Following a successful trial of 50 cent public transport fares across the state, the Queensland government have announced it is making the popular initiative permanent.
“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.
“Labor used 50 cent fares as an election toy while the Crisafulli Government saw the real benefit for Queenslanders.
“I have a clear focus to deliver better public transport options for all Queenslanders, to get them to school and work on time and home to their families faster.”
The initiative has driven an increase in public transport patronage across the state and helped keep money in the pockets of Queenslanders, with more than $110 million saved by public transport users since the start of 50 cent fares, based on the same number of trips being taken under the previous fare structure.
From August to October this year, 14.3 per cent more people have ridden the bus, according to data from Transport and Main Roads.
Trains saw an increase of 17.9 per cent while people using the Gold Coast Light Rail had also gone up by 22.1 per cent.
Under the plan, cheap fares will remain in place for South East Queensland bus, train, tram and ferry services. The bus networks run by Translink in the rest of Queensland will also stay cheaper.
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