Audit creates more uncertainty for bus users Buses in the Brisbane CBD. Brisbane bus users face even more uncertainty as the state government considers opening up the network to commercial tenders for the sake of a better deal. According to the Costello Commission of Audit, tabled at Parliament on Tuesday, the contract for the city's bus services, which are provided by Brisbane City Council's Brisbane transport division, has never been subjected to full competitive tendering. This subsequent lack of "competitive tension" has contributed to an increase in the price George Street pays City Hall to operate Brisbane's bus and ferry network. Translink service payments for Brisbane City Council buses and ferries. Photo: Queensland Treasury and Trade The price is going from $175 million in 2008 to a projected $375 million in 2015, the commission found. "Increases in the payment required to be made to operators (especially to Brisbane Transport) for the provision of bus services are a significant financial risk for the State," the audit documents state. [The Queensland Commission of Audit recommends] competitive tendering be introduced for bus service contracts throughout Queensland, including evaluating the number of routes serviced and frequencies, franchisees and franchise areas before initiating the tender. The state government on Tuesday accepted this recommendation. This could see commuters facing another review of the bus network, or the contract for operation of Brisbane's buses pass out of the council's hands. However the commission acknowledged City Hall's involvement represents a substantial sunk investment and could also serve as a deterrent to potential private operators which may harbour "significant concern... about whether they will be bidding on even terms." Minister of Transport Scott Emerson did not respond to questions yesterday but through a spokeswoman said the contract with Brisbane Transport is due for renewal in 2014. But "there will be no immediate changes as a result of this recommendation," he said. Meanwhile questions for Lord Mayor Graham Quirk were answered by Transport Committee chairman Peter Matic, who said the council "would be seeking more detail as part of its ongoing contract discussions" with the State Government. Both levels of government referred to a bus review the council is currently conducting at Mr Emerson's request after all city councillors raised objections to network changes recommended in Translink's South East Queensland Bus Review. That report is currently open for public consultation and will be handed to state government by June 1. Leader of the Opposition at council, Milton Dick, said it should be the last. "This report recommends another review of Brisbane's bus network to specifically look at making our bus network more attractive to private companies," Mr Dick said. The recent SEQ Bus Route Review and current Brisbane Bus Review demonstrates how important public bus services are to the people of Brisbane. As the largest provider of bus public transport in Queensland and as a council we should fight any attempt to privatise this important public service. I call on the Lord Mayor to use the full force of Brisbane City Council and reject any attempt to privatise Brisbane Transport.