and resilient.

Artist impression of the Beenleigh Road level crossing removal at Kuraby
Artist impression of the Beenleigh Road level crossing removal at Kuraby. Photo: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads / State of Queensland

50-cent public transport fares

Alongside specific rail projects, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing infrastructure delivery through the broader pipeline. The program combines rail, road and multimodal investment intended to support population growth and improve network resilience.

The package also provides for ongoing upgrades to key transport corridors and continued planning for future rail extensions, especially in areas experiencing strong growth.

Making 50-cent fares permanent is expected to support public transport patronage, including rail use, by reducing travel costs for passengers.

What will change for passengers?

The passenger impact is not limited to the fare decision itself. Translink says the 50-cent flat fare applies across all zones and modes on its Queensland network, including Queensland Rail City Train services, buses, ferries, trams and on-demand services, while Airtrain is excluded. The rail program also targets specific passenger corridors: Logan–Gold Coast Faster Rail is planned to double the tracks on the 20km Kuraby–Beenleigh section, while The Wave links a Beerwah–Birtinya passenger rail line with a metro-style connection to Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD.

The fare policy follows a trial period and is intended to give commuters longer-term certainty. It is being paired with infrastructure investment designed to increase service capacity and reliability.