As the weather begins to heat up and passengers begin setting out on their Christmas holidays, some states across Australia have begun slashing public transport fares to encourage more to jump onboard.
Most notably, the Queensland government has just announced it will be making its popular 50 cent initiative permanent.
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In total, since the policy was brought in there has been an increase on the number of trips by 11 per cent.
“This is a great day for Queenslanders with the cheapest public transport fares in the state’s modern history here to stay,” transport minister Brent Mickelberg says.
Back in June, the Tasmanian government announced it would be halving public transport trips for over 12 months to help handle cost of living pressures.
“All you’ll need to do is jump on any public transport state-wide and you’ll receive the reduced fare when you pay,” transport minister Eric Abetz says.
“Not only will this initiative deliver immediate cost of living relief, but it also encourages more people to use public transport and ease congestion on our roads.”
Now, other states have started to jump on the trend, with Western Australia and Canberra recognising the benefits of reduced fares.
The Western Australian government will deliver another Summer of free public transport, saving regular commuters hundreds of dollars and helping Western Australians get out and about over summer.
The $14 million scheme will begin on Saturday, 14 December and run until Wednesday, 5 February, with free public transport available to all SmartRider users in the Perth metropolitan area and regional WA, on trains, buses and ferries.
“Our Summer of Free Public Transport was a huge success last summer, saving families and commuters hundreds of dollars and encouraging activity in the city over the holidays,” premier Roger Cook says.
“Tackling cost-of-living pressures is WA Labor’s top priority, and we’ll do whatever we can to support WA families.”
Canberra is also set to get a Christmas treat, with Fare Free Friday’s kicking off on December 6.
The initiative will see people will have access to free travel on all light rail services and bus services running from around 5:30am to 11:00pm, and light rail from 6:00am to 1:00am on Friday and into Saturday morning.
“Fare Free Fridays was promised by Labor at the election as a one-year trial and I’m pleased that with the introduction of the new ticketing service that we will be able to quickly deliver this commitment,” transport minister Chris Steel says.
“We believe this is going to be an effective way to encourage more people onto public transport while reducing transport costs for all Canberrans at a time when they need it most.
“Not only will the trial benefit Canberrans using public transport, it will also be a boost to local businesses by encouraging people into town centres on Fridays.”