The proposed Brisbane Metro may run on existing busways, carrying commuters in large vehicles with tyres, but don't expect the Deputy Mayor to call them buses.

Cr Adrian Schrinner, fresh from being publicly called out for "moaning" by British superstar Adele, repeatedly refused to use the b-word to describe the vehicles on Monday morning.

"Like I said, it's a hybrid vehicle that doesn't exist in Brisbane," he told ABC Radio Brisbane listeners, saying the vehicles would carry about 150 passengers each.

"Some people call it a bus but, ultimately, it's about moving large numbers of people, as I said."