"Now, when you're catching the bus and if you do that for a little while, it starts to make a bit of sense, but the three-numbered route system is overly complicated and, indeed, we believe it should be simplified." Cr Schrinner said there should be no more than two digits in the route numbering system and the use of colour-coding and branding could be implemented "so it is easier for people to understand how the network works". "We also want to work with Translink to develop the use of high-capacity buses in the bus network," he said. "We're talking about large, articulated buses; extra-long buses that can carry more passengers. "This is all about growing the patronage of the bus network and providing more capacity to carry a larger number of people."

Cr Schrinner said he wrote to Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe to propose the new alliance between the state government and public transport providers, including the council. "We are committed to working with Translink co-operatively to review the bus network," Cr Schrinner said. "We will do that in a sector-by-sector approach." Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said he welcomed the council's ideas. "As the state government we're responsible for the whole south-east Queensland network, stretching from Gympie north to the Gold Coast and well beyond Brisbane City Council's boundaries," he said.

"That's why we need to ensure that we have a public transport system that works for everyone, regardless of their postcode. "We're committed to working in partnership with the Brisbane City Council, because we don't want to see commuters left behind. "… As Transport Minister, I want to be sure we're heading in the right direction when it comes to delivering better bus services in a negotiated partnership approach with BCC and industry." Cr Schrinner said he hoped to introduce a loyalty program for bus commuters, which would reward their continued patronage. "Businesses use it all the time and it works," he said.

"We should use it for public transport." Cr Schrinner said the council had lost confidence in the state government during contract renegotiations, which were suspended last week, hence its proposal for a more collaborative approach. "Today, I'm calling on the minister to agree to our public transport alliance for Brisbane and to commit to our 10-point strategy for fixing the public transport system," he said. "By working together, we can deliver the best possible bus system for Brisbane residents with effective Metro and Cross River Rail systems to cater to the future public transport needs of Brisbane. "We know that the state government alone has no plans to fix bus congestion issues, which is why it is critical we are working together."

Public transport advocate Robert Dow from Rail: Back on Track, a long-term critic of the council's bus system, said the plan was the type of reform he had been crying out for for years. "This is good stuff," he said. "Brisbane City Council has done too little for too long and they realise things need to happen." Mr Dow said he met with Cr Schrinner prior to the announcement on Tuesday and was pleasantly surprised by the extent of the proposals. Council opposition leader Peter Cumming said he wanted to know where the money was coming from, particularly for a proposed incentive that would see fare revenue shared with operators.

As it stood, Translink paid the council to operate bus services, but did not share the fare revenue. "The state government isn't flash with funds, so I'd like to know where the money is coming from," Cr Cumming said. The council's proposed public transport alliance involved: Establish a unique public transport alliance model, rather than a standard commercial contract model; A progressive review of the Brisbane bus network, involving staged and systematic localised reviews; Route simplification and re-branding of routes to improve network legibility for passengers; Developing a clear strategy for the use of High Capacity Buses on the bus network; Encouraging patronage growth and multi-modal trips through sharing of future fare box revenue growth across all modes (rail, bus, and ferry); A commitment to retaining a high quality Brisbane Transport workforce through the maintenance of above industry standard salary and employment conditions; Development of demand-responsive transport options to complement the existing TransLink network; Introduction of a loyalty program (frequent traveller program) for go card users; Initiating monthly operator meetings between TransLink, Brisbane Transport, Queensland Rail and private transport operators to deliver better network co-ordination; and Developing a clear Park and Ride strategy to encourage mode shift from private motor vehicles to public transport. Want more stories like this? Follow our Facebook feed.