Save big on your commute! State cuts public transport fares down to 50 cents
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Attention commuters—your travel costs are about to get much cheaper!
In a move that's sure to bring a smile to the faces of many, Queensland has introduced a game-changing initiative that could revolutionise the way we think about commuting.
It’s a decision set to alleviate not just congested roads but also the cost of living pressures that have been weighing heavily on Queenslanders.
Premier Steven Miles announced the six-month trial, where public transport fares will be reduced to 50 cents across the state. This will commence on 5 August and potentially save Queenslanders substantial sums of money.
This ‘almost free’ initiative applies to all Translink services and could see individuals reallocating funds typically spent on transport to other essential expenses, providing much-needed relief amidst rising living costs.
‘These days, you can't get much for 50 cents,’ Miles said at a press conference.
‘Think of all of those savings on petrol, on car parking, on time stuck in the car when you could instead be reading a book or listening to a podcast.’
The decision to reduce fares comes as public transport usage has struggled to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, contributing to increased road congestion and frustration for daily commuters.
‘We're hoping that this trial of 50 cent fares will give people a reason to rethink their habits, a reason to go back to public transport when they can, and everyone benefits from that,’ he explained.
Deputy Premier Cameron Dick highlighted the environmental and traffic benefits, estimating that for every bus on the road, approximately 50 cars would be removed, and for each train on a major line, around 600 cars would be taken off the road.
To accommodate the anticipated rise in public transport patronage, resources will be strategically allocated.
Commuters are urged to continue the practice of tapping on and off with their go cards, as this data is crucial for authorities to gauge the trial's success.
Should the initiative prove popular and effective, there's a possibility that the 50-cent fare could become permanent beyond the trial period.
'If it works, then we will look at keeping it,' Miles affirmed.
This comes after South East Queensland phased out Go Cards and will be replaced by a new Translink card system.
The Translink card can be linked to smart devices and will offer faster data processing, enhanced privacy, and advanced data security features.
Do you take public transportation? Will you be taking more buses and trains after this announcement? Let us know in the comments below!
In a move that's sure to bring a smile to the faces of many, Queensland has introduced a game-changing initiative that could revolutionise the way we think about commuting.
It’s a decision set to alleviate not just congested roads but also the cost of living pressures that have been weighing heavily on Queenslanders.
Premier Steven Miles announced the six-month trial, where public transport fares will be reduced to 50 cents across the state. This will commence on 5 August and potentially save Queenslanders substantial sums of money.
This ‘almost free’ initiative applies to all Translink services and could see individuals reallocating funds typically spent on transport to other essential expenses, providing much-needed relief amidst rising living costs.
Queensland announced that public transport fares will be reduced to 50 cents across the state. Credit: Shutterstock
‘These days, you can't get much for 50 cents,’ Miles said at a press conference.
‘Think of all of those savings on petrol, on car parking, on time stuck in the car when you could instead be reading a book or listening to a podcast.’
The decision to reduce fares comes as public transport usage has struggled to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, contributing to increased road congestion and frustration for daily commuters.
‘We're hoping that this trial of 50 cent fares will give people a reason to rethink their habits, a reason to go back to public transport when they can, and everyone benefits from that,’ he explained.
Deputy Premier Cameron Dick highlighted the environmental and traffic benefits, estimating that for every bus on the road, approximately 50 cars would be removed, and for each train on a major line, around 600 cars would be taken off the road.
To accommodate the anticipated rise in public transport patronage, resources will be strategically allocated.
Commuters are urged to continue the practice of tapping on and off with their go cards, as this data is crucial for authorities to gauge the trial's success.
Should the initiative prove popular and effective, there's a possibility that the 50-cent fare could become permanent beyond the trial period.
'If it works, then we will look at keeping it,' Miles affirmed.
This comes after South East Queensland phased out Go Cards and will be replaced by a new Translink card system.
The Translink card can be linked to smart devices and will offer faster data processing, enhanced privacy, and advanced data security features.
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