There’s not much one can buy for less than a dollar these days, however, a trip on public transport will remain just 50 cents with the cheap transport fares being made a permanent fixture thanks to the State Government.
Originally only set about as a six-month trial, the government last week stated that funding had been allocated to allow the discount fares to continue.
During the trial, commuters embraced the cheap fares across Translink’s South-East Queensland bus, train, ferry, tram, on-demand services and regional urban bus networks as well as the Coochiemudlo Island Ferry.
Southeast Queensland public transport users have saved more than $181 million since the introduction of 50-cent fares, with more than 93.3 million trips taken.
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-COVID-19 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.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said he was pleased to deliver on this important election commitment for Queenslanders.
“Our decision to make 50 cent fares permanent was the right one, with so many Queenslanders benefiting from affordable public transport,” Minister Mickelberg said.
“The benefits are widespread, 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.
“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 – it’s great to hear.”