Fifty-cent public transport fares have become permanent in Queensland.
Following a six-month Australia-first trial that saw trips across the region’s entire public transport network capped, the scheme became ongoing from Monday.
The flat rate applies across all zones and modes on the Translink network across the state and includes all regional urban buses, and bus, train, ferry, tram and on-demand services in South-East Queensland.
“I am pleased to deliver on our promise to keep the cheap fares for commuters while encouraging more families to jump on board public transport,” Minister for Transport Brent Mickelberg said.
The benefits for Queenslanders are widespread, he added. “Whether it’s everyday commuters, students connecting with their university or school, retirees heading into the community for social activities, families enjoying a day out, or anyone using public transport to connect with shops, healthcare or events.”
During the trial, commuters embraced the cheap fares. More than 93.3 million trips have been taken since the trial began on 5 August with commuters saving more than $181 million, according to government number-crunchers.
Overall patronage across all modes of transport is 18.3 per cent higher than the same period in 2023, and almost 5 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Patronage in regional Queensland has grown by an average of about 20 per cent from the previous year across the 16 regional urban bus networks.
Breaking down the stats reveals:
- train trips up 18.6 per cent
- bus travel up 15.8 per cent
- light rail up 27.5 per cent.
Ferry use has shown to be especially popular, with data recording an increase of 42.8 per cent.
“We have seen patronage numbers gradually increasing across the network,” Mickelberg said. “Some Queenslanders have told me they now use public transport instead of driving to work, while others say their family is getting out and about more on weekends thanks to the cheap travel.”
Mickelberg thanked public transport staff and operators across Queensland “for the continued support in successfully implementing 50 cent fares and increasing the accessibility of our great state”.
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