On Monday morning, numerous commuters in Brisbane faced significant delays as rail buses were implemented due to train service interruptions.

Train services were replaced by buses along the routes from Northgate to Bowen Hills and from Varsity Lakes to Boggo Road.

Additionally, several more track closures are scheduled throughout April.

Frustration among Brisbane commuters has grown as they dealt with extended waiting times for bus replacement services at various train stations.

Since April 10, numerous track closures have affected Brisbane’s rail system, attributed to extensive track maintenance and ongoing labor disputes.

On Monday, bus services substituted train operations between Northgate and Bowen Hills in the northern region of the city, as well as between Boggo Road and Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast.

Joanne McCarthy, a commuter traveling from Caboolture to Roma Street, reported that her usual one-hour journey was extended to two and a half hours.

She recounted that passengers had to disembark at Geebung and join a lengthy line of hundreds of individuals on the rail bridge shortly before 7 a.m.

“There were no buses available for us when we arrived,” she stated.

McCarthy mentioned she waited for 45 minutes in the heat before finally boarding a bus.

“We received no information whatsoever regarding the situation,” she added. “I considered calling an Uber, but it was impossible to reach the front of the line to access the stairs for an Uber.”

Another commuter shared with ABC that they waited 40 minutes at Eagle Junction station, with still more passengers queuing behind them.

“While waiting for a bus to Central, two buses heading to Helensvale arrived, but only three people boarded them while hundreds continued to wait to reach the city,” they explained.

The resident of Nudgee noted that their travel time had increased from the usual 35 minutes to 90 minutes.

Another individual mentioned that Geebung station lacked sufficient replacement buses going to the central business district.

“There were at least 100 people waiting for a bus to the CBD at Geebung,” they reported.

Imogen Buckley, founder of the South East Queensland Transport Association, remarked that while similar track closures have occurred in previous years requiring replacement buses, the current disruptions are worsened by a fuel crisis.

“Seeing commuters on the platform waiting in a line that extends beyond the station is embarrassing; it reflects poorly on public transport,” she stated.

She emphasized the necessity for more frequent rail bus services, describing the track closures as a “necessary evil.”

“We require improved infrastructure to minimize track closures in the future and to achieve a reliable and frequent transportation network,” she concluded.

Further track closures are anticipated for the remainder of April.

The transport minister and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have been approached for their input on the situation.