Fare-y tale come true: Aussie state slashes public transport fares in game-changing trial
- Replies 0
Commuters in one Aussie state are set to benefit from a major change in public transport fares, transforming what was once one of Australia's most costly daily commutes into one of the most affordable.
The new fare initiative is part of a trial aimed at making public transport more accessible and encouraging more residents to utilise the system.
This significant reduction in travel costs marks a promising shift for daily passengers and the state’s overall public transport network.
Queensland is making headlines with a bold move that could revolutionise the way we think about public transportation.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sunshine State has slashed public transport fares to a mere 50 cents, marking the beginning of a six-month trial that could see this become a permanent fixture.
This dramatic price drop from what were some of the steepest fares in the country—with single adult paper train tickets previously costing up to $31.10—is a breath of fresh air for commuters.
The trial, which is an Australian first, has garnered support from both major political parties, who have pledged to consider making these cut-price fares a long-term reality if the trial proves successful.
The implications of this are significant, especially with Queensland's state election looming on the 26th of October.
It's a move that could sway public opinion and influence the future of public transport policy in the state.
Translink's Director of Events Scheduling and Bus Operations, Roman Gafa, has expressed cautious optimism, not expecting an immediate surge in new customers but preparing for success nonetheless.
With extra buses and organisational capacity on standby, the system is ready to accommodate any potential increase in ridership.
According to him, it was ‘something that’s never been done around the country before’.
Mr Gafa mentioned that the Brisbane public transport system has not yet returned to its pre-COVID-19 levels of usage, with room to accommodate an extra 20 million passengers annually.
A Climate Council report highlighted the Brisbane public transport system as the least effective among Australia's five largest capital cities.
Only 33 per cent of residents live within walking distance of a stop with regular service.
Mr Gafa also noted that Translink has not introduced extra services on bus routes to boost frequency and capacity for the trial.
Both Transport Minister Bart Mellish and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli pledged to consider extending the reduced fares beyond the initial six-month trial if it proved successful.
Mr Mellish stated that his measure of success would be increased patronage and vowed to continue the program if it attracted more passengers.
‘At the moment, we’re sitting at about 87 [per cent] of pre-Covid travel. We’ve said that we want to see that get back up to 100 [per cent], plus population increase,’ he explained.
‘And we’re also keen to see what the savings are. We know that it’ll be almost a million dollars a day Queenslanders will be saving as a result of 50 cent fares.’
Mr Crisafulli also pledged to carry out the full six-month trial if it proves successful but did not guarantee that fares wouldn't rise again in the future.
He emphasised that public transport ‘needs to be affordable, reliable, safe and frequent’.
‘All of those four factors are important. And we’re very keen to see how the trial unfolds,’ Mr Crisafulli pointed out.
A few cities worldwide, including Montpellier in France most recently, have made public transport completely free.
The fare reduction encompasses all modes of public transport, such as light rail, ferries, and the on-demand system on the Gold Coast. The single fare will also cover up to four transfers.
Trains to Brisbane Airport, which operate on a privately run rail line, will have their prices halved for the six-month trial period.
While Queensland's new fare initiative aims to make public transport more accessible and affordable, another issue has been drawing attention among commuters.
Despite the potential for increased ridership due to the reduced fares, many passengers are concerned about certain unhygienic behaviours observed on public transport.
These issues highlight the importance of not only making public transport financially attractive but also ensuring a pleasant and respectful experience for all users.
What do you think about Queensland's public transport fare trial? Will it encourage you to use public transport more often? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
The new fare initiative is part of a trial aimed at making public transport more accessible and encouraging more residents to utilise the system.
This significant reduction in travel costs marks a promising shift for daily passengers and the state’s overall public transport network.
Queensland is making headlines with a bold move that could revolutionise the way we think about public transportation.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sunshine State has slashed public transport fares to a mere 50 cents, marking the beginning of a six-month trial that could see this become a permanent fixture.
This dramatic price drop from what were some of the steepest fares in the country—with single adult paper train tickets previously costing up to $31.10—is a breath of fresh air for commuters.
Queensland has launched a groundbreaking trial with 50-cent public transport fares. Credit: Shutterstock
The trial, which is an Australian first, has garnered support from both major political parties, who have pledged to consider making these cut-price fares a long-term reality if the trial proves successful.
The implications of this are significant, especially with Queensland's state election looming on the 26th of October.
It's a move that could sway public opinion and influence the future of public transport policy in the state.
Translink's Director of Events Scheduling and Bus Operations, Roman Gafa, has expressed cautious optimism, not expecting an immediate surge in new customers but preparing for success nonetheless.
With extra buses and organisational capacity on standby, the system is ready to accommodate any potential increase in ridership.
According to him, it was ‘something that’s never been done around the country before’.
Mr Gafa mentioned that the Brisbane public transport system has not yet returned to its pre-COVID-19 levels of usage, with room to accommodate an extra 20 million passengers annually.
A Climate Council report highlighted the Brisbane public transport system as the least effective among Australia's five largest capital cities.
Only 33 per cent of residents live within walking distance of a stop with regular service.
Mr Gafa also noted that Translink has not introduced extra services on bus routes to boost frequency and capacity for the trial.
Both Transport Minister Bart Mellish and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli pledged to consider extending the reduced fares beyond the initial six-month trial if it proved successful.
Mr Mellish stated that his measure of success would be increased patronage and vowed to continue the program if it attracted more passengers.
‘At the moment, we’re sitting at about 87 [per cent] of pre-Covid travel. We’ve said that we want to see that get back up to 100 [per cent], plus population increase,’ he explained.
‘And we’re also keen to see what the savings are. We know that it’ll be almost a million dollars a day Queenslanders will be saving as a result of 50 cent fares.’
Mr Crisafulli also pledged to carry out the full six-month trial if it proves successful but did not guarantee that fares wouldn't rise again in the future.
He emphasised that public transport ‘needs to be affordable, reliable, safe and frequent’.
‘All of those four factors are important. And we’re very keen to see how the trial unfolds,’ Mr Crisafulli pointed out.
A few cities worldwide, including Montpellier in France most recently, have made public transport completely free.
The fare reduction encompasses all modes of public transport, such as light rail, ferries, and the on-demand system on the Gold Coast. The single fare will also cover up to four transfers.
Trains to Brisbane Airport, which operate on a privately run rail line, will have their prices halved for the six-month trial period.
While Queensland's new fare initiative aims to make public transport more accessible and affordable, another issue has been drawing attention among commuters.
Despite the potential for increased ridership due to the reduced fares, many passengers are concerned about certain unhygienic behaviours observed on public transport.
These issues highlight the importance of not only making public transport financially attractive but also ensuring a pleasant and respectful experience for all users.
