Queensland public transport now costs 50 cents, under a trial beginning today.
The one-way flat rate applies to state-wide services including buses, trains, ferries, and trams, regardless of distance.
The Qld Government announced the initiative in May, which will continue for the next six months.
It hopes the 50-cent fares will reduce traffic congestion and encourage more people to use public transport, after a 13% decline in public transport participation since the pandemic.
50-cent fares
Qld commuters will pay 50 cents per journey until February. Commuters will still need to tap on and off for each journey.
The Qld Government estimates an office worker from Brisbane’s outer suburbs will save about $800 over the six-month initiative.
Commuters who travel from the Gold Coast to Brisbane could save over $2000.
Miles acknowledged buses and trains “might be a little busier from today,” but said the Government “will be keeping a close eye on our networks at every step.”
Transport Minister Bart Mellish said the state’s public transport network has “the capacity,” for a boost, with current uptake “sitting at around 87% of pre-COVID levels.”
Train services to and from Brisbane Airport are not included in the 50-cent scheme, but fares for the service have also been reduced from today, down 50% to about $11.
Election
Queensland voters will head to the polls for a state election in October.
When he announced the initiative in May, Miles dismissed suggestions that the 50-cent fares are a re-election strategy, saying he’s wanted to introduce the measure “for a long time”.
The Premier has indicated hopes of extending the initiative past February depending on uptake and if Labor is returned to Government.
Opposition
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli told the ABC that the LNP is “keen to see” how the public transport trial “unfolds”.
In May, Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleije told the ABC that Queenslanders would be “cynical” of the announcement, given its timing ahead of the election.
