Public transport advocate Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track said he did not believe the over-crowding impact would be as widespread as the council predicted.
Dow said there was still capacity in the south-east Queensland bus network as patronage returned to pre-COVID levels.
“A 10 per cent increase is only going to give them as much as they had in 2019,” he said.
“I think those figures that Brisbane City Council have released need to be confirmed by [transport operator] Translink. They look a bit suspect to me.”
Rail Back on Track says patronage figures show there is room to cater for extra passengers.
Translink said there was between 11 per cent to 13 per cent surplus passenger capacity on SEQ’s public transport network.
The Queensland government had previously offered $50 million extra to the council to start Brisbane Metro in December.
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In a statement on Friday, Transport Minister Bart Mellish said Queenslanders were excited for the 50¢ fare trial to begin.
“Commuters stand to save hundreds of dollars over this six-month period, and we expect the shift to help reduce congestion, particularly across south-east Queensland,” he said.
“Our government wants to continue to work co-operatively with all public transport operators, including Brisbane City Council, in the lead-up to August 5 and at all times.”
The council planned to begin the first two routes of its 60 Brisbane Metro megabus service in December, and argued for a share of $800 million over 10 years in extra fare revenue.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner will meet Premier Steven Miles on Monday, while the Queensland Bus Industry Council meets Transport Minister Bart Mellish on Tuesday to continue talks.