Thousands of people were left stranded at a Broadbeach bus stop, with some waiting for more than 90 minutes to catch shuttle buses to the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony at Carrara Stadium.
The ABC understands that by about 6:50pm, buses had finally cleared the backlog of people, however more delays could be expected at the stadium for security checks and then a search for seating.
Jenny Hurley said she was stuck for more than 90 minutes, after arriving at the bus stop at 4:45pm.
The ceremony got underway at 8:00pm, but entertainment began at 7:00pm.
Ms Hurley said buses had been "few and far between" since she arrived at the bus stop.
"We're just on a bus now — still a couple of hundred in queue," she told ABC News at 6:20pm.
"[I'm] worried about getting home."
She said the bus ride to the opening ceremony was quiet.
"People are relieved but upset that they might miss the start," she said.
Ms Hurley said she eventually made it inside the stadium by about 7:00pm.
Alice Greenup, who was also waiting at Broadbeach, said being in the crowd was "like sardines".
She said with hour-long security checks, there was no way many of the commuters would make the ceremony on time.
"[Commonwealth Games chairman] Peter Beattie has had two years to organise buses and he has booked three buses for 5,000+ people who are now stranded," she wrote on Twitter.
Ms Greenup said people paid close to $400 each for a ticket to the ceremony and the frustrated crowd was "getting wild" as they waited for buses to arrive.
She tweeted to Mr Beattie, who responded to her by saying extra buses had been dispatched to deal with the crowd.
Ms Greenup replied to Mr Beattie by saying security at the stadium "was quick".
Earlier this week, Mr Beattie told the ABC that Games transport was his greatest concern.
Mark Corrie, who travelled from Melbourne to attend the Games, said some people had been waiting more than two hours for buses to arrive.
He told the ABC he eventually arrived inside the stadium at 7:15pm, missing part of the initial entertainment.
Kelli McDougall said she "hasn't heard a word" from organisers during her two-hour wait.
"The traffic control has been appalling," she said.
"It is embarrassing — I live across the road, so I was hoping this would be a real success story, but if this is any sign of what the rest of the Games will be like, I'm not going."
Vicki and Wayne Graham said the situation was a joke.
"We actually want our money back … it's only a once in a lifetime thing for us," Mrs Graham said.
Queensland Opposition transport spokesman Steve Minnikin said he sympathised with those left waiting.
"This is so disappointing and I feel for all those people stranded whose Opening Ceremony experience has been ruined," he said.
"[Premier] Annastacia Palaszczuk should have spent less time focusing on her ego and speeches and more time putting together an essential transport plan."
