From this week, long-distance coach services will begin at the newly constructed Brisbane Coach Terminal on the northern side of Roma Street station.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the coach terminal was previously located inside the Brisbane Transit Centre, which is set to be demolished in early 2020 to make way for the new underground Cross River Rail Roma Street station.

“We’re getting on with the job of delivering one of the largest infrastructure projects Brisbane has ever seen,” she said.

“Today’s announcement proves we’re making great headway. Locals will see more and more work on Cross River Rail sites over the next month.

“Coach travel is a convenient and popular mode of transport for many interstate tourists.

“We’ve ensured this coach terminal is built well ahead of demolition so there’s a seamless transition for commuters.

“Transferring operators to a new location close by, makes the change to the new Terminal easier for passengers and operators, providing connectivity for coach passengers to long-distance and suburban rail, busway services.

“The new temporary location is expected to be in use for 5-10 years, will also minimise impact to Coach services during the construction of the future Cross River Rail station at Roma Street.”

The new Brisbane Coach Terminal includes:

five coach bays on a central platform to accommodate 14.5m length coaches

two minibus bays

an awning roof structure over the terminal

on-platform ticketing kiosk

provision for platform amenities

passenger pick-up and drop-off on Parkland Boulevard

pedestrian crossing to connect to long distance rail services

new wayfinding and signage

Work began on the new temporary Terminal in November last year.

Ms Jones said more than 400 people had worked on the project, including 20 apprentices gaining valuable career experience on the project.

“Now with the temporary Coach Terminal complete and operational, we can take the next step which is to demolish the above-ground buildings before commencing construction of the underground station.

“Cross River Rail’s new station will make Roma Street our most connected transport precinct, generating opportunity for development and urban renewal in one of Brisbane’s most underutilised inner-city areas.”