For the past six months, every trip on Queensland public transport has cost just 50 cents regardless of travel method or distance.
Introduced in the lead-up to last year’s state election by the then-Labor government, it was the LNP who recently promised Queenslanders the popular cost-saving initiative would be here to stay – made permanent after they won power.
During the trial, commuters have embraced the cheap fares across Translink’s South-East Queensland bus, train, ferry, tram, on-demand services and regional urban bus networks, with users saving more than $181 million since the introduction, with more than 93.3 million trips taken.
Under Labor, 50 cent fares would have ended over the weekend as there was no funding allocated to continue to initiative, yet under LNP, it has now become a permanent part of the QLD network.
“Our decision to make 50 cent fares permanent was the right one, with so many Queenslanders benefiting from affordable public transport,” transport and main roads minister Brent Mickelberg says.
“This cost of living relief would have ended yesterday under Labor, so I am pleased to deliver on our promise to keep the cheap fares for commuters while encouraging more families to jump on board public transport.
“The benefits are widespread, whether it’s everyday commuters, students connecting with their university or school, retirees heading into the community for social activities, families enjoying a day out, or anyone using public transport to connect with shops, healthcare or events.”
Patronage in regional Queensland has grown by an average of about 20 per cent from the previous year across the 16 regional urban bus networks.
“We have seen patronage numbers gradually increasing across the network,” Mickelberg says.
“Queenslanders have saved more than $181 million thanks to 50 cent fares, and our networks have seen a total of 93.3 million trips since the trial started to February 2nd.
“Some Queenslanders have told me they now use public transport instead of driving to work, while others say their family is getting out and about more on weekends thanks to the cheap travel. It’s great to hear.
“Thank you to our public transport staff and operators across Queensland for the continued support in successfully implementing 50 cent fares and increasing the accessibility of our great state.”
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