Queensland’s 50 cent fares trial started on Monday.
All Translink public transport services – including train, bus, tram, on demand transport and ferry – right around the state will now have a flat 50 cent fare, no matter how far you travel.
It’s expected the initiative will save commuters $150 million over the six month trial.
Airtrain fares will also be cut in half from today, down to $10.95 for go card and Smart Ticketing users and $11 for paper ticket customers.
More Queenslanders travelling by public transport will also help bust congestion, particularly across the South East.
Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, Translink and Brisbane City Council will be working closely over the six month trial to monitor the impacts onboard and on our roads.
“It’s always struck me that we charge the people who travel the furthest the most, when those are likely the people who can least afford it,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“And, those are the long distance travellers that we want to get off our busy roads, like the M1 and Bruce Highway.
“It’s my hope that because of my government’s nation leading 50 cent fares we can recover to those pre-Covid patronage levels, while also reducing congestion and creating some new travel habits.”
“There is capacity on the public transport network, with current patronage sitting at around 87 per cent of pre-COVID levels,” Transport Minister Bart Mellish said.
“Translink, TMR and Queensland Rail have been working closely with all of our public transport providers, doing everything they can to make this trial run smoothly.
