Australia, Bus Industry News

Queensland fare move increases patronage as bus manufacturing continues

Patronage data suggests Queensland’s 50c fare scheme may be a “smashing success”, with rail replacement buses beginning to roll out of Eagle Farm
50c fares

The Queensland government has provided an update on bus patronage numbers in the state as the manufacture of 200 new rail replacement buses continues to build momentum.

Since introducing the 50c fare scheme earlier this year, Queensland transport and main roads minister Bart Mellish says more passengers are using buses than this time last year.

“Based on 2023 numbers, patronage on public transport has increased by 16 per cent,” Mellish says.

“It’s a 4.2 per cent increase on pre-COVID levels, so it’s been a smashing success.”

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Ahead of the upcoming Queensland election, premier Steven Miles says the 50c fare move has been “a signature cost of living measure” that the government has been proud to introduce.

Now, he plans to “take the politics out” of scheduling and the frequency of buses and trains by creating a new independent transport authority if elected in as premier.

He also plans to work with the Brisbane City Council to extend the upcoming Metro network to locations such as Brisbane Airport and Carseldine.

Mellish also provided an update on the manufacturing process of 200 rail replacement buses while at Volgren’s Eagle Farm facility.

“Currently Volgren, who is producing the bodies for roughly 160 of the buses, is churning out one model per day,” Mellish says.

“It’s a really well-run facility at Volgren in Eagle Farm. People may have seen some of these vehicles already out on the road as part of Cross River Rail replacement services recently.”

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