Riverfire Travel Alert: Ferry Strike & Bus Changes

Brisbane commuters planning to attend this Saturday's spectacular Riverfire event are facing significant transport challenges due to an impending 24-hour worker strike impacting Brisbane’s ferry network. All CityCat and cross-river services will be suspended from 4:00 am on Saturday, September 5th, as members of the Maritime Union of Australia and Australian Maritime Officers' Union take industrial action.

With up to half a million people expected to line the riverbanks around Southbank, the CBD, and other riverside locations, this disruption is particularly impactful. Riverfire traditionally sees approximately 27,000 passenger journeys on Brisbane’s ferries.

TransLink has announced several adjustments to help ease congestion. Extra buses will be deployed from approximately 3:00 pm on key routes including the M1, 130, 222, 333, 444 and 555. A dedicated shuttle service (RF5) will also operate between Loganholme and Southbank via Slacks Creek, Springwood, and Rochedale, running every 30 minutes.

Following the fireworks display at 7:00 pm, additional buses will be in operation until 9:30 pm, while trains will run approximately every 15 minutes on most lines between 7:35 pm and 9:05 pm. Importantly, many buses leaving the city centre will bypass stations like Cultural Centre, Southbank, and Mater Hill Busway. Metro services and shuttle connections at designated busway hubs will provide access to these destinations.

Travel on buses and trains after the fireworks will be free between 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm, a welcome relief for commuters though restricted to specific stations within the CBD and inner south. Airtrain is not included in this promotion.

The strike stems from ongoing negotiations between River City Ferries (the contracted operator) and its workforce over an enterprise agreement. Key union concerns include pay increases, improved parental leave, protection against working in extreme weather conditions, guaranteed minimum rest periods between shifts (currently as low as 10 hours and five minutes), and longer meal breaks. While the unions are seeking a 6% first-year pay rise, River City Ferries has offered an initial increase of 4.75%, linked to Fair Work Commission reviews. The company insists its offer is competitive.

Brisbane City Council officials have criticized the timing of the strike as disruptive and opportunistic while Labor opposition members are urging council intervention to resolve the dispute. TransLink’s website provides detailed information on alternative transport arrangements, accessible via the official TransLink Riverfire Transport page.

Passengers are strongly advised to replan their journeys now, allow significantly extra travel time, and check the latest updates from TransLink before heading out.