Premier Steven Miles has announced a Labor Government will make 50 cent fares permanent if elected in October
The announcement follows incredible results across the Queensland TransLink public transport system
Queenslanders have already saved about $37 million in public transport fares in just five weeks
Premier Steven Miles has today announced a major expansion of his landmark 50 cent fares initiative, if elected in October.
A Miles Labor Government elected in October will make all TransLink public transport fares right around the state 50 cents, for good.
The 50 cent fare trial began just five weeks ago and Queenslanders have backed it.
Already, patronage levels across the South East have increased to their highest levels ever – a massive 19 per cent higher than in 2023 and 5.3 per cent higher than 2019 levels (pre-COVID).
It has also saved Queenslanders about $37 million in fares so far – that’s about $7.4 million in savings a week.
Half price Airtrain will continue for another six months while work is undertaken on the recently announced expansions for Brisbane Metro and discussions continue with Airtrain.
TransLink data shows that patronage in regional Queensland has been boosted.
Mackay and the Whitsundays are up 30.2 per cent and 21.26 per cent respectively, while Cairns has seen an increase of 14.4 per cent compared with the month prior to the trial commencing.
Making public transport almost free is a signature commitment from Premier Steven Miles, building on the recently announced commitment to establish an independent transport authority if elected in October.
The independent body would bring together transport agencies and delivery partners to better coordinate and integrate the Queensland public transport networks.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“Making public transport (almost) free is something I wanted to do for a long time.
“I said it was use it or lose it.
“Queenslanders across the South East and through the regions have backed it. They have voted with their feet in support of cheaper public transport and that’s good for everyone.
“As a result, there are millions in savings back in the pockets of hardworking Queenslanders.
“That’s why I’ll make it permanent, if elected in October.
“Queensland can trust that I will do what matters and lock in our nation leading 50 cent fares for good.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“The results are in, and they show everyday Queenslanders are all aboard with Steven Miles’ 50 cent fares.
“The only people who don’t like 50 cent fares are David Crisafulli and the LNP.
“David Crisafulli, his shadow transport minister and LNP elder Ray Stevens have all attacked our Government’s 50 cent fares.
“They said 50 cents fares were a “con” and would add to cost of living pressures, which is garbage considering Queenslanders have already saved $37 million and patronage is at its highest ever level.
“In just 41 days, Queensland has a choice, a choice between our cost of living relief measures including 50 cent fares, under a Miles Labor Government, or the savage cuts of the LNP.”
Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:
“50 cent fares has been a monumental success.
“Not only are we helping Queenslanders make massive savings on their travel week to week, we are also mapping where our services are most in demand.
“Using that information we can now better plan for new and expanded services and big infrastructure builds.
“Incredibly, the weekends have been a standout for patronage increases. Whether it’s a day trip with the kids or a safe trip home after the bar, there’s no better way to travel than on a 50 cent fare.
“Only a Miles Labor Government elected in October will do what matters and make 50 cent fares permanent.”
Further information:
SEQ Patronage by mode compared to 2019 (pre-COVID) levels
Bus – up 3.6%
Ferry – up 22.7%
Light Rail – up 34.9%
Rail – up 1.6%
SEQ Patronage by mode compared to 2023 levels
Bus – up 16%
Ferry – up 43.3%
Light Rail – up 23.6%
Rail – up 22.4%
Airtrain patronage compared to August 2023:
26% increase in patronage
28% Increase in workers tickets sold
Regional patronage by region compared to four weeks prior to 5 August
Cairns – up 14.40%
Townsville and Magnetic Island – up 9.43%
Whitsundays – up 21.26%
Mackay – up 30.20%
Rockhampton – up 8.10%
Bundaberg – up 11.60%
North Stradbroke Island – Minjerribah – up 48.07%
Savings by Local Government Area:
Brisbane - $18,462,422
Gold Coast $7,795,030
Gympie $40,016
Ipswich $2,063,716
Logan $2,171,873
Moreton Bay $3,644,414
Noosa Shire $114,821
Redland $1,227,103
Sunshine Coast $1,258,060
ENDS