Queenslanders have their say on public transport boost

Almost 1,600 Queenslanders have already had their say on how to reinvest carbon tax savings back into public transport after one day of voting.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said this strong level of feedback showed Queenslanders were keen to have their say on either cheaper public transport fares or more services.

“With the carbon tax gone, we want to re-invest the savings of about $30 million a year into improving public transport for families,” Mr Emerson said.

“As part our strong plan to improve public transport for Queenslanders we have already delivered an extra 3000 train and bus services and halved Labor’s planned 15 per cent fare hikes in 2013 and 2014.

“These savings allow us to do more and over the next two weeks Queenslanders are being asked whether they want reduced fares or more services.

“The choice is simple – either a five per cent cut and freeze to fares in 2015 for all metropolitan and regional government public transport services, or up to 1000 additional services across bus, train and ferry.”

Mr Emerson said LNP would never support the policies of Labor – on-going 15 per cent fare hikes.

“Whatever the public chose would be a win for public transport as we continue to improve affordability, frequency and the reliability of the network,” he said.

“If people choose a reduction in fares, a regular weekday passenger travelling from Brisbane to Chermside or Carindale could save an additional $99 a year.

“That’s a saving of $630 a year compared to Labor’s policy of on-going 15 per cent fare increases.”

The online survey started yesterday and can be accessed via the TransLink website http://translink.com.au/ or call on 13 12 30. It will close at midnight Sunday, 14 September.

[ENDS] 1 September 2014              

Media contact: Stephanie Shield 0418 186 625