Figures released by the council reveal Brisbane City Council has spent 80$ million on its flagship Brisbane Metro public transport project, with the highest amounts dedicated to design and land purchases.
The Brisbane Metro project, announced in 2016, is still waiting for approval from the state government.
Deputy mayor Krista Adams said costs to date would be "standard at this point for an almost-billion-dollar infrastructure project".
"This is a critical project and Infrastructure Australia lists it as the number one construction-ready project in Queensland," Ms Adams said.
The Brisbane Metro has been allocated $944 million, which the council confirms is funded with federal contribution.