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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Queensland has commenced a trial for 50-cent public transport fares, an unprecedented pricing strategy in Australia.
• The trial covers Queensland buses, trains, and ferries, aiming to boost patronage and potentially continue beyond six months if successful.
• Both the Queensland transport minister and the opposition leader have expressed willingness to consider making the cheap fares a more permanent feature based on trial outcomes.
• Despite not adding additional services for increased frequency, Translink has prepared for additional organisational capacity during the trial period, anticipating increased usage.

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!

 

[Rob44]

Makes a damn sight greater sense than everyone clogging the streets commuting to work each day by traffic jam in their shiny new SUV or ute with bulbars.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I hope everyone is making use of it. Think of the savings alone in petrol and tolls

 

[lonelyasacloud]

We used it today. Fabulous. Hope it’s a success and continues on after the 6 month trial

 

[PepeLePew]

I traveled from Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast to the Wynnum area today and it only cost me 50 cents. I have friends who live in Beerwah so often travel there as well. Am planning on putting all the money I will be saving in the next 6 months towards something nice for myself.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Hopefully NSW will also try it out

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Marvellous if you live in an area that has Public Transport!
Unfortunately for us who live outside the footprint of the various, mainly coastal, towns endowed with TransLink services (i.e., roughly 90% of Queensland) our Fearless leader Premier Giggle has not seen fit to give any similar consideration. I would be delighted to be able to make the three-times-daily round trip on the bus down to Cairns, but that ain't gonna happen.
Meantime, Premier Giggle will have to ponder why absolutely nobody west of the Great Divide will be voting for him....

 

[Rob44]

At least your State Premier has not pledged to spend our $750 000 000 of our money on building an AFL rort on Hobart's waterfront, and a local City council of dumboes is not hoping to spend $70 000 000 to rip to bits two public parks to build a special training centre for some local AFL bogans to kick their balls around in; and the Hobart metropolitan suburban sprawl doesn't have a public transport system worth mentioning anyway.

We have the Bellerive cricket oval , good enough to play Ashes Cricket tests in and no doubt adequate enough for both plying footie in and training young thugs in the art of bump-kick-'n-bash to a credible standard; there are other stadiums that could be used for exactly the same purpose elsewhere; but no, Hobart has gotta have a flash new one to suck in tourists and increase our traffic jams.

No; the Liberals of footie lala land just don't want to waste money on Tasmania's overstretched public hospitals and crumbling health system. Wattawastamoneythat'udbe!

 

[Aussie all the Way]

What a great idea, hopefully the transport will be clean and on time to make people stay with it. Every other state should do the same, watch the pollution diminish from all the cars left at home, a win, win situation I would think.