The Queensland government’s highly-anticipated cost-of-living initiative kicked off this week, with all public transport fares slashed to a measly 50 cents for the next six months.
While the response has been loud on both sides, many are already urging the QLD government to extend the trial past six months to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage more public transport use long-term.
A petition demanding the change has received over 2000 signatures on its first day of launching.
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The keep 50 cent fares petition, initiated by Queensland Unions, is putting pressure on the government in the lead up to a crucial state election to assure commuters that cheaper transport will be extended indefinitely should the Miles Labor government retain government.
“Queensland workers want to know where the government sits on this really promising 50 cent fare trial, a measure we know is already helping ease some of the financial pressure on household budgets,” Queensland Unions general secretary Jacqueline King says.
“The introduction of this trial shows real understanding by the Government of the everyday strain working people are under juggling everyday essentials like transport, and speaking to commuters it’s clear how much of a difference savings from these cheaper fares are having on people’s budgets.
“We know public transport is an integral part of every modern city, and workers across Queensland rely on buses, trains and ferries not only to get to work and study, but also to connect with their families and wider facilities and events in the community.
“What we need next is confirmation that this trial isn’t just an exercise in vote buying but represents an ongoing commitment by the Miles Labor Government to measures that will help alleviate not only rising cost of living, but also congestion on our roads and climate impact.”