Commuters are able to decide whether they want cheaper fares or more services in Queensland
Queensland public transport users will decide whether they would prefer to re-invest savings from the scrapped carbon tax towards cheaper fares or more frequent services.
Premier Campbell Newman says over the next two weeks the State Government will be asking for feedback on how best to spend the carbon tax savings, which are about $30 million a year.
“We are calling on Queenslanders to tell us how the carbon tax savings should be spent, a five per cent reduction in fares or more public transport services,” he says.
“This announcement is part of our strong plan to lower the cost of living for families and revitalise frontline services, creating a brighter future for commuters.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson says whatever the public chose will be a win for public transport as the State Government continues to improve affordability, frequency and the reliability of the network.
Almost 1,600 Queenslanders already had their say on how to reinvest carbon tax savings back into public transport after one day of voting.
Emerson says this strong level of feedback shows Queenslanders are keen to have their say on either cheaper public transport fares or more services.
“The choice is simple – either a five per cent cut and freeze to fares in 2015 for all metropolitan and regional government public transport services, or up to 1000 additional services across bus, train and ferry,” he says.
“If people choose a reduction in fares, a regular weekday passenger travelling from Brisbane to Chermside or Carindale could save an additional $99 a year.”
The online survey started yesterday and can be accessed via the TransLink website and will close September 14.