Queensland bus fare system to change once public transport fare review is complete
A comprehensive review of TransLink’s fares in Queensland will be carried out by a taskforce of public transport experts.
Queensland minister for transport Jackie Trad says the announcement delivers on its commitment to review the public transport fare system to boost patronage.
“The fare review will form the basis of a new fare strategy in South East Queensland to increase the rate of public transport patronage while also ensuring a sustainable fare revenue stream to allow the network to grow,” she says.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to restoring confidence in our public transport system and encouraging more people to choose to travel by bus, rail, ferry or light rail to get to their destination.
“We recognise that affordability is perceived to be a barrier to growing patronage on the public transport network, and the fare review will work to address this ongoing challenge to create a fairer system.”
Trad says the eight representatives on the taskforce included industry-leading public transport experts and representatives from key local user groups.
“The members of the taskforce who will lead the review of fares in South East Queensland bring a wealth of global and local transport knowledge and experience to the table.
“Members of the taskforce are eminently qualified to drive the review and come from varied backgrounds in public transport.”
Local advocacy and user groups will also be included, to ensure fair and equal representation of transport users in Queensland.
“I am confident that this taskforce has the experience to provide informed and constructive and credible recommendations to government,” Trad says.
“We will also engage extensively with the public, providing them with the opportunity to have their say before making a decision about the future of public transport fares.
“The taskforce will take a holistic view of the existing fare structure and are expected to provide recommendations to government towards the end of this year.”