South East Queensland (SEQ) commuters have saved a whopping $29 million in public transport fares since the QLD government 50 cent fare initiative launched last month.
With more people ditching their cars and jumping aboard, public transport patronage has passed pre-COVID levels for the first time, with more than 15 million trips taken since 50 cent fares were introduced on August 5.
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The number of trips on the network is 14.5 per cent higher than a comparative period last year.
Bus trips have seen a 12.1 per cent increase, with rail up 18.6 per cent and light rail up 18.6 percent.
Ferry trips have seen the largest increase, with a massive 40.6 increase in trips compared to last year.
“I said 50 cent fares would be use it or lose it – and Queenslanders are using it,” premier Steven Miles says.
“15 million trips have been taken representing a massive $29 million saved. That’s money Queenslanders can put towards the essentials or save for a rainy day.
“Each trip represents a massive saving to commuters and huge confidence in our broader transport system.
“I want to see this level of success continue as we power through the six-month trial.”
There has been strong patronage growth on weekdays and very strong growth on weekends, as customers take advantage the 50 cent fares to ditch the car and explore their region in a cost effective way.
Weekend trips have been between 30 and 40 per cent above the pre-COVID comparative period.
“We have seen patronage numbers gradually increasing across the network since the beginning of the trial,” transport minister Bart Mellish.
“After just one month, public transport trips across SEQ have hit new highs, with pre-COVID levels now exceeded on bus, light rail and ferry.
“Weekend trips have experienced a massive increase as customers take advantage of 50 cent fares to get out and about across the region.”
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