Affordability up on LNP fare package

The Newman Government’s moves to tackle cost of living pressures on South-East Queensland public transport users, continues to be welcomed by passengers and their hip pockets.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said in the first quarter (July to September) since the Government introduced free travel after nine weekly journeys, customer satisfaction for affordability had improved, compared to the final two quarters under Labor’s failed fare policy.

“Both patronage and customer satisfaction have gone up since the Newman Government delivered fare relief for passengers on June 25,” Mr Emerson said.

“These are encouraging signs after four years of declining patronage and satisfaction under Labor.”

Satisfaction with affordability on trains fell to a record low score of 45 in the January to March 2012 quarter, but has recovered to 50 in the July to September quarter following the start of the LNP’s $9 million investment in affordability.

“Similarly, bus affordability hit a record low score of 51 in January to March 2012, but has recovered to 54 in the July-to-September quarter,” he said.

The Q4 2011/12 TransLink Tracker highlights the final quarter under Labor’s public transport policies with patronage falling to a four-year low of 178.3 million, almost eight million below budget.

“However patronage has increased since the LNP’s fare policy, by more than 600,000 trips between July and September,” Mr Emerson said.

“Free travel after nine journeys is a success with passengers enjoying up to 200,000 free weekly trips.

“We will also be halving Labor’s planned fare hikes in January 2013 and January 2014.

“As part of our plan to get people back on public transport, frequency and reliability have also been improving with 28 new daily weekday train services introduced earlier this month.”

Customer satisfaction (affordability)

* Measures following Labor’s third 15 per cent fare increase

** Measures following the introduction of free travel after nine journeys

[ENDS] 25 October 2012

Media contact: Andrew Berkman 0429 128 637