Expert taskforce appointed to review transport fares

A taskforce of public transport experts has been appointed by the Palaszczuk Government to conduct a comprehensive review of TransLink’s fare structure in South East Queensland.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the announcement delivers on Labor’s commitment to review the public transport fare system to improve affordability and boost patronage.

“The Fare Review will form the basis of a new fare strategy in South East Queensland to increase the rate of public transport patronage while also ensuring a sustainable fare revenue stream to allow the network to grow,” Ms Trad said.

“Despite promising a fare review, public transport patronage in South East Queensland declined under the former LNP Government - with two million fewer public transport trips.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to restoring confidence in our public transport system and encouraging more people to choose to travel by bus, rail, ferry or light rail to get to their destination.

“We recognise that affordability is perceived to be a barrier to growing patronage on the public transport network, and the Fare Review will work to address this ongoing challenge to create a fairer system.”

Ms Trad said the eight representatives on the taskforce included industry-leading public transport experts and representatives from key local user groups.

“The members of the taskforce who will lead the review of fares in South East Queensland bring a wealth of global and local transport knowledge and experience to the table,” Ms Trad said.

“Members of the taskforce are eminently qualified to drive the review and come from varied backgrounds in public transport management and research, ticketing systems, tourism, and advocacy group representation, with many experienced in leading global transport organisations working across public and private sectors.

“Key local advocacy and user groups are also represented on the taskforce, to ensure it is equipped with a solid understanding of our local context and needs of transport users in South East Queensland, including seniors and those living with disabilities.”

Members of the Fare Review taskforce:

• Mr Neil Cagney (Chair), MRCagney
• Mr Neil Scales, Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Mr Trent Zimmerman, Deputy Chief Executive of Tourism and Transport Forum
• Mr Mark Tucker-Evans, Chief Executive of COTA Queensland 
• Mr Jarrett Walker, Consultant, Jarrett Walker and Associates 
• Associate Professor Dr Matthew Burke, Griffith University
• Mr Robert Dow, Rail Back on Track
• Ms Sharon Boyce, Chair of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council

“I am confident that this taskforce has the experience to provide informed and constructive and credible recommendations to government.

“We will also engage extensively with the public, providing them with the opportunity to have their say before making a decision about the future of public transport fares in South East Queensland.

“The taskforce will take a holistic view of the existing fare structure and are expected to provide recommendations to government towards the end of this year.

“Input provided through community engagement will be combined with the taskforce’s recommendations to inform government’s final decision.”

To find out more about this project, visit translink.com.au.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 0488 996 667

MEMBERS OF THE FARE REVIEW TASKFORCE:

Mr Neil Cagney, Managing Director, MRCagney (Chair)

Neil has more than 40 years’ experience in transport management and engineering expertise. Neil leads highly-respected transport consultancy MRCagney as the Chairman and has been the head of Brisbane Transport.

Mr Neil Scales, Director-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads 

Neil has almost 43 years’ transport experience. Prior to joining the Queensland public service, Neil led the transport authority for Merseyside in the north of England. He has received an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to public transport.

Mr Trent Zimmerman, Deputy Chief Executive, Tourism and Transport Forum 

Trent has 20 years’ experience in Local, State and Federal Government, and extensive understanding of the workings of government, politics and the transport sectors. He is Deputy Chief Executive Officer of TTF and has led much of TTF’s transport policy development, the peak industry group for Australian tourism, transport and aviation sectors.

Mr Mark Tucker-Evans, Chief Executive, COTA Queensland 

Mark has held CEO roles with research, media, industry and professional associations in New South Wales and Queensland. He represents COTA Queensland on a number of roundtables and forums in the State. COTA Australia is the peak national organisation representing the rights, needs and interests of older Australians.

Mr Jarrett Walker, Consultant, Jarrett Walker and Associates 

Jarrett is an international consultant in public transit network design and policy, based in Portland, Oregon. He has 20 years’ experience working with government on major planning projects in cities and towns across North America, Australia, and New Zealand. He is the author of Human Transit: How clearer thinking about public transit can enrich our communities and our lives.

Dr Matthew Burke, Associate Professor, Griffith University 

Associate Professor Matthew Burke is Deputy Director and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at Griffith University's Urban Research Program. He coordinates most of Griffith's transport research and currently leads large research grants exploring light rail, transport and land use relationships, and the funding and financing of urban transport. He has previous experience as a transport planner at Commonwealth and State Government level.

Mr Robert Dow, Administrator, Rail Back on Track 

Robert is the Spokesman and Administrator for Rail Back on Track, an organisation who provides a forum to promote and lobby Australian Governments to use railway transportation and public and active transport for the benefit of all Australians.

Ms Sharon Boyce, Chair, Queensland Disability Advisory Council, Regional Chair, South West Regional Disability Advisory Council 

Sharon runs an experiential educational consultancy practice ‘Discovering Disability & Diversity’ and won the Australian Human Rights Award for Individuals 2008 for this initiative. Sharon is a professional member on a number of boards and councils in Queensland. Creating inclusive communities is one of her main priorities. 

The secretariat function of the Fares Taskforce will be undertaken by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.​