The Miles Labor Government is leading the nation by delivering another massive cost of living relief initiative to Queensland commuters, and busting congestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 5 August, the cost of all Translink public transport services will be slashed to 50 cents, no matter where you live or how far you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Existing commuters stand to save thousands of dollars. If Queenslanders switch from driving the savings could be enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Significantly reducing the cost barrier to public transport will encourage more people to leave the car at home, leading to a reduction in road congestion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A single bus takes 50 cars off the road and a train takes 600 cars off the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative will be in place for six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Customers will still need to \u2018tap on\u2019 and \u2018tap off\u2019 for their journey using Smart Ticketing, a go card, or by purchasing a paper ticket, in order to access the reduced fare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Big Build is increasing capacity on the bus, rail and tram network as the population grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s expected this initiative will increase public transport patronage and reduce congestion on Queensland\u2019s busy roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public transport usage remains about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The measure is due to have a disinflationary effect and will help to lower both transport CPI and inflation in Queensland through the second half of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quotes from Queensland Premier Steven Miles <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor someone catching the train to work in Brisbane from here in Mango Hill it costs up to $96* a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd if you drive to work, you\u2019re stuck in peak hour traffic every day and paying a lot more than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s why I\u2019m making all public transport fares a flat 50 cents \u2013 no matter where you live, your mode of travel, or how far you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s as close to free as you can get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom 5 August 2024, that same trip from Mango Hill to the City and back would only cost $5 for the whole week \u2013 that\u2019s nearly $90* back in your pocket every week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI expect this will save Queenslanders thousands of dollars over six months, and encourage more people to catch our fast, frequent and 50 cent public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEncouraging more Queenslanders to jump on a bus or train to get to work or school will help bust congestion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cQueenslanders are doing it tough, but they can trust that my government is here to help and we\u2019re doing what matters to Queensland.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Quotes from Deputy Premier Cameron Dick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe want to make public transport as affordable and attractive to Queenslanders as we possibly can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c50 cent fares will mean savings you can see every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe hope they will make a lot more people in the South-East consider using public transport for their daily commute, which reduces congestion for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quotes from Minister for Transport and Main Roads<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Miles Government is providing critical cost of living relief to Queenslanders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis initiative will importantly mean money in the pockets of families across Queensland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe hope that it will provide a great opportunity for active transport. Walk from home to your nearest train or bus stop as you head out for a night at Howard Smith Wharves, Surfers Paradise, or the Valley for a fun evening with your mates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEnjoy a walk to the closet bus stop with your family and friends as you head out to school sporting activities, visiting grandparents, or a lovely Sunday picnic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got a growing state with more and more cars on our roads every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis initiative is a great way to encourage more people to use public transport.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Concession holders currently receive 50 per cent off their fare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the initiative, concession holders will receive 50 cent fares as it is cheaper than the current concession rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n